coolant SKODA SUPERB 2003 1.G / (B5/3U) User Guide

Starting-off and Driving117
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
You should not switch on any major electrical components during
the heating period otherwise the ve
hicle 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 ⇒page 241.
•Contact the nearest Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
Starting the engine after the fuel tank has run dry
It may take longer than normal to start the engine after refuelling if the fuel
tank has run completely dry - up to one minute. This is because the fuel
system must first of all be filled while the attempting to start the engine.
Switching the engine off
– Turn the ignition key into position ⇒page 114.
Caution
you should not switch the engine off right away at the end of your journey
after the engine has been operated for a lengthy period at high loads but
should be allowed it to run at idling speed for about 2 minutes. This
prevents any accumulation of heat when the engine is switched off.
Note
•The radiator fan may continue running for a further 10 minutes or so
after the engine and the ignition have been switched off. The coolant fan
may, however, also switch on again after some time if the coolant temper-
ature rises because of an accumulation of heat in the engine or if the
engine is warm and the engine compartment is additionally heated by
strong sunlight.
•This is why particular care is required when carrying out any work in
the engine compartment ⇒page 203.
A1

Towing a trailer185
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Tyre inflation pressure
Select the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for that of “fully laden”,
⇒
page 220. The inflation pressure of the tyres fitted to the trailer adjust
in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation.
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. Both exte-
rior mirrors should be attached to folding arms. Adjust the mirrors so that
they provide you with an adequate field of view to the rear.
Headlights
Before starting off with a hitched trailer, also check the setting of the head-
lights. Alter the setting as necessary with the aid of the headlight beam
adjuster ⇒page 58.
Detachable ball head
The ball rod is detachable on vehicles which feature a factory-fitted towing
device. It is stowed together with separate fitting instructions in the spare
wheel well in the luggage compartment of the vehicle.
Further information on the towing device ⇒page 186.
Note
•We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between
service intervals if you tow a trailer frequently.
•The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling
and decoupling the trailer.
Driving Tips
Particular caution is required when towing a trailer.
– Do not, as far as possible, drive with your vehicle unladen and the trailer laden.
– Do not make full use of the legal maximum speeds. This applies in particular to downhill sections.
– Apply the brakes in good time.
– Keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if the outside temperature is high.
Distribution of weight
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and
the trailer is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid
driving with this combination.
Driving speed
Do not drive faster than 80 km/hour for safety reasons. This also applies
for countries in which higher speeds are allowed.
The fact that the driving stability of the vehicle + trailer combination
reduces with increasing speed means that the legally allowed speed
should not be used when there are unfavourable road, weather or wind
conditions, particularly near accident black spots.
You must always reduce your speed immediately as soon as you detect
even just the slightest swaying of the trailer. On no account attempt to
stop the trailer from “swaying” by accelerating.
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. Shift down gears in good time

Towing a trailer
186
before negotiating a downhill section to allow the engine to also act as a
brake.
Engine overheating
Please keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if you have to
negotiate a lengthy downhill stretch in a low gear at a high engine speed
when the outside temperature is very high ⇒page 14. If the needle of the
coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area or even the red
area of the scale, reduce your speed immediately. Stop and switch off the
engine if the warning light
 in the instrument cluster begins flashing.
Wait a few minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion
bottle ⇒page 208.
Please refer to the following guidelines ⇒page 31.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.
Any increase in the cooling effect of the coolant fan through shifting down
a gear and increasing the engine speed is not possible since the fan
speed is independent of the engine speed. One should also not drop a
gear for this reason when towing a trailer as long as the engine can
manage the slope without any drop in speed.
Detachable towing device*
The detachable ball head of the towing device is stowed in the spare
wheel well in the luggage compartment.
An instruction for correct installation and removal of the ball head of the
towing device is supplied with the ball head
Note
•Do not carry out any modifications or repairs to the ball head or to any
other components on the towing device.
WARNING
•Do not use any aids or tools for installing or removing the ball
head. This might result in damage to the locking mechanism to the
extent that the safety of the towing device is no longer assured -
risk of an accident.
Fig. 150 Detachable
ball head

