coolant SKODA SUPERB 2008 2.G / (B6/3T) User Guide

Starting-off and Driving113
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
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 th e 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 241.
•Contact the nearest specialist garage 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 off the engine
– The engine can be switched off by turning the ignition key from posi- tion into ⇒page 111, fig. 121 .
WARNING
•Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary - risk of acci-
dent!
•The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater
physical effort for braking is required when engine is switched off. Because
if you do not stop as normal, this can cause an accident and severe injuries.
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 peri od 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 fo r 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 temperature 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 209, “Working in the engine compartment”.
Shifting (manual gearbox)
Shift into reverse only when the car is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal and hold
it fully depressed. Wait a moment before engaging reverse gear in order to avoid
any shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once re verse gear is engaged, provided the igni-
tion is on.
A1
Fig. 122 The shift pattern: 5-
speed or 6-speed manual
gearbox
NKO B6 20.book Page 113 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Towing a trailer195
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
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 headlights.
Alter the setting as necessary with th e aid of the headlight beam adjuster
⇒ page 59, “Headlamp range adjustment* ”.
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 196.
Note
•We recommend that you also have yo ur 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 temper- ature 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 coun-
tries 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 immedi ately 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 and then brake firmly . This will avoid brake jolts resulting from
the trailer wheels locking. Shift down gears in good time before negotiating a down-
hill 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 slope in a low gear at a high engine speed when the outside temperature is
very high ⇒page 11, “Coolant temperature gauge”.
If the needle of the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area or
even the red area of the scale, reduce yo ur speed immediately. Stop and switch off
the engine if the warning light
 in the instrument cluste r begins flashing. Wait a
few minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle
⇒ page 214, “Inspecting the coolant level”.
Please refer to the following guidelines ⇒page 31, “Coolant temperature/ Coolant
quantity ”.
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
NKO B6 20.book Page 195 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Inspecting and Replenishing209
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
•Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is flowing out of
the engine compartment - risk of scaldi ng! 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 prop-
erly after closing the bonnet.
•Stop your vehicle immediately while driv ing if you notice that the lock is
not properly engaged and close the bonne t properly - risk of an accident!
Caution
Ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers are correctly in place against the
windscreen before opening the bonnet otherwise damage could occur to the
paintwork.
Working in the engine 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 stated
below and with the general applicable rules of safety. The engine compart-
ment 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 compartment - risk of scaldi ng! Wait long enough until the steam
or coolant has stopped escaping.
•Switch off the engine and pull out the ignition key.
•Apply the handbrake firmly.
•If your vehicle is fitted with a ma nual gearbox, move the gearshift 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 expa nsion 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.
•Do not let objects, such as e.g cleaning cloth or tools lie in the engine
compartment.
•If you wish to work under the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle from
rolling away and support it with suitable supporting blocks: the car jack is
not sufficient for this - risk of injury!
•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 observe in addition the following.
−Never touch the electrical cabl es of the ignition system.
− Absolutely avoid any jewellery, loose items of clothing or long hair
from getting into the rotating parts of the engine - Hazard! Therefore
remove any jewellery beforehand, tie up your hair and wear tight fitting
clothing.
•Please also comply with the warnin g instructions stated below when
carrying out any essential work on the fuel system or on the electrical
system.
WARNING (continued)
NKO B6 20.book Page 209 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Inspecting and Replenishing
210
− Always separate the car batter y from the electrical system.
− Do not smoke.
− Never carry out any work close to naked flames.
− Always keep a working fire extinguisher at hand.
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
The main inspection points
Fig. 187 Diesel engine 1.9 litre/77 kW
Coolant expansion bottle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil filler opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery (below a cover) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
Engine oil
Engine oil specifications
The grade of engine oil should be selected in accordance with
precise specifications.
The engine of your vehicle has been factor y-filled with a high-grade oil which you
can use throughout the year - except in extreme climatic regions.
You can mix various oils together with each other when refilling with oil. This does
not, however, apply for models with flexible service intervals (QG1).
Engine oils are, of course, undergoing co ntinuous further development. Thus the
information stated in this Owner's Manual is only correct at the time of publication.
Škoda Service Partners are informed by Škoda Auto a.s. about current changes. This
why you should always have engine oil changed by your Škoda Service Partner.
The specifications (VW standards) stated in the following must be indicated sepa-
rately or together with other specifications on the bottle.
WARNING (continued)A1214A2220
A3212
A4211
A5215
A6216
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Inspecting and Replenishing213
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
•Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 209, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
•Let the engine cool down - risk of burning from hot oil.
•Wear an eye protection - risk of caustic burns due to oil splashes.
•Oil is toxic! Store old oil in a safe place out of the reach of children and
unauthorized persons until you dispose of it properly.
Caution
You must not pour any additives into th e engine oil - risk of engine damage!
Damage, which results from such produc t, are excluded from the warranty.
For the sake of the environment
•You must on no account pour oil into the ground or into the sewage system.
•In view of the problems involved in prop erly disposing of old oil, the material,
equipment and the knowledge required for such work, we recommend that you
have the oil and oil filter change carried out by your Škoda Service Partner.
Note
After your skin has come in contact with the oil, you must thoroughly wash your
skin.
Cooling system
Coolant
The job of the coolant is to cool the engine.
The cooling system does not require an y maintenance under normal operating
conditions. The coolant consists of water with a concentration of coolant additive
of 40 %. This mixture not only provides antifreeze protection 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 su mmer months or in countries with a warm
climate. The concentration of coolant additive in the coolant must be at least
40%.
You can increase the amount of antifreeze in the coolant if a higher concentration
of antifreeze is necessary for climatic reasons but only up to 60% (antifreeze
protection down to approx. -40°C). The an tifreeze protection tails off above that
concentration.
Vehicles exported to countries with a co ld climate (e.g. Sweden, Norway, Finland)
are already factory-filled with a coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to
about -35°C. In these countries the concentr ation of coolant additive should be at
least 50 %.
Coolant
The cooling system is filled at the works with coolant (purple in colour), which
complies with the specification TL-VW 774 F.
We recommend that you use the same c oolant additive - G12 PLUS (purple in
colour).
Please contact your Škoda Se rvice Partner if you have any questions regarding the
coolant or if you wish to fill up with a different coolant.
Your Škoda Service Partner can also suppl y you with the correct coolant additives.
Caution
•Other coolant additives may cause operational problems which, in partic-
ular, involves significantly reducing the anticorrosion effect.
•Any faults or problems resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of
coolant and, as a consequence of th is, result in major engine damage.
WARNING (continued)
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Inspecting and Replenishing
214
Inspecting the coolant level
The coolant expansion bottle is loca ted in the engine compartment on
the right.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒page 209, “Working in the engine compartment”.
– Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle ⇒fig. 189 .
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 31. We nevertheless recommend inspecting
the coolant level directly at th e 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 specialist garage.
Losses can only occur through the pressure relief in the cap of the coolant expan-
sion bottle which is completely free of leak s if the coolant boils as a result of over-
heating and is forced out of the cooling system.
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 209, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
Caution
One should contact a specialist garage as soon as possible if the source of over-
heating 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 ⇒fig. 189 and unscrew the cap carefully by turning it to the left
⇒ .
– Top up the coolant.
– Screw the cap tight until it is heard to lock.
The coolant which you use for replenishing the system, must comply with one
specific specification ⇒page 213, “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 specialist garage.
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.
Fig. 189 Engine compart-
ment: Coolant expansion
bottle
Ab
Aa
Aa
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Inspecting and Replenishing215
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
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!
•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 yo ur eyes, rinse out your eyes immedi-
ately 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.
Caution
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the
conditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Switch of the engine and contact
and obtain professional assistance from a specialist garage.
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 comp liance with environmental protection
regulations.
Radiator fan
The radiator fan may switch on suddenly.
The radiator fan is driven by an electric motor and controlled according to the
coolant temperature.
The radiator fan may continue running fo r up to 10 minutes after the engine has
been switched off - even if the ignition is also off. It may also switch on suddenly
after a certain time, if
•the coolant temperature ha s risen because of an accumulation of heat or
•the warm engine compartmen t is heated up additionally by strong sunlight.
WARNING
You must therefore be aware when working in the engine compartment that
the fan may switch on suddenly - risk of injury!
Brake fluid
Inspecting the brake fluid level
The brake fluid reservoir is located on the left of the engine compartment.
The brake fluid reservoir on right-hand steering models is positioned on
the other side of the engine compartment.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒page 209, “Working in the engine compartment”.
– Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir ⇒fig. 190 . The level must
be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
A slight drop in the fluid level results when driving due to normal wear-and-tear
and automatic adjustment of the br ake pads, and is perfectly normal.
Fig. 190 Engine compart-
ment: Brake fluid reservoir
NKO B6 20.book Page 215 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Index
266
Changing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Changing the engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Changing wheels around . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Charging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Check engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171 Side airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Child safety lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Child safety seat on the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 Classification into groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
ISOFIX system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Use of child safety seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Children and safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Chrome parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Cigarette lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Climatic Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Climatronic Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Defrosting windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Recirculated air mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning) . . . . . . 100
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Clothes hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Cockpit General view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Convenience operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Converting/masking over headlights . . . . . . . . . . 192
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
replenishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Coolant level Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Coolant quantity Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Coolant temperatur e/coolant level
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Correct seated position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Counter for distance driven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Cruise control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Cup holder front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
D
Daylight driving lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Deactivatingan airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Defrosting rear window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
De-icing the windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Detachable towing device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 Diesel engines
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Diesel particle filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Direction indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Distance driven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Door Child safety lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Driver-steering recommendation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Driving economically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
E
EDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Electric power-operated window Operational faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Electric sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Electrically adjustable exterior mirror . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Electronic Differential Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Electronic immobiliser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Electronic stability programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Electronic stability programme (ESP) Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Engine starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Engine compartment Safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
NKO B6 20.book Page 266 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM