Tyre SKODA RAPID 2012 1.G Owner's Manual

Wheels and Tyres 137
Tyres 137
Accessories, changes and replacement of parts 144
Introductory information 144
Changes and impairments of the airbag
system 144
Do-it-yourself
Do-it-yourself 145
First-aid kit and warning triangle 145
Fire extinguisher 145
Vehicle tool kit 145
Changing a wheel 146
Breakdown kit 149
Jump-starting 152
Towing the vehicle 153
Fuses and light bulbs 156
Fuses 156
Bulbs 159
Technical data
Technical data 164
Introductory information 164
Data on the vehicle sticker and the type plate 164
Dimensions 165
Specifications and engine oil capacity 166
Vehicle-specific details per engine type 167
Index
4 Table of Contents

›
Individual menu items can be selected by means of the rocker switch A
. When
the pushbutton B
is briefly pressed, the information you have selected is dis-
played.
You can select the following information:
■ MFD »
page 11
■ Audio » Operating instructions for the radio
■ Navigation » Operating instructions for the navigation system
■ Phone » page 84
■ Vehicle status » page 16
■ Settings » page 15
The menu items Audio and Navigation are only displayed when the factory-fitted
radio or navigation system is switched on. Note
■ If the information display is not activated at that moment, the menu always
shifts to one of the higher levels after approx. 10

seconds.ÐSettings
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 14.
You can change certain settings by means of the information display. The current
setting is shown on the information display in the respective menu at the top be-
low the line.
You can select the following information:
■ Language
■ MFD data
■ Time
■ Winter tyres
■ Units
■ Alternative speed displayed
■ Service
■ Factory setting
■ Back
Select the menu item Back to return to one level higher in the menu.
ä Language
You can set the language for the warning and information texts here.
MFD displays
Activate or deactivate certain displays of the multifunction display here.
Time
The time, time format (12 or 24 hour indicator) and the changeover between sum-
mer/winter time can be set here.
Winter tyres
Here, you can set the speed at which an audible signal should sound. This func-
tion is, for example, used for winter tyres where the maximum permissible speed
is lower than the maximum speed of the vehicle.
When exceeding the speed, the following is shown on the information display:
Winter tyres: max. speed

... km/h
Units of measurement
The units for the temperature, consumption and distance driven can be set here.
Second speed
The display of the second speed in mph or in km/h can be switched on here.
Service
Here you can have the remaining kilometres and days until the next service inter-
val displayed, and reset the Service Interval Display.
Factory setting
After selecting the menu Factory setting the factory setting of the information
display is restored. Ð Door, boot lid and bonnet warning
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 14.
If at least one door is open, or the boot or bonnet is open, the information display
indicates the relevant
open door or boot/bonnet.
An audible signal also sounds if the vehicle is travelling at more than 6

km/h.Ð
ä
15
Instruments and Indicator Lights



Engine oil
» page 18
  Coolant temperature/coolant level
» page 19
 Power steering
» page 19
 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
» page 19
 Traction control (TCS)
» page 20
 Antilock brake system (ABS)
» page 20
 Rear fog light
» page 20
 Bulb failure
» page 20
 Exhaust inspection system
» page 20
 Glow plug system (diesel engine)
» page 21
 EPC fault light (petrol engine)
» page 21
 Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)
» page 21
 Fuel reserve
» page 21
 Airbag system
» page 22
 Tyre control display
» page 22
 Windscreen washer fluid level
» page 22
 Turn signal (left/right)
» page 22 
Fog lights
» page 22
 Speed regulating system
» page 22
 Selector lever lock
» page 22
 Main beam
» page 23 WARNING
■ If illuminated warning lights and the corresponding descriptions and warn-
ing notes are not observed, this may result in severe injuries or major vehicle
damage.
■ The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk of
injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine compart-
ment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. It is essential to ob-
serve safety notes »
page 126, Engine compartment . Ð Handbrake 
The warning light  comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible warning is
also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3
seconds at a speed of more than
6 km/h.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Release parking brake! Ð Brake system 
The warning light  illuminates if the brake fluid level is too low or there is a
fault in the ABS.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Brake fluid: Owner's manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 132. £
17
Instruments and Indicator Lights

