SKODA SUPERB 2008 2.G / (B6/3T) Owner's Manual

Wheels and Tyres
222
Wheels and Tyres
Wheels
General information
•New tyres do not offer optimal grip at first and should therefore be run in for
about 500 km at a moderate speed and an appropriately cautious style of driving.
You will also profit from longer tyre life.
•The tread depth of new tyres may differ because of design features and the
configuration of the tread (d epending on the type of tyre and the manufacturer).
•Drive over curbs on the side of the road and other such obstacles slowly and,
where possible, at a right angles in order to avoid damage to tyres and wheel trims.
•Inspect your tyres from time to time for damage (punctures, cuts, splits and
bulges). Remove foreign bodi es from the tyre profile.
•Damage to tyres and wheels is frequent ly not visible. Unusual vibrations or
pulling of the vehicle to one side could be a sign of tyre damage. Please reduce
your speed immediately and stop if you suspect that a wheel is damaged.
Inspect the tyres for signs of damage (bulges, splits, etc.) If no visible damage is
present, please drive at an appropriately slow speed and carefully to the nearest
specialist garage in order to have your vehicle inspected.
•Also protect your tyres from contact with oil, grease and fuel.
•Immediately replace any dust caps of the valves which have got lost.
•Mark wheels before removing them so th at their previous direction of running
can be maintained when mounted them again.
•Always store wheels or tyres which been removed in a cool, dry and, where
possible, dark place. Tyres which are not fixed to a wheel trim should be stored
upright.
Unidirectional tyres*
The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of the tyre. This
indicates the direction of rotation of the tyre, and it is essential that the tyres are
fitted on to run in this direction. Only then are the tyres able to provide the optimal
properties in terms of grip, low no ise, wear-and-tear and aquaplaning. Further information concerning the use of unidirectional tyres
⇒page 226.
WARNING
•New tyres during the first 500 km do not offer optimal grip and should
therefore be run appropriately - risk of accident!
•Never drive with damaged tyres - risk of accident!
Note
Please observe the various differing legal requirements regarding tyres.
Tyre life
The life of your tyres very much depends on the following points:
Tyre pressure
The working life of tyres will be shortened co nsiderably if the tyres are insufficiently
or over-inflated and this will have an advers e effect on the handling of your vehicle.
Correctly inflated tyres are of partic ular importance when travelling at high speeds .
It is therefore good to check the pressure at least once a month and also before
Fig. 195 An opened fuel filler
flap with the tyre inflation
pressure table
NKO B6 20.book Page 222 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Wheels and Tyres223
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
setting off on a long trip. Please do not
forget the spare wheel when checking the
tyres.
The tyre inflation pressures for summer tyres are indicated on the inside of the fuel
filler flap ⇒ page 222, fig. 195 . The inflation pressures for winter tyres are 20 kPa
(0.2 bar) higher than those for summer tyres ⇒page 226.
The tyre pressure should be at the highest pressure specified for your vehicle at all
times.
The tyre inflation pressure of the emergency spare wheel R 18 is 420 kPa (4.2 bar).
Always check the inflation pressure of ty res when cold. Do not reduce the higher
pressure of warm tyres. Adapt the inflation pressure of the tyres accordingly if your
vehicle is carrying a significantly higher payload.
Driving style
Fast cornering, sharp acceleration and braking (squealing tyres) increase wear-and-
tear on your tyres.
Balancing wheels
The wheels of a new vehicle are balanced. There are a wide range of influences
when driving which may result in an im balance and which makes themselves felt
through vibration in the steering.
You should have the wheels rebalanced since any imbalance increases wear-and-
tear on the steering, the suspension and tyres. A wheel must also be rebalanced
when a new tyre is fitted and each time a tyre is repaired.
Wheel alignment errors
Incorrect wheel alignment at the front and rear will not only increase wear-and-tear
on the tyres but will also has an adverse effect on vehicle safety. Contact your
specialist garage if you notice any unusual tyre wear.
WARNING
•If the inflation pressure is too low, the tyre must perform a greater flexing
work. At higher speeds the tyre will warm up as a result of this. This can
result in tread separation and even a tyre blowout.
•Immediately replace the damaged rims or tyres.
For the sake of the environment
Tyres which are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption.
Wear indicators
The base of the tread of the original tyres has wear indicators 1.6 mm high, installed
at right angles to the direction of travel. These wear indicators are located at 6 - 8
points depending on the make and are evenly spaced around the circumference of
the tyre ⇒fig. 196 . Markings on the walls of the tyres through the letters “TWI”,
triangular symbols or other symbols identify the position of the wear indicators.
A remaining tread of just 1.6 mm, measured in the grooves of the tread next to the
wear indicators, means that your tyres have reached their legally permissible
minimum tread depth.
WARNING
•You must have your tyres replaced with new ones at the latest when the
wear indicators have been worn do wn. The legally permissible minimum
tread depth should be observed.
•Worn tyres do not provide the necessary adhesion to the road surface at
high speeds on wet roads. One could experience “aquaplaning” (uncon-
trolled movements of the vehicle - “swimming” on a wet road surface).
Fig. 196 Tyre tread with wear
indicators
NKO B6 20.book Page 223 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Wheels and Tyres
224
Changing wheels around
If significantly greater wear is present on the front tyres, we recommend changing
the front wheels around with the rear wheels as shown in the diagram ⇒fig. 197 .
You will then obtain approximately the same life for all the tyres.
It may be advantageous to swap the tyre s over “crosswise” when certain types of
wear characteristic ar ise on the running surface of the tyres (but not in the case of
unidirectional tyres). Škoda Service Pa rtners can provide you with details.
We recommend that you change the wheels around every 10 000 km in order to
achieve even wear on all wheels and to obtain optimal tyre life.
New tyres and wheels
Tyres and wheel rims are important design elements. One should therefore use the
tyres and wheel rims which have been re leased for use by Škoda Auto. They are
exactly matched to the vehicle type and th erefore contribute significantly to good
road holding and safe driving characteristics ⇒.
Only fit radial tyres of the same type on all 4 wheels, size (rolling circumference)
and, if possible, the same tread pattern on one axle.
The Škoda Service Partners have access to the most current information about
which tyres we have released for use on your vehicle. We recommend that you have any work rela
ting to tyres or wheels carried out by
your Škoda Service Partner . Your dealer has all of the necessary special tools and
replacement parts available plus the required specialist knowledge and is also in a
position to properly dispose of the old ty res. A large number of Škoda Service Part-
ners also have an attractive range of tyres and wheels available.
The tyre/wheel combinations which are appr oved for your vehicle are indicated in
your vehicle documents. Approval and lice nsing may differ according to the legis-
lation prevailing in individual countries.
Proper knowledge of the tyre data makes it easier for you to select the correct type
of tyre. Tyres do, for exam ple, have the following inscription on their walls:
205 / 55 R 16 94 V
What this means is:
The following speed restrictions apply to tyres.
Fig. 197 Changing wheels
around
205Tyre w idt h in mm
55Height/width ratio in %
RCode letter for the type of tyre - R adial
16Diameter of wheel in inches
94Load index
VSpeed symbol
Speed symbolPermissible maximum speed
S180 km/h
T190 km/h
H210 km/h
V240 km/h
W270 km/h
Y300 km/h
NKO B6 20.book Page 224 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Wheels and Tyres225
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The date of manufacture
is als o stated o n the tyre wa ll (pos si bl y only on the inside
of wheel):
DOT ... 20 08...
means, for example, that the tyre was ma nufactured in the 20th week of the year
2008.
Any spare wheel which differs from the tyres fitted to the vehicle (e.g. winter tyres
or low-profile tyres) should only be used only for a short time in the event of a
puncture and when adopting an appropriately cautious style of driving. It should be
replaced as quickly as possible by a normal wheel.
WARNING
•Only use those tyres or wheel rims which have been approved for your
model of Škoda Auto a.s. vehicle. Failure to observe this instruction will
adversely affect the road safety of your vehicle - risk of accident! Approval
and licencing of your vehicle on publ ic roads may also become void as a
result.
•You must on no account drive at a hi gher speed than is permissible for
your tyres - risk of an accident resulting from tyre damage and loss of control
over your vehicle.
•Tyres which are 6 years old or more should only be fitted in exceptional
cases and when adopting an appropriately cautious style of driving.
•Never fit tyres which have already be en used without having adequate
knowledge of their previous history. Tyres age even if they have not been
used at all or only very little. A spare tyre must only be used in exceptional
cases and only then when adopting an appropriately cautious style of
driving.
•Do not, where possible, replace indivi dual tyres but at least replace them
on both wheels of a given axle at the same time. Always fit the tyres with the
deeper tread depth to the front wheels.
For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of in conf ormity with the appropriate regulations.
Note
It is not normally possible to fit wheels from other models of cars for technical
reasons. This may also apply in certain circumstances to the wheels of the same
type of vehicle.
Wheel bolts
Wheels and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. Each time
you fit other wheels - e.g. light alloy wheels or wheels with winter tyres - you must
therefore also use the matching wheel bolts of the correct length and shape of
spherical cap. This is essent ial to ensure that the wheels are tightly fitted and that
the brake system operates properly.
If you retrofit wheel trims (or have this done), please also ensure that an adequate
flow of air remains assured for cooling the brake system.
The Škoda Service Partners are instructed in the technical possibilities which exist
regarding converting or retrofitting wheels, tyres and wheel trim.
WARNING
•In case of incorrect treatment of th e wheel bolts, the wheel can loosen
when the car is moving - risk of accident!
•The wheel bolts must be clean and must turn easily. However, they must
never be treated with grease or oil.
•If the wheel bolts are tightened to a too low tightening torque, the rim
can lossen when the car is moving - risk of accident! A tightening torque
which is too high can damage the bolts and threads and this can result in
permanent deformation of the contact surfaces on the rims.
Caution
The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts for steel and light alloy wheels
is 120 Nm.
NKO B6 20.book Page 225 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Wheels and Tyres
226
Winter tyres
The handling of your vehicle will be signi ficantly improved when driving on wintry
roads if you fit winter tyres. Summer tyres do not offer the same grip on ice, snow
and at temperatures below 7 °C because of their construction (width, rubber blend,
tread pattern). This particularly applie s to vehicles which are equipped with low-
profile tyres or high-speed tyres (code index H or V on wall of tyre).
Winter tyres must be mounted on all four wheels to obtain the best handling char-
acteristics.
You must only fit those types of winter tyre which are approved for your vehicle. The
permissible sizes of winter tyres are stated in your vehicle documents. Approvals
may differ because of national legislation.
Please remember that the tyres should be in flated to 20 kPa (0.2 bar) more than is
the case for summer tyres ⇒page 222, fig. 195 .
Winter tyres no longer offer the same winter performance once the tyre tread has
worn down to a depth of about 4 mm.
Ageing also causes winter tyres to lose most of their winter performance properties
- even in cases where the remaining tread depth is still clearly more than 4 mm.
Speed restrictions apply to winter tyres as well as to summer tyres ⇒page 224,
⇒ .
You can fit winter tyres of a lower speed category to your vehicle provided that you
also do not drive faster than the permissible maximum speed for such tyres, even
if the possible maximum speed of your ve hicle is higher. The corresponding tyre
category can damage the tyres when exceeding the permissible maximum speed.
Please pay attention to the notes if you decide to fit winter tyres ⇒page 222.
You can also fit so-called “all-year tyres” instead of winter tyres.
Please contact your specialist garage if there are any points which are not clear who
will be able to provide you with information regarding the maximum speed for your
tyres.
WARNING
You must on no account drive your car at more than the permissible
maximum speed for your winter tyres - risk of an accident resulting from
tyre damage and loss of control over your car.
For the sake of the environment
Fit your summer tyres on again in good time since summer tyres offer you better
grip and handling on roads which are free of snow and ice as well as ar tempera-
tures below 7 °C - the braking distance is shorter, there is less tyre noise, tyre wear
is reduced and fuel consumption is reduced.
Note
Please observe the various differing legal requirements regarding tyres.
Unidirectional tyres*
The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of the tyre.
This indicates the direction of rotation of the tyre, and it is essential that the tyres
are fitted on to run in this direction. On ly then are the tyres able to provide the
optimal properties in terms of grip, lo w noise, wear-and-tear and aquaplaning.
Should it be necessary to fit on a spare wheel in exceptional cases with a tyre not
dedicated to the running direction or in o pposite running direction, please adopt a
cautious style of driving as the tyre is no longer able to provide optimal grip and
handling in such a situation. This particul arly important on wet roads. Please refer
to the notes ⇒page 231, “Spare wheel”.
You should have the defective tyre replac ed as soon as possible and restore the
correct direction of rotation on all tyres
Snow chains
Snow chains must only be mounted on the front wheels.
NKO B6 20.book Page 226 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Wheels and Tyres227
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
When driving on wintry roads, snow chains improve not only traction, but also the
braking performance.
For technical reasons, it is only permissi
ble to fit snow chains with the following
wheel/tyre combinations:
Only use fine-link snow chains . They must not project more than 9 mm -
including the chain lock.
Remove the full wheel trims if you wish to fit snow chains to the wheels.
Observe the national legal requirements relating to the maximum vehicle speed
with snow chains.
WARNING
Please pay attention to the information in the supplied fitting instructions of
the snow chain manufacturer.
Caution
You must take the chains off as soon as you drive on roads which are free of snow.
They adversely affect the hand ling of your vehicle, damage the tyres and are rapidly
destroyed.
Note
We recommend that you use snow chains from the Škoda genuine accessories.
Wheel sizeDepth (D)Tyre s iz e
7J x 1645 mm205/55
6J x 1745 mm205/50
NKO B6 20.book Page 227 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Accessories, changes and replacement of parts
228
Accessories, changes and replacement of parts
Accessories and replacement parts
Škoda vehicles have been bu ilt according to the latest discoveries in safety engi-
neering. Thus one should not change the condition in which the vehicle was deliv-
ered from the manufacturer without some thought.
The following guidelines should be observed when a vehicle is to be retrofitted with
accessories, have technical chan ges made to it or a par t has to be replaced at some
time in the future.
•Advise should always be obtained from a Škoda Service Partner before buying
any accessories and before making any technical changes ⇒.
•This is particularly the case when accessories are bought in a foreign country.
•Škoda Genuine Accessories which have be en released for use and Skoda orig-
inal parts can be obtained from Škoda Service Partners. They will install them
professionally and correctly.
•All Škoda original accessory which is listed in the catalogue such as transport
systems, child seats, light alloy wheels etc., are homologized.
•Radios, aerials and other electrical accessories should only be installed by an
authorised workshop.
•The guidelines issued by Škoda Auto a.s. must be observed when making tech-
nical changes.
•This is to ensure that no technical damage occurs to the vehicl e, that travelling
and operating safety are maintained and that the chnages are permissible. Škoda
Service Partners undertake this work professionally or refer it to an specialist
company in special cases.
Any damage which is done caused by technical changes made without
consulting a Skoda a.s. dealer is excluded from the guarantee.
WARNING
•We advise you, in your own interest, to only use Škoda Genuine Accesso-
ries and Škoda original parts which have been expressly approved for use on your Škoda. Reliability, safety and suitabiliity have been established for
these Škoda original parts.
•We cannot guarantee suitability of installation into your vehicle of other
products despite keeping a constant ey e on market developments (also not
in the case where there is an attest ation or permission can be produced).
Technical changes
Interference on the electronic components and their software can lead to opera-
tional faults. This interference can also im pair not directly affected systems because
of the networking of the electronic co mponents. This means that the operating
safety of your vehicle can be considerably jeopardized, a greater wear of vehicle
parts can occur and finally the vehi cle registration documents expire.
We trust that you will understand that your Škoda Service Partner cannot be liable
for damage resulting from unprofessional work.
We therefore recommend that you have al l work carried out with Škoda original
parts at your authorised Škoda Service Partners.
WARNING
Work or modifications on your vehicle, which have been carried out unpro-
fessionally, can cause operational faults - risk of accident!
WARNING (continued)
NKO B6 20.book Page 228 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Breakdown assistance229
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Breakdown assistance
Breakdown assistance
First-aid box*
First-aid box
The compartment for stowing the first-aid bo x is located in the right of the luggage
compartment ⇒fig. 198 .
Note
Pay attention to the use-by-date of the contents of the first-aid box.
Warning triangle
The warning triangle can be attached to the trim panel of the rear wall with rubber
straps ⇒fig. 199 .
Fire extinguisher*
The fire extinguisher is attached with straps in a holder under the driver seat.
Please read carefully the instructions which are atta ched to the fire extin-
guisher.
The fire extinguisher must be checked by an authorised person or company annu-
ally (please observe the differing legal requirements).
Fig. 198 Compartment for
stowing first-aid boxFig. 199 Placing of the
warning triangle
NKO B6 20.book Page 229 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Breakdown assistance
230
WARNING
If the fire extinguisher is not correc tly attached, in case of sudden manoeu-
vres or an accident it can be “thrown” through the interior compartment and
cause injuries.
Note
•The fire extinguisher must comply with the relevant and valid legal require-
ments.
•Pay attention to the expiration date of the fire extinguisher. If the fire extin-
guisher is used after the expiration date, its proper function is no longer assured.
•The fire extinguisher is only supplied in certain countries within the scope of
delivery.
Vehicle tool kit
The vehicle tool kit and the lifting jack are stored in a locable box in the spare wheel
⇒ fig. 200 . There is also space here for the removable ball for the trailer towing
device*. The box is attached with a strap on the spare wheel.
The vehicle tool kit contains the following parts (depending on equipment fitted):
•Hook for pulling off a full wheel trim,
•Plastic clip for a wheel bolt cover,
•Wheel wrench,
•To w i n g e y e ,
•Adapter for the wheel bolts lock*,
•Replacement lamp,
•Torx wrench.
After using the lifting jack, screw in the arm of the lifting jack fully before placing it
back in its stowage area.
WARNING
•The factory-supplied lifting jack is only intended for your model of
vehicle. On no account attempt to lift a heavier vehicle or other loads - risk
of injury!
•Ensure that the vehicle tool kit is safely attached in the luggage compart-
ment.
Note
Ensure that the box is alwa ys secured with the strap.
Tyre repair kit*
The tyre repair kit is intended for the repair of minor tyre defects. The tyre repair kit
contains a compressor, inflation bottle, operating instructions and accessories.
The repair with the tyre repair kit is not at all intended to replace a permanent
repair on the tyre, this repair only serves to reach the next specialist garage. The
repair can be undertaken on the vehicle immediately. Please read the attached
instructions carefully before the repair.
The tyre repair kit is located in a textile bag. There is a velcro fastener on the under-
side of the bag, with which the bag is atta ched to the floor covering of the luggage
compartment in such a way that the side of the bag rests on the right side of the
luggage compartment and on the seat backrest.Fig. 200 Luggage compart-
ment: Storage compartment
for vehicle too kit
NKO B6 20.book Page 230 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Breakdown assistance231
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Spare wheel
The spare wheel lies in a well under the floor covering of the luggage compartment
and is fixed in place using special screws ⇒fig. 201 .
Before removing the spare wheel, you must take out the box with the vehicle tool
kit box ⇒page 230, fig. 200 .
One should check the inflation pressure in the spare wheel (at best when generally
checking the tyre air pressures - see sign on the fuel filler flap ⇒page 222) to
ensure that the spare wheel is always ready to use.
Temporary spare wheel
A warning label displayed on the rim of the temporary spare wheel indicates that
your vehicle is equipped with a temporary spare wheel.
Please observe the following notes when driving with a temporary spare wheel:
•After fitting on the wheel, the warning stic ker must not be concealed (e.g. by the
wheel trim).
•Do not drive with this spare wheel at more than 80 km/h - risk of accident. Avoid
accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
•The inflation pressure for this spare wheel is identical to the inflation pressure
of the standard tyres. The temporary spare wheel R 18 must have an inflation pres-
sure of 420 kPa (4.2 bar)!
•Use this spare wheel only to reach the nearest specialist garage as it is not
intended for continuous use.
•No other summer or winter tyres must be mounted on the rim of the spare
wheel R 18.
Changing a wheel
Preliminary work
The following steps should be carried out before actually changing the
wheel.
– If it is necessary to change a wheel, park the vehicle as far away as possible from the traffic flow. The place you choose should be level.
–Have all the occupants get out. While changing a wheel, the occu-
pants of the vehicle should not stan d on the road (e.g. behind a crash
barrier).
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
–Engage 1st gear or if your vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox,
position the selector lever into position P.
– If a trailer is coupled, uncouple it.
– Take the vehicle tool kit ⇒ page 230 and the spare wheel
⇒ page 231 out of the luggage compartment.
WARNING
•If you find yourself in flowing traffic switch on the hazard warning lights
system and place the warning triangle on the side of the road at the
prescribed distance from your vehicle while observing all national legal
provisions. In this way you are protecting not only yourself but also other
road users.
Fig. 201 Luggage compart-
ment: Spare wheel
NKO B6 20.book Page 231 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM