SKODA SUPERB 2009 Owner´s Manual

WARNINGRapid acceleration, particularly on slippery roads, can lead to loss of control
of the vehicle – there is a risk of an accident.
Malfunction
Read and observe
and on page 145 first.
Emergency programme
The transmission switches to the emergency programme if there is a fault in
the automatic gearbox system.
Indications of an activated emergency programme include the following:
› Only certain gears are selected.
› Reverse gear
R cannot be used.
› Shifting gears in Tiptronic mode is not possible.
Gearbox overheating
The gearbox may, for example, become too hot due to frequent repeated
starting or stop-and-go traffic. Overheating is indicated by the warning
light » page 33 ,
 Clutches of the automatic DSG gearbox are too hot
.
Defective selector lever lock
If the selector lever lock is defective or its power supply is interrupted (e.g. dis-
charged vehicle battery, faulty fuse), the selector lever can no longer be moved
out of position P in the normal manner, and the vehicle can no longer be driv-
en. The selector lever must be emergency released » page 217.
Note
Visit a specialist workshop if the gearbox has switched to the emergency pro-
gramme.
Running in
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
New engine
148
New tyres
149
New brake pads
149New engine
The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres.
Up to 1,000 kilometres›
Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the maximum speed of the gear in use, which
means 3/4 of the maximum permissible engine speed.
›
No full throttle.
›
Avoid high engine speeds.
›
Do not tow a trailer.
From 1,000 up to 1,500 kilometres
Gradually increase the power output of the engine up to the full speed of the
gear engaged, which means up to the maximum permissible engine speed.
The red scale on the rev counter indicates the range in which the system be-
gins to limit the engine speed.
During the first operating hours the engine has higher internal friction than
later until all of the moving parts have harmonized. The driving style which you
adopt during the first approx.1 500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the suc-
cess of running in your car.
Never drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds even after the running in pe-
riod.
On vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox, at the very latest shift up into the
next gear when the red area is reached. Observe the recommended
gear » page 43 , Gear recommendation . Very high engine speeds when acceler-
ating (accelerator) are automatically restricted »
.
In vehicles with manual transmission, do not drive at unnecessarily low engine
speeds. Shift down a gear when the engine is no longer running smoothly. Ob-
serve the recommended gear » page 43, Gear recommendation .
CAUTION
■
The engine is not protected from excessive engine revs caused by shifting
down at the wrong time. This can result in a sudden increase in revs beyond
the permissible maximum rpm and hence engine damage.■
Never rev up a cold engine when the vehicle is stationary or when driving in
individual gears.
For the sake of the environment
Do not drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds. Shifting up sooner helps
save fuel, reduces engine noise and protects the environment.148Driving

New tyres
New tyres must firstly be “run in” since they do not offer optimal grip at first.
Therefore, drive especially carefully for the first 500 km or so.
New brake pads
New brake pads do not initially provide optimal braking performance. They first
need to be “run in”. Therefore, drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or
so.
Economical driving and environmental sustainability
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Looking ahead
149
Economical gear changing.
149
Avoiding full throttle
150
Reducing idling
150
Avoiding short distances
150
Checking tyre pressure
150
Avoiding unnecessary ballast
151
Regular maintenance
151
Saving electrical energy
151
Environmental compatibility
151
The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the
vehicle have already been built into the vehicle at the works. ŠKODA places a
particular emphasis on minimising negative effects on the environment.
It is necessary to take note of the guidelines given in this chapter in order to make best use of these characteristics and to maintain their effectiveness.
Fuel consumption, environmental pollution and the wear to the engine, brakes
and tyres depend essentially on the following three factors:
› Your personal driving style
› Operating conditions
› Technical requirements
The fuel economy by can be improved by 10 - 15 % by always looking ahead
and driving in an economical way.
Fuel consumption is also be influenced by external factors which are beyond
the driver's control. Consumption increases during the winter or under difficult
conditions, on poor roads, etc.
Fuel consumption can vary considerably from the manufacturer's data, as a re-
sult of outside temperatures, the weather and driving style.
The optimal engine speed should be maintained when accelerating, to avoid a high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle.
CAUTION
All the speed and engine revolution figures apply only when the engine is at
its normal operating temperature.
Looking ahead
Read and observe
on page 149 first.
A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs when accelerating, therefore un-necessary accelerating and braking should be avoided. If looking ahead when
driving, less braking and consequently less accelerating are required.
If possible, let your vehicle coast to a stop, or use the engine brake, if you can see that the next set of traffic lights is on red, for example.
Economical gear changing.
Fig. 142
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km depending
on the selected gear
Read and observe on page 149 first.
Shifting up early saves on fuel.
Manual gearbox › Drive no more than about one length of your vehicle in first gear.
› Shift up into the next gear at approximately 2,000 rpm. 
149Starting off and Driving

