tyre pressure SKODA FABIA 2008 2.G / 5J Owner's Manual

Contents4
How are seat belts correctly fastened? . . . . . . . . . . Belt tensioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Head airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting children safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What you should know about transporting children!Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Attaching a child seat using the “ISOFIX” system*Attaching child seat using the “Top Tether” system
Driving Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . . . . . . Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Antilock brake system (ABS)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Electrohydraulic power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . . . . . . Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving and the Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards . . Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Driving in an economical and environmentally conscious manner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To w i n g a t r a i l e r. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Care of the exterior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and Replenishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Windshield washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tyres. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changes and replacement of partsAccessories and replacement parts . . . . . . . . . . . . .Technical changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .First-aid box* and Warning triangle* . . . . . . . . . . .Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tyre repair kit* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Spare wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tow-starting and towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and light bulbs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Used abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Performances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Identification details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fuel consumption according to the regulations (99/100/EU) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.2 l/44 kW - EU 4/EU 2DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.2 l/51 kW - EU 4/EU 2DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,4 l/63 kW - EU 4/EU 2DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,6 l/77 kW - EU 4/EU 2DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.4 ltr./51 kW TDI PD - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.4 ltr./59 kW TDI PD - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.9 ltr./77 kW TDI PD - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vehicles of the group Fabia N1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vehicles of the group Combi N1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
128130
132132133136138139
142142145148149
151
151151154154155155156156158
159159160
160163164165
166166
169
169169169174
177177177178
180180183186188189193
194194
200200200
201
201201201202202202203208209
213213217
223
223223223223223223
224225226228230232234236238240241
243
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights26
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning light goes out 5 minutes after switching off the ignition if one or several doors, the bonnet or boot lid is opened. The warning light goes out after closing the doors.
Windshield washer fluid level*
The warning light  comes on when the ignition is switched on if there is insuffi-cient fluid in the windshield washer system. Top up with liquid ⇒page 193.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
REFILL WASHER LIQUID
Control system for exhaust 
The warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
If the warning light does not go out after starting the engine or it lights up or flashes when driving, a fault exists in an exhaust relevant component. The engine manage-ment system selects an emergency programme which enables you to drive to the nearest specialist garage by adopting a gentle style of driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
EXHAUST WORKSHOP!
Traction control system (TCS) *
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is activated.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the TCS is switched off or if there is a fault in the system.
The fact that the TCS system operates together with the ABS means that the TCS warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly.
If the warning light  comes on immediately after starting the engine, the TCS system can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the TCS system can be switched on again by switching the ignition on and off. If the warning light goes out, the TCS system is fully functional again.
Further information about the TCS ⇒page 152.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short distance.
Tyre inflation pressure*
The warning light  lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation pressure in one of the tyres. Reduce the speed and check or correct as soon as possible the inflation pressure in the tyres ⇒page 194.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Visit the nearest specialist garage and have the fault rectified.
Further information about tyre pressure-control system ⇒page 156.
WARNING
•When the warning light  lights up, immediately reduce the speed and avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. Please stop the vehicle without delay at the nearest possible stop and inspect the tyres and their inflation pressures.
•Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved roads) the warning light  can be delayed or does not light up at all.
•The tyre inflation pressure-control system does not take away the responsability from the driver for the correct tyre inflation pressure.
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Seats and Stowage62
centre of gravity. The speed and style of driving must be adjusted accord-ingly.
•The items carried in the luggage compartment should be stored in such a way that no objects are able to slip forward if there are any sudden driving or braking manoeuvres undertaken - risk of injury!
•When transporting fastened objects which are sharp and dangerous in the luggage compartment enlarged by folding the rear seats forward or removing the rear seats, ensure the safety of the passengers transported on the other rear seats ⇒page 124, “Correct seated position for the occupants on the rear seats”.
•If the rear seats next to the folded forward seat are occupied, ensure maximum safety, e.g. by placing the goods to be transported in such a way that a folding back of the seat is prevented in case of a rear collision.
•Never drive with the boot lid fully opened or slightly ajar otherwise exhaust gases may get into the interior of the vehicle - risk of poisoning!
