tow bar SKODA ROOMSTER 2013 1.G Owner's Manual

Install bicycle carrierFig. 54
Install bicycle carrier
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings on page 63.
›
Position the approved bicycle carrier on the cross member.
›
Remove bolt
A
» Fig. 54 a little and push the frame side rail (aluminium part)
towards the cross member until the socket latches.
›
Insert the screw
A
into the nut.
›
Undo the screw
B
on the movable part of the bicycle carrier and unscrew.
›
Place the movable part of the fixture, depending on the size of the vehicle, in
one of the possible positions so that the bicycle does not touch the boot lid. We
recommend to place the moveable part of the fixture in such a position that 7 holes are visible between the screw
A
and the moveable part.
›
Insert the screw
B
into the desired position and tighten.

Put bicycle into the bicycle carrier
Fig. 55
Put in the bicycle/example fastening the front wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 63.›
Remove the front wheel of the bicycle before installing it.
›
Slacken the quick tension jack on the fixing axle of the bicycle carrier and adjust
according to the width of the bicycle fork.
›
Place the bicycle fork on the fixing axle and tighten with the quick release lev- er » Fig. 55 -  .
›
Position the left pedal of the bicycle forward, in order to attach the front wheel
more easily.
›
Undo the bolt
A
» Fig. 54 on page 64 and push the bicycle carrier to the left
together with the mounted bicycle to prevent a collision between the handle-
bars and the side window of the luggage compartment.
›
Carefully guide the boot lid downwards without letting go of it. Check whether there is sufficient room between the steering bars and the rear window. If nec-essary, adjust the position of the movable part of the bicycle carrier to prevent a
collision » page 64 .
›
It is best to store the removed front wheel between the left crank and the bicy-
cle frame, attach it with a strap to the front fork » Fig. 55 - 
or to one of the
fixing points.
›
The second carrier is installed and the bicycle is secured in a similar way.

Secure the stability of the bicycles with a belt
Fig. 56
Securing bicycles
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 63.
›
To slacken the rubber part of the clamp, push both parts against each other and
open the clamp. 

64Operation

Storage compartment on the driver's sideFig. 64
Dash panel: Storage compart-
ment on the driver's side
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 68.
The open stowage compartment below the light switch » Fig. 64.

storage pockets on the front seats
Fig. 65
Front seat rests: Map pockets
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 68.
Map pockets are located on the rear of the seat backrests » Fig. 65.
The map pockets are intended for storage of maps, magazines, etc.
WARNINGNever put heavy items in the map pockets – risk of injury.CAUTIONDo not put any large items such as bottles or sharp objects into the map pockets,
as the pockets and the seat covers could be damaged.
sunglasses compartment
Fig. 66
Detail of the headliner: Glasses
storage box
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 68.
›
Press on the bar in the cover of the glasses storage. The compartment folds down » Fig. 66 .
WARNINGThe compartment must only be opened when removing or inserting the spec-
tacles and otherwise must be kept closed.
CAUTION
■ Do not put any heat-sensitive objects in the glasses storage box - they may be
damaged.■
The maximum permissible load of the glasses compartment is 250 g.

70Operation

Parking aid
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Function
112
Activation/deactivation
113WARNING■ The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper attention and
it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when reversing the vehicle
or carrying out similar manoeuvres. Pay particular attention to small children
and animals as they are not recognised by the parking aid sensors.■
Before reversing, you should make sure that there are no small obstacles,
such as rocks, thin posts, trailer drawbars etc. behind your vehicle. Such ob-
stacles may not be recognised by the parking aid sensors.
■
Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of cloth-
ing cannot reflect the system signals. Thus, these objects or people who wear
such clothing are not recognised by the System sensors.
■
External sound sources can have a detrimental effect on the system. Under
adverse conditions, this may cause objects or people to not be recognised by the system.
CAUTION
■ If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seconds after activating the system and
there is no obstacle close to your car, this indicates a system fault. Have the fault
rectified by a specialist garage.■
The sensors must be kept clean (free of ice, etc.) to enable the parking aid to
operate properly.
■
Under adverse weather conditions (heavy rain, water vapour, very low or high
temperatures etc.) system function may be limited.
■
Additionally installed modules such as bicycle carriers can impair the function of
the parking aid.

