ABS SKODA SUPERB 2010 2.G / (B6/3T) Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: SKODA, Model Year: 2010, Model line: SUPERB, Model: SKODA SUPERB 2010 2.G / (B6/3T)Pages: 287, PDF Size: 16.59 MB
Page 5 of 287
Contents
4
Airbag system
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver's knee airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting children safely
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What you should know about transporting children!
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching a child seat us ing the “ISOFIX” system .
Attaching child seat using the “Top Tether” system
Driving Tips
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uphill Start Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electromechanical power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre pressure monitoring system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving and the Environment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards . .
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving through bodies of water on roads . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taking care of your ve hicle and cleaning the
vehicle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the exterior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and replenishing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tyres
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changes and replacement of partsAccessories and replacement parts . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicles of category N1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Breakdown assistance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-aid box* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning triangle* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre repair kit* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and light bulbs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel consumption according to the ECE standards and
EU guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4 ltr./92 kW TSI - EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.8 ltr./118 (112) kW TSI - EU5 / EU2 / BS4 . . . . . .
2.0 ltr./147 kW FSI - EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.6 ltr./191 kW FSI - EU5 / EU2 / (BS4) . . . . . . . . . .
1.9 ltr./77 kW TDI PD - EU4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 ltr./103 kW TDI CR DPF - EU5 / (EU4 / BS4) . .
2.0 ltr./125 kW TDI CR DPF - EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
170170171173174176178180180182185186187187187189190191191192192192193195195196196199200200201202202
205205205205209212212212213215215217219221222226228228234234234234235235235235235236236236237241242
246246251257257257257257257257258259260262264266268270272274277
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Page 7 of 287
Layout of this Owner's Manual (explanations)
6
Layout of this Owner's Manual (explanations)The Owner's Manual has been systematically designed, in order to make it easy for you
to find and absorb the information you require.Chapters, table of contents and subject indexThe text of the Owner's manual is divided into relatively short sections which are
combined into easy-to-read chapters. The chapter you are reading at any particular
moment is highlighted at the bottom right of the page.
The Table of contents is arranged according to the chapters and the detailed Subject
index at the end of the Owner's Manual helps you to rapidly find the information you
are looking for.SectionsThe majority of Sections apply to all models.
Since there is a wide range of different equipment and options available it is clearly
unavoidable, despite dividing the contents into sections, that mention may be made
of equipment whic h is not fitted to your vehicle.Brief information and instructionsEach section has a Heading.
This is followed by Brief information (in large italic lettering), which tells you the
subject which is dealt with in this section.
Most of the illustrations are accompanied by an Instruction (in relatively large letters)
which explains to you in a straightforw ard way the action you have to take. Work steps
which have to be carried out are illustrated with a hyphen.Direction indicationsAll direction indications such as “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear” relate to the direction of
travel of the vehicle.Explanation of symbols Equipment which is marked in such a way is only standard on certain vehicle model
versions or only suppliable as opti onal equipment for certain models. End of a section.
The section is continued on the next page.NotesAll four kinds of notes, which are used in th e text, are always stated at the end of the
respective section.
WARNING
The most important notes are marked with the heading WARNING. These
WARNING notes draw your attention to a serious risk of accident or injury.
While reading the text you will frequent ly encounter a double arrow followed
by a small warning symbol. This symbol is intended to draw your attention to a
WARNING note at the end of the section to which you must pay careful atten-
tion.
Caution
A Caution note draws your attention to the possib ility of damage to your vehicle (e.g.
damage to gearbox), or points ou t general risks of an accident.
For the sake of the environment
An Environmental note draws your attention to environmental protection aspects.
This is where you will, for example, find tips aimed at reducing your fuel consumption.
Note
A normal Note draws your attention in a general way to important information.
