oil SKODA ROOMSTER 2007 1.G Owner's Manual

Contents4
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Head airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting children safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What you should know about transporting children! Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Attaching a child seat using the “ISOFIX” system*Attaching child seat using the “Top Tether” system
Driving Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . . . . . . Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Antilock brake system (ABS)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Electrohydraulic power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . . . . . . Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving and the Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards . . Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Driving in an economical and environmentally conscious manner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To w i n g a t r a i l e r. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Care of the exterior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and Replenishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Windshield washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tyres. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changes and replacement of partsAccessories and replacement parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . Technical changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First-aid box* and Warning triangle* . . . . . . . . . . . Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tyre repair kit* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Spare wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tow-starting and towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and light bulbs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Praktik. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Praktik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lashing eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adjustable safety partition behind the front seatsFixing of the loading floor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Adjustment of the safety partition . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Emergency unlocking of the loading area door . .
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Used abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Performances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Identification details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fuel consumption according to the regulations (99/100/EU) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.2 l/51 kW - EU 4/EU 2DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.4 l/63 kW - EU 4/EU 2DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.6 l/77 kW - EU 4/EU 2DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.4 l/51 kW TDI PD - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.4 l/59 kW TDI PD - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.9 l/77 kW TDI PD - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
128 128 130132133135
137 137 140143144
145
145 145 148148149149150150152
153 153 154
154 157158159
160 160
163
163 163 163168
170 170 170171
173 173 176178181182186
187 187
193 193 193
195
195 195 195196196196197202203
207 207 211
219
219 219 219220220221
223
223 223 223223223223
224 225226228230232234236
239
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights19
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistancePraktikTechnical Data
There is at least one error message to be read when the term VEH. STATUS is flashing in the main menu. The display will show STATUS 1/2 (for example) if a number of error messages are displayed. This display indicates that the first of a total of two error messages should be displayed.
Actuate the rocker switch , to call up the individual error messages.
If a fault occurs, a warning signal will also sound in addition to the symbol and text in the display:
•Priority 1 - three warning signals,
•Priority 2 - one warning signal.
Red symbols
A red symbol signals danger.
Proceed as follows if a red symbol is displayed:
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
– Investigate the function indicated.
– Obtain professional assistance.
Meaning of the red symbols:
Three successive warning signals will sound if a red symbol appears.
If several operational faults of priority 1 exist, the symbols appear one after the other and are each illumi nated for about 5 seconds.
Yellow symbols
A yellow symbol si gnals a warning.
The meaning of the yellow symbols:
AA
Fig. 13 Information display: Oil pressure is low
Coolant level too low/coolant temperature too high⇒ page 24
Engine oil pressure too low ⇒page 25
Fuel level low⇒page 24
Check engine oil level, engine oil sensor faulty⇒page 25
Brake pad worn⇒page 25
Washer fluid level low⇒page 26
Fig. 14 Information display: Fuel level low
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights21
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistancePraktikTechnical Data
WARNING
•If you do not pay attention to the warning lights coming on and the corre- sponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result in severe body 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
Turn signal lights (to the left)⇒page 22
Turn signal lights (to the right)⇒page 22
Main beam⇒page 22
Low beam⇒page 22
Rear fog light⇒page 22
Dynamo⇒page 22
Fog lights*⇒page 22
Cornering lights*⇒page 22
Electrohydraulic power steering⇒page 23
EPC fault light (petrol engine)⇒page 23
Glow plug system (diesel engine)⇒page 23
Turn signal system for vehicles towing a trailer*⇒ page 23
Coolant temperature/coolant level⇒page 24
Electronic immobiliser⇒page 24
Fuel reserve⇒page 24
Engine oil⇒page 25
Brake pad wear*⇒page 25
Open door*⇒page 25
Fluid level in windshield washer system*⇒page 26
Control system for exhaust⇒page 26
Tra c t i o n c o n t r o l s y s t e m ( TC S ) *⇒page 26
Tyre pressure*⇒page 26
Selector lever lock* (automatic gearbox)⇒page 27
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*⇒page 27
Antilock brake system (ABS)*⇒page 27
Brake system⇒page 28
Airbag system⇒page 28
Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine)⇒page 29
Seat belt warning light*⇒page 29
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights22
compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. It is also essential to observe all warnings ⇒page 174.
