SKODA FABIA 2009 2.G / 5J Owner's Manual

Wheels and Tyres 200
WARNING
•
You must have your tyres replaced with new ones at the latest when the
wear indicators have been worn down. The legally permissible minimum
tread depth should be observed.
•
Worn tyres do not provide the necessary adhesion to the road surface at
high speeds on wet roads. One could experience “aquaplaning” (uncon-
trolled movements of the vehicle - “swimming” on a wet road surface).
Changing wheels aroundIf significantly greater wear is present on the front tyres, we recommend changing
the front wheels around with the rear wheels. You will then obtain approximately
the same life for all the tyres.
It may be advantageous to swap the tyres over “crosswise” when certain types of
wear characteristic arise on the running surface of the tyres (but not in the case of
unidirectional tyres). Specialist garages are familiar with details.
We recommend that you change the wheels around every 10 000 km in order to
achieve even wear on all wheels and to obtain optimal tyre life.New tyres and wheelsTyres and wheel rims are important design elements. One should therefore use the
tyres and wheel rims which have been released for use by Škoda Auto. They are
exactly matched to the vehicle type and therefore contribute significantly to good
road holding and safe driving characteristics ⇒.
Only fit radial tyres of the same type on all 4 wheels, size (rolling circumference)
and, if possible, the same tread pattern on one axle.
The specialist garages have access to the most current information about which
tyres we have released for use on your vehicle.
We recommend that you have any work relating to tyres or wheels carried out by a
specialist garage. Your dealer has all of the necessary special tools and replace-
ment parts available plus the required specialist knowledge and is also in a position to properly dispose of the old tyres. A large number of specialist garages also have
an attractive range of tyres and wheels available.
The tyre/wheel combinations which are approved for your vehicle are indicated in
your vehicle documents. Approval and licensing may differ according to the legis-
lation prevailing in individual countries.
Proper knowledge of the tyre data makes it easier for you to select the correct type
of tyre. Tyres do, for example, have the following inscription on their walls:
185 / 65 R 14 86 T
What this means is:
The following speed restrictions apply to tyres.
185
Tyre w idt h in mm
65
Height/width ratio in %
R
Code letter for the type of tyre - R adial
14
Diameter of wheel in inches
86
Load index
T
Speed symbol
Speed symbol
Permissible maximum speed
Q
160 km/h
R
170 km/h
S
180 km/h
T
190 km/h
H
210 km/h
V
240 km/h
W
270 km/h
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Wheels and Tyres201
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Technical Data The date of manufacture is also stated on the tyre wall (possibly only on the inside
of wheel).
DOT ... 22 09...
means, for example, that the tyre was manufactured in the 22nd week of the year
2009.
If the spare wheel* differs from the tyres fitted to the vehicle (e.g. winter tyres or
low-profile tyres), the spare wheel* should only be used for a short time in the
event of a puncture and when adopting an appropriately cautious style of driving.
It should be replaced as quickly as possible by a normal wheel.
WARNING
•
Only use those tyres or wheel rims which have been approved for your
model of Škoda Auto vehicle. Failure to observe this instruction will
adversely affect the road safety of your vehicle - risk of accident! Approval
and licencing of your vehicle on public roads may also become void as a
result.
•
You must on no account drive at a higher speed than is permissible for
your tyres - risk of an accident resulting from tyre damage and loss of control
over your vehicle.
•
Tyres which are 6 years old or more should only be fitted in exceptional
cases and when adopting an appropriately cautious style of driving.
•
Never fit tyres which have already been used without having adequate
knowledge of their previous history. Tyres age even if they have not been
used at all or only very little. A spare tyre must only be used in exceptional
cases and only then when adopting an appropriately cautious style of
driving.
•
Do not, where possible, replace individual tyres but at least replace them
on both wheels of a given axle at the same time. Always fit the tyres with the
deeper tread depth to the front wheels.For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of in conformity with the appropriate regulations.
