SKODA FABIA 2014 2.G / 5J Owner's Manual

New tyres
New tyres have to be “run in” since they do not offer optimal grip at first. Drive
especially carefully for the first 500 km or so.
New brake pads
New brake pads initially do not provide optimal braking performance. They first
need to be “run in”. Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or so.
Economical driving and respect the environment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Driving with anticipation
109
Economical gear changing.
109
Avoiding full throttle
110
Reducing idling
110
Avoiding short distances
110
Checking tyre pressure
110
Avoiding unnecessary ballast
111
Regular maintenance
111
Saving electrical energy
111
Environmental compatibility
111
The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the
vehicle have already been built into the vehicle at the works. ŠKODA places a
particular emphasis on minimising negative effects on the environment.
It is necessary to take note of the guidelines given in this chapter in order to make best use of these characteristics and to maintain their effectiveness.
Fuel consumption, environmental pollution and the wear to the engine, brakes
and tyres depend essentially on the following three factors.
› Your personal driving style
› Operating conditions
› Technical requirements
The fuel economy by can be improved by 10 -15 % by always looking ahead and
driving in an economical way.
Fuel consumption is also be influenced by external factors which are beyond
the driver's control. Consumption increases during the winter or under difficult
conditions, on poor roads, etc.
Fuel consumption can vary considerably from the manufacturer's data, as a re-
sult of outside temperatures, the weather and driving style.
The optimal engine speed should be maintained when accelerating, to avoid a high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle.
CAUTION
All the speed and engine revolution figures apply only when the engine is at
its normal operating temperature.
Driving with anticipation
Read and observe
on page 109 first.
A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs when accelerating, therefore un-necessary accelerating and braking should be avoided. If looking ahead when
driving, less braking and consequently less accelerating are required.
If possible, let your vehicle coast to a stop, or use the engine brake, if you can see that the next set of traffic lights is on red, for example.
Economical gear changing.
Fig. 108
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km depending
on the selected gear
Read and observe on page 109 first.
Shifting up early saves on fuel.
Manual gearbox › Drive no more than about one length of your vehicle in first gear.
› Shift up into the next gear at approximately 2000 rpm. 
109Starting-off and Driving

An effective way of achieving good fuel economy is to shift up early. Observe
the recommended gear » page 28, Recommended gear .
A suitably selected gear can have an effect on fuel consumption » Fig. 108.
Automatic gearbox
› Depress the accelerator pedal
slowly. However, do not depress it as far as
the kickdown position » page 107.
› An economic driving programme is automatically selected if the accelerator
pedal is only depressed slowly.
Avoiding full throttle
Fig. 109
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km. and speed
in km/h.
Read and observe on page 109 first.
The slower you drive, the more the fuel savings.
Sensitive use of the accelerator will not only significantly reduce fuel con-
sumption but also positively influence environmental pollution and wear of
your vehicle.
The maximum speed of your vehicle should, as far possible, never be used.
Fuel consumption, pollutant emissions and vehicle noises increase dispropor-
tionally at high speeds.
The graph » Fig. 109 shows the ratio of fuel consumption to the speed of your
vehicle. Fuel consumption will be halved if you drive at only three-quarters of
the possible top speed of your vehicle.
Reducing idling
Read and observe
on page 109 first.
Idling also costs fuel.
In vehicles not equipped with the START-STOP system, turn off the engine
when in a traffic jam, at a level crossing or traffic lights with longer wait times.
Even after just 30 - 40 seconds you will have saved more fuel than that is nee-
ded when you start the engine up again.
If an engine is only idling it takes much longer for it to reach its normal operat-
ing temperature. Wear-and-tear and pollutant emissions, though, are particu- larly high in the warming-up phase. Therefore, start driving as soon as the en-
gine has started, In this case high engine speeds should be avoided.
Avoiding short distances
Fig. 110
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in l/100 km at different tem-
peratures
Read and observe on page 109 first.
Short distances result in an above-average high fuel consumption. We there- fore recommend avoiding distances of less than 4 km if the engine is cold.
A cold engine consumes the most fuel immediately after the start. Fuel con-
sumption drops to 10 litres/100 km after just 1 kilometre. The consumption sta-
bilises once the engine and catalytic converter have reached their operating
temperature.
An important factor in this connection is also the ambient temperature. The
graph » Fig. 110 shows the different levels of fuel consumption after driving a
certain distance at a temperature of +20 °C and a temperature of -10 °C.
Checking tyre pressure
Read and observe
on page 109 first.
Tyres which are correctly inflated save fuel. 
110Driving

