brakes SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK 2013 1.G Owner's Manual

Table of Contents
Abbreviations
Safety
Passive Safety
6
General information
6
Correct and safe seated position
7
Seat belts
10
Using seat belts
10
Inertia reels and belt tensioners
13
Airbag system
14
Description of the airbag system
14
Airbag overview
15
Deactivating airbags
18
Transporting children safely
20
Child seat
20
Fastening systems
22
Using the system
Cockpit
25
Overview
24
Instruments and Indicator Lights
26
Instrument cluster
26
Indicator lights
30
Information system
37
Driver information system
37
Multifunction display (MFD)
39
MAXI DOT display
42
Service interval display
43
Unlocking and opening
45
Unlocking and locking
45
Anti-theft alarm system
49Luggage compartment lid50Electric power windows51
Lights and visibility
53
Lights
53
Interior lighting
58
Visibility
59
Windscreen wipers and washers
60
Rear mirror
62
Seats and head restraints
64
Seats and head restraints
64
Seat features
66
Transporting and practical equipment
68
Useful equipment
68
Luggage compartment
75
Variable loading floor in the luggage
compartment (Estate)
80
Roof rack system
83
Heating and air conditioning
84
Heating, ventilation, cooling
84
Communication and multimedia
89
Universal telephone installation GSM II
89
Voice control
93
Multimedia
94
Driving
Starting-off and Driving
97
Starting and turning off the engine
97
Brakes and parking
99
Manual gear changing and pedals
100
Automatic gearbox
101
Driving in an economical driving style
104
Driving through water and driving off made-
up roads
105Assist systems106Braking and stabilisation systems106
Parking aid
107
Cruise Control System
108
START-STOP
109
Hitch and trailer
112
Hitch
112
Trailer
116
General Maintenance
Care and maintenance
119
Service work, adjustments and technical alterations
119
Washing vehicle
122
Cleaning vehicle exterior
123
Interior care
126
Inspecting and replenishing
129
Fuel
129
Engine compartment
131
Engine oil
134
Coolant
136
Brake fluid
137
Vehicle battery
138
Wheels
142
Tyres and wheel rims
142
Tyre control display
145
Reserve and temporary spare wheel
146
Winter operation
147
Do-it-yourself
Emergency equipment and self-help
149
Emergency equipment
149
Changing a wheel
151
Tyre repair
155
Jump-starting
157
Towing the vehicle
1583Table of Contents

Brakes and parking
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
99
Handbrake
100
Parking
100WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switch-
ed off – risk of accident!■
The clutch pedal must be actuated when braking on a vehicle with man-
ual transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. Otherwise,
the functionality of the brake system may be impaired – risk of accident!
■
When leaving the vehicle, never leave persons who might, for example,
release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear unattended in the ve-
hicle. The vehicle could then start to move – risk of accident!
■
Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 104, New
brake pads .
CAUTION
Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not nec-
essary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer brak-
ing distance and excessive wear.
Information on braking
Read and observe
and on page 99 first.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driv-
ing 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.
Under these severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must also be
checked by a specialist garage between service intervals.
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. The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several
times »
.
Long or steep slopes
Before travelling a long distance with a steep gradient, reduce speed and shift
into the next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be
used, reducing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be com-
pleted intermittently, not continuously.
Emergency brake display
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 stop-
ped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system
switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically af- ter accelerating or driving off again.
Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that
the brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty.
Visit a specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropri-
ately, as you will not know the exact extent of the damage.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system.
The level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically » page 31,
 Brake sys-
tem .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running. 
99Starting-off and Driving

WARNINGOnly 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.
Handbrake
Fig. 99
Handbrake
Read and observe and on page 99 first.
The hand brake is used when stopping and parking for securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Release
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 99 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light 
lights up when the handbrake is applied, pro-
vided the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the
handbrake applied.
The following instruction is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Release parking brake!
The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more
than around 6 km/h for more than 3 seconds.
WARNINGPlease note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system – risk of acci-
dent!
Parking
Read and observe
and on page 99 first.
When stopping and parking, look for a place with a suitable surface » .
Only carry out the activities while parking in the specified order.
›
Bring the vehicle to a stop and depress the brake pedal.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
On vehicles with automatic transmission ,place the selector lever in the P
position.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with Manual transmission , select the 1st gear or reverse gear.
›
Release the brake pedal.
WARNINGThe parts of the exhaust system can become very hot. Therefore, never
stop the vehicle at places where the underside of your vehicle can come in-
to contact with flammable materials such as dry grass, undergrowth,
leaves, spilled fuel or such like. - Risk of fire and serious injury can occur!
Manual gear changing and pedals
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
101
Pedals
101100Driving

The selector lever is not locked when quickly moving across the position N
(e.g. from R to D). This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck,
e.g. in a bank of snow. The selector lever lock will engage if the lever is in posi-
tion N for more than approx. 2 seconds without the brake pedal being de-
pressed.
Releasing selector lever from mode P or N (selector lever lock)›
Press the brake pedal and the lock button at the same time in the direction
of the arrow » Fig. 102 on page 102 .
Just depress the brake pedal, if you would like to change from the mode N to
D .
Defective selector lever lock
If the selector lever lock is defective or its power supply is interrupted (e.g. dis-
charged vehicle battery, faulty fuse), the selector lever can no longer be moved
out of position P in the normal manner and the vehicle can no longer be driven.
The selector lever must be emergency released » page 162.
Note
If you want to move the selector lever from mode P to mode D or vice versa,
move the selector lever quickly. This prevents modes R or N from being acci-
dentally selected.
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
Fig. 103
Selector lever
Read and observe and on page 101 first.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears on the selector lever. This mode can be selected both while stopping and while driving.
The currently selected gear is indicated in the » Fig. 101 on page 102 display.
The gear shift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 38.
Switching to manual shifting›Push the gear selector from mode D towards the right, or left in a right-hand
drive vehicle.
Shifting up gears›
Push the selector lever
+
» Fig. 103 forwards.
Shifting down gears
›
Push the selector lever
-
» Fig. 103 backwards.
Note
■
It may be beneficial, for example, when travelling downhill, to use manual
shifting of gears. Shifting to a lower gear reduces the load on the brakes and
hence the wear on the brakes » page 99, Information on braking .■
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear
just before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.
■
If a lower gear is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no
risk of the engine over-revving.
Starting-off and driving
Read and observe
and on page 101 first.
Starting off
›
Start the engine.
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
›
Press the lock button in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 102 on page 102 and
keep pressing.
›
Move the selector lever into the desired position » page 102and then release
the lock button.
›
Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stopping (while the car is moving)
›
Depress the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Keep holding the brake pedal until driving is resumed.
The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping for a
short time, such as at a cross roads.
Kickdown
The kickdown function allows you to achieve the maximum acceleration of
your vehicle while driving.
When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the kickdown function is activa-
ted in any forward driving mode. 
103Starting-off and Driving

Assist systems
Braking and stabilisation systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
106
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
106
Traction Control System (TCS)
106
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
107
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
107
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
107
This chapter deals with the functions of the braking and stabilisation systems,
with the error indicator referred to in chapter » page 30, Indicator lights .
The braking and stabilisation systems are automatically activated each time
the ignition is switched on.
WARNING■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to
shut down. The brake assist systems would then fail to function – risk of
accident!■
The increased safety provided by the brake assist systems must not
tempt you to take safety risks – risk of accident!
■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Fig. 105
Buttons for the ESC system: Acti-
vating/deactivating TCS
Read and observe on page 106 first.
The ESC improves vehicle stability in dynamic driving situations, such as when the vehicle starts to skid.
The ESC monitors whether the desired direction of the current vehicle motion
is occurring. In case of any deviation (e.g. oversteer), the ESC automatically
brakes individual wheels to maintain the desired direction.
During an intervention in the system, the control light will blink in 
the instru-
ment cluster.
The ESC system cannot be deactivated. The AST can only be 
» Fig. 105 deacti-
vated with the symbol key » page 106.
The warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when the ASR is deactiva- ted .
The TCS should normally always be enabled. The system should be deactivated
only in the following situations, for example.
› When driving with snow chains.
› When driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface.
› When “rocking a car free” when it has become stuck.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Read and observe
on page 106 first.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking when braking. Thereby, it helps 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 brake periodically or reduce the pres-
sure on the brake pedal.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Read and observe
on page 106 first.
TCS prevents the spinning of the wheels of the driven axle. TCS reduces thedrive power transmitted to the wheels in the case of slipping wheels. Thereby,
for example, driving on road surfaces with low grip is made easier.
If your vehicle is fitted with the ESC system, the ASR is integrated into the ESC
system » page 106 . 

106Driving

NoteFor vehicles without stabilization control (ESC), during a TCS intervention the
control indicator blinks in the instrument cluster.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
Read and observe
on page 106 first.
EDL prevents the turning of the respective wheel of the driven axle. EDL
brakes the spinning wheel, if necessary, and transmits the driving force to the
other driving wheel. Driving becomes easier on road surfaces with different
traction under each wheel of the driven axle.
The EDL switches off automatically in order 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. Once the
brakes have cooled down, there is an automatic re-activation of EDL.
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
Read and observe
on page 106 first.
The HBA increases the braking effect and helps to reduce the braking dis-
tance.
The HBA is activated by the very quick operation of the brake pedal. In order to
achieve the shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be ap-
plied firmly until the vehicle has come to a standstill.
The HBA function is automatically deactivated when the brake pedal is re-
leased.
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
Read and observe
on page 106 first.
When driving on slopes, HHC allows you to move your foot from the brake ped-al to the accelerator pedal without having to use the handbrake.
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.
The HHC is active from a 5% slope if the driver's door is closed. HHC is always
only active on slopes when in forward or reverse start off.
Parking aid
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Function
108
Activation/deactivation
108
The parking aid (hereinafter referred to only as a system) draws attention via
acoustic signals and an indication in the radio or navigation display when ma-
noeuvring around obstacles in the vicinity of the vehicle.
The system uses ultrasound waves to calculate the distance between the
bumper and an obstacle. The ultrasonic sensors are integrated in the rear
bumper.
WARNING■ The system only serves as an assistance and does not relieve the driver
of the responsibility for the vehicle operation.■
Moving persons or objects may not be recognised by the system sensors.
■
Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the system signals. For this reason, such people or
objects may not be recognised by the system sensors.
■
External noise sources may affect the signals of the system sensors. Un-
der adverse conditions, this may cause objects or people to be not recog-
nised by the system.
■
Before reversing, you should make sure that there are no small obstacles,
such as rocks, thin posts, trailer draw-bars etc. behind your vehicle. Such
obstacles may not be recognised by the system sensors.
CAUTION
■ Keep the system sensors clean, snow-and ice-free and do not cover with any
objects of any kind, otherwise the system functioning may be impaired.■
The system function may be limited under adverse weather conditions
(heavy rain, water vapour, very low or high temperatures etc.).
■
Additionally installed accessories such as e.g. bicycle carriers can impair the
function of the parking aid.
107Assist systems

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

NoteThe accessories authorised by the company ŠKODA AUTO a.s. will be offered
by the ŠKODA Partners in all countries where the company ŠKODA AUTO a.s.
has a sales and after-sales service network. This will usually be in the form of a
printed catalogue of ŠKODA Genuine Accessories, in the form of separate prin-
ted brochures or in the form of ŠKODA Genuine Accessories on the ŠKODA
Partner websites.
Spoiler
Read and observe
on page 119 first.
If your new vehicle is fitted with a spoiler on the front bumper in combination
with the spoiler on the luggage compartment lid, then the following instruc-
tions must be adhered to.
› For safety reasons, the vehicle must only be fitted with a spoiler on the front
bumper in combination with the associated spoiler on the luggage compart-
ment lid.
› This kind of spoiler cannot be left on the front bumper either on its own, in
combination with another spoiler not on the luggage compartment lid or in
combination with an unsuitable spoiler on the luggage compartment lid.
› We recommend that you consult the ŠKODA Service Partner for any repairs
to or replacement, addition or removal of spoilers.
WARNING■ If work on your vehicle's spoilers is not carried out properly, this can lead
to operational faults - risk of accident and serious injuries!■
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.
The front brakes may overheat, which can have a negative impact on the
functioning of the braking system – risk of accident!
Airbags
Read and observe
on page 119 first.
The system components of the airbag system can be situated in the front
bumper, doors, front seats, roof lining or body.
WARNINGAny work on the airbag system, including the installation and removal of
system components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering
wheel), must only be carried out by a specialist garage.■
Modifications, repairs and technical alterations that have been carried out
unprofessionally can cause damage and operational faults, and can also se-
riously impair the effectiveness of the airbag system – risk of accident and
fatal injury!
■
The airbag system must then be replaced if the airbag has been deployed.
Airbag modules cannot be repaired.
WARNINGInformation on the use of the airbag system■It is prohibited to manipulate individual parts of the airbag system, as this
might result in the airbag being deployed.■
Never install any airbag parts into the vehicle that have been removed
from old cars or have been recycled.
■
Never install damaged airbag parts in the vehicle. The airbags may then
not be deployed properly or even at all in the event of an accident.
■
No modifications of any kind may be made to parts of the airbag system.
WARNING■ A change to the vehicle's wheel suspension, including the use of non-ap-
proved wheels and tyre combinations, can alter the functioning of the air-
bag system - risk of accident and fatal injury!■
Never make any changes to the front bumper or the bodywork.
Acceptance and recycling of used vehicles
Read and observe
on page 119 first.
ŠKODA meets the requirements of the brand and its products with regard to
protecting the environment and the preserving resources. All new ŠKODAvehi-
cles can be recycled by up to 95 % and can always 1)
be returned free of charge. 
1)
Subject to fulfilment of the national legal requirements.
121Care and maintenance

Brake fluid137
Checking138
Information messages31
brake pedal (automatic gearbox) indicator light
36
brakes Driving in
104
Brakes Brake booster
99
Brake fluid138
Braking and stabilisation systems106
Handbrake100
Information messages31
Brakes and parking99
Braking Information on braking
99
Breakdown kit155
bulb rear lamp
170
Bulbs Replacing
166
Buttons in the driver's door Electric power windows
51
C
Car computer See multifunction display
39
Care and maintenance119
Car park ticket holder69
Carrier83
Cavity protection125
Central locking45
Central locking button48
Change Engine oil
134
Changing Front turn signal bulb
168
Wheels151
Changing a wheel Follow-up work153
Preliminary work151
Removing and attaching a wheel152
Charging a vehicle battery140
Check Fit ball head properly
114
Checking Battery electrolyte level
140
Brake fluid138
Coolant137
Engine oil135
Oil level135
Windscreen washer fluid134
Checks Statutory checks
119
Children and safety20
Child safety Side airbag
21
Child safety lock48
Child seat Classification
22
ISOFIX22
on the front passenger seat20
TOP TETHER23
Use of child seats22
Use of ISOFIX child seats23
Chrome parts see vehicle care
124
Cigarette lighter70
cleaning chrome parts
124
Cleaning Alcantara
128
and maintaining belts128
artificial leather128
headlight glasses125
materials128
natural leather127
plastic parts124
seats covers of the electrically heated seats128
wheels126
Cleaning safety belt
128
Cleaning seat covers
128
Cleaning the interior artificial leather
128
Seat covers128
Cleaning the outside of the vehicle Decorative films
124
Cleaning the vehicle exterior Cavity protection
125
Door locking cylinder125
Headlight glasses125
Under-body protection126
wheels126
Windows and external mirrors125
Cleaning vehicle122
Cleaning vehicle exterior123
Plastic parts124
Rubber seals124
Vehicle paint work123
Wiper blades126
Clean interior Safety belt
128
clean outside of vehicle chrome parts
124
Climatronic air distribution control
85
Operating elements87
Clothes hook74
Cockpit 12-Volt power outlet
71
Ashtray71
Cigarette lighter70
General view25
Lights58
storage compartments68
useful equipment68
181Index