Note
It is not normally possible to fit wheels from other models of cars for technical
reasons. This may also apply in certain circumstances to the wheels of the same
type of vehicle.Wheel boltsWheels and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. Each time
you fit other wheels - e.g. light alloy wheels or wheels with winter tyres - you must
therefore also use the matching wheel bolts of the correct length and shape of
spherical cap. This is essential to ensure that the wheels are tightly fitted and that
the brake system operates properly.
If you retrofit wheel trims (or have this done), please also ensure that an adequate
flow of air remains assured for cooling the brake system.
The specialist garages are informed about the technical possibilities which exist
regarding converting or retrofitting wheels, tyres and wheel trims.
WARNING
•
In case of incorrect treatment of the wheel bolts, the wheel can loosen
when the car is moving - risk of accident!
•
The wheel bolts must be clean and must turn easily. However, they must
never be treated with grease or oil.
•
If the wheel bolts are tightened to a too low tightening torque, the rim
can lossen when the car is moving - risk of accident! A tightening torque
which is too high can damage the bolts and threads and this can result in
permanent deformation of the contact surfaces on the rims.Caution
The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts for steel and light alloy wheels
is 120 Nm.
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Wheels and Tyres 202Winter tyresThe handling of your vehicle will be significantly improved when driving on wintry
roads if you fit winter tyres. Summer tyres do not offer the same grip on ice, snow
and at temperatures below 7 °C because of their construction (width, rubber blend,
tread pattern). This applies in particular to vehicles which are equipped with low-
profile tyres or high-speed tyres (code index H, V or W on wall of tyre).
Winter tyres must be mounted on all four wheels to obtain the best handling char-
acteristics.
You must only fit those types of winter tyre which are approved for your vehicle. The
permissible sizes of winter tyres are stated in your vehicle documents. Approvals
may differ because of national legislation.
Please remember that the tyres should be inflated to 20 kPa (0.2 bar) more than is
the case for summer tyres ⇒page 198.
Winter tyres no longer offer the same winter performance once the tyre tread has
worn down to a depth of about 4 mm.
Ageing a l s o c a u s e s w i n t e r t y re s t o l o s e m o s t of their winter performance properties
- even in cases where the remaining tread depth is still clearly more than 4 mm.
Speed restrictions apply to winter tyres as well as to summer tyres ⇒page 200,
⇒.
You can fit winter tyres of a lower speed category to your vehicle provided that you
also do not drive faster than the permissible maximum speed for such tyres, even
if the possible maximum speed of your vehicle is higher. The corresponding tyre
category can damage the tyres when exceeding the permissible maximum speed.
Please pay attention to the notes if you decide to fit winter tyres ⇒page 198.
You can also fit so-called “all-year tyres” instead of winter tyres.
Please contact your specialist garage if there are any points which are not clear who
will be able to provide you with information regarding the maximum speed for your
tyres.
WARNING
You must on no account drive your car at more than the permissible
maximum speed for your winter tyres - risk of an accident resulting from
tyre damage and loss of control over your car.
For the sake of the environment
Fit your summer tyres on again in good time since summer tyres offer you better
grip and handling on roads which are free of snow and ice as well as ar tempera-
tures below 7 °C - the braking distance is shorter, there is less tyre noise, tyre wear
is reduced and fuel consumption is reduced.
Note
Please observe the various differing legal requirements regarding tyres.Unidirectional tyres*The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of the tyre.
This indicates the direction of rotation of the tyre, and it is essential that the tyres
are fitted on to run in this direction. Only then are the tyres able to provide the
optimal properties in terms of grip, low noise, wear-and-tear and aquaplaning.
Should it be necessary to fit on a spare wheel* in the event of a puncture with a tyre
not dedicated to the running direction or in opposite running direction, please
adopt a cautious style of driving as the tyre is no longer able to provide optimal grip
and handling in such a situation. This particularly important on wet roads. Please
refer to the notes ⇒page 206, “Spare wheel*”.
You should have the defective tyre replaced as soon as possible and restore the
correct direction of rotation on all tyresSnow chainsSnow chains must only be mounted on the front wheels.
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Wheels and Tyres203
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Technical Data When driving on wintry roads, snow chains improve not only traction, but also the
braking performance.