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Page 29 of 287
Instruments and warning lights
28
Turn signal lights (to the left) page 29
Turn signal lights (to the right) page 29
Fog lights page 29
Main beam light page 29
Low beam light page 29
Rear fog light page 29
Cruise control system* page 29
Failure of the light bulbs page 29
Adaptive headlights* page 29
Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine) page 30
Airbag system page 30
Control system for exhaust page 30
Electromechanical power steering
Steering lock (KESSY system)*
page 31
Engine oil pressure page 31
EPC fault light (petrol engine) page 32
Glow plug system (diesel engine) page 32
Coolant temperature/coolant level page 32
Tra c t i o n c o n t r o l s y s t e m ( TC S ) page 33
Electronic stability programme (ESP)* page 33
Switch off traction control system (TCS) page 33
Selector lever lock*
Starting (KESSY system)*
page 33
Tyre pressure* page 34
Antilock brake system (ABS) page 34
Bonnet page 34
Seat belt warning light page 35
Brake pad wear* page 35
Boot lid page 35
Open door page 35
Fluid level in windshield washer system page 35
Brake system page 35
Dynamo page 36
Engine oil level page 31
Fuel reserve page 36
Overheated clutches of the automatic gearbox
DSG*
page 36
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Page 34 of 287
Instruments and warning lights33
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
WARNING
If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning light system page 66.
Take care when opening the coolant expa nsion bottle. If the engine is hot,
the cooling system is pressurized - risk of scalding! It is best to allow the engine
to cool down before removing the cap.
Do not touch the coolant fan The coolant fan may switch on automatically
even if the ignition is off.
Traction control system (TCS)
The warning light
comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
The warning light flashes when a control cycle is activated while driving.
The warning light lights up permanentl y if there is a fault in the system.
The fact that the TCS system operates together with the ABS means that the TCS
warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly.
If the warning light comes on immediately after starting the engine, the TCS system
can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the TCS system can be switched
on again by switching the ignition on and off. If the warning light goes out, the TCS
system is fully functional again.
Further information about the TCS page 188, “Traction control system (TCS)”.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light
comes on
after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short
distance.
Switch off traction control system (TCS)
The TCS system is switched off by pressing the button page 188, fig. 171 and the
warning light
lights up.
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*
The warning light
comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
When the ESP helps to stabilise the vehicle, the warning light
flashes in the informa-
tion display.
The ESP system cannot be switched off, only the TCS system can be switched off by
pressing the button page 187, fig. 170, the warning light
lights up.
The warning light lights up permanently if there is a fault in the ESP system.
The fact that the ESP system operates together with the ABS means that the ESP
warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly.
If the warning light
comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ESP system
can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the ESP system can be switched
on again by switching the igni tion on and off. If the warning light goes out, the ESP
system is fully functional again.
Further information on the ESP page 187, “Electronic stability programme (ESP)*”.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*
The EDL is a part of the ESP. A fault in the ED L is indicated by the lighting up of the ESP
warning light in the instrument cluster. Have the vehicle inspected without delay by an
authorised Škoda Service Partner. Further information on the EDL page 188, “Elec-
tronic Differential Lock (EDL)*”.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light
comes on
after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short
distance.
Selector lever lock* / St arting (KESSY system)*
If the green warning light
lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is necessary, in
order to be able to move the selector lever out of the position P or N.
Further information about the selector lever lock page 138.
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Page 35 of 287
Instruments and warning lights
34
On vehicles with the KESSY system*, the warning light
lights up if you do not
depress the brake pedal when starting the engine.
Further information page 127.
Tyre inflation pressure*
The warning light
lights up, if there is a substantia l drop in inflation pressure in one
of the tyres. Reduce the speed and check or correct as soon as possible the inflation
pressure in the tyres page 228.
An audible signal sounds as an additional warning signal.
If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Visit the nearest specialist garage and
have the fault rectified.
Further information about the tyre pressure monitoring system page 199.
WARNING
When the warning light
lights up, immediately reduce the speed and
avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. Please stop the vehicle without
delay at the nearest possible stop and in spect the tyres and their inflation pres-
sures.
Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved
roads) the warning light
can be delayed or does not light up at all.
Note
If the battery has been disc onnected, the warning light
comes on after switching on
the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short distance.
Antilock brake system (ABS)
The warning light
shows the functionality of the ABS.
The warning light comes on for a few seconds after the ignition has been switched on
or when starting the engine. The warning light goes out after an automatic check
sequence has been completed. A fault in the ABS
The system is not functioning properly if the ABS warning light
does not go out
within a few seconds after switching on the igni tion, does not light up at all or lights up
while driving. The vehicle will only be br aked by the normal brake system. Visit a
specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriately as you will
not know how great the damage is.
