window SKODA RAPID 2013 1.G Owner's Guide

Head airbagsFig. 122
Location of the head airbag/gas-filled head airbag
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 136.
In the event of a severe side collision, the head airbag system offers additional
protection for the head and neck area of passengers.
The head airbags are positioned above the doors on both sides of the vehicle in-terior » Fig. 122 - 
.
In the event of a side collision the head airbag is deployed together with the rele-
vant side airbag and the front seat belt tensioner on the side of the car on which
the accident occurs.
When deployed, the airbag covers the window area of the front and rear doors, as well as the area of the door pillar » Fig. 122 - 
.
Head impact with interior parts is reduced by the inflated head airbag. The reduc- tion in any impact to the head and the resultant minimizing of any movements of
the head additionally reduce the risk of injuries to the neck area.
WARNING■ There must not be any objects in the deployment area of the head airbags
which might prevent the airbags from inflating properly.■
Only hang light items of clothing on the hooks fitted in the vehicle. Never
leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets of the items of cloth-
ing. Additionally, clothes hangers must not be used to hang up items of cloth-
ing.
■
The installation of impermissible accessories in the vicinity of the head air-
bags can considerably impair the protection offered by the head airbag in the
event of it being deployed. When the deployed head airbag is inflated, parts of
the accessories fitted could be thrown into the interior of the car and injure
the occupants » page 149.
■
The sun visors must not be swivelled towards the side windows in the de-
ployment area of the head airbags if any objects, such as ball-point pens, etc.
are attached to them. This might result in injuries to the occupants if the head
airbag is deployed.
■
There must no other persons (e.g. children) or animals between the passen-
ger and the deployment area of the head airbag. In addition, none of the occu- pants should lean their head out of the window when driving, or extend their
arms and hands out of the window.
Note
In vehicles with head airbags, the word AIRBAG can be seen on the B column
cladding.
Deactivating airbags
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Deactivating airbags
140
Deactivating the front passenger airbag
140
139Airbag system

CAUTION■When washing the car by hand, protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged
metal parts (e.g. when cleaning the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings
or the wheel trims, etc.) - There is a risk of cuts!■
Only apply slight pressure when cleaning the vehicle's paintwork.

Automatic car wash systems
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 152.
The usual precautionary measures must be taken before washing the vehicle in
an automatic car wash system (e.g. closing the windows and the sliding/tilting
roof etc.).
If your vehicle is fitted with any particular attached parts, such as a spoiler, roof
rack system, two-way radio aerial etc., it is best to consult the operator of the car
wash system beforehand.
After an automatic wash with wax treatment, the lips of the wipers should be cleaned with cleaning agents specially designed for the purpose, and then de-
greased.
WARNINGFold in the exterior mirrors to prevent damage before washing the vehicle in
an automatic car wash system.

Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 152.
When washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, the instructions for use
of the equipment must be observed. This applies in particular to the pressure
used and to the spraying distance .
Maintain a sufficiently large distance to the parking aid sensors and soft materials
such as rubber hoses or insulation material.
WARNINGNever use circular spray nozzles or dirt cutters!
CAUTION
■ If washing the vehicle in the winter using a hose or high-pressure cleaner, en-
sure that the jet of water is not aimed directly at the locking cylinders or the
door/panel joints – risk of freezing!■
To avoid damaging the parking aid sensors while cleaning with high-pressure
cleaners or steam jets, the sensors must only be directly sprayed for short periods
while a minimum distance of 10 cm must be observed.
■
The temperature of the water used for cleaning must not exceed 60 °C – risk of
damaging the vehicle.
■
See also Washing cars with decorative films using a high-pressure clean-
er » page 155 .

Taking care of your vehicle exterior

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Taking care of your vehicle's paintwork
154
Plastic parts
154
Rubber seals
155
Chrome parts
155
Decorative films
155
Windows and exterior mirrors
155
Headlight lenses
156
Door lock cylinders
156
Cavity protection
156
Wheels
156
Underbody protection
157
Regular and proper care help to retain the efficiency and value of your vehicle. It
may also be one of the requirements for the acceptance of warranty claims relat- ing to corrosion damage and paint defects on the bodywork. 
153Vehicle care

