towing SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK 2013 1.G User Guide

Safety eyelet
The safety eyelet B» Fig. 118 serves to attach the breakaway cable of the
trailer.
When attaching the breakaway cable to the safety eyelet, it must sag freely
against the vehicle in all trailer positions (sharp bends, in reverse etc.) sag .
Exterior mirrors
You can have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the
traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. The national legal
requirements must be observed.
Headlights
The front of the vehicle may lift up when a trailer is being towed and the head- lights may dazzle other road users.
Adjust the headlights using the headlight beam control » page 54.
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than 80 km/h when towing a trailer.
Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the
trailer is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by acceler-
ating.
Brakes
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply
the brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting
from the trailer wheels locking.
On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to also use the engine as
a brake.
Engine overheating
If the needle for the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand
area or the red area of the scale, the speed must be reduced immediately.
Stop and switch off the engine if the warning light lights up and/or starts to
blink in the instrument » page 32cluster. Wait a few minutes and check the
level of coolant » page 137.
The following guidelines must be observed » page 32.
The coolant temperature level can be reduced by switching on the heating.WARNING■ Never use the safety eyelet for towing!■Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic
situation.■
Improper or incorrectly connected electrical installations can energise the
trailer and cause functional faults to the vehicle's entire electrical system
as well as accidents and severe injuries.
■
Works on the electrical system must only be carried out by specialist ga-
rages.
■
Never directly connect the trailer's electrical system with the electrical
connections for the tail lights or other current sources.
■
After coupling the trailer and connecting the power socket, check that
the rear lights on the trailer are working correctly.
Note
■ If there is an error in the trailer lighting, check the fuses in the fuse box in
the dash panel » page 164.■
Contact between the breakaway cable and the safety eyelet can result in
mechanical wear on the surface protection of the eyelet. Such wear does not
impair the functioning of the safety eyelet and does not constitute a fault. It is
excluded from the warranty coverage.
■
If you tow a trailer frequently, you should also have your vehicle inspected
between service intervals.
■
The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be applied when coupling and un-
coupling the trailer.
Anti-theft alarm system
Read and observe
on page 116 first.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated when the electrical connec-tion to the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is coupled or un-
coupled » page 49 .
Conditions for including a trailer in the anti-theft alarm system. The vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and towing
device.
The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer
socket. 
117Hitch and trailer

SettingFig. 132
Button for setting the tyre infla-
tion pressure control value
Read and observe and on page 145 first.
›
Inflate all of the tyres to the specified inflation pressure » page 143.
›
Switch on the ignition.
›
Press the symbol button

» Fig. 132 for longer than 2 seconds.
If the warning light in the instrument cluster lights up and does not go out
after the system configuration, this indicates a system fault.
If there is a blinking light in the instrument cluster, then there is a system
fault.
Display
Read and observe
and on page 145 first.
The control light in the instrument cluster lights up when any of the follow-
ing conditions are met.
› The tyre inflation pressure is low.
› The structure of the tyre is damaged.
› The vehicle is loaded on one side.
› The wheels of one axle are loaded more heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or
when driving uphill or downhill).
› Snow chains are mounted.
› The spare wheel is mounted.
› One wheel per axle was changed.
WARNING■
When illuminated control lights light up in the instrument cluster lights,
immediately reduce speed and avoid violent steering and brake manoeu-
vres. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and inspect the tyres and their
inflation pressure.■
Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or un-
paved roads) the warning light 
in the instrument cluster may be delayed
or not light up at all.
Reserve and temporary spare wheel
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Change
147
Spare wheel
147
Fit a wheel in the appropriate dimensions and design as soon as possible.
WARNING■ If, in the event of a puncture, it is necessary to fit a spare wheel with a
tyre without a dedicated running direction or with the opposite direction of
rotation, drive carefully as the optimal characteristics of the tyre are no lon-
ger applicable in this situation.■
If the dimensions or design of the spare wheel differ from the tyres fitted
to the vehicle (e.g. winter tyres or low-profile tyres), it must only be used
briefly in the event of a puncture and if an appropriately cautious style of
driving is adopted.
146General Maintenance