•On no account exceed the permissible axle loads and the permissible gross weight of the vehicle - risk of accident!
•Never transport occupants in the luggage compartment.
Caution
Please ensure that the heating elements of the rear window heater are not damaged as a result of objects sliding in this area.
Note
•Tyre pressure must be adjusted to the load ⇒page 194, fig. 177.
Fastening elements
Eyes and hooks are located on the sides of the loading area for lashing the goods to be loaded ⇒fig. 57.
You can also attach securing nets* to these eyes and hooks for lashing small objects.
WARNING
•The load to be transported must be fixed in place in such a way that it cannot move during the journey and when braking.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 57 Luggage compart-ment: Lashing eyes and lashing hooks (Fabia)
Fig. 58 Luggage compart-ment: Lashing eyes and lashing hooks (Combi)
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Passive Safety122
Before setting off
The driver is always fully responsible for his occupants and for the
operating safety of the vehicle.
For your own safety and the safety of the people travelling with you, please pay attention to the following points before setting off.
•Ensure that the lighting and the turn signal system are functioning properly.
•Inspect the tyre inflation pressure.
•Ensure that all the windows offer a good visibility to the outside.
•Safely attach the items of luggage ⇒page 61, “Loading the luggage compart-ment”.
•Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedal.
•Adjust the mirror, the front seat and the head restraint to match your body size.
•Point out to your occupants that the head restraints must be adjusted to match their body size.
•Protect the children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat belts ⇒page 142, “Transporting children safely”.
•Adopt the correct seated position. Also inform your occupants to adopt the correct seated position.
•Fasten the seat belt correctly. Also inform your occupants to properly fasten the seat belts ⇒page 128, “How are seat belts correctly fastened?”.
What influences the driving safety?
The driving safety is primarily determined by the style of driving and
the personal behaviour of all the occupants.
The driver is fully responsible for himself and his occupants. If your driving safety is effected, you place yourself and the oncoming traffic at risk. Please refer to the following guidelines.
•Do not get distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, e.g. by your occupants or mobile phone calls.
•Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, e.g. through medication, alcohol, drugs.
•Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
•Adjust the driving speed at all times to the road condition as well as to the traffic and weather conditions.
•Take regular breaks on long journeys - at the latest every two hours.
Correct seated position
Correct seated position for the driver
Correct seated position for the driver is important for safe and
relaxed driving.
Fig. 128 The correct distance of the driver from the steering wheel
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WARNING
•Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary.
•The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater physical effort for braking is required when engine is switched off. Because if you do not stop as normal, this can cause an accident and severe injuries.
Antilock brake system (ABS)*
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking.
General
The ABS contributes significantly to enhancing the active safety of your vehicle. Compared to a car not fitted with the ABS brake system, you are able to retain optimal steering ability even during a full brake application on a slippery road surface because the wheels do not lock up.
You must not expect, however, that the braking distance will be shorter under all circumstances as a result of the ABS. The braking distance for example on gravel and fresh snow, when you should anyway be driving slowly and cautiously, will be longer.
Operating principle
As soon as the vehicle speed has increased to about 20 km/hour an automatic test procedure is conducted during which you will be able to hear a pumping noise for about 1 second.
The brake pressure will be reduced on a wheel which is rotating at a speed which is too low for the speed of the vehicle and tending to lock. This control cycle is notice-able from a pulsating movement of the brake pedal which is accompanied by noises. This is consciously intended to provide the driver with the information that the wheels are tending to lock (ABS control range). You must always keep the brake pedal depressed to enable the ABS to optimally control the brake application in this braking range. Never interrupt the application of the brakes!
WARNING
•The ABS can also not overcome the physical limits of your vehicle. Please do not forget this, particularly when driving on icy or wet road surfaces. If the ABS is operating within the control range, adapt your speed immediately to the conditions of the road surface and the traffic situation. The increased safety offered by the ABS must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident!
•The normal braking system is still fully functional if there is an ABS fault. Visit a specialist garage as quickly as possible and adjust your style of driving to take account of the ABS fault in the meantime since you will not know how great the damage is.
