SKODA ROOMSTER 2013 1.G Owner's Manual

NoteThe fuel tank has a capacity of about 55 litres, containing a reserve of approx.
7 litres .
Unleaded petrol
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 157.
Your vehicle can only be operated with unleaded petrol complying with EN 2281)
.
All petrol engines can be operated using petrol with a maximum of 10% bioetha-
nol (E10) .
Specified fuel - unleaded petrol 95/91 or 92 or 93 RON Use unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 95 RON. Unleaded petrol with the oc-
tane ratings 91, 92 or 93 RON can also be used, but may result in a slight loss in
performance.
Prescribed fuel - unleaded petrol min. 95 RON
Use unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 95 RON or higher.
In an emergency, if unleaded petrol with an octane rating of 95 RON is not availa-
ble, you may refuel with petrol with an octane rating of 91, 92 or 93 RON »
.
Prescribed fuel - unleaded petrol 98/(95) RON
Use unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 98 RON or higher. Unleaded petrol
95 RON can also be used but results in a slight loss in performance.
In an emergency, if unleaded petrol with an octane rating of 98 RON or 95 RON is
not available, you may refuel with petrol with an octane rating of 91 or 92 or 93
RON »
.
Fuel additives
Unleaded petrol complying with EN 228 1)
meets all the conditions for a smooth-
running engine. We therefore recommend that no fuel additives are used. This
can result in considerable damage to parts of the engine or the exhaust system.
CAUTION■ Even filling the tank with leaded petrol that does not meet the standard once
can lead to serious damage to parts of the exhaust system.■
Do not start the engine or switch on the engine if you have refuelled in error
with a fuel other than unleaded fuel which complies to the standards referred to
above (e.g. leaded petrol). Engine parts could be significantly damaged. We rec-
ommend that you have the fuel system cleaned by a specialist garage.
CAUTION
■ If, in an emergency, the vehicle has to be refuelled with petrol of a lower octane
number than the one prescribed, the journey must only be continued at medium
engine speeds and a low engine load. Driving at high engine revs or a high engine
load can severely damage the engine! Refuel using petrol of the prescribed oc-
tane number as soon as possible.■
Engine parts can be damaged if petrol with a lower octane number than the one
prescribed is used.
■
Petrol of an octane rating lower than 91 RON must not be used, even in the
event of an emergency, otherwise the engine could be severely damaged.
CAUTION
■ In no case may fuel additives with metal components be used, especially not
with manganese and iron content. LRP(lead replacement petrol) fuels with metal-
lic constituents may not be used. There is a risk of causing considerable damage
to parts of the engine or exhaust system.■
Fuels with metallic constituents may not be used. There is a risk of causing con-
siderable damage to parts of the engine or exhaust system. 
1)
In Germany also DIN 51626-1 or E10 for unleaded petrol with octane rating 95 or 91 or DIN 51626-2 or
E5 for unleaded petrol with octane rating 95 or 98.
158General Maintenance

Note■Unleaded petrol that has a higher octane number than that required by the en-
gine can be used without limitations.■
The use of petrol with an octane rating higher than 95 RON in does not result in
either a noticeable increase in power nor lower fuel consumption in vehicles for
which unleaded petrol 95/91, 92 or 93 RON is specified.
■
On vehicles using prescribed unleaded petrol of min. 95 RON, the use of petrol
with a higher octane number than 95 RON can increase the power and reduce
fuel consumption.