fire extinguisherFig. 136
Fire extinguisher
The fire extinguisher is attached by two straps in a holder underneath the driv-
er's seat.
Removing/attaching
›
Loosen the two straps by pulling the buckles in the direction of the ar-
row » Fig. 136 .
›
Remove the fire extinguisher.
Follow these steps in the reverse order for attachment.
Please read carefully the instructions which are attached to the fire extin-
guisher.
The fire extinguisher must be checked by an authorised person once a year.
The national legal requirements must be observed.
WARNINGThe fire extinguisher must always be secured safely so that they do not
come loose when making an emergency braking or in a vehicle collision
which could cause injuries to occupants.
Note
■ The fire extinguisher must comply with national legal requirements.■Pay attention to the expiration date of the fire extinguisher. Proper function-
ing of the fire extinguisher is not assured once it has passed its expiry date.■
The fire extinguisher is part of the scope of delivery in certain countries only.
Vehicle tool kitFig. 137
Vehicle tool kit
The vehicle tool kit and the jack with sticker are housed in a plastic box in the
spare wheel or in the storage space for the spare wheel. There is also space
here for the removable ball rod for the trailer towing device. The box is attach-
ed with a strap on the spare wheel.
Depending on the equipment, not all the components listed in the on-board
tool kit have to be contained in it.
Possible components of the on-board tool kit » Fig. 137
Screwdriver
Spanner for removing and installing the tail light
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts
Towing eyelet
Clamps for removing the wheel trims
Car jack
Wheel wrench
Extraction pliers for wheel bolt caps
Replacement bulb set
Screw the car jack back into its initial position after use in order to store it back
in the box with the vehicle tool kit. 
123456789150Do-it-yourself

Jump-starting using the battery from another vehicleFig. 144
Jump-starting: A – flat battery, B
– battery providing current
Read and observe and on page 157 first.
The starting process using the battery of another vehicle requires the use of
jumper cables.
The jump-start cables must be attached in the following sequence.
›
Attach clamp
1
to the positive terminal of the discharged battery
A
» Fig. 144 .
›
Attach clamp
2
to the positive terminal of the battery supplying power
B
.
›
Attach clamp
3
to the negative terminal of the battery supplying power
B
.
›
Attach the clamp
4
to a solid metal component firmly connected to the en-
gine block or to the engine block itself.
Starting engine
›
Start the engine on the vehicle providing the power and allow it to idle.
›
Start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery.
›
If the engine does not start, halt the attempt to start the engine after 10 sec-
onds and wait for thirty seconds before repeating the process.
›
Disconnect the cables in exactly the reverse order to the one described
above.
Both batteries must have a rated voltage of 12 V. The capacity (Ah) of the bat-
tery supplying the power must not be significantly less than the capacity of
the discharged battery in your vehicle.
Jump-start cables
Only use jump-start cables which have an adequately large cross-section and
insulated terminal clamps. Observe the instructions of the jumper lead manu-
facturer.
Positive cable – colour coding in the majority of cases is red.
Negative cable – colour coding in the majority of cases is black.
Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP system
Fig. 145
Engine earth: START-STOP system
Read and observe
and on page 157 first.
On vehicles with the START-STOP system, the jump-start cable of the charger
must never be connected directly to the negative pole of the vehicle battery,
but only to the engine earth.
› 1.2 l./63 kW TSI and 1.2 l./77 kW TSI engines
» Fig. 145 -

› 1.4 l./90 kW engine
» Fig. 145 -

› 1.6 l./77 kW TDI CR engine
» Fig. 145 -

Towing the vehicle
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Front towing eye
159
Rear towing eye
160
Vehicles with a tow hitch
160
Vehicles with manual transmission may be towed in with a tow bar or a tow
rope or with the front or rear wheels raised.
Vehicles with automatic transmission may be towed in with a tow bar or a tow
rope or with the front wheels raised. If the vehicle is raised at the rear, the au-
tomatic gearbox will be damaged!
When towing, the following guidelines must be observed. 
158Do-it-yourself