For technical reasons, it is only permissible to fit snow chains with the following
wheel/tyre combinations:
Only use fine-link snow chains. They must not project more than 9 mm -
including the chain lock.
Remove the full wheel trims before installing the snow chains.
Observe the national legal requirements relating to the use of snow chains and the
maximum vehicle speed with snow chains.
WARNING
Please pay attention to the information in the supplied fitting instructions of
the snow chain manufacturer.
Caution
You must take the chains off as soon as you drive on roads which are free of snow.
They adversely affect the handling of your vehicle, damage the tyres and are rapidly
destroyed.
Note
•
Only fit snow chains from the range of Škoda genuine accessories.
•
When driving with snow chains, switch off the traction control system (TCS).
Wheel size
Depth (D)
Tyre s iz e
5J x 13
35 mm
155/80
5J x 14
35 mm
165/70
6J x 14
37 mm
185/60
6J x 15
43 mm
185/55
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Accessories, changes and replacement of parts 204Accessories, changes and replacement of partsAccessories and replacement partsŠkoda vehicles have been built according to the latest discoveries in safety engi-
neering. Thus one should not change the condition in which the vehicle was deliv-
ered from the manufacturer without some thought.
The following guidelines should be observed when a vehicle is to be retrofitted with
accessories, have technical changes made to it or a par t has to be replaced at some
time in the future.•
Advise should always be obtained from a specialist garage before buying any
accessories and before making any technical changes ⇒.
•
This is particularly the case when accessories are bought in a foreign country.
•
Škoda Genuine Accessories which have been released for use and Skoda orig-
inal parts can be bought from specialist garages that professionally undertake the
assembly of parts which were not purchased there.
•
All Škoda original accessories which are listed in the catalogue of original acces-
sories such as spoilers, transport systems, child seats, etc., are homologized.
•
Radios, aerials and other electrical accessories should only be installed by a
specialist garage.
•
The guidelines issued by Škoda Auto must be observed when making technical
changes.
•
This is to ensure that no technical damage occurs to the vehicle, that travelling
and operating safety are maintained and that the chnages are permissible. The
specialist garages also undertake this work professionally or refer it to another
specialist garage in special cases.
Any damage which is done caused by technical changes made without
consulting a Skoda dealer is excluded from the guarantee.
WARNING
•
We advise you, in your own interest, to only use Škoda Genuine Accesso-
ries and Škoda original parts which have been expressly approved for use on your Škoda. Reliability, safety and suitabiliity have been established for
these Škoda original parts.
•
We cannot guarantee suitability of installation into your vehicle of other
products despite keeping a constant eye on market developments (also not
in the case where there is an attestation or permission can be produced).
Technical changesInterference on the electronic components and their software can lead to opera-
tional faults. This interference can also impair not directly affected systems because
of the networking of the electronic components. This means that the operating
safety of your vehicle can be considerably jeopardized, a greater wear of vehicle
parts can occur and finally the vehicle registration documents expire.
We trust that you will understand that Škoda Auto cannot be liable for damage
resulting from unprofessional work.
We therefore recommend that you have all work carried out with Škoda original
parts at specialist garages.
WARNING
Work or modifications on your vehicle, which have been carried out unpro-
fessionally, can cause operational faults - risk of accident!Vehicles of the group N1The vehicle of the group N1 is a box car which is designed and manufactured for the
transportation of goods.
WARNING (continued)
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Technical Data
Breakdown assistanceBreakdown assistanceFirst-aid box* and Warning triangle*The first-aid box must be stored in such a way that it is immediately ready to hand.
A warning triangle with the maximum dimensions 39 x 68 x 450 mm can be
attached to the trim panel of the rear wall with rubber straps ⇒fig. 192
If you wish to equip your vehicle additionally with a warning triangle, please contact
a specialist garage.
WARNING
The first-aid box must be stored in such a way that the occupants do no
suffer any injuries in the event of an emergency braking or a collision of the
vehicle.
Note
•
Pay attention to the use-by-date of the contents of the first-aid box.