Always ensure the tyre inflation pressure is correct. If the pressure is too low,
the tyres will have to overcome a higher rolling resistance. This will not only
increase fuel consumption but also tyre wear and the driving behaviour will
worsen.
Always check the tyre inflation pressure when the tyres are cold.
Avoiding unnecessary ballast
Read and observe
on page 109 first.
Transporting ballast costs fuel.
Each kilogramme of weight increases the fuel consumption. Therefore, we rec-
ommend that you carry no unnecessary weight.
It is particularly in town traffic, when 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 in-
crease in fuel consumption of about 1 litre/100 kilometres.
At a speed of 100 - 120 km/h, a vehicle fitted with a roof rack cross member
without a load will use about 10 % more fuel than normal due to the increased
aerodynamic drag.
Regular maintenance
Read and observe
on page 109 first.
A poorly tuned engine uses an unnecessarily high amount of fuel.
By having your vehicle regularly maintained by a specialist garage, you create
the conditions needed for driving economically. The maintenance state of your
vehicle has a positive effect on traffic safety and value retention
A poorly tuned engine can result in a fuel consumption which is 10 % higher
than normal.
Check the oil level at regular intervals, e.g. when refuelling. Oil consumption is
dependent to a considerable extent on the load and speed of the engine. Oil
consumption could be as high as 0.5 litres/1 000 km depending on your style
of driving.
It is quite normal that a new engine has a higher oil consumption at first, and
reaches its lowest level only after a certain running in time. The oil consump-
tion of a new vehicle can therefore only be correctly assessed after driving
about 5 000 km.
For the sake of the environment■ Additional improvements to the fuel economy can be made by using synthet-
ic high-lubricity oils.■
Regularly check the ground under the vehicle. Have your vehicle inspected by
a specialist garage if you find any stains caused by oil or other fluids on the
ground.
Note
We recommend that your vehicle is serviced on a regular basis by a ŠKODA
Service Partner.
Saving electrical energy
Read and observe
on page 109 first.
When the engine is running, the alternator generates and supplies electricalpower. If more electrical components of the electrical system are switched on,
more fuel is needed to operate the alternator. We therefore recommend
switching off electrical components if these are no longer required.
Environmental compatibility
Read and observe
on page 109 first.
Environmental protection has played a major role in the design, selection ofmaterials, and manufacture of your new ŠKODA. Particular emphasis has been
placed on the following points.
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 CO
2.
› Minimum fuel leakage during accidents.
› Reduced noise.
Choice of materials
› Extensive use of recyclable material.
› Air conditioning filled with CFC-free refrigerant.
› No cadmium. 
111Starting-off and Driving

›No asbestos.
› Reduction in the “vaporisation” of plastics.
Manufacture › Solvent-free cavity protection.
› Solvent-free protection of the vehicle for transportation from the production
plant to the customer.
› The use of solvent-free adhesives.
› No CFCs used in the production process.
› Without use of mercury.
› Use of water-soluble paints.
Trade-in and recycling of old cars
ŠKODA meets the requirements of the brand and its products with regard to
protecting the environment and the preserving resources. All new ŠKODA ve-
hicles can be utilized up to 95 % and always 1)
be returned.
In a lot of countries sufficient trade-in networks have been created, where you
can trade-in your vehicle. After you trade-in your vehicle, you will receive a
confirmation stating the recycling in accordance with environmental regula-
tions.
Note
Detailed information about the trade-in and recycling of end-of-life cars is
available from a specialist garage.
Avoiding damage to your vehicle
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
General information
112
Driving through water on streets
112General information
Pay attention to low-slung parts of the vehicle, such as the spoiler and ex-
haust, particularly in the following situations.
› When driving on poorly maintained roads and tracks.
› When driving over kerb stones.
› When driving on steep ramps, etc.
Particular attention is necessary for vehicle with a sports suspension and
when then vehicle is fully laden.
Driving through water on streets
Fig. 111
Driving through water
The following instructions must be observed if vehicle damage is to be avoided
when driving through water (e.g. flooded roads).
›
Determine the depth of the water before driving through it.
The water level must not reach above the web of the lower sill » Fig. 111.
›
Do not drive any faster than at a walking speed.
At a higher speed, a water wave can form in front of the vehicle, which can
cause water to penetrate into the engine's air intake system or other parts of
the vehicle.
›
Never stop in the water, do not reverse and do not switch the engine off. 
1)
Subject to fulfilment of the national legal requirements.
112Driving