Further information about ABS page 191, “Antilock brake system (ABS)”.
A fault in the entire brake system
If the ABS warning light
comes on together with the brake system warning light
(handbrake must be released), there is a fault not only in the ABS but also in another
part of the brake system .
WARNING
If the brake system warning light
comes on together with the ABS
warning light
stop the vehicle immediately an d check the brake fluid level in
the reservoir page 221, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has dropped below the
MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident! Obtain professional
assistance.
Pay attention to the following instruct ions before checking the brake fluid
level and opening the bonnet page 216, “Working in the engine compart-
ment”.
If the brake fluid is at the correct leve l, the ABS control function has failed.
The rear wheels may then block very rapi dly when braking. In certain circum-
stances, this can result in the rear end of the car breaking away - risk of skid-
ding! Drive carefully to the nearest sp ecialist garage and have the fault
rectified.
Bonnet
The warning light
comes on if the bonnet is unlocke d. If the engine bonnet unlocks
while driving
, the warning light lights up and an audible signal sounds.
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning light
lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes.
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Page 36 of 287
Instruments and warning lights35
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
On vehicles with information display* this
warning light is replaced by a vehicle
symbol.
Seat belt warning light
The warning light
comes on after the ignition is sw itched on as a reminder for the
driver and front passenger to fasten the seat belt. The warning light only goes out if the
driver or front passenger has fastened his seat belt.
If the seat belt has not been fastened by the driver or front passenger, a permanent
warning signal sounds at vehicle speeds gr eater than 20 km/h and simultaneously the
warning light
flashes.
If the seat belt is not fastened by the dr iver or front passenger during the next 90
seconds, the warning signal is deactivated and the warning light
lights up perma-
nently.
Further information on the seat belts page 165, “Seat belts”.
Thickness of the brake pads*
The warning light comes on for a few seconds
5) when the ignition is switched on.
If the warning light
comes on, contact a specialist garage immediately and have the
brake pads on all of the wheels inspected.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Check brake pads!
Boot lid
The warning light
comes on when the ignition is switched on if the luggage
compartment door is open. If the boot lid op ens while driving, the warning light lights
up
and as a warning an audible signal sounds.
The warning light comes on even when the ig nition is switched off. The warning light
lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes. O n v e h i c l e s w i t h i n f o r m a t i o n d i s p l a y * t h i s w a
rning light is replaced by a vehicle symbol
page 24.
Open door
The warning light
comes on, if one or several doors are opened. If one of the doors
opens while driving, th e warning light lights
up and an audible signal sounds.
The warning light comes on even when the ig nition is switched off. The warning light
lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes.
O n v e h i c l e s w i t h i n f o r m a t i o n d i s p l a y * t h i s w a rning light is replaced by a vehicle symbol
page 24.
Windshield washer fluid level
The warning light
comes on when the ignition is swit ched on if there is insufficient
fluid in the windshield washer system. Top up with liquid page 226.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: To p u p w a s h f l u i d !
Brake system
The warning light
flashes or comes on if the brake fluid level is too low, if there is a
fault in the ABS or if the handbrake is applied.
If the warning light flashes and an audible signal so unds three times (handbrake is
not applied), stop and check the brake fluid level .
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Brake fluid: Owner's manual
If there is a fault in the ABS which also infl uences the function of the brake system (e.g.
distribution of brake pressure), the ABS warning light
comes on and at the same
time the brake system warn ing light starts flashing
. Be aware that not only the ABS
but also another part of th brake system is defective .
An audible signal sounds three times as an additional warning signal.
5)The warning light on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after switching
the ignition on, but only if a fault exists.
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Page 38 of 287
Unlocking and locking37
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Unlocking and lockingKeyTwo remote control keys are provided with the vehicle fig. 23 .
WARNING
Always withdraw the key whenever you leave the vehicle - even if it is only
for a short time. This is particularly important if children are left in the vehicle.
The children might otherwise start the en gine or operate electrical equipment
(e.g. power windows) - risk of injury!
Do not withdraw the ignition key from the ignition lock until the vehicle has
come to a stop. The steerin g lock might otherwise enga ge unintentionally - risk
of accident!Caution
Each key contains electronic components; therefore protect them against moisture
and severe shocks.