Fire extinguisher*The fire extinguisher is attached with straps under the driver seat.
Please read carefully the instructions which are attached to the fire extin-
guisher.
The fire extinguisher must be checked by an authorised person or company annu-
ally (please observe the various differing national legal requirements).
WARNING
If the fire extinguisher is not correctly attached, in case of sudden manoeu-
vres or an accident it can be “thrown” through the interior compartment and
cause injuries.
Note
•
The fire extinguisher must comply with the relevant and valid legal require-
ments.
•
Pay attention to the expiration date of the fire extinguisher. If the fire extin-
guisher is used after the expiration date, its proper function is no longer assured.
•
The fire extinguisher is only supplied in certain countries within the scope of
delivery.
Fig. 192 Placing of the
warning triangle
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Breakdown assistance 206Vehicle tool kitThe vehicle tool kit and the lifting jack*, on which a note sticker is affixed, are
stowed in a plastic box in the spare wheel* ⇒fig. 193; there is also space here for
the detachable ball head of the towing device.
The vehicle tool kit contains the following parts (depending on equipment fitted):•
wheel wrench*;
•
wire clamps for removing the full wheel trims;
•
towing eye;
•
Adapter for the wheel bolts lock.
After using the lifting jack, screw in the arm of the lifting jack fully before placing it
back in its storage area.
WARNING
•
The factory-supplied lifting jack is only intended for your model of
vehicle. On no account attempt to lift a heavier vehicle or other loads - risk
of injury!
•
Ensure that the vehicle tool kit is safely attached in the luggage
compartment.
Tyre repair kit*The tyre repair kit is intended for the repair of minor tyre defects. The tyre repair kit
contains a compressor, inflation bottle, operating instructions and accessories.
The repair with the tyre repair kit is not at all intended to replace a permanent
repair on the tyre; this repair only serves to reach a workshop. The repair can be
undertaken on the vehicle immediately. Please read the attached instructions
carefully before the repair.
The tyre repair kit is located in the luggage compartment.Spare wheel*The spare wheel is stowed in the spare wheel well in the luggage
compartment below the floor covering.The spare wheel lies in a well under the floor covering of the luggage compartment
and is fixed in place along with a vehicle tool kit box using a special screw
⇒fig. 194.
One should check the inflation pressure in the spare wheel (at best when generally
checking the tyre air pressures - see sign on the fuel filler flap ⇒page 182) to
ensure that the spare wheel is always ready to use.
Fig. 193 Luggage compart-
ment: storage compartment
for vehicle tool kit
Fig. 194 Luggage compart-
ment: Spare wheel
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Technical Data Unidirectional tyres*
If you have such tyres on your vehicle, please refer to the notes below:
•
The spare wheel provided with a car fitted with unidirectional tyres has different
dimensions. The wheel is provided with a warning sticker.
•
The warning label must not be covered after installing the wheel.
•
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h with this spare wheel and pay particular atten-
tion while driving. Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast
cornering.
•
The inflation pressure for this spare wheel is identical to the inflation pressure
of the standard tyres.
•
Use this spare wheel only to reach the nearest specialist garage as it is not
intended for continuous use.
Changing a wheelPreliminary workThe following steps should be carried out before actually changing the
wheel.
– If it is necessary to change a wheel, park the vehicle as far away as
possible from the traffic flow. The place you choose should be level.
– Have all the occupants get out. While changing a wheel, the occu-
pants of the vehicle should not stand on the road (e.g. behind a crash
barrier).
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
–Engage 1st gear or if your vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox,
position the selector lever into position P.
– If a trailer is coupled, uncouple it.
– Take the vehicle tool kit and the spare wheel* ⇒page 206 out of the
luggage compartment.
WARNING
•
If you find yourself in flowing traffic switch on the hazard warning lights
system and place the warning triangle on the side of the road at the
prescribed distance from your vehicle while observing all national legal
provisions. In this way you are protecting not only yourself but also other
road users.