Driver of the tow vehicle›Engage the clutch gently when starting off or depress the accelerator partic-
ularly gently if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.›
Only then, approach correctly when the rope is taut.
The maximum towing speed is 50 km/h.
Driver of the towed vehicle
›
Switch on the ignition so that the steering wheel is not locked and so that
the turn signal lights, horn, windscreen wipers and windscreen washer sys-
tem can be used.
›
Take the vehicle out of gear or move the selector lever into position N if the
vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
Please note that the brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the
engine is running. If the engine is not running, significantly more physical force
is required to depress the brake pedal and steer the vehicle.
If using a tow rope, ensure that it is always kept taught.
Towing another vehicle requires a certain amount of practice. Both drivers
should be familiar with the particular points about towing a vehicle. Unskilled
drivers should not attempt to tow another vehicle or to be towed in one.
The vehicle must be transported on a special breakdown vehicle or trailer if it
is not possible to tow the vehicle in the way described or if the towing dis-
tance is greater than 50 km.
Attach the tow rope or the tow bar to the towing eyes » page 159
or » page 160 to the detachable ball head of the towing equip-
ment » page 112 .
WARNING■
The tow rope must not be twisted as it may in certain circumstances re-
sult in the front towing eye becoming unscrewed from your vehicle.■
Do not use one-sided twisted tow rope, because the towing eye could
become unscrewed on the vehicle under certain circumstances.
■
When towing, respect the national legal provisions, especially those
which relate to the identification of the towing vehicle and the vehicle be- ing towed.
CAUTION■ Do not start the engine by towing – there is a risk of damaging the engine
and the catalytic converter! The battery from another vehicle can be used as a
jump-start aid » page 157, Jump-starting .■
If the gearbox no longer contains any oil because of a defect, your vehicle
must only be towed with the drive wheels raised clear of the ground or on a
special breakdown vehicle or trailer.
■
To protect both vehicles when tow-starting or towing, the tow rope should
be elastic. Thus only plastic fibre rope or a rope made out of a similarly elastic
material should be used.
■
There is always a risk of excessive stresses and damage resulting at the
points to which you attach the tow rope or tow bar when you attempt to tow a
vehicle which is not standing on a paved road.
Note
We recommend using a tow rope from ŠKODA Original Accessories, which is
available from a ŠKODA Partner.
Front towing eye
Fig. 146
Removing the cap/installing the towing eye
Read and observe
and on page 159 first.
Removing/installing the cap
›
Press on the cap in the area
A
» Fig. 146 .
›
Remove the cap in the direction of the arrow
1
.
›
After unscrewing the cap of the towing eye
B
, insert the cap in area
A
and
then press the opposite side of the cap.
The cap must engage firmly. 
159Emergency equipment and self-help

Removing/installing the towing eye›Manually screw the towing eye as far as it will go in the direction of the ar-
row 2
» Fig. 146 » .
For tightening purposes, we recommend, for example, using the wheel
wrench, towing eye from another vehicle or a similar object that can be pushed through the eye.
›
Unscrew the towing eye against the direction of the arrow
2
.
WARNINGThe towing eye must always be screwed in fully and firmly tightened, oth-
erwise the towing eye can tear when towing or tow-starting.
Rear towing eye
Fig. 147
Rear towing eye
Read and observe and on page 159 first.
The rear towing eye is located below the bumper on the right.
Remove the protective cap before using the towing eye. » Fig. 147. Replace the
protective cap after using the towing eye.
Vehicles with a tow hitch
Read and observe
and on page 159 first.
For vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the pre-installed detachable
tow-bar may be used » page 112, Hitch .
Towing the vehicle using the towing device is a viable alternative solution to using the towing eye.
CAUTIONThe detachable ball rod and/or the vehicle can be damaged if an unsuitable
tow bar is used.
Note
The detachable ball rod must always be in the vehicle so that it can be used for
towing, if necessary.
Remote control
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Replacing the battery in the remote control key
161
Synchronising the remote control
161
CAUTION
■ The replacement battery must have the same specification as the original
battery.■
We recommend having faulty rechargeable batteries replaced by a ŠKODA
service partner.
■
Pay attention to the correct polarity when changing the battery.
For the sake of the environment
Dispose of the used battery in accordance with national legal provisions.160Do-it-yourself