Inspecting and Replenishing203
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The bonnet is held in the opened position by a pressurized gas spring.
Caution
•Never open the bonnet using the handle - danger of causing damage.
•Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the arms of the windscreen
wipers are correctly in place against the windscreen. Otherwise, there is
a risk of damage to the paintwork.
Working in the en gine compartment
Particular care is required when carrying out any work in
the engine compartment!
There is a risk of injuries, scalding , accidents and fire when working
in the engine compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and
other fluids. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the
warning instructions st ated below and with the general applicable
rules of safety. The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous
area ⇒ .
WARNING
•Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is
flowing out of the engine compartmen t - risk of scalding! Wait long
enough until the steam or coolant has stopped escaping.
•For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be properly closed
when driving. One should therefore check that the lock has in fact
engaged properly after closing the bonnet.
•Stop your vehicle immediately wh ile driving if you notice that
the lock is not properly engaged and close the bonnet properly -
risk of an accident!
WARNING
•Switch off the engine and pull out the ignition key.
•Apply the handbrake firmly.
•If your vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gear-
shift lever into Neutral, or if it is fitted with automatic gearbox,
move the selector lever into position P.
•Allow the engine to cool down.
•Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
•Never spill oil and other fluids over the hot engine. Such fluids
(e.g. the antifreeze contained in the coolant) may ignite!
•Avoid short circuits in the electrical system - particularly on the
battery.
•Never place your hand into the radiator fan as long as the
engine is still warm. The fan might suddenly start running!
•Never open the cap of the coolant expansion bottle as long as
the engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
•Cover over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir with a
large cloth when opening it as protection for your face, hands and
arms from hot steam or hot coolant.
•In cases where it be necessary to carry out inspection work
when the engine is running there is an additional risk from rotating
parts (e.g. the V-ribbed belt, alternator, radiator fan) and from the
high-voltage ignition system.
•Please also comply with the warning instructions stated below
when carrying out any essential work on the fuel system or on the
electrical system:
−Always separate the car battery from the electrical system.
− Do not smoke.
− Never carry out any work close to naked flames.

Inspecting and Replenishing
204
Caution
When replenishing fluids in the engine, always ensure that the fluids are
on no account mixed up. This may result in major operating problems and
also vehicle damage!
Overview of the engine compartment
Overview of the engine compartment
The main inspection points
Fig. 155 6-cylinder 2.8 ltr./ 142 kW petrol engine
Battery (below a cover) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant expansion bottle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil filler opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WARNING (continued)
−Always keep a working fire extinguisher at hand.
A1212
A2206
A3210
A4208
A5207
A6217
A7174

Inspecting and Replenishing
208
Cooling system
Coolant
The job of the coolant is to cool the engine.
The cooling system does not require any maintenance under normal oper-
ating conditions. The coolant consists of water with a concentration of
antifreeze agent of 40 %. This mixture not only provides antifreeze protec-
tion down to -25°C but also protects the cooling and heating system from
corrosion. It also prevents the formation of scale and significantly
increases the boiling point of the coolant.
You must therefore not reduce the concentration of antifreeze agent in the
coolant by adding water, also not during the summer months or in coun-
tries with a warm climate. The concentration of antifreeze agent in the
coolant must be at least 40%.
You can increase the amount of antifreeze in the coolant iIf a higher
concentration of antifreeze is necessary for climatic reasons but only up
to 60% (antifreeze protection down to approx. -40°C). The antifreeze
protection tails off above that concentration.
Vehicles exported to countries with a cold climate (e.g. Sweden, Norway,
Finland) are already factory-filled with a coolant which offers antifreeze
protection down to about -35°C.
Coolant
The cooling system is factory-filled with TL 774-F (G12 PLUS) coolant -
colour purple - .
We recommend that you use the same antifreeze agent - G12 PLUS
(purple in colour).
Please contact your Škoda dealer if you have any questions regarding the
coolant or if you wish to fill up with a different coolant. Your Škoda dealer can also supply you with the correct coolant additives.
Caution
•Other coolant additives may cause operational problems which,
in particular, involves significantly reducing the anticorrosion effect.
•Any faults or problems resulting from corrosion may cause a loss
of coolant and, as a consequence of this, result in major engine
damage.
Inspecting the coolant level
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compart-
ment on the left.
– Switch the engine off.
Fig. 157 Engine
compartment: Coolant
expansion bottle