Keep the groove of the keys absolutely clean as impurities (textile fibres, dust etc.)
have a negative effect on the proper operation of the locking cylinder and the ignition
lock.
Note
Please approach an authorised Škoda Servic e Partner if you lose a key since he can
obtain a new one for you.Changing the battery in the remote control keyFig. 24 Disconnect key with radio remote control / change batteryEach remote control key contains a ba ttery which is housed in the cover fig. 24
of the transmitter housing. If the battery is discharged, the red indicator light
fig. 23 does not light up after pressing a button on the remote control key. We
recommend that you have the batteries of the key replaced by an authorised Škoda
Service Partner. You should, however, proceed as follows if you wish to replace the
battery yourself:
– Fold open the key.
– Press off the battery cover with your thumb or using a flat screwdriver at the points
of the arrows fig. 24 .
– Remove the discharged battery from the key by pressing the battery downwards at the point of the arrow fig. 24 .
– Insert the new battery. Ensure that the “+” symbol on the battery is facing upwards.
The correct polarity is shown on the battery cover.
– Position the battery cover on the key and press on it until it is heard to lock in place.
Fig. 23 Remote control key
AB
AA
A1
A2
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Page 99 of 287
Seats and Stowage
98
You must on no account exceed the pe rmissible roof load, the permissible
axle loads and the permissible gross weight of your vehicle - risk of accident!
Please note that the handling properties of your vehicle change when you
transport heavy or bulky items on the roof bar system as a result of the
displacement of the centre of gravity an d the increased wind attack area - risk
of accident! You must absolutely adapt your style of driving and the speed of
the vehicle to the sp ecific circumstances.
Cup holderCup holder in front centre consoleYou can place two cups or beverage cans into the recesses fig. 97 .
On vehicles which are fitted with a cove r for cup holders*, you can cover the cup
holder by pulling at the handle .
WARNING
Do not place any hot beverages into th e cup holder while the car is moving.
The hot beverages may spill - risk of scalding!
Do not use any cups or beakers which are made of brittle material (e.g. glass,
porcelain). You might be injured by them in the event of an accident.
Caution
Do not open the beverages in the cup holder while driving. They may spill when
braking and while doing so damage the vehicle.Cup holder in the armrest of the rear seats*Fig. 98 Armrest of rear seats: Cup holder / insert cup holderYou can place two cups into the cup holder.
– If you press on the face end of the armrest in the direction of arrow fig. 98 , the
cup holder comes out.
– In order to slide the cup holder in again, press the middle part of the cup holder fig. 98 and slide it into the armrest.
WARNING
Do not place any hot beverages into the cup holder while the car is moving.
The hot beverages may spill - risk of scalding!
Do not use any cups or beak ers which are made of brittle material (e.g. glass,
porcelain). You might be injured by them in the event of an accident.Caution
Do not open the beverages in the cup holder while driving. They may spill when
braking and while doing so damage the vehicle.
Before raising the armrest, first of all slide in the cup holder.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 97 Front centre console: Cup holder
AA
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Page 166 of 287
Seat belts165
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Seat beltsWhy seat belts?It is a proven fact that seat belt s offer good protection in accidents fig. 148 . Thus
wearing a seat belt is a legal requirement in most countries.
Seat belts which have been correctly fasten ed and adjusted hold the occupants of the
car in the correct seated position fig. 148 . The belts reduce the kinetic energy
(energy of motion) to a considerable exte nt. They also prevent uncontrolled move-
ments which, in turn, may well result in severe injuries.
The occupants of a vehicle who have fastened and correctly adjusted their seat belt,
profit to a major extent from the fact that the kinetic energy is optimally absorbed by
the belts. The structure of the front end of the vehicle and other passive safety meas-
ures, such as the airbag system, also cont ribute to reducing the kinetic energy. The
energy produced is thus absorbed and there is less risk of injury.
Accident statistics prove that seat belts which are fastened and properly adjusted
reduce the risk of an injury and enhance the chance of survival in a major accident
page 166.
It is important that you pay attention to safety measures, particularly when trans-
porting children in the vehicle page 180, “What you should know about trans-
porting children!”.
WARNING
Fasten your seat belt each time before setting off, also when driving in town!
This also applies to the people seated at the rear - risk of injury!