Technical data
Technical data
Vehicle data
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Vehicle characteristics
172
Operating weight and payload
172
Measurement of fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions according to ECE
Regulations and EU Directives
173
Dimensions
174
Angle
175
Vehicle-specific details per engine type
176
The details given in the vehicle's technical documentation always take prece-
dence over the details in the Owner's Manual.
The listed performance values were determined without performance-reduc- ing equipment, e.g. air conditioning system.
Vehicle characteristics
Fig. 169
Vehicle data sticker/type plate
Vehicle data sticker
The vehicle data sticker » Fig. 169 -
 is located on the base of the luggage
compartment and is also stuck into the service schedule.
The vehicle data sticker contains the following data.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Vehicle type
Gearbox code/paint number/interior equipment/engine output/engine
code
Partial vehicle description
Type plate
The type plate » Fig. 169 - 
is located at the bottom of the B-pillar on the
driver's side.
The type plate contains the following data. Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Maximum permissible gross weight
Maximum permissible towed weight (towing vehicle and trailer)
Maximum permissible front axle load
Maximum permissible rear axle load
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number - VIN (vehicle body number) is stamped into
the engine compartment on the right hand suspension strut dome. This num-
ber is also located on a sign on the lower left hand edge below the windscreen
(together with a VIN bar code), and on the type plate.
Engine number
The engine number (three-digit identifier and serial number) is stamped on the engine block.WARNINGDo not exceed the specified maximum permissible weights – risk of acci-
dent and damage!
Operating weight and payload
Operating weight
This value represents the minimum operating weight without additional
weight-increasing equipment such as air conditioning system, spare wheel, or
trailer hitch.
The specified operating weight is for orientation purposes only. 
123456789172Technical data

The operating weight also contains the weight of the driver (75 kg), the weight
of the operating fluids, the tool kit, and a fuel tank filled to 90 % capacity.
Operating weight of the vehicle » page 176, Vehicle-specific details per engine
type .
Payload
It is possible to calculate the approximate maximum payload from the differ-
ence between the permissible total weight and the operating weight.
The payload consists of the following weights.
› The weight of the passengers.
› The weight of all items of luggage and other loads.
› The weight of the roof, including the roof rack system.
› The weight of the equipment that is excluded from the operating weight.
› Trailer drawbar load when towing a trailer (max. 50 kg).
Note
If required, you can find out the precise weight of your vehicle at a specialist
garage.
Measurement of fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions according to
ECE Regulations and EU Directives
The data on fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions were not available at the
time of going to press.
The data on fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions are given on the ŠKODA
websites or in the sales and technical vehicle documentation.
The measurement of the intra-urban cycle begins with a cold start of the en-
gine. Afterwards urban driving is simulated.
In the extra-urban driving cycle, the vehicle is accelerated and decelerated in
all gears, corresponding to daily routine driving conditions. The driving speed
varies between 0 and 120 km/h.
The calculation of the combined fuel consumption considers a weighting of
about 37 % for the intra-urban cycle and 63 % for the extra-urban cycle.
Note■ The fuel consumption and emission levels given on the ŠKODA websites or in
the commercial and technical vehicle documentation have been established in
accordance with rules and under conditions that are set out by legal or techni-
cal rules for the determination of operational and technical data of motor vehi-
cles.■
Depending on the extent of the equipment, the driving style, traffic condi-
tions, weather influences and vehicle condition, consumption values can in
practice result in fuel economy figures in the use of the vehicle that differ from
the fuel consumption values listed on the ŠKODA websites or in the commer-
cial and technical vehicle documentation.
173Technical data