We recommend using vehicle care products from ŠKODA Original Accessories.These are available from ŠKODA Partners. The usage instructions on the package
must be observed.WARNING■ Vehicle care products may be harmful to your health if not used according to
the instructions.■
Always store vehicle care products safely, in particular out of the reach of
children – risk of poisoning!
■
Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when cleaning
the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims – risk of cuts!
CAUTION
■ Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar cleaning prod-
ucts – risk of damaging the paintwork surface.■
Cleaner that contain solvents can damage the material being cleaned.
For the sake of the environment
Used vehicle care product cans represent hazardous waste that is harmful to the
environment. These must be disposed of in accordance with national legal regula- tions.
Note
Due to the special tools and knowledge required, and to avoid any potential prob-
lems with the cleaning and care of your vehicle's exterior, we recommend that
the cleaning and care of your vehicle be carried out by a ŠKODA Service Partner.
Taking care of your vehicle's paintwork
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 153.
Minor paint damage such as scratches, scuffs or stone chips should be treated im-
mediately if possible, using touch-up pens or sprays .
Preserving the vehicle paintwork
A thorough wax treatment provides the vehicle's paintwork with highly effective
protection against harmful environmental influences.
The vehicle must be treated with a high-quality hard wax polish at the latest,when no more drops form on the clean paintwork.
A new layer of a high-quality hard wax polish can be applied to the clean body- work after it has dried thoroughly.
Even if you use a wax preserver regularly we still recommend that you treat the paintwork of the vehicle at least twice a year with hard wax.
Polishing
Polishing is necessary if the vehicle's paintwork has become unattractive and if it
is no longer possible to achieve a gloss with wax preservatives.
If the polish does not contain any preserving elements, the paint must be treatedwith a preservative afterwards.
CAUTION
■ Never apply wax to the windows.■Mat painted or plastic parts must not be treated with polishing products or hard
waxes.■
Do not polish the paintwork in a dusty environment - risk of paint scratches.
■
Do not apply any paint care products to door seals or window guides.
■
If possible, do not apply any paint care products to parts of the bodywork that
come into contact with door seals or window guides.

Plastic parts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 153.
Clean plastic parts with a damp cloth.
If this method does not completely clean the plastic parts, use cleaning products
specially designed for this purpose.
CAUTION
Do not use paint care products on plastic parts.
154General Maintenance

Rubber sealsFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 153.
All door seals and window guides are factory-treated with a colourless matt var- nish layer to prevent the freezing of painted body parts and to protect against
driving noise.
Do not treat the door seals and window guides with any products whatsoever.
CAUTION
Applying additional treatments to the seals can corrode the protective coating,
and driving noise may occur.
Chrome parts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 153.
First clean the chrome parts with a damp cloth and then polish them with a soft,dry cloth.
If this method does not completely clean chrome parts, use a specific chrome care product.
CAUTION
Do not polish the chrome parts in a dusty environment - risk of surface scratches.
Decorative films
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 153.
Wash the films with a mild soap solution and clean, warm water. Never use harsh
cleaning products or chemical solvents, as this could damage the films.
The following instructions must be followed when washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner.
› The minimum distance between the nozzle and the vehicle body should be 50
cm.
› Keep jet perpendicular to the film surface.
› The maximum water temperature is 50 °C.
› The maximum water pressure is 80 bar.
CAUTION
In the winter months, do not use an ice scraper to remove ice and snow from the
areas with films. Do not use any other objects to remove frozen layers of snow or
ice – risk of film damage.
Windows and exterior mirrors
Fig. 130
Fuel filler flap: Ice scraper
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 153.
Use a plastic ice scraper for removing snow and ice from the windows and mir-rors.
The ice scraper can be found on the inside of the fuel filler flap.
›
Open the fuel filler flap.
›
Slide out the ice scraper in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 130.
Regularly clean windows from the inside with clean water. Dry the glass surfaces with a clean chamois leather or a cloth intended for this
purpose. 
155Vehicle care

When drying the windows after washing the vehicle, do not use window leathers
that have been used to polish the bodywork. Residues of preservatives in the
window leather can make the window dirty and reduce visibility.
CAUTION
■ The ice scraper should not be moved forward and backward but in one direction
to avoid any damage to the surface of the glass.■
Snow or ice that is contaminated with coarse dirt such as fine gravel, sand or
salt must not be removed from the windows and mirrors – there is a risk of dam-
age to the surface of the windows and mirrors.
■
Do not remove snow or ice from glass parts using warm or hot water – risk of
cracks forming in the glass.
■
When removing snow or ice from windows and mirror lenses ensure that the
paintwork of the vehicle is not to damage.
■
Do not clean the inside of the windows with sharp-edged objects or corrosive
and acidic cleaning agents – there is a risk of damaging the heating elements or
window aerial.

Headlight lenses
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 153.
Clean plastic front headlight lenses using clean, warm water and soap.
CAUTION
■ Never wipe headlights with a dry cloth.■Do not use any sharp objects to clean the plastic lenses, as this may damage
the protective paintwork and consequently cause cracks to form on the headlight
lenses.■
Do not use any harsh cleaning products or chemical solvents to clean the head-
lights, as this could damage the headlight lenses.