Note
•A warning light comes on if a fault occurs in the ABS system ⇒page 27.
•Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other assign-ment of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ABS ⇒page 200, “Accessories, changes and replacement of parts”.
Brake Assist*
During a severe brake application (e.g. if a hazard exists), the Brake Assist increases the braking force and thus makes it possible to rapidly produce the pressure required in the brake system.
The majority of drivers do apply the brakes in good time in dangerous situations, but do not depress the brake pedal with sufficient pressure. Consequently, it is not possible for the car to achieve its maximum deceleration and the car covers a greater distance than necessary.
The Brake Assist is activated by the very quick operation of the brake pedal. In such cases, a much greater braking pressure exists than during a normal brake applica-tion. This makes it possible, even with a relatively low resistance of the brake pedal, to produce an adequate pressure in the brake system in the shortest possible time, which is required for maximum deceleration of the car. You must apply the brake
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Intelligent Technology156
pedal firmly and hold it in this position in order to achieve the shortest possible braking distance.
The Brake Assist is able to help you achieve a shorter braking distance in emergency situations by rapidly producing the pressure required in the brake system. It fully exploits the attributes of the ABS. After you release the brake pedal, the function of the Brake Assist is automatically switched off and the brakes operate in the normal way.
The Brake Assist is part of the ESP system. If a fault occurs in the ESP, the Brake Assist function is also not available. Further information on the ESP ⇒page 151.
WARNING
•The Brake Assist is also not able to overcome the physical limits of your car in terms of the braking distance required.
•Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic situation.
•The increased safety offered by the Brake Assist must not tempt you to take a greater safety risk than otherwise.
Electrohydraulic power steering
The power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
The steering characteristics can be changed by a specialist garage.
You will place great stresses on the power steering system if the steering is turned to full lock when the vehicle is stationary. Turning the steering to full lock in such a situation will be accompanied by noises.
It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the engine is not running (vehicle being towed in). The only difference is that greater physical effort is required.
It is possible that the hydraulic pump of the power steering will not run due to the low vehicle network voltage if the battery has gone flat and the engine must started with the help off jump leads. This condition will be indicated by lighting up of the warning light.
The power steering operates again if the battery is charged to a specific range when engine is running. It also operates again, if the engine can be started with its own battery.
Caution
Do not leave the steering at full lock for more than 15 seconds when the engine is running - risk of damaging the power steering!
Note
Have the steering inspected as soon as possible by a specialist garage if there is a leak or fault in the system.
Tyre inflation pressure-control system*
The tyre inflation pressure-control system compares with the aid of the ABS sensors the speed and also the rolling circumference of the individual wheels. If the infla-tion pressure and therefore the rolling circumference of a wheel has changed signif-icantly, the warning light  lights up in the dash panel ⇒page 26. The tyre inflation pressure-control system functions late or too sensitively if:
•the structure of the tyre is damaged,
•the vehicle is loaded to one side or with a load on the roof,
Fig. 160 Button for setting the tyre inflation pressure control value
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Intelligent Technology157
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
•the wheels of an axle are loaded heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or when driving uphill or downhill),
•the vehicle is operated in unfavourable winter conditions or on an unfirm ground,
•snow chains or emergency wheel are mounted,
•the driver has a sporty style of driving (with sharp acceleration and high speed when cornering).
Basic setting of tyre inflation pressure-control system
After changing the tyre inflation pressures or after changing one or several wheels, a basic setting of the system must be carried out as follows.
•Inflate all tyres to the specified inflation pressure ⇒page 194.
•Switch on the ignition.
•Press button   ⇒page 156, fig. 160 for more than 2 seconds. While pressing the button, the warning light  lights up. At the same time the basic values are stored, which is confirmed with an acoustic sound and then the warning light  goes out.
•If the warning light  does not go out after the basic setting, there is a fault in the system. Have the vehicle inspected by your nearest specialist garage.
Function description
After the basic setting of the system the “adaptation” of the tyre inflation pressures and then the tyre pressure control in the individual tyres are performed.
Warning light  lights up
If the tyre inflation pressure of at least one wheel is insufficiently inflated in compar-ison to the stored basic value, the warning light  ⇒ lights up. Inflate all tyres to the specified inflation pressure ⇒page 194, “Tyre life” and then perform a basic setting of the system.
WARNING
•When the warning light  lights up, immediately reduce the speed and avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. Please stop the vehicle
without delay at the nearest possible stop and inspect the tyres and their inflation pressures.
•The driver is responsible for the correct tyre inflation pressures. For this reason, the tyre inflation pressures must be checked regularly.
•Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved roads) the warning light  can be delayed or does not light up at all.
•The tyre inflation pressure-control system does not take away the responsability from the driver for the correct tyre inflation pressure.
Note
The tyre inflation pressure-control system:
•does not replace the regular tyre inflation pressure control, because the system cannot detect an even pressure loss,
•cannot warn in case of very rapid tyre inflation pressure loss, e.g. in case of sudden tyre damage. In this case carefully bring the vehicle to a standstill without sudden steering movements and without sharp braking.
WARNING (continued)
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Driving and the Environment159
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Driving and the Environment
The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards
A new engine
The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres.
Up to 1 000 kilometres
– Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the mamimum speed of the gear in use,
that is 3/4 of the maximum permissible engine speed.
– Do not use full throttle.
– Avoid high engine revolutions.
– Do not tow a trailer.
From 1 000 up to 1 500 kilometres
– Increase the power output of the engine gradually up to the full
speed of the gear engaged, that is up to the maximum permissible
engine revolutions.
During the first operating hours the engine has higher internal friction than later until all of the moving parts have harmonized. The driving style which you adopt during the first approx.1 500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the success of running in your car.
You should not drive at unnecessarily high engine revolutions even after the running-in period is complete. The maximum permissible engine speed is marked by the beginning of the red zone on the scale of the revolutions counter. Shift up into the next higher gear on a vehicle fitted with manual gearbox before the red zone is reached. During acceleration (depressing the accelerator) exceptionally high engine speeds are automatically reduced, yet the engine is not protected against too high engine speeds which are caused by incorrectly shifting down the gears resulting in a sudden increase of the engine speeds above the permitted maximum revolutions which can lead to engine damage.
For a vehicle fitted with a manual gearbox the converse situation also applies: Do not drive at engine revolutions which are too low. Shift down as soon as the engine is no longer running smoothly.
Caution
All the speed and engine revolution figures apply only when the engine is at its normal operating temperature. Never rev up an engine which is cold, neither when the vehicle is stationary nor when driving in individual gears.
For the sake of the environment
Not driving at unnecessarily high engine revolutions and shifting to a higher gear as early as possible are ways to minimise fuel consumption, operating noise levels as well as protects the environment and contributes to a longer life and reliability of the engine.
New tyres
New tyres have to be “run in” since they do not offer optimal grip at first. You should take account of this fact for the first 500 kilometres and drive particularly carefully.
New brake pads
Allow for the fact that new brake pads do not achieve their full braking efficiency until approximately 200 kilometres. New brake pads must be first “run in” before they develop their optimal friction force. You can, however, compensate for this slightly reduced braking force by increasing the pressure on the brake pedal.
This guideline also applies to any new brake pads installed at a future date.
During the running-in period, you should avoid excessive stresses on the brakes. This includes, for example, violent braking, particularly from very high speeds, and also when crossing mountain passes.
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Driving and the Environment163
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The cold engine vehicle consumes approx. 15 - 20 litres/100 km of fuel immediately after starting. Fuel consumption drops to 10 litres/100 km after just 1 kilometre. The engine reaches its operating temperature (outside temperature and engine dependent) only after about 4 to 10 kilometres and the fuel consumption then stabilizes. You should therefore avoid driving short distances whenever possible.
An important factor in this connection is also the ambient temperature. The ⇒page 162, fig. 164 shows the different fuel consumptions for the same distance, on the one hand at +20°C and on the other hand at -10°C. Your vehicle has a higher fuel consumption in winter than in summer.
Checking tyre inflation pressures
Tyres which are correctly inflated save fuel.
Always ensure that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure at all times. The rolling resistance will be increased if the tyre filling pressure is too low. This will not only increase fuel consumption but also tyre wear and the driving behaviour will worsen.