Note
•Arrangement of the indicator lights depends on the model and model version. The symbols shown in the following function al description are to be found as indi- cator lights in the instrument cluster.
•Operational faults are shown in the inst rument cluster as red symbols (priority 1 - danger) or yellow symbols (priority 2 - warning).
Turn signal system 
Either the left  or right  indicator light flashes depending on the position of the turn signal lever.
The indicator light flashes at twice its normal rate if a turn signal light fails. This does not apply when towing a trailer.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of the turn signal lights as well as both indicator lights to flash.
Further information about the turn signal system ⇒page 47.
Main beam 
The indicator light  comes on when the main beam is selected or also when the headlight flasher is operated.
Further information about the main beam ⇒page 47.
Low beam 
The indicator light  comes on when low beam is selected ⇒page 44.
Rear fog light 
The warning light  comes on when the rear fog lights are operating ⇒page 46.
Alternator 
The warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on. It should go out after the engine has started.
If the warning light does not go out after the engine has started, or comes on when driving, drive to the nearest specialist garage. The vehicle battery will be discharged in this case so switch off all non-essential electrical components.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
ALTERNATOR WORKSHOP! (ALTERNATOR WORKSHOP!)
Caution
If the warning light  comes on when driving and in addition the warning light  (cooling system fault) also comes on in display, you must then stop the car imme- diately and switch the engine off - risk of engine damage!
Fog lights* 
The warning light  comes on when the fog lights are operating ⇒page 45.
Cornering lights* 
If the warning light  flashes for 1 minute while driving or after switching on the ignition and a warning signal sounds, a fault is confirmed.
Further information ⇒page 45.
WARNING (continued)
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights25
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistancePraktikTechnical Data
Engine oil 
The warning light  lights up red (low oil pressure)
The warning light comes on for a few seconds 2) when the ignition is switched on.
Stop the vehicle and switch the engine off if the warning light does not go off after the engine has started or flashes while driving. Check the oil level and top up with oil as necessary ⇒page 177.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the conditions prevailing to top up with oil. Keep the engine switched off and obtain professional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe engine damage.
Do not drive any further if the warning light flashes even if the oil is at the correct level. Do not run the engine not at idling speed either. Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP OIL PRESS. ENGINE OFF! OWNER'S MANUAL!
The warning light  lights up yellow* (oil quantity too low)
If the warning light lights up yellow, the quan tity of oil in the engine is probably too low. Check as soon as possible the oil level or top up ⇒page 177 with engine oil.
A peep sounds as an addi tional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
CHECK OIL LEVEL
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 seconds. If no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come on again after driving about 100 km.
The warning light  flashes yellow* (engine oil level sensor faulty)
A fault on the engine oil level sensor is in dicated additionally by an audible signal and the warning light coming on several ti mes after the ignition has been switched on.
In this case have the engine inspecte d without delay by a specialist garage.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
OIL SENSOR WORKSHOP!
WARNING
•If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe distance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning light system ⇒page 47.
•The red oil pressure light  is not an oil level indicator! One should therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably after every refu- eling stop.
•Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒page 174, “Working in the engine compartment” before checking the coolant fluid level and opening the bonnet.
Thickness of the brake pads* 
If the warning light  comes on, contact a specialist garage immediately and have the brake pads on all of the wheels inspected.
A peep sounds as an ad ditional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
CHECK BRAKE PAD
Open door* 
The warning light  comes on if one or several doors, the bonnet or boot lid is opened.2)The warning light  on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after switching the ignition on, but only if a fault exists or the engine oil level is too low.