Door lock cylinders
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 153.
Specific products must be used for de-icing door lock cylinders.
CAUTIONWhen washing your vehicle, ensure as little water as possible gets into the lock-
ing cylinders.
Cavity protection
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 153.
All the cavities of your vehicle which are at risk from corrosion are protected for
life by a layer of protective wax applied in the factory.
This wax protection does not need to be inspected or re-applied. If any small amount of wax flow out of the cavities at high temperatures, thesemust be removed with a plastic scraper and the stains cleaned using a petroleum
cleaner.
WARNINGSafety regulations should be observed when using petroleum cleaner to re-
move wax – risk of fire!

Wheels
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 153.
Wheel rims
Also thoroughly wash the wheel rims when washing the vehicle on a regular ba-
sis.
Regularly remove salt and brake abrasion, otherwise the rim material will be cor-
roded.
Damage to the paint layer on the wheel rims must be touched up immediately.
Light alloy wheels
After washing thoroughly and treat the wheel rims with a protective product for
light alloy wheels. Products which cause abrasion must not be used to treat the
wheel rims. 
156General Maintenance

CAUTIONSevere layers of dirt on the wheels can also result in wheel imbalance. This may
show itself in the form of a wheel vibration which is transmitted to the steering
wheel which, in certain circumstances, can cause premature wear of the steering.
This means it is necessary to remove the dirt.
Underbody protection
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 153.
The underside of your vehicle is protected for life against chemical and mechani-cal influences.
It is not possible to guarantee that the protective coating will not suffer any
damage as the vehicle is driven.
We recommend having the protective coating underneath the vehicle and the
chassis checked — preferably before the beginning of winter and at the end of
winter.
WARNINGNever use additional underbody protection or anti-corrosion agents for ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converters, diesel particle filters or heat shields. When
the engine reaches its operating temperature, these substances may ignite -
risk of fire!

Taking care of the interior
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Natural leather
158
Artificial leather, cloths and Alcantara ®
158
Seat covers
159
Seat belts
159
Regular and proper care help to retain the efficiency and
value of your vehicle.
We recommend using vehicle care products from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
These are available from ŠKODA Partners. The usage instructions on the package must be observed.WARNING■ Vehicle care products may be harmful to your health if not used according to
the instructions.■
Always store vehicle care products safely, in particular out of the reach of
children – risk of poisoning!
CAUTION
■ Be sure to check clothing for colourfastness to avoid any damage or visible
stains on the material (leather), panels and textiles.■
Remove fresh stains such as those from ball-point pens, ink, lipstick, shoe pol-
ish, etc., from the material (leather), panels and textiles as quickly as possible.
■
Air fresheners and scents can be hazardous to heath when the temperature in-
side the vehicle is high.
■
Do not attach scents or air fresheners to the dash panel – there is a risk of dam-
age to the dash panel.
■
Do not stick any stickers on the inside of the rear windows, the rear side win-
dows and in the vicinity of the heating elements on the windscreen or near the
window aerial. These may get damaged.
■
Do not clean the roof panelling with a brush – risk of damage to the surface of
the panelling.
■
Cleaner that contain solvents can damage the material being cleaned.
■
Apply only a small amount of the cleaning and care product.
For the sake of the environment
Used vehicle care product cans represent hazardous waste that is harmful to the
environment. These must be disposed of in accordance with national legal regula- tions.
Note
Due to the special tools and knowledge required, and to avoid any potential prob-
lems with the cleaning and care of the interior of your vehicle, we recommend
that cleaning and care of the interior of your vehicle be carried out by a ŠKODA service partner.
157Vehicle care

›Take the bonnet support out of its holder 3
» Fig. 133 in the direction of the
arrow and secure the opened bonnet by inserting the end of the support into the opening 4
.
Closing
›
Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Insert the bonnet sup-
port into the designated holder
3
» Fig. 133 .
›
Let the bonnet drop into the lock carrier lock from a height of around 20 cm – do
not push it in .
WARNINGCheck that the bonnet is closed properly.
CAUTION
Never open the bonnet using the release lever » Fig. 132.
Engine compartment overview
Fig. 134
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 162.
Coolant expansion reservoir
169
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
165
Engine oil filler opening
168123Engine oil dipstick167Brake fluid reservoir170
Vehicle battery
171
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
Radiator fan
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 162.
The radiator fan is powered by an electric motor. Operation is controlled accord-
ing to the temperature of the coolant.
WARNINGAfter switching off the ignition, the fan may intermittently continue to oper-
ate for approx. 10 minutes.

