SKODA RAPID 2016 1.G Owner's Manual

Check and refillFig. 148
Dipstick variants
Read and observe
and on page 128 first.
Check and refill oil under the following conditions. The vehicle is standing on a horizontal surface.
The engine operating temperature is reached.
The engine is turned off.
Checking the level
›
Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the oil trough.
›
Pull the dipstick out and wipe with a clean cloth.
›
Push the dipstick back to the stop and then pull it out again.
›
Read the oil level and push the dipstick back in.
The oil level must lie in range
A
» Fig. 148 . If the oil level is below range
A
, oil
must be added.
Refilling
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening
D
» Fig. 146 on page 127 .
›
Add oil of the correct specification in portions of 0.5 litres » page 128.
›
Check the oil level.
›
Screw the lid of the engine oil filler closed carefully.
CAUTION
■
The oil level must never be below range A » Fig. 148 – risk of damage to the
engine as well as to the exhaust system.■
If a top up with oil is not possible or the oil level is above range
A
, 
do not
continue driving! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist
garage.
NoteToo low engine oil level is shown in the instrument cluster by the warning light
 illuminating and also indicated by the message » page 35. Nevertheless, we
recommend checking the oil level on a regular basis using the dipstick.
Coolant
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking and refilling
130
The coolant helps to keep the engine temperature down, and consists of wa- ter and coolant additive (with additives that protect the cooling system against
corrosion and prevent furring).
The proportion of coolant additive in the coolant must be 40 to 60 %.
The correct mix of water and coolant additive should be checked and if neces-
sary corrected by a specialist garage.
WARNING■ The following instructions must be followed at all times when working on
the engine compartment » page 125.■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the
engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurised - risk of scalding or
injury from splashes of coolant!
■
To protect against the coolant splashing, cover the cap with a cloth when
opening.
■
Coolant and coolant fumes are harmful - avoid contact with the coolant. If
the coolant comes into contact with the eye or skin, wash the affected area
with plenty of water for several minutes, and where appropriate seek medi-
cal help.
CAUTION
Do not cover the radiator and install any parts (e.g auxiliary lights.) in front of
the air intakes - risk of the engine overheating.129Inspecting and replenishing

Checking and refillingFig. 149
Coolant expansion reservoir
Read and observe and on page 129 first.
Check and refill coolant under the following conditions.The vehicle is on a horizontal surface.
The engine is not warm (if the engine is warm the result of the check may
be wrong).
The engine is turned off.
Check the coolant level - the coolant level must lie between the marks
A
and
B
» Fig. 149. If the coolant level is below the mark
B
, top up with coolant.
Refilling
The reservoir must always contain a small amount of coolant »
.
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion tank and unscrew the
cap carefully .
›
Always top up using coolant of the correct specification.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
The specification for the coolant is shown in the coolant expansion reservoir
» Fig. 149 .
If the specified coolant is not available, then refilling only with distilled or dem-
ineralised water, and get a specialist garage to correct the water-coolant addi-
tive mix as soon as possible.
CAUTION■ If the expansion tank is empty, do not top up with coolant. The system could
aerate - risk of engine damage!  Stop driving! Switch off the engine and seek
assistance from a specialist garage.■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
» Fig. 149 . The coolant could, when
heated, be expelled from the cooling system - risk of damage to the engine
parts.
■
If it is not possible to add coolant, 
do not continue driving! Switch off the
engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
■
A coolant additive which does not correspond to the correct specification can
reduce the anti-corrosion effect of the cooling system - risk of damage to the
cooling system and the engine.
■
If non-distilled (non-demineralised) water has been used to top up, the cool-
ant should be replaced by a specialist garage - risk of engine damage.
■
A loss of coolant indicates leaks in the cooling system - risk of engine dam-
age. Top up with coolant and then seek assistance from a specialist garage.
Note
Too low coolant level is indicated in the instrument cluster by the warning
light  and shown by the message » page 35. We still recommend inspecting
the coolant level directly at the reservoir from time to time.
Brake fluid
Fig. 150
Brake fluid reservoir
Check the brake fluid under the following conditions.
The vehicle is on a horizontal surface.
The engine is turned off.
Check brake fluid level - the brake fluid level must lie between the markings
“MIN” and “MAX” » Fig. 150. 
130General Maintenance