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Starting-off and Driving91
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistancePraktikTechnical Data
•Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts otherwise there may be damage to the starter.
The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after starting the cold engine until oil pressure can be built up in the hydraulic valve clearance compensation. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
If the engine does not start ...
You can use the battery of anothe r vehicle as a jump-start aid ⇒page 202.
It is only possible to tow-start vehicl es fitted with a manual gearbox. The tow- starting distance must not be more than 50 metres ⇒page 205.
WARNING
•Never run the engine in non ventilated or enclosed areas. The exhaust gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon monoxide a poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause uncon- sciousness and death.
•Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
Caution
•The starter may only be operated (ignition key position ), if the engine is not running. If the starter is immediately oper ated after switching off the engine, the starter or the engine can be damaged.
•Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as the engine has not yet reached its normal oper ating temperature - risk of damaging the engine!
•Vehicles which are fitted wi th an exhaust gas catalytic converter should not be tow-started over a distance of more than 50 metres.
For the sake of the environment
Never warm up the engine when the vehicle is standing. Drive off right away. When driving the engine reaches its operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower.
Petrol engines
These engines are fitted with a starter system which selects the correct fuel/air mixture for every external air temperature.
•Do not operate accelerator before and when starting engine.
•Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start right awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the attempt.
•It is possible that the fuse on the electric al fuel pump is defect if the engine still does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary ⇒page 207.
•If the engine does not start, contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
It may be necessary, if the engine is very hot, to slightly depress the accelerator after the engine has started.
Diesel engines
Glow plug system
Diesel engines are equipped with a glow plug system, the preglow period being controlled automatically in line with the coolant temperature and outside temper- ature.
The preglow indicator light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
•You should start the engine immediately after the glow plug warning light  has gone out.
•The glow plug warning light will come on for about one second if the engine is at a normal operating temperature or if the outside temperature is above +5°C. This means that you can start the engine right away.
•Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start right awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the attempt.
•It is possible that the fuse on the diesel preglow system is defect if the engine still does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary ⇒page 207.
A3
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Communication114
Loading a CD
– Touch the button and guide the CD (compact disc) into the CD-
case . The CD is automatically loaded onto the next free position in
the CD-changer. The LED in the corresponding button stops
flashing.
Loading all CDs
– Hold the button pressed and guide all CDs one after the other into
the CD-case . The LEDs in the bu ttons are no longer flashing.
Loading a CD to one definite position
– Touch button . The LEDs in the buttons light up at the memory
spaces, which are already assigned and flash in the case of free
memory spaces.
– Touch the desired button and guide the CD into the CD-case .
Ejecting a CD
– Touch the button , in order to eject a CD. For assigned memory
spaces, now the LEDs light up in the buttons .
– Touch the corresponding button . The CD is ejected.
Ejecting all CDs
– Hold the button pressed for more than 2 seconds, in order to eject
the CDs. All CDs in the CD-cha nger are ejected consecutively.
Note
•Always guide the CD into the CD-cas e with the printed side pointing upwards.
•Never push the CD with force into the CD-case as the insertion is performed automatically.
•After loading a CD into the CD-changer, you must wait until the LED of the corresponding button lights up. Then th e CD-case is free to load the next CD.
•If you have selected a position, on which a CD is already located, this CD will be ejected. Take out the ejected CD and load the desired CD.
•The magazine can take up to six standard CDs (diameter 12 cm). Please do not use 8 cm “single CDs”!
•In order to avoid malfunctions of the chan ger, please never use a CD protective foil or stabilizer (obtainable on the market as CD-accessory).
•Described in this Owner's Manual are only the steps required for the operation of the CD-changer.
•You will find further information for this setting menu in the Radio Owner's Manual.
Tips for operating the CD-changer
Please pay attention to the following notes for operating the CD-changer.
•Only clean CDs without scratches and damages should be used, in order to guarantee a proper, high-quality CD-playback.
•Affix no labels to the CDs.
•Always store non-used CDs in the original folding box.
•Never expose CDs to direct sun rays.
•Use a soft, non-fluffy cloth to clean the CDs. Wipe the CD straight-lined from the middle to the outside. Strong dirt must be eliminated with usual CD-cleaner.
•Please never use liquids such as gasoline , paint thinner or disk cleaner, other- wise the surface of the CD could get damaged.
Precaution measures for laser equipment
Laser equipment is classified according to DIN IEC 76 (CO) 6/VDE 0837 in the safety categories 1 - 4.
The Škoda CD-changer correspond s to the safety category 1.
AC
AB
AD
AC
ABAD
ACAD
ADAB
AA
AD
AD
AA
AB
ADAB
NKO A05R 20 MR08.book Page 114 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 9:42 AM

Seat belts124
•No two persons (also not children) should ever use a single seat belt together.
•The maximum protection which seat belts can offer is only achieved if you are correctly seated ⇒page 119, “Correct seated position”.
•The belt webbing must not run across solid or fragile objects (e.g. spec- tacles, ball-point pens, keys etc.) as this may be a cause of injuries.
•Bulky, loose clothing (e.g. a winter coat over a jacket) does not allow you to be correctly seated and impairs proper operation of the seat belts.
•It is prohibited to use clamps or other objects to adjust seat belts (e.g. for shortening the belts for smaller persons).
•The lock tongue should only be insert ed into the lock which is the correct one for your seat. Wrong use of the safety belt will reduce its capacity to protect and the risk of injury increases.
•The backrests must not be tilted too far to the rear otherwise the seat- belts can lose their effectiveness.
•The belt webbing must always be ke pt clean. Soiled belt webbing may impair proper operation of the inertia reel ⇒page 169, “Seat belts”.
•The slot of the belt tongue must not be blocked by paper or similar objects otherwise the belt tongue will not lock in place properly.
•Inspect the seat belts regu larly to ensure they are in good condition. If you find seat belts which have damage to the seat belt webbing, seat belt connections, to the inertia reels or to the lock, the relevant safety belt must be replaced by a specialist garage.
•The seat belts must not be removed or changed in any way. Do not make an attempt to repair the seat belts yourself.
•Damaged seat belts which have been subjected to stress in an accident and were therefore stretched, must be replaced - this is best done by a specialist garage. The anchorage points of the belts must also be inspected. The anchorage points for the be lts should also be checked.
•In certain countries it is possible to use seat belts which differ in terms of their operation from the seat belts wh ich are described on the pages which follow.
How are seat belts correctly fastened?
Fastening three-point seat belts
Fasten your seat belt before starting!
– Correctly adjust the seat and the head restraint before fastening your
seat belt ⇒page 119, “Correct seated position”.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 121 Routing of webbing over the shoul-ders and the lap belt
Fig. 122 Routing of belt webbing for an expectant mother
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Intelligent Technology148
Brakes
What has a negative effect on braking efficiency?
Wear-and-tear
Wear-and-tear to the brake pads is greatly dependent on the operating conditions of the vehicle and your style of driving. Particularly if you drive a great deal in towns and over short distances or if you adopt a sporty style of driving, it may be neces- sary to have the thickness of the brake pads inspected at a specialist garage between the service inspections.
Wet roads or road salt
There may be a certain delay before the brakes take full effect under certain condi- tions such as when driving through water, during heavy rain showers or after the vehicle has been washed in an automatic vehicle wash, since the brake discs and brake pads may be moist or even have a coating of ice on them in winter. You should dry the brakes as soon as possib le (by applying and releasing the brakes several times, if the road conditions and the traffic situation allows it).
There also may be a certain delay before the full braking efficiency is available when driving on roads which have been treated wi th road salt if you have not used the brakes for some considerable time beforeha nd. The layer of salt on the brake discs and brake pads must first be rubb ed off when you apply the brakes.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on th e 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.