Diesel fuel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 157.
Your vehicle can only be operated with diesel fuel that meets the EN 5901)
stand-
ard.
All diesel engines can be operated using diesel fuel with a maximum of 7% bio-
diesel (B7)2)
.
Operation in winter - Winter-grade diesel fuel
In the cold season, only use “winter-grade diesel fuel” which will still operate
properly even at a temperature of -20 °C.
It is often the case in countries with different climatic conditions that diesel fuelsavailable have a different temperature characteristic. ŠKODA Partners and filling
stations in the relevant country will be able to provide you with information re-
garding the diesel fuels available.
Diesel fuel additives
Additives, so-called “flow improvers ” (petrol and similar agents) should not be mixed with the diesel fuel. This can cause serious damage to engine or exhaust
system parts.
CAUTION■ Just filling the tank once with diesel fuel that does not comply with the stand-
ard, can cause severe damage to parts of the engine, the fuel and exhaust sys-
tem!■
If a different fuel other than diesel fuel, which complies to the above mentioned
standards (e.g. petrol) is used by mistake do not start the engine or switch on the
ignition! Extensive damage to engine parts can occur! We recommend that you
have the fuel system cleaned by a specialist garage.
■
Water which has collected in the fuel filter can cause engine faults.
CAUTION
■ Your vehicle cannot be operated with RME biofuel; you must therefore not fill
your vehicle or attempt to drive it with this fuel. The use of biofuel RME can cause
considerable damage to parts of the engine or fuel system.■
Additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and similar agents) should not be
mixed with the diesel fuel. This can cause serious damage to engine or exhaust system parts.

Engine compartment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
161
Engine compartment overview
162
Radiator fan
162
Windscreen washer system
162WARNINGInjuries or scolding or risks of accident or fire may occur when working in the
engine compartment. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the warn- ing instructions outlined below and with the general applicable safety rules.
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area! 1)
In Germany also DIN 51628, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in Russia GOST R 52368-2005 / EN 590:2004.
2)
In Germany complying with standard DIN 52638, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in France EN 590.
159Inspecting and replenishing

WARNINGThe following instructions must be followed before starting work in the en-
gine compartment:■
Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.
■
Firmly apply the handbrake.
■
If the vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever into
Neutral, or if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox, move the selec-
tor lever into position P.
■
Allow the engine to cool.
■
Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant escaping from the
engine compartment – risk of scalding! Wait until no more steam or coolant is escaping.
WARNINGThe following instructions must be followed when working in the engine com-
partment.■
Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
■
Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is still warm. The fan might
suddenly start running!
■
Do not touch any hot engine parts – risk of burns!
■
The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.
■
Avoid contact with the coolant.
■
Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the en-
gine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
■
When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot cool-
ant.
■
If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes with
clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
■
Always store the coolant additive securely in its original container, and in
particular out of the reach of children – risk of poisoning!
■
Consult a doctor immediately if coolant is swallowed.
■
Do not leave any items (e.g. cleaning cloths or tools) in the engine compart-
ment.
■
Never spill fluids on the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the antifreeze con-
tained in the coolant) may ignite!
WARNINGThe following warning instructions must be observed at all times when work-
ing in the engine compartment while the engine is running.■
Pay particular attention to rotating engine parts (e.g. V-ribbed belt, genera-
tor, radiator fan) and the high-voltage ignition system – risk to life!
■
Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
■
Avoid short circuits in the electrical system - particularly on the vehicle's
battery.
■
Always make sure that no jewellery, loose clothing or long hair can get
caught in rotating engine parts – risk to life! Always remove any jewellery, tie
back long hair and wear tight fitting clothing before completing any work.
WARNINGThe following warning instructions must be observed if work has to be carried
out on the fuel or electrical systems.■
Always disconnect the vehicle battery from the electrical system.
■
Do not smoke.
■
Never work near open flames.
■
Always have a functioning fire extinguisher nearby.
WARNING■ Read and observe the information and warning instructions on the fluid con-
tainers.■
Keep fluids in their original containers and keep securely out of the reach of
children!
■
If you intend to work underneath the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle
from rolling away and support it with suitable supporting blocks; the car jack
is not sufficient – risk of injury!
■
Never cover the engine with additional insulation material (e.g. with a cover)
– risk of fire!
■
The bonnet must always be properly closed when driving. Therefore, the
lock must always be checked after closing the bonnet in order to ensure that
it has engaged properly.
■
If you notice that the lock is not properly engaged while driving, stop the ve-
hicle immediately and close the bonnet – risk of accident! 
160General Maintenance

CAUTIONAlways top up using the correct specification of fluids. This may result in major
operating problems and also vehicle damage!
For the sake of the environment
In view of the requirements for the environmentally friendly disposal of fluids and the special tools and knowledge required for such work, we recommend that flu-
ids be changed by a specialist garage.
Note
■ Please consult a specialist garage for any questions relating to fluids.■Fluids with the correct specifications can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Ac-
cessories.

Opening and closing the bonnet
Fig. 126
Bonnet release lever/release lever
Fig. 127
Securing the bonnet
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 159.
Opening
›
Pull the release lever under the dash panel in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 126 .
Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers are
correctly in place against the windscreen otherwise the paintwork could be dam- aged.
›
Press the release lever in the direction of the arrow
2
» Fig. 126 and the bon-
net is unlocked.
›
Grab hold of the bonnet and lift.
›
Take the bonnet prop out of its bracket and secure the opened bonnet by in- serting the end of the prop in the opening
3
» Fig. 127 provided.
Closing
›
Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Press the bonnet prop into the bracket provided.
›
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 by the locking lever » Fig. 126
.
161Inspecting and replenishing

Engine compartment overviewFig. 128
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 159.
Coolant expansion reservoir
166
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
162
Engine oil filler opening
165
Engine oil dipstick
164
Brake fluid reservoir
167
Vehicle battery
168
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
123456Radiator fan
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 159.
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. 129
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 159.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and
contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen and rear window and for the head- light cleaning system.
The capacity of the container is about 3.5 litres and about 5.4 litres on vehicles
that have a headlight washing system 1)
.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and headlights. We recommend using clean water together with a screen cleaner from the range
of ŠKODA Original Accessories (with antifreeze in winter), which will remove any
stubborn dirt. 

1)
In some countries, 5.4 litres applies for both variants.
162General Maintenance

The washing water should always be mixed with antifreeze in winter even if thevehicle has heated windscreen washer nozzles.
Under exceptional circumstances, methylated spirits can also be used if no screen
cleaner with antifreeze is available. The concentration of methylated spirits must
not be more than 15 %. The freeze protection at this concentration is sufficient only to -5 °C.
CAUTION
■ Under no circumstances must radiator antifreeze or other additives be added to
the windscreen washer fluid.■
If the vehicle is fitted with a headlight cleaning system, only cleaning products
which do not attack the polycarbonate coating of the headlights must be added
to the windscreen washer fluid.
■
Do not remove the filter from the windscreen washer fluid reservoir when refill-
ing, as this may cause contamination of the liquid transportation system, leading
in turn to a windscreen washer system malfunction.

Engine oil
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Specifications and capacity
163
Checking the oil level
164
Replenishing
165
Changing
165
The engine has been factory-filled with a high-grade oil that can be use through-
out the year - except in extreme climate zones.
The engine oils are undergoing continuous further development. Thus the infor-
mation stated in this Owner's Manual is only correct at the time of publication.
ŠKODA Service Partners are informed about the latest changes by the manufac-
turer. We therefore recommend that the oil change be completed by a ŠKODA
Service Partner.
The specifications (VW standards) stated in the following can be indicated sepa-
rately or together with other specifications on the bottle.
The oil capacities include oil filter change. Check the oil level when filling; do not
over fill. The oil level must be between the markings » page 164.WARNING■
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. The following
warning instructions must be followed at all times when working in the en-
gine compartment » page 159.■
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible  to top
up the engine oil under the prevailing conditions! Switch off the engine and
seek assistance from a specialist garage.
■
 Do not drive on if the oil level is above range
A
» Fig. 130 on page 164.
Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
CAUTION
Do not pour any additives into the engine oil – risk of serious damage to the en-
gine parts!
Note
■ Before a long drive we recommend that you purchase and carry with you engine
oil which complies with the specification for your vehicle.■
We recommend that you use oils from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
■
If oil comes into contact with your skin, the affected area must be washed thor-
oughly.