WARNING■Driving through water, mud, sludge etc. can reduce the braking power
and extend the braking distance – there is the risk of an accident.■
Avoid abrupt and sudden braking immediately after water crossings.
■
After driving through bodies of water, the brakes must be cleaned and
dried as soon as possible by intermittent braking. Only apply the brakes for
the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake discs if the traffic conditions
permit this. Do not place any other road users in jeopardy.
CAUTION
■ When driving through water, some parts of the vehicle such as the engine,
gearbox, chassis or electrics can be severely damaged.■
Oncoming vehicles can generate water waves which can exceed the permis-
sible water level for your vehicle.
■
Potholes, mud or rocks can be hidden under the water making it difficult or
impossible to drive through the body of water.
■
Do not drive through salt water. The salt can lead to corrosion. Any vehicle
parts that have come into contact with salt water must be rinsed immediately
with fresh water.
Note
We recommend that the vehicle is checked by a specialist garage after it has
been driven through water.
Driving abroad
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Unleaded petrol
113
Headlights
113
In certain countries, it may be possible that the ŠKODA service partner net-
work is limited or has not been established. This is the reason why procuring
certain spare parts may be somewhat complicated and specialist garages may
only be able to make limited repairs.
Unleaded petrol
A vehicle fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded
petrol » page 136 , Unleaded petrol . Information regarding the locations of fill-
ing stations that offer unleaded petrol is, for example, provided by the auto-
mobile associations.
Headlights
The low beam of your headlights is set asymmetrically. It illuminates the side
of the road on which the vehicle is being driven to a greater extent.
When driving in countries in which the traffic drives on the other side of the
road than in your home country, the asymmetrical low beam may dazzle on-
coming drivers. To prevent oncoming traffic from being dazzled, the headlights
must be adjusted by a specialist garage.
Note
For more information on adjusting the headlights, consult a specialist garage.113Starting-off and Driving

Assist systems
Brake assist systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Stabilisation control (ESC)
114
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
115
Traction Control System (ASR)
115
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)
115WARNING■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to
shut down. The brake assist systems would then be without function –
there is the risk of an accident.■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions. The increased safety offered by the brake assist sys-
tems must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise – there is
the risk of an accident.
■
Visit a specialist garage immediately in the event of an ABS fault. Adjust
your style of driving according to the damage to the ABS as you will not
know how great the damage is and the limitation it is placing on the brak-
ing efficiency.
CAUTION
■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufac-
turer to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly.■
Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis) can influence the
functionality of the brake assist systems » page 126, Services, modifications
and technical alterations .
■
If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, TCS and EDL will also fail to
work. An ABS fault is indicated with by the 
warning light » page 38.
Stabilisation control (ESC)
Read and observe
and on page 114 first.
The ESC system helps to maintain control of the vehicle in situations where itis being operated at its dynamic limits, such as a sudden change to the direc-
tion of travel. Depending on the road surface conditions, the risk of skidding is
reduced, thereby improving the vehicle's driving stability .
The ESC system is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the
steering angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with
the actual behaviour of the vehicle. If differences exist, such as the car begin-
ning to skid, the ESC system will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light  flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stabilisation control
(ESC) :
› Antilock brake system (ABS),
› Traction control (TCS),
› Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS);
› Hydraulic brake assist (HBA);
› Hill hold control (HHC).
The ESC system cannot be deactivated. The 
» Fig. 112 on page 115 button
can only be used to deactivate the TCS. The  warning light comes on in the
instrument cluster when the TCS is deactivated.
In the event of an ESC fault, the ESC warning light illuminates in the instru-
ment cluster 
» page 38 .
Hydraulic brake assist (HBA)
HBA increases the braking effect and helps to shorten the braking distance.
The HBA is activated by very rapid depression of the brake pedal. To achieve
the shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be applied firmly
until the vehicle has come to a complete standstill.
HBA is automatically switched off when the brake pedal is released.
ABS is activated sooner and more effectively with the intervention of HBA. 
114Driving

Hill hold control (HHC)
HHC allows you to move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator ped-
al without having to use the handbrake when pulling away on a gradient.
The system holds the brake pressure produced by the activation of the brake
pedal for approx. 2 seconds after the brake pedal is released.
The brake pressure drops gradually the more you operate the accelerator ped-
al. If the vehicle does not start off within 2 seconds, it starts to roll back.
HHC is active on slopes of >5 % when the driver door is closed. HHC is always only active on slopes pulling away forwards or in reverse. When driving down-
hill, it is inactive.
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
Read and observe
and on page 114 first.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle.
The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the pulsating movements of
the brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
When the ABS system is active, do not pump the brakes or lift off the brake
pedal.
Traction Control System (ASR)
Fig. 112
TCS button
Read and observe and on page 114 first.
If the wheels are slipping, the ASR system adapts the engine speed to the con- ditions of the road surface. The TCS makes it much easier to start off, acceler-
ate and climb steep hills even if the conditions of the road surface are unfav-
ourable.
The ASR function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched
on.
During an intervention of the system, the TCS warning light 
flashes in the
instrument cluster.
The TCS should normally always be enabled. Only in certain exceptional cir-
cumstances can it be sensible to switch the system off, for instance:
› when driving with snow chains;
› when driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface;
› when it is necessary to “rock a vehicle free” when it has got stuck.
Ensure the TCS is activated again afterwards.
You can switch TCS off and on again as needed by pressing the  but-
ton » Fig. 112 . The
 warning light comes on in the instrument cluster when the
TCS is deactivated.
The TCS warning light 
» page 41 lights up in the instrument cluster when
there is a fault on the TCS.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)
Read and observe
and on page 114 first.
If one of the wheels starts to spin, the EDL system brakes the spinning wheel
and transfers the driving force to the other wheels. This ensures the stability
of the vehicle and a quick journey.
EDL switches off automatically to avoid excessive heat generation on the
brake of the wheel being braked. The vehicle can continue to be driven and
has the same characteristics as a vehicle not fitted with EDL. The EDL switches
on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down.
XDL function (Fabia RS and Fabia Estate RS only)
XDL is an extension to the electronic differential lock. XDL does not respond to
traction, but to the relief of the inner front wheel during fast cornering. The ac-
tive brake intervention on the brake of the inner wheel prevents it from spin-
ning. Thus, the traction is improved and the vehicle continues to follow the de-
sired track.
115Assist systems

Parking aid
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Function
116
Activation/deactivation
116WARNING■ The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper attention
and it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when reversing the
vehicle or carrying out similar manoeuvres. Pay particular attention to small
children and animals as they are not recognised by the parking aid sensors.■
Before reversing, you should make sure that there are no small obstacles,
such as rocks, thin posts, trailer drawbars etc. behind your vehicle. Such ob-
stacles may not be recognised by the parking aid sensors.
■
Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the system signals. Thus, these objects or people
who wear such clothing are not recognised by the System sensors.
■
External sound sources can have a detrimental effect on the system. Un-
der adverse conditions, this may cause objects or people to not be recog-
nised by the system.
CAUTION
■ If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seconds after activating the system
and there is no obstacle close to your car, this indicates a system fault. Have
the fault rectified by a specialist garage.■
The sensors must be kept clean (free of ice, etc.) to enable the parking aid to
operate properly.
■
Under adverse weather conditions (heavy rain, water vapour, very low or
high temperatures etc.) system function may be limited.
■
Additionally fitted modules, such as a bicycle rack, can impair the function of
the parking aid.
FunctionFig. 113
Parking aid: Range of sensors
Read and observe and on page 116 first.
The parking aid (referred to below solely as system) only works when the igni-
tion is switched on.
The system supports the driver via audible signals, via the display on the radio
or via the factory-installed navigation system when parking and manoeu-
vring » Radio user guide, Navigation system user guide.
The system uses ultrasound waves to calculate the distance between the
bumper and an obstacle. The ultrasonic sensors are integrated in the rear
bumper.
Range of sensors
The clearance warning begins at a distance of about 160 cm from the obstacle
(area
A
» Fig. 113 ). The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter
as the clearance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm (area
B
) - danger
area. You should not reverse any further after this signal sounds!
On vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the border of the danger area
starts (continuous tone) 5 cm further away from the vehicle. The length of the
vehicle can be increased with an installed detachable towing device.
Activation/deactivation
Read and observe
and on page 116 first.
The system is activated automatically by engaging reverse gear. This is con-
firmed by a brief audible signal.
The system is deactivated by disengaging reverse gear. 
116Driving

NoteThe system cannot be activated on vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device
when towing a trailer.
Cruise control system
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Storing a speed
117
Changing a stored speed
117
Switching off temporarily
118
Switching off completely
118
The cruise control system (CCS) maintains a constant speed above 25 km/h,
once it has been set, without you having to depress the accelerator pedal.
This is only possible within the range which is permitted by the power output
and braking power of the engine.
The  warning light in the instrument cluster lights up when the cruise con-
trol system is switched on.
WARNING■ For safety reasons, the cruise control system must not be used in dense
traffic or on unfavourable road surfaces (such as icy roads, slippery roads,
loose gravel) – there is a risk of an accident.■
The saved speed may only be resumed if it is not too high for the current
traffic conditions.
■
Always deactivate the cruise control system after use to prevent the sys-
tem being enabled unintentionally.
CAUTION
■ The cruise control system is not able to maintain a constant speed when
driving in areas with steeper gradients. The weight of the vehicle increases the
speed at which it travels. Therefore, shift to a lower gear in good time or slow
the vehicle down by applying the foot brake.■
It is not possible to switch on the cruise control system on vehicles fitted
with a manual gearbox if first gear or reverse gear is engaged.
■ It is not possible on vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox to switch on
the cruise control system if the selector lever is in the position P, N or R.■
The cruise control system may automatically switch off when some brake as-
sist systems (e.g. ESC) intervene, when the speed exceeds maximum permissi-
ble engine speed, or a similar event takes place.
Storing a speed
Fig. 114
Stalk: Use cruise control
Read and observe and on page 117 first.
Storing a speed
›
Press switch
A
» Fig. 114 to the ON position.
›
After the desired speed has been reached, press the rocker button
B
into
the SET position.
After you have released the rocker button
B
out of the position SET, the
speed you have just stored is maintained at a constant speed without having
to depress the accelerator.
Changing a stored speed
Read and observe
and on page 117 first.
Increasing the speed with the accelerator
›
Depress the accelerator to increase the speed.
›
Release the accelerator to reduce the speed back down to the preset speed.
However, if the saved speed is exceeded by more than 10 km/h for a period of more than 5 minutes by depressing the accelerator, the stored speed is de-
leted from the memory. The speed must then be saved again.
Increasing the speed with the rocker button
B›
Press rocker button
B
» Fig. 114 on page 117 to the RES position. 
117Assist systems

›The speed will increase continuously, if the rocker button is pressed and held
in the RES position. Release the rocker button once the desired speed is
reached. The set speed is then stored in the memory.
Decreasing the speed›
The stored speed can be reduced by pressing rocker button
B
» Fig. 114 on
page 117 to the SET position.
›
The speed will decrease continuously, if the rocker button is pressed and
held in the SET position. Release the rocker button once the desired speed is
reached. The set speed is then stored in the memory.
›
If the rocker button is released at a speed below around 25 km/h, the speed
is not stored and the memory is erased. The speed must then be stored
again by pressing rocker button
B
to the SET position after increasing the
speed of the vehicle to more than around 25 km/h.
The speed can also be reduced by depressing the brake pedal, which tempora- rily deactivates the system.
Switching off temporarily
Read and observe
and on page 117 first.
The cruise control system can be temporarily switched off by pushing switch
A
» Fig. 114 on page 117 to the spring-loaded CANCEL position or by depress-
ing the brake or clutch pedal.
The set speed remains stored in the memory.
Briefly push rocker button
B
to the RES position to resume the set speed af-
ter the clutch or brake pedal is released.
Switching off completely
Read and observe
and on page 117 first.
›
Press switch
A
» Fig. 114 on page 117 to the right to the OFF position.
START-STOP

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Operating conditions for the system
118
Operation
119System conditioned automatic start-up119Manually deactivating/activating119
Information messages
119
The START-STOP system (hereinafter referred to just as the system) reduces
fuel consumption and polluting emissions and CO 2 emissions by turning the
engine off, e.g. when stopping at traffic lights, and starting the engine again
when moving off.
WARNING■ Never let the vehicle roll with the engine switched off.■The brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the engine is run-
ning.
Operating conditions for the system
Fig. 115
Maxi DOT display: Engine is auto-
matically switched off / automat-
ic engine cut off is not possible
Read and observe on page 118 first.
For the system-dependent automatic engine shutdown to operate, the follow-
ing conditions must be met.
The driver's door is closed.
The driver has fastened the seat belt.
The bonnet is closed.
The driving speed exceeded 4 km/h after the last stop.
No trailer is coupled.
Some additional conditions for the system to function cannot be either influ-
enced or recognised by the driver. Therefore, the system can react differently
in situations which are identical from the driver's view. 
118Driving