We recommend cleaning the brake discs by firmly applying the brakes at a fairly high speed if you do not make much use of the braking system or if surface corro- sion is present ⇒.
Faults in the brake surface
If you notice that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the brake pedal can be depressed further, it is possible that a brake circuit of the dual- circuit brake system has failed. Drive, in such cases, to the nearest specialist garage without delay in order to have the problem rectified. Drive at a reduced speed while on your way to the dealer and adapt your style of driving to the higher brake pedal pressure required.
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 28, “Brake system ”.
WARNING
•Only apply the brakes for the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake discs if the traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any other road users in jeopardy.
•When retrospectively mounting a front spoiler, solid wheel hubs etc. one must ensure that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced otherwise the braking sy stem could run too hot.
•Allow for the fact that new brake pads do not achieve their full braking efficiency until approximately 200 kilo metres. New brake pads must be first “run in” before they develop their optimal friction force. You can, however, compensate for this slightly reduced braking force by increasing the pres- sure on the brake pedal. This guidelin e also applies to any new brake pads installed at a future date.
Caution
•Never allow the brakes to ru b by applying slight pressure if you do not wish to brake the vehicle. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking distance and excessive wear.
•Before negotiating a steep downhill section, please reduce your speed and shift down into the next lower gear (manual ge arbox) or select a lower driving stage (automatic gearbox). This enables you to make full use of the braking power of the vehicle and reduces the strain on the brakes . Any additional braking should be done intermittently, not continuously.
Brake booster
The brake booster boosts the pressure which you generate with the brake pedal. The necessary pressure is only gene rated when the engine is running.
NKO A05R 20 MR08.book Page 148 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 9:42 AM

Driving and the Environment154
Catalytic converter
Proper operation of the emission control system (catalytic converter)
is of major significance for drivin g your vehicle in an environmen-
tally conscious way.
Please refer to the following guidelines:
– For vehicles with petrol engine only refuel with unleaded petrol
⇒ page 170, “Grades of petrol”.
– Never run the fuel tank completely empty.
– Do not switch off the ignition while you are driving the vehicle.
– Do not pour too much oil into the engine ⇒page 178, “Replenishing
engine oil”.
– Do not tow-start the vehicle over a distance of more than 50 metres
⇒ page 205, “Tow-starting a vehicle”.
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 cata lytic converter is mandatory.
WARNING
•In view of the high temperatures which may be produced in the catalytic converter, one should always park a vehicle in such a way that the catalytic converter cannot come into contact with easily flammable materials below the vehicle - a risk of fire!
•Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection agents for the exhaust pipes, catalyti c converters or heat shields. Such substances might ignite when driving - risk of fire!
Caution
•Vehicles fitted with catalytic converter should never be allowed to let the fuel tank to run completely empty. An irregular fuel supply can result in poor ignition or
misfiring. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and damage the catalytic converter.
•Filling the tank even only once with le aded petrol will result in the catalytic converter being destroyed.
•If you detect misfiring, a drop in perf ormance or irregular engine running when driving, reduce your speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected by the nearest specialist garage. The symptoms described may be caused by a fault in the ignition system. Unburnt fuel may get in to the exhaust system and damage the catalytic converter.
For the sake of the environment
Even if the exhaust system is operating properly, a sulphur-like exhaust odour may be produced under certain operating condit ions of the engine. This depends on the sulphur content of the fuel. It is often su fficient to refuel with unleaded premium- grade petrol of a different brand or at a different filling station.
Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner
General
Your personal style of driving is a major factor.
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.
You can easily improve your fuel economy by 10 - 15 percent by driving in an economical way with foresight. This section is intended to provide you with a number of tips on how to protect the en vironment and at the same time save money.
NKO A05R 20 MR08.book Page 154 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 9:42 AM