Windscreen washer system
Fig. 135
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 162.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and
contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen or rear window and for the head-
lights. 
456165Inspecting and replenishing

WARNING“Quick-charging” the vehicle battery is dangerous and requires a special
charger and specialist knowledge.
CAUTION
On vehicles with the START/STOP system, the pole terminal of the charger must
not be connected directly to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery, but only
to the engine earth » page 191, Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP
system .
Note
We therefore recommend that vehicle batteries be rapid charged by a specialist
garage.
Replacing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 171.
When replacing a battery, the new vehicle battery must have the same capacity,
voltage, amperage and be the same size. Suitable vehicle battery types can be
purchased from a specialist garage.
We recommend having the battery replaced by a specialist garage, where the
new vehicle battery will be installed properly and the original battery will be dis-
posed of in accordance with national regulations.

Disconnecting and reconnecting
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 171.
On disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery, the following functions
are initially deactivated or are no longer able to operate fault-free:
OperationOperating measureEnter the radio/navigation system code num-
ber» User manual of the radio
or » user manual of the naviga-
tion systemSetting the clock» page 13Data in the multifunction display are deleted.» page 25
Note
We recommend having the vehicle checked by a specialist garage in order to en-
sure full functionality of all electrical systems.
Automatic load deactivation
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 171.
The vehicle voltage control unit automatically prevents the battery from discharg-
ing when the battery is put under high levels of strain. This manifests itself by the
following.
› The idling speed is raised to allow the generator to deliver more electricity to
the electrical system.
› Where necessary, large convenience consumers such as seat heaters and rear
window heaters have their power limited or are shut off completely in the event
of an emergency.
CAUTION
■ Despite such intervention by the vehicle electric system management, the vehi-
cle battery may be drained. For example, when the ignition is switched on a long
time with the engine turned off or the side or parking lights are turned on during longer parking.■
Consumers that are supplied via a 12-V power socket can cause the vehicle bat-
tery to discharge when the ignition is switched off.
Note
Driving comfort is not impaired by consumers being deactivated. The driver is of-
ten not aware of it having taken place.
174General Maintenance

Selector lever-emergency unlockingFig. 162
Selector lever-emergency un-
locking
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 194.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Carefully pull up the front left and right cover.
›
Pull up rear cover.
›
Press the yellow plastic part in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 162 using your
finger.
›
At the same time, press the locking button in the selector lever and move the selector lever to position N.
If the selector lever is moved again to position P, it is once again blocked.

Replacing windscreen wiper blades

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Replacing the front windscreen wiper blades
195
Replacing the rear window glass wiper blades
196WARNINGReplace the windscreen wiper blades once or twice a year for safety reasons.
These can be purchased from a ŠKODA Partner.

Replacing the front windscreen wiper bladesFig. 163
Windscreen wiper blade
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 195.
Before replacing the windscreen wiper blade, put the windscreen wiper arms into
the service position.
Service position for changing wiper blades
›
Closing the bonnet.
›
Switch the ignition off and on again.
›
Press the windscreen wiper lever into position
4
» Fig. 32 on page 49 and the
windscreen wiper arms will move into the service position.
Removing the wiper blade
›
Raise the windscreen wiper arm from the rear window and slightly tilt the wind-
screen wiper blade towards the wiper arm, arrow
1
» Fig. 163 .
›
Hold the windscreen wiper arm at the top end.
›
Press the locking button
A
and remove the wiper blade in the direction of ar-
row
2
.
Attaching the windscreen wiper blade
›
Push the windscreen wiper blade to the stop until it locks into place.
›
Check that the windscreen wiper blade is correctly attached.
›
Fold the windscreen wiper arm back to the windscreen.
›
Switch on the ignition and push the windscreen wiper lever into position
4
» Fig. 32 on page 49; the windscreen wiper arms move to the home position.

195Emergency equipment and self-help

Replacing the rear window glass wiper bladesFig. 164
Rear window wiper blade
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings on page 195.
Removing the wiper blade
›
Raise the windscreen wiper arm from the rear window and slightly tilt the wind-
screen wiper blade towards the wiper arm, arrow
1
» Fig. 164 .
›
Hold the windscreen wiper arm at the top end.
›
Press the locking button
A
and remove the wiper blade in the direction of ar-
row
2
.
Attaching the windscreen wiper blade
›
Push the windscreen wiper blade to the stop until it locks into place.
›
Check that the windscreen wiper blade is correctly attached.
›
Fold the windscreen wiper arm back to the windscreen.

196Do-it-yourself