Inspecting and Replenishing209
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
– Open the bonnet ⇒ in “Working in the engine compart-
ment” on page 203.
– Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle ⇒fig. 157. The coolant level when the engine is cold must lie
between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings. The level may also
rise slightly above the “MAX” marking when the engine is
warm.
If the coolant level in the reservoir is too low, this is indicated by the
warning light in the instrument cluster  ⇒ page 28. We nevertheless
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. You should not merely top up the coolant in the reservoir. It is also
important to have the cooling system inspected without delay by a Škoda
dealer.
Losses can only occur through the pressure relief in the cap of the coolant
expansion bottle which is completely free of leaks if the coolant boils as a
result of overheating and is forced out of the cooling system.
One should contact a Skoda dealer as soon as possible if the source of
overheating itself cannot be determined and removed, since there may be
grave damage to the engine.
Replenishing the coolant
– Switch the engine off.
– Allow the engine to cool down. – Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir
⇒page 208, fig. 157 and unscrew the cap carefully by
turning it to the left ⇒.
– Top up the coolant.
– Screw on the cap tight until it is heard to lock.
The coolant which you use for replenishing the system, must comply with
certain specifications ⇒page 208, “Coolant”. Do not use an alternative
additive if the coolant additive G12°PLUS is not available in exceptional
cases. Just top up the system with water and as soon as possible arrange
adjustment to correct the mixing ratio of water and coolant additive again
by a Škoda dealer.
Only use fresh coolant for topping up the system.
Do not fill up over the “MAX” marking! Excess coolant which is heated up
is forced out of the cooling system through the pressure relief valve in the
cap of the coolant compensation bottle.
Wait until the engine has cooled down for a system which has suffered a
major loss of coolant before pouring in coolant. This is necessary to avoid
engine damage.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible
under the conditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Switch off the
engine and obtain professional assistance from a Škoda dealer.
WARNING
•The cooling system is pressurized! Do not open the cap of the
coolant expansion bottle if the engine is still hot - risk of
scalding!

Inspecting and Replenishing
210
For the sake of the environment
Do not re-use coolant if it is necessary to drain the coolant in the system.
It should be collected and disposed of in compliance with environmental
protection regulations.
The radiator fan
The radiator fan may switch on suddenly.
The radiator fan is driven by an electric motor and controlled by a thermo-
stat according to the coolant temperature.
After the engine is switched off, the radiator fan may continue running for
up to 10 minutes - even if the ignition is also off. It may also switch on
suddenly after a certain time, if
•the coolant temperature has risen because of an accumulation of heat
or
•the warm engine compartment is heated up additionally by strong
sunlight.
Brake fluid
Inspecting the brake fluid level
You can also see the location of the brake fluid reservoir in the
engine compartment from the general view of the engine
compartment ⇒page 204. The brake fluid reservoir on right-
hand steering models is positioned on the other side of the
engine compartment.
– Switch the engine off.
WARNING (continued)
•The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to
your health. Avoid contact with the coolant. Coolant vapours are
also harmful to the health. It is important, therefore, to always
safely store any coolant additive in its original container out of the
reach of children - risk of poisoning.
•If any splashes of coolant get into your eyes, rinse out your
eyes immediately with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as
possible.
•You should also consult a doctor without delay if you have
inadvertently swallowed coolant.
WARNING
You must therefore be aware when working in the engine compart-
ment that the fan may switch on suddenly - risk of injury!
Fig. 158 Engine
compartment: Brake
fluid reservoir

Index
252
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Attaching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Child seat protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Classification into groups . . . . . . . . . . . 161
on the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . 158
Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Use of child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Cigarette lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Climatronic Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Blower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Defrosting windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
economic use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Keeping windows demisted . . . . . . . . . . 109
Operational problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Recirculated air mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Setting temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning) . . . 107
Clothes hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Cockpit An overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Coming Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Convenience operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Converting/masking over headlights . . . . . . 178
Cool box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31, 208 replenishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Coolant temperature/coolant level
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Counter for distance driven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Cruise control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
D
Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Defrosting windows The air conditioning system . . . . . . . . . . 104
De-icing windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Detachable towing device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Direction indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Doors Child safety locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Drinks can holder at the front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
at the rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Driving economically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Dynamo Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
E
EDLSee Electronic Differential Lock . . . . . . . . 34 Electric sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Electronic Differential Lock
Operating principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Electronic stability programme Operating principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Electronic stability programme (ESP) Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Emergency key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Emergency operation Fuel filler flap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Engine compartment Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Engine electronics EPC warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
replenishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Engine revolutions counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . 179, 183
Exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
F
First-aid box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Fog lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30, 31
For the first 1 500 kilometres . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Front armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100