FunctionFig. 100
Parking aid: Range of sensors
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 112.
The parking aid (referred to below solely as system) only works when the ignition
is switched on.
The system supports the driver via audible signals, via the display on the radio or
via the factory-installed navigation system when parking and manoeuvring » Ra-
dio user guide, Navigation system user guide.
The system uses ultrasound waves to calculate the distance between the bumper
and an obstacle. The ultrasonic sensors are integrated in the rear bumper.
Range of sensors
The clearance warning begins at a distance of about 160 cm from the obstacle
(area
A
» Fig. 100 ). The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter as
the clearance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm (area
B
) - danger
area. You should not reverse any further after this signal sounds!
On vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the border of the danger area starts (continuous tone) 5 cm further away from the vehicle. The length of the ve-
hicle can be increased with an installed detachable towing device.

112Driving

Towing a trailer
Towing device
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Description
117
Adjusting the ready position
118
Fitting the ball head
118
Check proper fitting
119
Removing the ball head
119
Use and care
120
If your vehicle has already been factory-fitted with towing equipment or is fitted
with towing equipment from ŠKODA Original Accessories, then it meets all of the technical requirements and national legal provisions for towing a trailer.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection be-tween the vehicle and trailer. If the trailer that is to be towed has a 7-pin connec-
tor , you can use a suitable adapter from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
The maximum trailer drawbar load is 50 kg/h.
WARNING■
Check that the ball head is seated correctly and is secured in the mounting
recess before starting any journey.■
Do not use the ball head if it is not correctly inserted in the mounting recess.
■
Do not use the towing equipment if it is damaged or incomplete.
■
Do not modify or adapt the towing equipment in any way.
■
Never release the ball head while the trailer is still coupled.
CAUTION
Take care with the ball head to avoid damaging the paintwork on the bumper.
DescriptionFig. 103
Remove cover cap: on the rear bumper/for the mounting recess
Fig. 104
Ball head
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 117.
The ball head can be removed and is kept in the spare wheel well or in a compart- ment for the spare wheel in the luggage compartment » page 180, Vehicle tool
kit .
Image description » Fig. 103 and » Fig. 104
Clamps for removing the wheel trims
Cover in the rear bumper
13-pin power socket
Cover for the mounting recess
Dust cap
Ball head
Operating lever 
1234567117Towing a trailer

Lock cap
Release pin
Key
Locking ball
Note
■ The tool for removing the wheel trim is part of the vehicle tool kit » page 180 .■If you lose the key, please get in touch with a specialist garage.

Adjusting the ready position
Fig. 105
Setting the ready position/ready position
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 117.
Always adjust the ball head to the correct position before fitting.
›
Turn the key so that its red mark
1
» Fig. 105 is visible.
›
Grip the ball head below the protective cap
2
.
›
Press the release pin
3
as far as the stop in the direction of the arrow - at the
same time push the lever
4
downwards as far as it will go in the direction of
the arrow.
The lever remains locked in this position.
CAUTION
In the ready position, the key cannot be removed nor turned to a different posi-
tion.891011
Fitting the ball headFig. 106
Insert the ball head/lock the lock, and put the lock cover on
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 117.
›
Remove the cover in the rear bumper
2
» Fig. 103 on page 117 in the direction
of the arrow using the tool for removing the wheel trims.
›
Pull off the cover for the mounting recess
4
» Fig. 103 on page 117 in the direc-
tion of the arrow » .
›
Adjust the ball head to the ready position » page 118.
›
Grip the tow bar from underneath » Fig. 106 and insert into the mounting re-
cess until you hear it click into place » .
Lever
1
» Fig. 106 automatically turns upwards and the release pin
2
pops out
(its red and green parts are visible) » .
If the lever
1
does not turn automatically, or if the release pin
2
does not pop
out, remove the ball head from the mounting recess by turning the lever down-
wards as far as it can go. Clean the tapered surfaces on the ball head and the
mounting recess.
›
Lock the lock on the operating lever by turning the key by 180° to the right (see
green marking
3
is visible) and remove the key in the direction of the arrow.
›
Push cap
4
» Fig. 106 onto the lock in the direction of the arrow » .
›
Check the ball head for secure mounting » page 119. 
118Driving

WARNING■Carefully remove the cap for the mounting recess - there is a risk of hand
injury.■
Keep your hands outside the lever's range of motion when attaching the ball
head – there is a risk of finger injury.
■
Never attempt to pull the operating lever upwards forcibly to turn the key.
Doing so would mean the ball head is not attached correctly.
CAUTION
■ After removing the key, always replace the cap on the lock of the operating lev-
er – there is a risk of dirt getting into the lock.■
Keep the mounting recess of the towing equipment clean at all times. Such dirt
prevents the ball head from being attached securely.
■
After removing the ball head, always place the cap on the mounting recess.
■
Remove the cover from the rear bumper with care - there is a risk of paint dam-
age to the bumper and the cap.
Note
Store cover 2 and cover 4 » Fig. 103 on page 117 in a suitable place in the lug-
gage compartment after removing them.
Check proper fitting
Fig. 107
Check that the ball head is fitted
properly
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 117.
Check that the ball head is fitted properly each time before use.
Check the following points.
Lever 1
is up as far as it goes » Fig. 107.
The release pin
2
is completely exposed (both its red and green parts are
visible).
The key is removed.
The cap
3
is on the lock of the operating lever.
The ball head does not come out of the mounting recess even after heavy
“shaking”.
WARNINGDo not use the towing equipment unless the ball head was properly locked.

Removing the ball head
Fig. 108
Unlock the operating lever of the ball head/removing the ball head
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 117.
›
Remove the cap
1
» Fig. 108 from the lock on the tow bar in the direction of
the arrow.
›
Unlock the lock on the operating lever by turning the key 180° to the left so that
the red marking
2
becomes visible.
›
Grasp the ball head from underneath.
›
Press the release pin
3
as far as the stop in the direction of the arrow - at the
same time push the lever
4
downwards as far as it will go in the direction of
the arrow. 
119Towing a trailer

The ball head is released in this position and falls freely into the hand. If it does
not fall freely into the hand, use your other hand to push it upwards.
At the same time, the ball head latches into the ready position and is thus readyto be re-inserted into the mounting recess »
.
›
Fit the cover for the mounting recess
4
» Fig. 103 on page 117 in the opposite
direction to the arrow.
›
Offer up the cap to the rear bumper
2
» Fig. 103 on page 117 aligning it with
“check mark” in the lower bumper area.
›
Push the cap in first on the left and right and then at the top.
WARNINGNever allow the ball head to remain unsecured in the boot. This could cause damage in a sudden braking manoeuvre and put the safety of the occupantsat risk.
CAUTION
■ If the lever is held firm and not pushed downwards as far as it can go, it will go
back up after the ball head is removed and will not latch into the ready position.
The ball head then needs to be brought into this position before the next time it
is fitted.■
Stow the ball head in the ready position with the key inserted in the box. When
doing so, make the side opposite to the inserted key face downwards – there is a
risk of damaging the key.
■
Do not use excessive force when handling the operating lever (e.g. do not step
on it).
Note
■ We recommend that you put the protective cap on the ball before removing the
ball head.■
Clean any dirt from the ball head before stowing it away in the box with the ve-
hicle tool kit.

Use and care
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 117.
Close the mounting recess with the cap to prevent any ingress of dirt.
Always check the ball head before hitching a trailer. Apply a suitable grease where necessary.
Fit the protective cap when stowing away the ball head to protect the luggage
compartment against dirt.
In the event of dirt, clean the surfaces of the mounting recess and treat with a
suitable preservative.
CAUTION
Apply grease to the upper part of the mounting recess. Make sure you do not re-
move any grease.
Trailer
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Loading a trailer
120
Towing a trailer
121
Anti-theft alarm system
122WARNINGAlways drive particularly carefully with the trailer.

Loading a trailer
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 120.
The vehicle/trailer combination must be balanced, whereby the maximum permis-
sible drawbar load must be utilised. If the drawbar load is too low, it jeopardises the performance of the vehicle/trailer combination.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that heavy items are located as close to the axle as possible. Secure the items from slipping. 
120Driving

The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trail-
er is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this
combination.
Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for a “full load” » page 173,
Service life of tyres .
Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan- ces » page 199 , Technical data .
The trailer loads specified apply only to altitudes up to 1 000 metres above mean
sea level.
The engine output falls as altitude increases, as does the ability to climb. There-
fore, for every additional 1000 m in height (or part), the maximum permissible
towed weight must be reduced by 10 %.
The towed weight comprises the actual weights of the (loaded) towing vehicleand the (loaded) trailer.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing equip-
ment are merely test data for the towing equipment. The vehicle-specific values
are detailed in the vehicle documents.WARNING■ Do not exceed the maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and the
maximum permissible total or towed weight of the vehicle and the trailer –
there is the risk of an accident and serious injury.■
Slipping loads can significantly affect the stability and safety of the vehicle/
trailer combination – there is the risk of an accident and serious injury.

Towing a trailer
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 120.
Exterior mirrors
You have to 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 can be lifted when a trailer is being towed and the head- lights can dazzle other road users.
Adjust the headlight setting on the headlight range control » page 42, Headlight
beam adjustment .
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 trail- er is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by accelerating.
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
The speed must be reduced immediately if the needle for the coolant tempera-
ture gauge moves into the right-hand area or the red area of the scale.
Stop and switch off the engine if the warning light 
in the instrument cluster
starts to flash. Wait a few minutes and check the level of coolant » page 166,
Checking the coolant level .
The following guidelines must be observed » page 22, 

Coolant .
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.WARNING■ Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic sit-
uation.■
Improper or incorrectly connected electric cables can energise the trailer and
cause functional faults to the vehicle's entire electrical system as well as acci-
dents and severe injuries.
■
Work on the electrical system must only be carried out by specialist garages.
■
Never directly connect the trailer's electrical system with the electrical con-
nections for the tail lights or other current sources. 
121Towing a trailer

Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP systemFig. 150
Engine compartment: Earth
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings on page 186.
The jump-start cable must only be connected to the engine earthing point on ve-
hicles with the START-STOP system » Fig. 150.

Towing the vehicle

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Front towing eye
189
Rear towing eye
189
Vehicles with a tow hitch
189
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 rear, the automatic
gearbox is damaged!
A tow bar is the safest way of towing a vehicle and also minimises any shocks.
Only use a tow rope if a suitable tow bar is not available.
The following guidelines must be observed when towing.
Driver of the tow vehicle›Release the clutch particularly gently when starting off or depress the accelera-
tor particularly gently if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.›
On vehicles with a manual transmission, only push down on the accelerator pedal once the rope is taught.
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 system can
be used.
›
Take the vehicle out of gear or move the selector lever into position N if the ve-
hicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
Please note that the brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the en-
gine is running. If the engine is not running, significantly more physical force is re-
quired to depress the brake pedal and steer the vehicle.
If using a tow rope, ensure that it is always kept taught.
CAUTION
■ Do not tow start the engine – 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 186 , Jump-starting .■
If the gearbox no longer contains any oil because of a defect, your vehicle must
only be towed with the driven wheels raised clear of the ground or on a special
breakdown vehicle or trailer.
■
The vehicle must be transported on a special breakdown vehicle or trailer if it is
not possible to tow in the vehicle in the way described or if the towing distance is greater than 50 km.
■
To protect both vehicles when tow-starting or towing, the tow rope should be
elastic. Thus one should only use plastic fibre rope or a rope made out of a simi-
larly elastic material.
■
While towing, take care to avoid impermissibly high tensile forces or jerky loads.
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.
■
Attach the tow rope or the tow bar to the towing eyes » page 189
or » page 189 to the detachable ball head of the towing equipment » page 117 .
188Do-it-yourself

Note■We recommend using a tow rope from ŠKODA Original Accessories, which is
available from a ŠKODA Partner.■
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 in another vehicle or to be towed in.
■
When towing, respect the national legal provisions, especially those which re-
late to the identification of the towing vehicle and the vehicle being towed.
■
The tow rope must not be twisted as it may in certain circumstances result in
the front towing eye being unscrewed out of your vehicle.

Front towing eye
Fig. 151
Front bumper: Cap/installing the towing eye
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 188.
Remove the cap carefully as follows.
›
Press on the left half of the cap in the area of the arrow » Fig. 151 - 
.
›
Remove the cap from the front bumper.
›
Screw the towing eye in clockwise by hand up to the stop » Fig. 151 - 
. 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.
›
In order to reinstall the cap after screwing out the towing eye, insert it in the
mounts and then press on the right side of the cap. The cap must engage firmly.
CAUTIONThe towing eye must always be screwed in fully and firmly tightened, otherwise
the towing eye can tear when towing in or tow-starting.
Rear towing eye
Fig. 152
Rear towing eye
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 188.
The rear towing eye is located below the rear bumper on the right » Fig. 152.

Vehicles with a tow hitch
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 188.
The removable towing ball may be fitted and used for towing on vehicles with a factory fitted tow hitch » page 117, Towing a trailer .
Towing the vehicle using the towing device is a viable alternative solution to us-
ing the towing eye.
CAUTION
The detachable ball rod and/or the vehicle can be damaged if an unsuitable tow bar is used. 189Emergency equipment and self-help