•
Never start the engine with the vehicle sitting on the raised jack - danger
of suffering injury.Caution
If you have to change a wheel on a slope first block the opposite wheel with a stone
or similar object in order to secure the vehicle from unexpectedly rolling away.
Note
Comply with the national legal regulations.Changing a wheelAlways change a wheel on a level surface as far as possible.
– Take off the full wheel trim* ⇒page 208 or the caps ⇒page 209.
– Slacken the wheel bolts ⇒page 209.
– Jack up the vehicle until the wheel to be changed is clear of the ground
⇒page 210.
– Unscrew the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface (cloth,
paper etc.).
– Take off the wheel.
– Fit on the spare wheel* and tighten the wheel bolts slightly.
– Lower the car.
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Breakdown assistance 208
– Tighten the wheel bolts firmly, alternately and diagonally using the
wheel wrench ⇒page 209.
– Mount the full wheel trim/wheel trim cap or the caps.
Note•
All bolts must be clean and must turn easily.
•
You must never grease or oil the wheel bolts!
•
When fitting on unidirectional tyres, ensure that the tyres rotate in the correct
direction ⇒page 198.
Subsequent stepsAfter changing the wheel, you must perform the following steps.
– Stow and attach the replaced wheel in the spare wheel well.
– Stow the vehicle tool kit in the space provided.
–Check the tyre pressure on the spare wheel just mounted as soon as
possible.
– Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked with a torque
wrench as soon as possible. The tightening torque for steel and light
alloy wheels must be 120 Nm.
– Have the defective tyre repaired as soon as possible.
WARNING
It is necessary to observe the guidelines given on ⇒page 200, “New tyres
and wheels” if the vehicle is subsequently fitted with tyres which are
different to those it was fitted with at the works.
Note
•
If you find, when changing the wheel, that the wheel bolts are corroded and
difficult to turn, the bolts must be replaced before checking the tightening torque.
•
Drive cautiously and only at a moderate speed to a workshop where the tight-
ening torque can be checked.
Full wheel trim*Pulling off
– Hook the clamp found in the vehicle tool kit into the reinforced edge
of the full wheel trim.
– Push the wheel key through the clamp, support the wheel key on the
tyre and pull off the wheel trim ⇒fig. 195.
Installing
– First press the full wheel trim onto the wheel at the valve opening
provided. Then press the full wheel trim into the wheel in such a way
that its entire circumference locks correctly in place.
Fig. 195 Removing the full
wheel trim
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Technical Data
Caution
•
Use the pressure of your hand, do not knock on the full wheel trim! Heavy
knocks mainly on the points where the full wheel trim has not been inserted into
the wheel, can result in damage to the guide and centering elements of the full
wheel trim.
•
First check for yourself that the theft-deterrent wheel bolt is located
⇒page 210, “Securing wheels against being stolen*” in the hole in the area of the
valve before fitting the full wheel trim onto a steel wheel which is attached with a
theft-deterrent wheel bolt.
Wheel bolts with caps*
The caps are designed to protect the wheel bolts.Pulling off
– Insert the plastic clip (in the car tool kit) sufficiently far onto the cap
until the inner catches of the clip are positioned at the collar of the
cap.
– Pull the cap off with the plastic clip ⇒fig. 196.
Installing
– Insert the caps onto the bolts.
Slackening and tightening wheel bolts
Slacken the wheel bolts before jacking up the vehicle.Slackening wheel bolts
– Insert the wheel wrench fully onto the wheel bolt
9).
– Grasp the end of the wrench and turn the bolt about one turn to the
left ⇒fig. 197.
Tightening wheel bolts
– Insert the wheel wrench fully onto the wheel bolt 9).
– Grasp the end of the wrench and turn the bolt to the right until it is
tight.
WARNING
Slacken the wheel bolts only a little (about one turn) as long as the vehicle
has not yet been jacked up - risk of an accident!.
Fig. 196 Changing a wheel:
Pull off cap from the wheel
bolt
9)Use the appropriate adapter for slackening and tightening the safety wheel bolts
⇒page 210.
Fig. 197 Changing a wheel:
Slackening wheel bolts
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