Specification - the brake fluid must comply with the standard VW 501 14 (this
standard meets the requirements of FMVSS 116 DOT4).WARNING■ The following instructions must be followed at all times when working on
the engine compartment » page 125.■
If the fluid level drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below
the “MIN” » Fig. 150mark, this may be an indication of a leak in the brake
system. 
Stop driving - There is a risk of an accident! Seek help from a
specialist garage.
Note
■ The brake fluid is changed as part of a compulsory inspection service.■Too low brake fluid level is indicated by the warning light  being shown on
the display of the instrument cluster as well as the corresponding message
» page 30 . We still recommend inspecting the brake fluid level in the reservoir
from time to time.
Vehicle battery
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Check condition
132
Charging
132
Disconnect/reconnect and change
133
The vehicle battery represents a power source for the motor to start and for the supply of electrical consumers in the car.
Depending on the engine, the vehicle battery is either in the engine compart-
ment or the luggage compartment.
Automatic shutdown of consumers - vehicle battery discharge protection
The on-board power supply system tries to prevent the vehicle battery from
discharging in the following ways when it is subject to heavy loading. ▶ By increasing the engine idle speed.
▶ Through the power limitation of certain consumers.
▶ By switching off some consumers (heated seats, heated rear window) for as
long as necessary.
Warning symbols on the vehicle batterySymbolMeaningAlways wear eye protection.Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye pro-
tection.Keep fire, sparks, open flames and lit cigarettes well clear of the
vehicle battery.When charging the vehicle battery, a highly explosive gas mixture
is produced.Keep children away from the vehicle battery.WARNINGBattery acid is highly corrosive - it can cause injury, chemical burns or poi-
soning! Corrosive vapours in the air irritate and damage the respiratory
tract and the eyes. The following guidelines must be observed.■
Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin protection when handling
the vehicle battery.
■
If your eyes or skin come into contact with the electrolytic fluid, immedi-
ately wash the affected area for a few minutes long with a lot of water. Get
medical assistance without delay.
■
Keep the vehicle battery away from people who are not completely inde-
pendent (e.g. children).
■
Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the
battery vent openings.
WARNINGWorking on the car battery may cause explosion, fire, injury or chemical
burn! The following guidelines must be observed.■
Do not smoke, use open flames or light or transmitting devices.
■
A discharged vehicle battery may freeze slightly. Never charge up a fro-
zen or thawed vehicle battery. Replace a frozen vehicle battery.
■
Never use a damaged vehicle battery.
■
Do not connect the battery terminals, bridging the two poles will cause a
short circuit. 
131Inspecting and replenishing

CAUTIONEnsure that battery acid does not come into contact with the bodywork – risk
of damage to the paintwork.
Note
■ We recommend having all work on the vehicle battery carried out by a spe-
cialist garage.■
You should replace batteries older than 5 years.
Check condition
Fig. 151
Vehicle battery: Open the cover / acid level indicator
Read and observe
and on page 131 first.
The battery condition is checked regularly by a specialist garage as part of the
inspection.
Check the acid level
For car batteries with acid level indicator, acidity can be checked on the basis
of a colour display. In vehicle batteries with the label “AGM” there is no acid
level examination.
Depending on the equipment, the vehicle battery may be provided with a cov-
er, this can be opened in the direction of arrow » Fig. 151 -
 .
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. Therefore, carefully knock
on the display » Fig. 151 -
 .
Black colour – electrolyte level is correct.
Colourless or light yellow colour – electrolyte level too low, the battery must
be replaced.
Battery discharge
If frequent short journeys are made, the vehicle battery does not recharge suf-
ficiently.
The battery capacity decreases at low temperatures.
If the vehicle is not used for longer than 3 to 4 weeks, disconnect the negative
terminal 
of the battery or charge the battery constantly with a very low
charging current.
Charging
Read and observe
and on page 131 first.
Only charge the battery when the ignition and all consumers are switched off.
Refer to the instructions of the charger manufacturer.
Charging
›
For vehicles with the START-STOPP system or auxiliary heater, clamp the

terminal of the charger on the  pole of the battery, the
 terminal of the
charger on the earth point of the engine » page 145.
›
For vehicles without the START-STOPP system or auxiliary heater, clamp the
terminals of the charger on the associated battery poles (  on
,
 on
).
›
Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch on the
device.
›
After charging has been successful: Switch off the charger and remove the
mains cable from the power socket.
›
Disconnect the terminals of the charger from the vehicle battery.
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or low-
er) must be used until full charging is achieved.
WARNING■ When charging the vehicle battery, hydrogen is released - risk of explo-
sion. An explosion can be caused through sparking while unclamping or
loosening the cable plug.■
So-called“quick-charging” of the vehicle battery is dangerous and re-
quires a special charger and specialist knowledge. Therefore, have “Quick
loading” carried out by a specialist garage.
132General Maintenance