Specifications and capacity
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 163.
Specifications and capacity (in l) for vehicles with flexible service intervals
Petrol enginesSpecificationCapacity1.2 litres/51 kWVW 503 00, VW 504 002.81.2 litres/63 kW TSIVW 504 003.91.2 litres/77 kW TSIVW 504 003.91.4 litres/63 kWVW 503 00, VW 504 003.2 163Inspecting and replenishing

Diesel enginesa)SpecificationCapacity1.2 litres/55 kW TDI CRVW 507 004.31.6 litres/66 kW TDI CR DPFVW 507 004.31.6 litres/77 kW TDI CR DPFVW 507 004.3a)
Engine oil VW 505 01 can optionally be used in diesel engines
without DPF
Specifications and capacity (in l) for vehicles with fixed service intervals
Petrol enginesSpecificationCapacity1.2 litres/51 kWVW 501 01, VW 502 002.81.2 litres/63 kW TSIVW 502 003.91.2 litres/77 kW TSIVW 502 003.91.4 litres/63 kWVW 501 01, VW 502 003.21.6 litres/77 kWVW 501 01, VW 502 003.6
If the oils specified above are not available, oils according to ACEA A2 or ACEA A3
can be used once for refilling.
Diesel engines a)SpecificationCapacity1.2 litres/55 kW TDI CRVW 507 004.31.6 litres/66 kW TDI CR DPFVW 507 004.31.6 litres/77 kW TDI CR DPFVW 507 004.3a)
Engine oil VW 505 01 can optionally be used in diesel engines
without DPF
If the oils specified above are not available, oils according to ACEA B3 or ACEA B4
can be used once for refilling.
CAUTION
Only the above-mentioned oils can be used on vehicles with flexible service inter- vals. We recommend always refilling with oil of the same specification since thiswill maintain the properties of the oil. In exceptional cases, a maximum of 0.5 l ofspecification VW 502 00 (only for petrol engines) or specification VW 505 01 (only
for diesel engines) engine oil can be used to refill once. Other engine oils must not be used - there is risk of engine damage.
Checking the oil levelFig. 130
Dipstick
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 163.
The dipstick indicates the engine oil level » Fig. 130.
Checking the oil level
Ensure that the vehicle is positioned on a level surface and the engine has reached its operating temperature.
›
Switch off the engine.
Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the sump.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Pull out the dipstick.
›
Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again to the stop.
›
Pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level.
Oil level within range
A
No oil must be refilled.
Oil level within range
B
Oil can be refilled. The oil level may lie in range
A
.
Oil level within range
C
The engine must be topped up with oil so that the oil level at least reaches range
B
.
The engine burns some oil. The oil consumption may be as much as 0.5 l/1 000 km depending on your style of driving and the conditions under which you operate
your vehicle. Consumption may be slightly higher than this during the first 5 000
kilometres. 
164General Maintenance

The oil level must be checked at regular intervals. We recommend it be checked
after each time you refuel or prior to making a long journey.
We recommend maintaining the oil level within the range A
, but not above , if
the engine has been operating at high loads, for example, during a lengthy motor-
way trip during the summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a high moun- tain pass.
The warning light in the instrument cluster will indicate whether the oil level is too low » page 21 ,   Engine oil . Check the oil level using the dipstick as soon
as possible. Add oil accordingly.
CAUTION
The oil level must on no account be above range A » Fig. 130 . Risk of damaging
the exhaust system!
Note
Engine oil specifications » page 163.
Replenishing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 163.
›
Check the oil level » page 164.
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening.
›
Replenish the oil in portions of 0.5 litres in accordance with the correct specifi-
cations » page 163 , Specifications and capacity .
›
Check the oil level » page 164.
›
Carefully screw on the oil filler opening cap and push the dipstick in fully.

Changing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 163.
The engine oil must be changed at specified service intervals » page 144 or ac-
cording to the service interval display » page 16, Service Interval Display .

Coolant
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Capacity
166
Checking the coolant level
166
Replenishing
167
The coolant consists of water with coolant additive. This mixture guarantees anti- freeze protection, protects the cooling/heater system against corrosion and pre-
vents lime formation.
Vehicles exported to countries with a mild climate are already factory-filled with
a coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to about -25 ℃. In these coun-
tries, the concentration of coolant additive should be at least 40%.
Vehicles exported to countries with a cold climate are already factory-filled with a
coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to about -35 °C. In these coun-
tries, the concentration of coolant additive should be at least 50%.
If a higher concentration of antifreeze is required for climatic reasons, the con-centration of coolant additive can be increased up to a maximum of 60% (anti-
freeze protection down to approx. -40 °C).
When refilling, only use the same antifreeze identified on the coolant expansion
vessel » Fig. 131 on page 166.
WARNING■
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. The following
warning instructions must be followed at all times when working in the en-
gine compartment » page 159.■
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible  to top
up the coolant under the prevailing conditions! Switch off the engine and seek
assistance from a specialist garage.
CAUTION
■ The concentration of coolant additive in the coolant must never be under 40%.■Over 60% of coolant additive in the coolant reduces the antifreeze protection
and cooling effect. 165Inspecting and replenishing

■A coolant additive that does not comply with the correct specifications can sig-
nificantly reduce the corrosion protection.■
Any faults resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and can conse-
quently result in major engine damage!
■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
» Fig. 131 on page 166.
■
If a fault causes the engine to overheat, we recommend visiting a specialist ga-
rage, as otherwise serious engine damage may occur.

Capacity
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 165.
Coolant capacity (in litres) 1)
Petrol enginesCapacity1.2 litres/51 kW5.51.2 litres/63 kW TSI7.71.2 litres/77 kW TSI7.71.4 litres/63 kW5.51.6 litres/77 kW5.5Diesel enginesCapacity1.2 ltr./55 kW TDI CR DPF6.61.6 litres/66 kW TDI CR DPF8.41.6 litres/77 kW TDI CR DPF8.4

Checking the coolant levelFig. 131
Engine compartment: Coolant
expansion reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 165.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet » page 161.
›
Check the level of coolant at the coolant expansion vessel » Fig. 131. The cool-
ant level when the engine is cold must lie between the
B
(MIN) and
A
(MAX)
markings. The level may also rise slightly above the
A
(MAX) marking when the
engine is warm.
If the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank is too low, this is indicated by
the warning light 
lighting up in the instrument cluster » page 22, 

Coolant .
We still recommend inspecting the coolant level directly at the reservoir from
time to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the system. Do
not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a specialist
garage.


1)
The coolant capacity is approximately 1 Litre greater on vehicles that are fitted with an auxiliary heat-
er (auxiliary heating and ventilation).
166General Maintenance

ReplenishingFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 165.
Only top up with new coolant.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Allow the engine to cool.
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion tank and carefully unscrew
the cap.
›
Replenish the coolant.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available in an emergency. In this case, use just water and have the correct mixing ratio of waterand coolant additive restored by a specialist garage as soon as possible.
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
(max.) » Fig. 131 on page 166. Excess
coolant heats up and then is forced out of the cooling system through the pres-
sure relief valve in the cap.

Brake fluid
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking the brake fluid level
167
Changing
168WARNING■ The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. The following
warning instructions must be followed at all times when working in the en-
gine compartment » page 159.■
 Do not continue your journey if the fluid level has fallen below the MIN
marking » Fig. 132 on page 167 - there is a risk of an accident. Seek help from
a specialist garage.
■
Do not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired – risk of accident!
CAUTIONBrake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
Note
The brake fluid is changed as part of a compulsory inspection service.
Checking the brake fluid level
Fig. 132
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 167.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir » Fig. 132.
The level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
A slight drop in the fluid level results in operation due to normal wear and tear and the automatic adjustment of the brake pads.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid lev-
el drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” marking.
If the brake fluid level is too low, this is indicated by the warning light 
lighting
up in the instrument cluster » page 20, 
Brake system .

167Inspecting and replenishing