Airbag system 
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the airbag system.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: Airbag
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically when one
airbag has been switched off.
If a front, side or head airbag or belt tensioner has been switched off using the
vehicle system tester:
› The indicator light
 lights up for around
4 seconds after the ignition is switch-
ed on and then flashes for around 12 seconds.
The following is displayed in the information display: Airbag/belt tensioner deactivated!
If the airbag was switched off using the key-operated switch on the side of the
dash panel on the passenger side:
› The indicator light
 comes on for around 4 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on.
› Airbags that are switched off are indicated in the middle of the dashboard by
the warning light
  in the display      » Fig. 86 on page 103. WARNING
If there is a fault, have the airbag system checked immediately by a ŠKODA
specialist garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in
the event of an accident. ÐTyre control display 
The warning light  lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation pressure in
one of the tyres. Check and adjust the pressure in all tyres » page 137.
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the system.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information »

page 141, Tyre control display . Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the warning light  illuminates after the ig-
nition is switched on. The warning light should go out after driving a short dis-
tance. Ð Windscreen washer fluid level 
If the windscreen washer fluid level is too low, the warning light  comes on. Top
up with liquid » page 132, Windscreen washer system.
The following is displayed in the information display: Top up wash fluid! Ð Turn signal system 

Either the left  or right  warning light flashes depending on the position of the
turn signal lever.
If a turn signal light fails, the warning light flashes at twice its normal rate.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of the
turn signal lights as well as both warning lights to flash.
Further information » page 36, Turn signal and main beam lever .Ð Fog lights 
The warning light  comes on when the fog lights are operating » page 35.Ð Speed regulating system 
The warning light  comes on when the cruise control is operating » page 75.Ð Selector lever lock 
If the warning light  lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is necessary, to be
able to move the selector lever from position P or N » page 81. Ð
22 Using the system

WARNING (Continued)
■ The items carried in the boot must be stored in such a way that no objects
are able to slip forward if any sudden driving or braking manoeuvres are un-
dertaken – risk of injury!
■ When transporting fastened objects which are sharp and dangerous in the
boot that has been enlarged by folding the rear seats forward, ensure the
safety of the passengers transported on the other rear seats » page 93, Cor-
rect seated position for the occupants on the rear seats .
■ If the rear seat next to the folded forward seat is occupied, ensure maxi-
mum safety, e.g. by placing the goods to be transported in such a way that the
seat is prevented from folding back 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!
■ Under no circumstances, should the permissible axle loads and permissible
gross weight of the vehicle be exceeded – risk of accident! ■ Never transport people in the boot! CAUTION
Please ensure that the heating elements for the rear window heater are not dam-
aged as a result of abrasive objects. Note
Tyre pressure must be adjusted to the load » page 138, Service life of tyres .Ð Boot light
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 48.
The light comes on automatically when the boot lid is opened. If the lid remains
open for more than about 10
minutes, the boot light switches off automatically. ÐClass N1 vehicles
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 48.ä
ä On class N1 vehicles, which are not fitted with a protective grille, a lashing set
which complies with the standard EN

12195 (1 - 4) must be used for fastening the
load. Ð Fastening elements
Fig. 38
Boot: Lashing eyes and fasten-
ing elements
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 48.
The boot provides the following fastening elements
»
Fig. 38.
Lashing eyes for fastening items of luggage and fixing nets.
Fastening elements for fastening fixing nets. CAUTION
The maximum permissible load of the lashing eyes is 3.5 kN (350 kg). Note
The front fastening element B
is located behind the folding rear seat back-
rest » Fig. 38. Ð
ä A
B
49
Seats and Stowage