Disconnect/reconnect and changeRead and observe
and on page 131 first.
The new vehicle battery must have the same capacity, voltage, current and
size as the original battery.
We recommend you have the battery replaced by a specialist garage.
›
To disconnect , switch off the ignition and disconnect the negative terminal
first 
, then disconnect the positive terminal 
.
›
To reconnect , reconnect the positive terminal first 
, then reconnect the
negative terminal 
.
After disconnecting and re-connecting the vehicle battery, the following func-
tions or devices are partially or completely inoperative.
Function / deviceCommissioningElectric windows» page 53Time settings» page 38
CAUTION
■ Disconnect the battery only with the ignition and consumers turned off - risk
of damaging the electrical system of the vehicle.■
Before disconnecting the battery, always close all the electric windows -
there is a risk of malfunction.
■
Under no circumstances mix up the charging cables – risk of fire.
Note
After disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery, we recommend hav-
ing the vehicle checked by a specialist to ensure that the full functionality of
the vehicle is guaranteed.Wheels
Wheels and tyres
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Advice on tyre/wheel usage
133
Tyre pressure
134
Tyre wear and wheel change
135
Spare wheel
135
Spare wheel
135
Tyre marking
136
Advice on tyre/wheel usage
During the first 500 km, new tyres do not offer optimum grip; appropriate care
should therefore be taken when driving.
Tyres with the deeper profiles should always be fitted to the front wheels.
Rims and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. We rec-
ommend that you use rims and wheel bolts from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Wheels and tyres should always be stored in a cool, dry and dark place. The
tyres themselves should be stored vertically.
Tyre life
Tyres age and lose their original characteristics, even if they are not being
used. We recommend that you do not use tyres that are more than 6 years old.
The manufacturing date is indicated on the tyre sidewall (possibly on the in-
side ). For example, DOT ... 10 16... means, for example, that the tyre was manu-
factured in the 10. week of 2016.
Tyre damage
We recommend checking your tyres and wheel rims for damage (punctures,
cuts, splits and bulges etc.) on a regular basis.
Remove any foreign objects in the tyre’s profile immediately (e.g. small stones).
Foreign bodies which have penetrated into the tyre (e.g. screws or nails)
should not be removed and help should be sought from a specialist garage. 
133Wheels

Fitting new tyres
Only fit approved radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference) and
the same tread pattern on one axle on all four wheels.
When mounting new tyres the tyres have to be replaced axle by axle.
Unidirectional tyres
The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of the
tyre .
The specified running direction must be strictly adhered to, otherwise the fol-
lowing tyre characteristics may be degraded. ▶ Driving stability.
▶ Traction.
▶ Tyre noise and tyre wear.WARNING■ Never use tyres if you do not know anything about their condition and
age - risk of accidents.■
Never drive with damaged tyres – there is the risk of an accident occur-
ring.
CAUTION
■ The tyres must be protected from contact with substances (e.g. oil, grease
and fuel) which could damage them. If the tyres come into contact with these
substances, then we recommend you have this checked out in a specialist
workshop.■
Do not use rims with ground or polished surfaces in winter conditions - there
is a risk of rim damage (e.g through salt spreading).
Note
■ We recommend that any work on the wheels or tyres be carried out by a spe-
cialist garage.■
We recommend that you use tyres, snow chains and full wheel trims from
ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Tyre pressureFig. 152
Label with a table of tyre sizes and tyre pressure value / inflate
tyres
The prescribed tyre inflation is on the sticker with pictograms
A
» Fig. 152 (for
some countries, the pictograms are replaced with a text).
Tyre pressure is always to match the load .
Inflation pressure for half load
Inflation pressure for environmentally friendly operation (slightly lower
fuel consumption and emissions)
Inflation pressure for full load
Tyre diameter in inches
This information serves merely as information for the prescribed tyre pres-
sure. This is not a list of shared tyre sizes for your vehicle. These are in the
vehicle's technical documentation, in the declaration of conformity (in so-
called COC document) and listed on the vehicle data » page 160.
Tyre pressure value on the front axle
Tyre pressure value on the rear axle
Check tyre pressures
Check the tyre pressure (including that of the emergency or spare wheel) at
least once a month and also before setting off on a long journey.
Always check the inflation pressure when the tyres are cold. Do not reduce the
higher pressure on warm tyres.
In vehicles with tyre pressure monitoring, tyre pressure values must be saved
each time the pressures are changed » page 106. 
BCDEFG134General Maintenance

WARNING■Do not drive with incorrect tyre pressure - risk of accident.■In the event of very rapid pressure loss (e.g. in the event of tyre damage)
an attempt should be made to bring the vehicle carefully to a stop without
sudden steering movements and without any hard braking - risk of acci-
dent.
Note
The declaration of conformity (COC document), can be obtained from a ŠKODA 1)
partner.
Tyre wear and wheel change
Fig. 153
Tyre wear indicator / wheel change
Tyre wear increases in the following circumstances.
▶ Incorrect tyre pressures.
▶ Driving style (e.g. fast cornering, rapid acceleration / braking).
▶ Incorrect wheel balancing (you should have the wheels balanced after
changing/repair tyres or if the steering “is drifting”).
▶ Wheel alignment errors.
There are wear indicator markers in the tyre profiles, indicating whether the
minimum permissible tread depth has been reached » Fig. 153 -
 . A tyre
should be regarded as worn out when this indicator is flush with the tread.
Markings on the walls of the tyres through the letters “TWI” and/or other sym- bols (e.g. ), identify the position of the wear indicators.
To ensure uniform wear on all tyres, we recommend that you change the
wheels every 10 000 km, in line with the schedule » Fig. 153 -
 .
WARNING■
Change the tyres at the latest when they are worn down to the wear indi-
cators - risk of accident.■
Faulty wheel alignment affects handling - risk of accident.
■
Unusual vibrations or the vehicle “pulling ” to one side could be a sign of
tyre damage. Reduce speed and stop! If there are no external signs of tyre
damage, seek the help of a specialist garage.
Spare wheel
The size of the spare wheel is identical to that of the vehicle factory installed
wheels.
After changing the spare wheel, the tyre pressure should be adjusted.
In vehicles with tyre pressure monitoring, save the tyre pressure values in the
system » page 106 .
WARNING■
If, you get a puncture and a spare tyre has to be mounted with opposite
direction of rotation, then drive carefully. The best properties of the tyre
are no longer present in this situation.■
If the dimensions or design of the spare wheel differ from the tyres fitted
to the vehicle (e.g. winter tyres or low-profile tyres), it must only be used
briefly in the event of a puncture and if an appropriately cautious style of
driving is adopted.
Spare wheel
Only use this emergency spare wheel to reach the nearest specialist garage, as
it is not intended for permanent use .
A warning label is always placed on the rim of the temporary spare wheel.
Please note the following if you intend to use the temporary spare wheel. ▶ Do not cover the warning sign.
▶ Be particularly observant when driving.
▶ Inflate the temporary spare wheel to the maximum inflation pressure for the
vehicle » page 134 (the prescribed tyre pressure of the spare wheel 125/70
R16 is 4.2 bar). 
1)
Only valid for some countries and some models.
135Wheels

In vehicles with tyre pressure monitoring, save the tyre pressure values in the
system » page 106 .WARNING■
Never drive with more than one temporary spare wheel mounted!■Avoid full throttle acceleration, sharp braking and fast cornering when
driving with the temporary spare wheel.■
Do not use snow chains on the temporary spare wheel.
■
Observe the instructions on the warning sign of the temporary spare
wheel.
Tyre marking
Explanation of tyre markings - e.g. 185/60 R 15 84 H
185Tyre width in mm60Height/width ratio in %RCode letter for the type of tyre – Radial15Diameter of wheel in inches84Load indexHSpeed symbol
Load index - indicates the maximum permissible load for each individual tyre
Load index838485868788Load
(In kg)487500515530545560
Speed symbol - indicates the maximum permissible speed for a vehicle fitted
with tyres in a given category
Speed
symbolSTUHVWMaximum speed
(in km/h)180190200210240270WARNINGNever exceed the maximum permissible load bearing capacity and speed
for the tyres fitted – risk of accident.
Operating in winter conditions
All-year (or “winter”) tyres
All-year or “winter”tyres (indicated by an M+S or a mountain peak/snowflake
symbol ) to improve the performance of the vehicle in winter conditions.
To get the best possible driving characteristics, all-year or “winter”tyres, with a
minimum tread depth of 4 mm on all four wheels, should be fitted.
If “winter” tyres are fitted, summer tyres should be fitted again in good time as
they provide better handling properties, a shorter braking distance, less tyre
noise and reduced tyre wear on roads which are free of snow and ice as well
as at temperatures above 7 °C.
Speed symbol
All-year or “winter”tyres (marked with M+S and a peak/snowflake symbol
) of
a lower speed category than listed in the vehicle’s technical documentation
can be used provided that the maximum permissible speed for these tyres is
not exceeded even if the maximum possible speed of the vehicle is higher.
For vehicles with Infotainment, use the  button to adjust the speed limit for
all-year or “winter” tyres » Owner´s Manual - Infotainment . For other vehicles,
there is the possibility to set the speed limit for winter tyres at a specialist ga-
rage.
the vehicle has all-season or “winter” tyres with a speed category that is lower
than the specified top speed of the vehicle (does not apply to factory-supplied tyres), a warning label with the maximum value of the speed category supplied
for the mounted tyres in the interior of the vehicle and in a place which is con-
stantly visible in the driver’s field of vision. The warning label (sticker) can be
replaced by setting the maximum value of the speed category supplied for the mounted tyres in Infotainment 1)
. This specification defines the maximum vehi-
cle speed with mounted all-season or “winter”tires that must not be exceeded.
1)
Valid in certain countries.
136General Maintenance

Snow chains
The snow chains improve handling in wintry road conditions.
Remove the full wheel trims before installing the snow chains » page 141.
Snow chains must only be fitted on the front wheels and are applicable only to
the following wheel / tyre combinations.Rim sizeImpression depth DTyre size5J x 1435 mm175/70 R14
Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than 9 mm.
Rim sizeImpression depth DTyre size6J x 1538 mm185/60 R15
Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than 12 mm.
WARNINGDo not use chains on snow and ice-free routes - the handling would be im-
paired and there is a risk of damage to the tyres.137Wheels

Do-it-yourself
Emergency equipment and self-help
Emergency equipment
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Placement of the first aid kit and warning triangle
138
Location of reflective vest
138
fire extinguisher
138
Vehicle tool kit
139
Placement of the first aid kit and warning triangle
Fig. 154
Placing of the first-aid kit and
the warning triangle
The following information is for the first aid kit and warning triangle from the
ŠKODA Original accessories valid.
Placing the first-aid kit
The first-aid kit can be attached by a strap to the right-hand side of the lug- gage compartment » Fig. 154.
Placing of the warning triangle
The warning triangle can be inserted into the recess under the loading edge
and secured with the fastener tape » Fig. 154.
›
To release , press the clasp on the tape in the direction of arrow
1
, fold open
the belt
A
in the direction of arrow
2
» Fig. 154 .
›
To secure , fold up the belt
A
against the arrow direction
2
until it locks in-
to place.
WARNINGProperly secure the first aid kit and the warning triangle - there is a risk of
injury in the event of sudden braking or a vehicle collision.
Location of reflective vest
Fig. 155
Storage compartment for the re-
flective vest
The reflective vest can be stored in a bracket under the driver's seat » Fig. 155.
fire extinguisher
Fig. 156
Release the fire extinguisher
The fire extinguisher is attached by two straps in a holder underneath the driv-
er's seat.
›
To remove the fire extinguisher, release the safety catches on the two belts
in the direction of arrow » Fig. 156 and remove the fire extinguisher.
›
To secure , place the fire extinguisher back in the mount and secure with the
belts.
The Owner´s Manual is located next to the fire extinguisher.
Pay attention to the expiration date of the fire extinguisher. After this date, the correct function of the device is not guaranteed. 
138Do-it-yourself