Always check the inflation pressure of the tyres when cold.
Do not drive with winter tyres all year round for this costs about 10 % more fuel. Winter tyres are also louder.
No unnecessary ballast
Transporting ballast costs fuel.
The fact that every kilogram of extra weight increases your fuel consumption means that it is worth taking a look in the luggage compartment to avoid trans-porting any unnecessary ballast.
It is par ticularly i n town tra ffi c, whe n one is accelerating quite often, that the vehicle weight will have a significant effect upon the fuel consumption. A rule of thumb here is that an increase in weight of 100 kilograms will cause an increase in fuel consumption of about 1 litre/100 kilometres.
You may frequently also leave a roof rack fitted on just out of convenience, although you no longer need it. The increased aerodynamic drag of your vehicle
causes it to use about 1 l more fuel than normal at a speed of 100 - 120 km/h, even when you are not carrying a load on the roof.
Saving electricity
Generating electricity costs fuel.
– Switch off electrical components as soon as you no longer need them.
When the engine is running, the alternator generates and supplies electrical power. If more electrical components are switched on, more fuel is needed to operate the alternator.
Keeping a log of your fuel consumption
If you really wish to keep a close check on your fuel consumption, it is best to enter the figures in a logbook. This does not take much time but is a very worthwhile exer-cise. It enables you to detect any change (positive and negative) at an early stage and to take any appropriate action.
If you find that your fuel consumption is too high, you should reflect on how, where and in what conditions you have driven the vehicle since you last refuelled.
Environmental compatibility
Environmental protection has played a major role in the design, selection of mate-rials and manufacture of your new Škoda. Particular emphasis has been paid to a number of aspects, including:
Design measures
•joints designed to be easily detached
•simplified disassembly due to the modular structure system
•improved purity of different classes of materials
•Identification of all plastic parts in accordance with VDA Recommendation 260
•Reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission CO2
NKO A05F 20.book Page 163 Wednesday, April 2, 2008 1:02 PM

Towing a trailer166
Towing a trailer
To w i n g a t r a i l e r
Technical requirements
The towing device must satisfy certain technical requirements.
Your vehicle is designed primarily for transporting persons and luggage. It can, however, also be used for towing a trailer - provided certain technical equipment is fitted.
If your vehicle has been equipped with a towing device from Škoda Original Acces-sories, then the towing device satisfies all technical and legal requirements.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection between the vehicle and trailer. If the trailer which you wish to tow has a 7-pin connector, you can use a suitable adapter 6) from Škoda original accessories.
This work must be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications if a towing device is retrofitted.
Škoda Service Partners are familiar with details relating to retrofitting a towing device and for any necessary modifications to the cooling system.
WARNING
We recommend that you have the towing device from Škoda original acces-sories installed by a Škoda Service Partner. He is familiar with all the relevant details relating to retrofitting such equipment. There is a risk of an accident if the towing device is not properly fitted!
General Maintenance
There are a number of points to pay attention to when towing a
trailer.
Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must on no account be exceeded.
You can negotiate appropriately steeper inclines and descents if you do not make full use of the permissible trailer load.
The trailer loads specified only apply for altitudes up to 1 000 metres above mean sea level. The fact that the engine power output drops with increasing height due to a lowering of air pressure and thus the ability to climb, means that the trailer load must be reduced by 10% for every further increase of 1 000 metres in height above sea level. The towed weight is the weight of the (laden) vehicle and the (laden) trailer together. One should take this into account before driving up to higher alti-tudes.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing device are merely test data for the towing device The data relating to your vehicle, which is often less than this test data, can be found in your vehicle registration documents or in the brochure - Technical Data.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that any heavy items are located as close as possible to the axle. Secure the items to prevent them slipping.
Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for that of “fully laden”, ⇒page 194. The inflation pressure of the tyres fitted to the trailer adjust in accord-ance with the manufacturer's recommendation.
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. Both exterior mirrors 6)In some countries the adapter is supplied with the towing device.
NKO A05F 20.book Page 166 Wednesday, April 2, 2008 1:02 PM