COMING HOME57
compartments68
Computer See multifunction display
39
convenience turn signal55
Coolant136
Checking137
Information messages32
Replenishing137
Temperature gauge27
Warning light32
Cooling system cost-effective use
88
malfunctions88
CORNER See Fog lights with CORNER function
56
Correct seated position7
Driver7
Front passenger8
Instructions9
Rear seats9
Counter for distance driven28
cruise control operation
108
operation description109
Cruise control system Warning light
36
Cruise Control System108
Cup holders70
D
DAY LIGHT See Daytime running lights
54
Daytime running lights54
Dazzle see sun screen of the panoramic roof
60
De-icing windows
125
Deactivating an airbag18
Decorative films124
Defrosting rear window59
Delayed locking of the boot lid see boot lid
51
Departure angle175
Diesel refer to Fuel
131
Diesel fuel Operation in winter
131
Diesel particle filter Information notices
34
Warning light34
Digital Clock Time
29
Dipstick135
Disconnecting and reconnecting vehicle battery
141
Display27
Compass points43
Coolant temperature27
Fuel supply28
Gear changes38
Service intervals43
Display a low temperature38
Display of the second speed29
Disposal Acceptance and recycling of used vehicles
121
Distance driven28
Door Child safety lock
48
Closing49
Emergency locking161
Opening49
Warning light for open door31
Door open Warning light
31
Double-sided floor covering79
Driving Driving through water105
Emissions173
Fuel consumption173
Maximum speed176
off made-up roads105
Driving economically Tips
104
Driving in Brake linings
104
the engine104
Tyres104
Driving off made-up roads105
Driving through water105
Driving with a trailer116
E
Economical driving and environmental friendli- ness
104
EDL107
Electrical power windows Button in the driver's door
51
Button in the rear door52
Buttons in the driver's door52
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)107
Electronic immobilizer97
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)106
Emergency Changing a wheel
151
Hazard warning light system57
jump-starting158
Jump-starting157
Locking the door without a locking cylinder161
Selector lever-unlocking162
Towing the vehicle158
Towing the vehicle using the tow hitch160
Tyre repair155
Unlocking the tailgate162
emergency equipment reflective vest
149
182Index

TCSOperation106
Technical data172
Telephone89
Tiptronic103
Tools150
TOP TETHER23
Towing158
Towing device Description
112
Use and care115
Towing eye Front
159
Rear160
Towing protection50
Traction Control System (TCS)106
Trailer116
13-pin power socket116
driving with a trailer116
Loading116
Safety eyelet116
Trailer operation112
Transport Luggage compartment
75
Roof rack system83
Transporting68
Transporting children safely20
Turn signal55
Turn signal system Warning light
36
two-way radio systems89
Tyre inflation pressure Warning light
35
Tyre load-bearing capacity Refer to Wheels
145
tyre pressure monitor display
146
setting146
Tyre repair Check pressure157
Preparations156
Sealing and inflating the tyre156
Tyres142
Inflation pressure143
new104
New144
Refer to Wheels144
Sizes143
Tyre wear indicator143
U
Under-body Vehicle care
126
Under-body protection126
Unlocking Individual settings
47
Key47
Remote control46
Unlocking and locking45
USB96
Used vehicles Acceptance and recycling
121
Useful equipment Ashtray
71
Car park ticket holder69
Cigarette lighter70
Clothes hook74
Cup holders70
Glasses compartment73
Multimedia holder72
Storage compartment68
Using the information system37
Using the selector lever102
V
Variable loading floor
80
Folding up82
Inserting81
Lower position81
Parking position82
Removing81
Upper position80
Vehicle battery Automatic load deactivation
141
charging140
Checking the battery electrolyte level140
Cover139
Operation in winter140
Replacing141
Safety instructions138
vehicle care chrome parts
124
Vehicle care Alcantara
128
Artificial leather128
Cavity protection125
Cleaning vehicle exterior123
Cleaning wheels126
Decorative films124
Door locking cylinder125
Headlight glasses125
Interior care126
Maintenance123
Materials128
Natural leather127
Plastic parts124
Polishing vehicle paint work123
Rubber seals124
Safety belt128
Seat covers128
Under-body protections126
washing122
Vehicle Condition see Auto Check Control
29
Vehicle data sticker172
Vehicle data sticker and nameplate Vehicle data sticker and nameplate
172
Vehicle dimensions174
Vehicle height174
187Index