An effective way of achieving good fuel economy is to shift up early. Observe
the recommended gear » page 43, Gear recommendation .
A suitably selected gear can have an effect on fuel consumption » Fig. 142.
Automatic gearbox
› Slowly
apply the accelerator pedal. However, do not depress it as far as the
kickdown position » page 147.
› An economic driving programme is automatically selected if the accelerator
pedal is only depressed slowly.
Avoiding full throttle
Fig. 143
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km. and speed
in km/h.
Read and observe on page 149 first.
Driving more slowly saves fuel.
Sensitive use of the accelerator will not only significantly reduce fuel con-
sumption but also positively influence environmental pollution and wear of
your vehicle.
The maximum speed of your vehicle should, as far possible, never be used.
Fuel consumption, pollutant emissions and vehicle noises increase dispropor-
tionally at high speeds.
The graph » Fig. 143 shows the ratio of fuel consumption to the speed of your
vehicle. Fuel consumption will be halved if you drive at only three-quarters of
the possible top speed of your vehicle.
Reducing idling
Read and observe
on page 149 first.
Idling also costs fuel.
In vehicles not equipped with the START STOP system, turn off the engine
when in a traffic jam, at a level crossing or traffic lights with longer wait times.
Even after just 30 - 40 seconds you will have saved more fuel than that is nee-
ded when you start the engine up again.
If an engine is only idling it takes much longer for it to reach its normal operat-
ing temperature. Wear-and-tear and pollutant emissions, though, are particu- larly high in the warming-up phase. Therefore, start driving as soon as the en-
gine has started, In this case high engine speeds should be avoided.
Avoiding short distances
Fig. 144
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in l/100 km at different tem-
peratures
Read and observe on page 149 first.
Short distances result in above-average high fuel consumption. We therefore
recommend avoiding distances of less than 4 km if the engine is cold.
A cold engine consumes the most fuel immediately after the start. Fuel con- sumption drops to 10 litres/100 km after just 1 kilometre. The consumption sta-
bilises once the engine and catalytic converter have reached their operating
temperature.
An important factor in this connection is also the ambient temperature. The
graph » Fig. 144 shows the different levels of fuel consumption after driving a
certain distance at a temperature of +20 °C and a temperature of -10 °C.
Checking tyre pressure
Read and observe
on page 149 first.
Tyres which are correctly inflated save fuel. 
150Driving

Always ensure the tyre inflation pressure is correct » page 198. If the pressure
is too low, the tyres will have to overcome a higher rolling resistance. This will
not only increase fuel consumption but also tyre wear and the driving behav-
iour will worsen.
Always check the tyre inflation pressure when the tyres are cold.
Avoiding unnecessary ballast
Read and observe
on page 149 first.
Transporting ballast costs fuel.
Each kilogramme of weight increases the fuel consumption. Therefore we rec-
ommend carrying no unnecessary weight.
It is particularly in town traffic, when one is accelerating quite often, that the
vehicle weight will have a significant effect upon the fuel consumption. A rule
of thumb here is that an increase in weight of 100 kilograms will cause an in-
crease in fuel consumption of about 1 litre/100 kilometres.
At a speed of 100 - 120 km/h, a vehicle fitted with a roof rack cross member
without a load will use about 10 % more fuel than normal due to the increased
aerodynamic drag.
Regular maintenance
Read and observe
on page 149 first.
A poorly tuned engine uses an unnecessarily high amount of fuel.
By having your vehicle regularly maintained by a specialist garage, you create
the conditions needed for economical driving. The maintenance state of your
vehicle has a positive effect on traffic safety and value retention
A poorly tuned engine can result in a fuel consumption which is 10 % higher than normal.
Check the oil level at regular intervals, e.g. when filling up. Oil consumption is
dependent to a considerable extent on the load and speed of the engine. Oil
consumption could be as high as 0.5 litres/1 000 km depending on your style
of driving.
It is quite normal that a new engine has higher oil consumption at first, and
reaches its lowest level only after a certain running in time. The oil consump-
tion of a new vehicle can therefore only be correctly assessed after driving
about 5,000 km.
For the sake of the environment■ Additional improvements to the fuel economy can be made by using synthet-
ic low viscosity oils.■
Regularly check the ground under the vehicle. Have your vehicle inspected by
a specialist garage if you find any stains caused by oil or other fluids on the
ground.
Note
We recommend that your vehicle be serviced on a regular basis by a ŠKODA
service partner.
Saving electrical energy
Read and observe
on page 149 first.
When the engine is running, the alternator generates and supplies electricalpower. If more electrical components of the electrical system are switched on,
more fuel is needed to operate the alternator. We therefore recommend
switching off electrical components if these are no longer required.
Environmental compatibility
Read and observe
on page 149 first.
Environmental protection has played a major role in the design, material selec-
tion and production of your new ŠKODA. Particular emphasis has been placed
on the following points.
Design measures › Joints designed to be easily detached.
› Simplified disassembly due to the modular structure system.
› Improved purity of different classes of materials.
› Identification of all plastic parts in accordance with VDA Recommendation
260.
› Reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission CO
2.
› Minimum fuel leakage during accidents.
› Reduced noise.
Choice of materials
› Extensive use of recyclable material.
› Air conditioning filled with CFC-free refrigerant.
› No cadmium. 
151Starting off and Driving

›No asbestos.
› Reduction in the “vaporisation” of plastics.
Manufacture › Solvent-free cavity protection.
› Solvent-free protection of the vehicle for transportation from the production
plant to the customer.
› The use of solvent-free adhesives.
› No CFCs used in the production process.
› Without use of mercury.
› Use of water-soluble paints.
Trade-in and recycling of old cars
ŠKODA meets the requirements of the brand and its products with regard to
protecting the environment and the preserving resources. All new ŠKODAvehi-
cles can be recycled by up to 95 % and can always 1)
be returned free of charge.
In a lot of countries sufficient trade-in networks have been created, where you
can trade-in your vehicle. After you trade-in your vehicle, you will receive a
confirmation stating the recycling in accordance with environmental regula-
tions.
Note
You can find more detailed information about the trade-in and recycling of old
cars from a specialist garage.
Avoiding damage to your vehicle
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
General information
152
Driving through water on streets
152General information
Pay attention to low-slung parts of the vehicle, such as the spoiler and ex-
haust, particularly in the following situations.
› When driving on poorly maintained roads and paths.
› When driving over kerbs.
› When driving on steep ramps, etc.
Particular attention is required for vehicles with sport suspension and when
the vehicle is fully laden.
Driving through water on streets
Fig. 145
Maximum permissible water lev-
el when driving through water
The following instructions must be observed if vehicle damage is to be avoided when driving through water (e.g. flooded roads).
›
Determine the depth of the water before driving through it.
The water level must not reach above the web of the lower beam » Fig. 145.
›
Do not drive any faster than at a walking speed.
At a higher speed, a water wave can form in front of the vehicle, which can
cause water to penetrate into the engine's air intake system or other parts of
the vehicle.
›
Never stop in the water, do not reverse and do not switch the engine off. 
1)
Subject to fulfilment of the national legal requirements.
152Driving

WARNING■Driving through water, mud, sludge etc. can impair the braking power and
extend the braking distance – risk of accident!■
Avoid abrupt and sudden braking immediately after water crossings.
■
After driving through bodies of water, the brakes must be cleaned and
dried as soon as possible by intermittent braking. Only apply the brakes for
the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake discs if the traffic conditions
permit this. Do not place any other road users in jeopardy.
CAUTION
■ Should water penetrate into the intake system of the engine, there is a
threat of serious damage being incurred by the engine parts!■
When driving through water, some vehicle parts such as chassis, electrics or
transmissions can be severely damaged.
■
Oncoming vehicles can generate water waves which can exceed the permis-
sible water level for your vehicle.
■
Potholes, mud or rocks can be hidden under the water, making it difficult or
impossible to drive through water.
■
Do not drive through salt water, as the salt can cause corrosion. A vehicle
coming into contact with salt water is to be thoroughly rinsed with fresh wa-
ter.
Note
After driving through water, we recommend having the vehicle checked by a
specialist garage.
Driving abroad
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Unleaded petrol
153
Headlights
153
In certain countries, it may be possible that the ŠKODA Partner network is limi-
ted or has not been established. This is the reason why procuring certain spare
parts may be somewhat complicated and specialist garages may only be able
to make limited repairs.
Unleaded petrol
A vehicle fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded
petrol » page 184 , Unleaded petrol . Information regarding the locations of fill-
ing stations that offer unleaded petrol is, for example, provided by the auto-
mobile associations.
Headlights
The low beam of your headlights is set asymmetrically. It illuminates the side
of the road on which the vehicle is being driven to a greater extent.
When driving in countries in which the traffic drives on the other side of the
road than in your home country, the asymmetrical low beam may dazzle on-
coming drivers. In order to avoid this, the headlights must be adjusted at a
specialist garage.
Headlights with Xenon lights can be adjusted in the menu of the MAXI DOT
display » page 71 .
Note
You can find out more information on adjusting the headlights at a specialist
garage.153Starting off and Driving

Assist systems
Brake assist systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
154
Antilock brake system (ABS)
155
Traction Control System (ASR)
155
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
155
Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
155
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
155
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
156WARNING■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to
shut down. The brake assist systems would then fail to function – risk of
accident!■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions. The increased safety provided by the brake assist
systems must not tempt you to take safety risks – risk of accident!
■
In the event of an ABS fault, visit a specialist garage immediately. Adjust
your style of driving according to the damage to the ABS, as you will not
know the exact extent of the damage or the extent to which this is limiting the braking efficiency.
CAUTION
■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufac-
turer to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly.■
Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis) can influence the
functionality of the brake assist systems » page 173, Services, modifications
and technical alterations .
■
If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, ASR and EDL will also not work.
An ABS fault is indicated with the warning light 
» page 38 .
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Fig. 146
ESC system: ASR button
Read and observe and on page 154 first.
The ESC system helps to maintain control of the vehicle in situations where it
is being operated at its dynamic limits, such as a sudden change to the direc-
tion of travel. Depending on the road surface conditions, the risk of skidding is
reduced, thereby improving the vehicle's driving stability .
The ESC system is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the
steering angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with
the actual behaviour of the vehicle. If differences exist, such as the car begin-
ning to skid, the ESC system will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light  flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
The following systems are integrated into the Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) .
› Antilock Brake System (ABS)
» page 155.
› Traction control (ASR)
» page 155.
› Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
» page 155.
› Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
» page 155.
› Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
» page 155.
› Hill Hold Control (HHC)
» page 156.
› Trailer stabilisation (TSA)
» page 172.
The ESC system cannot be deactivated. The 
» Fig. 146 button can only be
used to deactivate the ASR.
The  warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster when the ASR is de-
activated.
154Driving

Antilock brake system (ABS)Read and observe
and on page 154 first.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thereby, it helps the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle.
The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the pulsating movements of
the brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
When the ABS system is active, do not brake periodically or reduce the pres-
sure on the brake pedal.
Traction Control System (ASR)
Fig. 147
ASR button
Read and observe and on page 154 first.
If the wheels are slipping, the ASR system adapts the engine speed to the con- ditions of the road surface. The ASR makes it much easier to start off, acceler-
ate and climb steep hills even if the conditions of the road surface are unfav-
ourable.
The ASR function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched
on.
If your vehicle is fitted with the ESC system, the ASR is integrated into the ESC
system » page 154 .
During an intervention of the system, the ASR warning light  flashes in the
instrument cluster.
The ASR should normally always be enabled. The system should be deactiva-
ted only in the following situations, for example.
› When driving with snow chains.
› When driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface.
› When “rocking a car free” when it has become stuck.
The ASR can be deactivated via the 
» Fig. 147 symbol button.
The 
warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster when the ASR is de-
activated.
Ensure the ASR is activated again afterwards.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
Read and observe
and on page 154 first.
If one of the wheels starts to spin, the EDL system brakes the spinning wheel
and transfers the driving force to the other wheels. This ensures the stability
of the vehicle and a quick journey.
The EDL switches off automatically in order to avoid excessive heat generation
in the disc brake of the wheel being braked. The vehicle can continue to be
driven and has the same characteristics as a vehicle not fitted with EDL. The
EDL switches on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down.
Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
Read and observe
and on page 154 first.
In critical situations, the DSR provides the driver with a steering recommenda-tion in order to stabilise the vehicle. The DSR is activated, for example, on the
right and left vehicle side when braking sharply on different road surfaces.
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
Read and observe
and on page 154 first.
HBA increases the braking effect and helps to shorten the braking distance.The HBA is activated by very quick operation of the brake pedal. In order to
achieve the shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be ap-
plied firmly until the vehicle has come to a standstill.
The HBA function is automatically switched off when the brake pedal is re-
leased. 
155Assist systems