WARNING
■ The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater physi-
cal effort for braking is required when the engine is switched off – risk of acci-
dent!
■ Depress the clutch pedal when stopping or braking a vehicle with a petrol
engine and manual transmission in the low rev range. If you fail to do so, the
functionality of the brake booster can be impaired – risk of accident! ■ If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must be
ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced. Other-
wise, the functionality of the brake system could be impaired – risk of acci-
dent!
■ Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating, which can
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system – risk of accident!
■ Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for ex-
ample, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
might then move off – risk of accident!
■ 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 – risk of acci-
dent!
■ Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety offered by the brake assist systems
must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise – risk of an accident! CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 109.
■ Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not neces-
sary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking
distance and excessive wear. ■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufactur-
er to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly. Note
■ If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system con-
siders the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light
flashes automatically. After the speed was reduced below around 10
km/h or the
vehicle was stopped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light
system switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatical-
ly after accelerating or driving off again. ■ Before negotiating a steep downhill section, reduce the speed, shift down into
the next lower gear (manual gearbox) or select a lower drive position (automatic
gearbox). As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used, reducing the
load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be completed intermittently,
not continuously. ■ Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the functionality of the brake assist sys-
tems »

page 144 , Accessories, changes and replacement of parts .
■ If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, ASR and EDL also do not work. A
warning light  » page 20 comes on if a fault occurs in the ABS system. Ð Information for braking
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 70.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driving
style. The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in
towns and over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted. If
operated under severe conditions, the thickness of the brake pads must be
checked by a ŠKODA specialist garage before the next service appointment.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake pads
may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter. The
brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. If the brake system is not used much or if there is corrosion on the sur-
face, we recommend cleaning the brake discs by firmly applying the brakes from a
fairly high speed. £
ä
71
Starting-off and Driving

Safety
Passive Safety
General information
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Safety equipment 91
Before setting off 91
What influences the driving safety? 92
In this section you will find important information, tips and notes on the subject
of passive safety in your vehicle. We have combined everything here which you
should be familiar with, for example, regarding seat belts, airbags, child seats and
safety of children. It is therefore important, in particular, to comply with the notes
and warnings in this section for your own interest and in the interest of those
travelling with you. WARNING
■ This chapter contains important information on how to use the vehicle for
the driver and his occupants. You will find further information on safety, which
concerns you and those travelling with you, in the following chapters of this
Owner's Manual.
■ The complete on-board literature should always be in the vehicle. This ap-
plies in particular, if you rent out or sell the vehicle. ÐSafety equipment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 91.
ä The following list contains part of the safety equipment in your vehicle:
› three-point seat belts for all the seats;
› belt force limiters for the front seats;
› belt tensioners for front seats;
› seat belt height adjusters for front seats;
› Front airbag for the driver and the front seat passenger;
› side airbags;
› head airbags;
› anchoring points for child seat using the
ISOFIX system;
› anchoring points for child seat using the TOP TETHER system;
› head restraints adjustable for height 1)
;
› adjustable steering column.
The specified safety equipment works together, in order to optimally protect you
and those travelling with you in accident situations. The safety equipment does
not protect you or the people travelling with you, if you or your occupants adopt
an incorrect seated position or the equipment is not correctly adjusted or used. Ð Before setting off
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 91.
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.
› Check the tyre inflation pressure.
› Ensure that all of the windows offer good visibility to the outside.
› Secure all items of luggage
» page 48.
› Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedals.
› Adjust the mirrors, the front seat and head restraint to your body size.
› Advise your passengers to adjust the head restraints to their body size.
› Protect children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat
belts
» page 105 , Transporting children safely .
› Adopt the correct seated position
» page 92. Tell your passengers to assume
the correct seated position.
› Correctly fasten the seat belt. Also inform passengers to fasten the seat belt
correctly » page 95 . Ð
ä
1)
Not valid for sports seat.
91
Passive Safety

Driving Tips
Driving and the Environment
The first 1 500 km
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 maximum speed of the gear in use, i.e. 3/4 of
the maximum permissible engine speed.
› No full throttle.
› Avoid high engine speeds.
› Do not tow a trailer.
From 1 000 up to 1
500 kilometres
› Gradually
increase the power output of the engine up to the full speed of the
gear engaged, i.e. up to the maximum permissible engine speed.
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.
Never drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds even after the running-in period
is complete. The maximum permissible engine speed is marked by the start of the
red scale area of the revolutions counter. On vehicles fitted with a manual gear-
box, at the very latest shift up into the next gear when the red area 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 re-
sulting 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 an engine speed that is too low. Shift down a gear when the engine
is no longer running smoothly. Observe the recommended gear » page 11, Recom-
mended gear . CAUTION
All the speed and engine revolution figures apply only when the engine is at its
normal operating temperature. Never rev up a cold engine when the vehicle is
stationary or 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 and operating noise
levels and protects the environment. Ð 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. Ð New brake pads
New brake pads initially do not provide full braking efficiency. The brake pads
must initially be “run in

”. Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or so. Ð Catalytic converter
Proper operation of the emission control system (catalytic converter) is of major
significance for driving your vehicle in an environmentally conscious way.
The following guidelines must be observed: › Vehicles fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded
petrol » page 125, Unleaded petrol ;
› Do not pour too much oil into the engine
» page 129, Checking the engine oil
level;
› Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
If you drive your vehicle in a country in which unleaded petrol is not available, you
must have the catalytic converter replaced later when driving the vehicle into a
country in which use of a catalytic converter is mandatory. £
109
Driving and the Environment

WARNING
■ In view of the high temperatures which can be produced in the catalytic con-
verter, the vehicle should be parked in such a way that the catalytic converter
cannot come into contact with easily flammable materials under the vehicle –
risk of fire!
■ Never use additional underbody protection or anti-corrosion agents for ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converters or heat shields – risk of fire! CAUTION
■ Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! The irregular supply of fuel
can cause misfiring, which can result in considerable damage to parts of the en-
gine and exhaust system. ■ Just filling the tank with leaded petrol once will damage the exhaust system! ÐEconomical and environmentally friendly driving
Introductory information
Your fuel consumption, any pollution of the environmental and the wear-and-tear
to the engine, brakes and tyres, depend essentially on three factors:
› your personal style of driving;
› the conditions under which your vehicle is operated;
› technical aspects.
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 condi-
tions, on poor roads, etc.
Fuel consumption can vary considerably from the manufacturer's data, as a result
of outside temperatures, the weather and driving style.
The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the ve-
hicle have already been built into the vehicle at the works. ŠKODA places a partic-
ular 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. The optimal engine speed should be obtained when accelerating, in order to
avoid a high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle.
Ð Looking ahead when driving
A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs when accelerating, therefore unnec-
essary 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. Ð Shifting to save energy
Fig. 91
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km depending
on the selected gear
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 approx. 2

000 revolutions.
An effective way of achieving good fuel economy is to shift up early. Observe the
recommended gear » page 11, Recommended gear .
A suitably selected gear can have an effect on fuel consumption » Fig. 91.
Automatic gearbox › Slowly
apply the accelerator pedal. However, do not depress it to the kickdown
position.
› If the accelerator pedal is only depressed slowly on a vehicle fitted with an au-
tomatic gearbox, an economic driving programme is automatically selected.
£
110 Driving Tips

Avoid short distances
Fig. 93
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in l/100 km at different tem-
peratures
Short distances result in an above-average high fuel consumption. We therefore
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 consump-
tion drops to 10 litres/100 km after just 1 kilometre. The consumption stabilises
once the engine and catalytic converter have reached their operating tempera-
ture.
An important factor in this connection is also the ambient temperature. The im-
age » Fig. 93 shows the different levels of fuel consumption after driving a certain
distance at a temperature of +20 °C and a temperature of -10 °C. Your vehicle has
a higher fuel consumption in the winter than in the summer. ÐChecking tyre inflation pressures
Tyres which are correctly inflated save fuel.
Always ensure the tyre inflation pressure is correct. The rolling resistance will be
increased if the tyre filling pressure is too low. This will not only increase fuel con-
sumption but also tyre wear and the driving behaviour will worsen.
Always check the tyre inflation pressure when the tyres are cold. ÐAvoid unnecessary ballast
Transporting ballast costs fuel.
Each kilogramme of weight increases the fuel consumption. It is worth checking
the boot to avoid transporting any unnecessary ballast. It is particularly in town traffic, when one is accelerating quite often, that the ve-
hicle 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.
At a speed of 100 - 120 km/h, your vehicle that is fitted with a roof rack cross
member without a load will use use about 10 % more fuel than normal due to the
increased aerodynamic drag.
Ð Saving electricity
When the engine is running, the alternator generates and supplies electrical pow-
er. 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. Ð 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 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.
› 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. £
112 Driving Tips