Expectant women must also always wear a seat belt. This is the only way of
ensuring optimal protection for the unborn child page 167, “Fastening
three-point seat belts”.
It is important for the belt webbing to be properly routed if the seat belts are
to offer the maximum protection. You can see a description of how safety belts
should be fitted properly on the next pages.Note
Please comply with any differing legal requirements when using the seat belts.The physical principle of a frontal collisionFig. 149 The driver is catapulted forward if not wearing a belt / The rear seat occupant is cata-
pulted forward if not wearing a beltThe physical principle of a frontal a ccident can be explained quite simply:
Motion energy, so-called kinetic energy, is produced as soon as the vehicle is moving,
both for the vehicle and its occupants. The magnitude of this kinetic energy depends
essentially on the speed at which the vehicl e is travelling and on the weight of the
Fig. 148 Driver wearing seat belt
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Page 167 of 287
Seat belts
166
vehicle and the occupants. The greater the speed and weight increase, the greater the
amount of energy which has to be absorbed in the event of an accident.
The speed of the vehicle is, nevertheless, the most important factor. Doubling the
speed of the vehicle from 25 km/h up to 50 km/hour increases the kinetic energy four
times.
The common opinion that it is possible to su pport your body in a minor accident with
your hands, is incorrect. Even in a collision at only a low speed, the forces acting on the
body are such that it is no longer possible to support your body.
Even if you only drive at a speed within the range from 30 km/hour to 50 km/hour, the
forces which are produced on your body in the event of an accident can easily exceed
10.000 N (Newton). This equals a weight of one tonne (1 000 kg).
In the event of a frontal collision, occupants of the vehicle not wearing a seat belt, are
thrown forward and strike in an uncontrolled way parts of the interior of the vehicle,
such as steering wheel, dash panel, windscreen, page 165, fig. 149 - left. The occu-
pants of a vehicle who have not fastened their seat belts may even be thrown out of
the vehicle. This can result in fatal injuries.
It is also important that rear seat occupants fasten their seat belts as they will otherwise
be thrown through the vehicle in an uncontr olled manner in the event of an accident
A rear seat passenger who has not fastened the s eat bel t i s a dang er not o nl y to hims elf
but also for those seated at the front page 165, fig. 149 - right.Important safety information regarding the use of seat beltsThe correct use of the seat belts cons iderably reduces the risk of injury!
WARNING
The belt webbing must not be jammed in-between at any point or twisted,
or chafe against any sharp edges.
It is important that the belt webbing is properly routed if the seat belts are
to offer their maximum protection page 167, “How are seat belts correctly
fastened?”.
No two persons (also not children) should ever use a single seat belt
together.
The maximum protection which seat belts can offer is only achieved if you
are correctly seated page 162, “Correct seated position”.
The belt webbing must not run across solid or fragile objects (e.g. specta-
cles, ball-point pens, keys etc.) as this may be a cause of injuries.
Bulky, loose clothing (e.g. a winter coat over a jacket) does not allow you to
be correctly seated and impairs proper operation of the seat belts.
It is prohibited to use clamps or other objects to adjust seat belts (e.g. for
shortening the belts for smaller persons).
The lock tongue should only be inserted into the lock which is the correct
one for your seat. Wrong use of the safety belt will reduce its capacity to protect
and the risk of injury increases.
The seat backrests of the front seats must not be tilted too far to the rear
otherwise the seatbelts can lose their effectiveness.
The belt webbing must always be ke pt clean. Soiled belt webbing may
impair proper operation of the inertia reel page 211, “Seat belts”.
The slot of the belt tongue must not be blocked by paper or similar objects
otherwise the belt tongue will not lock in place properly.
Inspect the seat belts regula rly to ensure they are in good condition. If you
find seat belts which have damage to the seat belt webbing, seat belt connec-
tions, to the inertia reels or to the lock, the relevant safety belt must be replaced
by a specialist garage.
The seat belts must not be removed or changed in any way. Do not make an
attempt to repair the seat belts yourself.
Damaged seat belts which have been subjected to stress in an accident and
were therefore stretched, must be replaced - this is best done by a specialist
garage. The anchorage points of the belts must also be inspected. The
anchorage points for the belts should also be checked.
In certain countries it is possible to use seat belts which differ in terms of
their operation from the seat belts which are described on the pages which
follow.WARNING (continued)
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