The ABS is activated faster and more effectively with the intervention of the
HBA.
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
Read and observe
and on page 154 first.
When driving on slopes, HHC allows you to move your foot from the brake ped-al to the accelerator pedal without having to use the handbrake.
The system holds the brake pressure produced by the activation of the brake pedal for approx. 2 seconds after the brake pedal is released.
The brake pressure drops gradually the more you operate the accelerator ped-
al. If the vehicle does not start off within 2 seconds, it starts to roll back.
HHC is active on slopes of >5 % when the driver door is closed. HHC is always only active on slopes when in forward or reverse start off. When driving down-
hill, it is inactive.
Parking aid
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Function
157
Activation/deactivation
157WARNING■ 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 may not be recognised by the system sensors.■
Before reversing, you should make sure that there are no small obstacles,
such as rocks, thin posts, trailer drawbars etc. in front or behind your vehi-
cle. Such obstacles may not be recognised by the system sensors.
■
Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing 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. Un-
der adverse conditions, this may cause objects or people to not be recog-
nised 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. The
fault is also indicated by the symbol 
flashing in the button » Fig. 148 on
page 157 . Seek help from a specialist garage.■
The sensors must be kept clean (free of ice, etc.) to enable the system to op-
erate properly.
■
Under adverse weather conditions (heavy rain, water vapour, very low or
high temperatures etc.), the system function may be limited - “incorrect recog-
nition of obstacle”.
■
Additionally installed accessories such as e.g. bicycle carriers can impair the
system function.
Note
■ The signal tones for front obstacle recognition are factory-set to be higher
than for rear obstacle recognition.■
If not all fields around the vehicle are shown after the system is activated,
the vehicle will need to be moved a few metres forwards or in reverse.
■
The sound of the park assist can be adjusted via the MAXI DOT display in the
Assistants menu option » page 47.
■
If the system is activated and the selector lever of the automatic gearbox is
in position P (the vehicle cannot move), the warning tone is interrupted and no
obstacles are displayed.
156Driving

FunctionFig. 148
Range of sensors / system button
Read and observe
and on page 156 first.
The parking aid (referred to below solely as system) only works when the igni-
tion 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 manoeu-
vring » Radio user guide, Navigation system user guide.
The system uses ultrasound waves to calculate the distance between the
bumper and an obstacle. The ultrasound sensors are located on the front/rear
bumper.
Image description - approximate range of the sensors
Range » Fig. 148Range of sensorsA120 cmB60 cmC160 cmD60 cmEa)60 cma)
Applies only for vehicles with 12 sensors.
The interval between the acoustic signals becomes shorter as the clearance is
reduced. A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm - danger
area. From this moment on do not continue driving!
The length of the vehicle can be increased with an installed detachable towing
device. The danger area thus begins at a distance of around 35 cm on vehicles equipped with a factory fitted towing device.
Towing a trailer
On vehicles equipped with a factory fitted towing device, only system areas A
and
B
» Fig. 148 are active when towing a trailer.
Activation/deactivation
Read and observe
and on page 156 first.
The system is automatically activated by selecting reverse gear or pressing
the symbol button 
» Fig. 148 on page 157 . The symbol
 illuminates in the
button; activation is confirmed by a brief acoustic signal.
The system is deactivated by moving out of reverse gear, either by pressing the symbol button  or automatically at a speed exceeding 10 km/h (the sym-
bol  in the button goes out).
On vehicles which only have rear sensors , the system can only be deactivated
by moving out of reverse gear.
Park assist
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Functioning
158
Finding a parking space
158
Parking
159
Departing from a parallel parking space
160
Automatic emergency braking
160
Information messages
160
Park Assist (in the following referred to as the system) helps drivers park in
suitable parallel and perpendicular parking places and also to manoeuvre out
of parallel parking spaces.
The system takes over the steering movements when parking or driving out of
the parking space, the driver operates the pedals as well as the gear lever.
The state in which the steering wheel is operated by the system, is referred to
as parking operation. 
157Assist systems