Get Starting-off and Driving Guide for Skoda Fabia 4 Door First Generation (1999-2006)

CAUTION

Driving

■

The starter must only be operated when the engine is not running and the

vehicle is at a standstill. The starter or engine can be damaged if the starter is

activated when the engine is running 3 » Fig. 102 on page 102.

Starting-off and Driving

■

If the engine does not start up after a second attempt, the fuse for the fuel

Starting and stopping the engine

pump may have a fault. Check the fuse and replace, if necessary » page 168 or

seek assistance from a specialist garage.

 Introduction

■

Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts otherwise the starter

could be damaged.

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

■

Do not tow start the engine – there is a risk of damaging the engine and the

catalytic converter. The battery from another vehicle can be used as a jump-

start aid » page 164, Jump-starting.

Electronic immobilizer

Ignition lock

Starting the engine

Switching off the engine

101

102

CAUTION

■

Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and high engine loads until the engine

The engine can only be started using a correctly coded original key.

has yet reached its operating temperature – there is a risk of damaging the en-

gine.

The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after

starting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.

■

Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the

engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to

run at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumula-

tion of heat when the engine is switched off.

WARNING

■

When the vehicle is travelling with the engine off, the ignition key must

always be in position 2 » Fig. 102 on page 102 (ignition switched on). This

position is indicated by the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case,

it could result in unexpected locking of the steering wheel – there is the

risk of an accident.

Only pull the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has

come to a complete stop (by applying the handbrake). Otherwise the steer-

ing wheel could lock – there is the risk of an accident.

For the sake of the environment

Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start

your journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this the engine rea-

ches its operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are

lower.

■

Note

■

Never leave the key in the vehicle when you exit the vehicle. Unauthor-

ized persons, such as children, for example, could lock the car, turn on the

ignition or start the engine - there is a danger of injury and accidents!

Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running - there is an

The radiator fan can intermittently continue to run for approximately 10 mi-

nutes after the ignition has been switched off.

■

accident, damage or theft risk!

Never switch off the engine before the vehicle has come to a halt – there

is the risk of an accident.

Electronic immobilizer

■

 Read and observe and on page 101 first.

An electronic chip is integrated in the head of the key. The immobiliser is deac-

tivated with the aid of this chip when the key is inserted in the ignition lock.

The electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when the ignition key is

withdrawn from the lock.

WARNING

■

Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The en-

gine's exhaust gases also contain the odourless and colourless carbon

monoxide, a poisonous gas – risk of death.



The engine will not start if a non-authorized ignition key is used.

■

Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.

101

Starting-off and Driving

The MAXI DOT display shows the following:

Starting the engine

Immobilizer active.

 Read and observe and on page 101 first.

Ignition lock

Vehicles with a diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. The glow

plug warning light  lights up after the ignition has been switched on. Start

the engine once the  warning light has gone out.

Fig. 102

Positions of the vehicle key in

the ignition lock

You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating

period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.

Procedure for starting the engine

Firmly apply the handbrake.

Move the gearshift lever into neutral or move the selector lever into position

P or N.

›

Switch on the ignition 2 » Fig. 102 on page 102.

Depress and hold the clutch pedal (vehicles with a manual gearbox) or brake

pedal (vehicles with an automatic gearbox) until the engine starts.

›

 Read and observe and on page 101 first.

Petrol engines » Fig. 102

Turn the key to position 3 to the stop and release immediately the engine

has started – do not depress the accelerator.

›

1

Ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked

Ignition switched on

After letting go, the vehicle key will return to position 2 .

2

3

Starting engine

If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, turn the key to position 1 . Re-

peat the start-up process after approx. half a minute.

Diesel engines » Fig. 102

1

Fuel supply interrupted, ignition switched off, engine switched off, the

steering can be locked.

Switching off the engine

 Read and observe and on page 101 first.

2

3

Heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on

Starting engine

Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key to position

page 102.

1

» Fig. 102 on

To lock the steering, with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel

until the steering locking pin engages audibly.

If the steering is locked and the key cannot be turned or can only be turned

with difficulty to position 2 » Fig. 102, move the steering wheel back and

forth and the steering lock will unlock.

Brakes

 Introduction

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

Note

We recommend locking the steering wheel whenever leaving the vehicle. This

acts as a deterrent against the attempted theft of your car.

Information for braking

Handbrake

103

104



102

Driving

The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in towns

and over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted.

WARNING

■

Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switch-

ed off – there is the risk of an accident.

The clutch pedal must be depressed when braking on a vehicle with man-

Under these severe conditions, the thickness of the brake pads must also be

checked by a specialist garage between services.

■

ual transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. If you fail to

do so, the functionality of the brake servo can be impaired – there is the

risk of an accident.

Wet roads or road salt

The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake

pads may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter.

The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.

■

If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must

be ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced.

The front brakes may overheat, which can have a negative impact on the

functioning of the braking system – there is a risk of an accident.

Corrosion

Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has

been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking

system. The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.

■

When leaving the vehicle, never leave persons who might, for example,

release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear unattended in the ve-

hicle. The vehicle might then move off – there is the risk of an accident.

Faults in the brake surface

If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that

the brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty.

CAUTION

■

Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 109.

Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not

necessary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer

braking distance and excessive wear.

Visit a specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropri-

ately as you will not know how great the damage is.

Low brake fluid level

An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system.

The level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically » page 36,  Brake sys-

tem.

Information for braking

 Read and observe and on page 103 first.

Brake booster

If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system con-

siders the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light

flashes automatically.

The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The

brake booster only operates when the engine is running.

After the speed was reduced below around 10 km/h or the vehicle was stop-

ped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system

switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically af-

ter accelerating or driving off again.

Before travelling a long distance down a steep gradient, reduce speed and

shift into the next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will

be used, reducing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be

completed intermittently, not continuously.

Wear-and-tear

The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driv-

ing style.

103

Starting-off and Driving

Handbrake

Manual gear shifting and pedals

 Introduction

Fig. 103

Handbrake

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

Manual gear changing

Pedals

104

Manual gear changing

Fig. 104

Shift pattern of the 5-speed

manual gearbox

 Read and observe and on page 103 first.

Apply

Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.

›

Releasing

Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the locking

button » Fig. 103.

›

Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.

›

Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear

on the clutch.

The handbrake warning light  lights up when the handbrake is applied, pro-

vided the ignition is on.

The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 28.

WARNING

Only engage reverse gear when the vehicle is stationary. Depress the clutch

pedal and hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before reverse gear is engag-

ed to avoid any shift noises.

Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which

is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can

have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system – there is a

risk of an accident.

The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the

ignition is on.

CAUTION

WARNING

After the vehicle has come to a standstill, always apply the handbrake first and

then put into the first gear (vehicles with manual gearbox) or move the selec-

tor lever to the P position (vehicles with automatic gearbox).

Never engage reverse gear when driving – there is the risk of an accident.

CAUTION

If not in the process of changing gear, do not leave your hand on the gearshift

lever while driving. The pressure from the hand can cause the gearshift mech-

anism to wear excessively.

Pedals



The operation of the pedals must not be hindered under any circumstances!

104

Driving

In the driver's footwell, only a footmat, which is attached to the two corre-

sponding attachment points, may be used.

CAUTION

■

If the selector lever is shifted to N while the vehicle is being driven you must

lift off the accelerator pedal and you will need to wait until the engine has

reached its idling speed before shifting the selector lever to a forward driving

mode again.

Only use factory-supplied footmats or footmats from the range of ŠKODAOrigi-

nal Accessories, which are fitted to two attachment points.

WARNING

■

At temperatures below -10 °C, the engine can only be started in selector lev-

er position P.

No objects are allowed in the driver's footwell – there is a risk of obstruct-

ing or restriction pedal operation.

■

Never try to hold the vehicle using the accelerator pedal when stopping on a

hill – this may lead to transmission damage.

Note

Automatic transmission

The ignition key can only be withdrawn once the ignition has been switched

off if the selector lever is in the P position ¹⁾.

 Introduction

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

Modes and use of selector lever

Manual gear shifting (Tiptronic)

Starting-off and driving

Malfunction

Selector lever-emergency unlocking

105

106

107

108

WARNING

■

Do not depress the accelerator if the forward driving mode is changed

when the vehicle is halted and the engine is running – there is a risk of an

accident.

■

Never shift the selector lever to R or P modes when driving – there is a

Fig. 105 Selector lever /MAXI DOT display: Selector lever positions

 Read and observe and on page 105 first.

risk of an accident.

■

The vehicle must be held on the brake pedal in D, S or R modes if the ve-

hicle is halted and the engine is running. Even when the engine is idling,

power transmission is never completely interrupted – the vehicle will creep.

When the ignition is switched on, the gearbox mode and the gear currently se-

lected are indicated in the display

1

» Fig. 105.

The following modes can be selected with the selector lever » Fig. 105.

P – Parking mode

The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this mode.



Parking mode must only be selected when the vehicle is stationary.

1)

Only valid for some countries.

105

Starting-off and Driving

R - Reverse gear

Manual gear shifting (Tiptronic)

Reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the en-

gine is at idling speed.

Depress the brake pedal and simultaneously press the shiftlock in the selector

lever grip before shifting to R from P or N.

N - Neutral

Power transmission to the drive wheels is interrupted in this mode.

D - Mode for forwards travel (normal programme)

In mode D, the forward gears are automatically changed according to the en-

gine load, accelerator pedal actuation and driving speed.

S - Mode for forwards travel (sports programme)

In mode S, the forward gears are shifted automatically up and down at higher

engine speeds than in mode D.

Fig. 106 Selector lever/multi-function steering wheel

 Read and observe and on page 105 first.

The shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving the se-

lector lever out of D mode into S mode.

Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears with the selector lev-

er or multifunction steering wheel. This mode can be selected both while hal-

ted and while driving.

Releasing selector lever from P or N modes (selector lever lock)

The selector lever is locked in the P and N modes to prevent the forwards trav-

el mode from being selected accidentally and setting the vehicle in motion.

The  warning light lights up in the instrument cluster » page 42.

The gear currently selected is indicated in the display

page 105.

1

» Fig. 105 on

The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 28.

The selector lever is released by depressing the brake pedal while simultane-

ously pressing the locking button in the selection lever grip.

Switching to manual shifting

Push the gear selector from position D towards the right, or left in a right-

hand drive vehicle.

›

The selector lever is not locked when shifted quickly through N (e.g. from R to

D). This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck, e.g. in a bank of

snow. The selector lever lock will engage if the lever is in position N for more

than approximately 2 seconds without the brake pedal being depressed.

Shifting up gears

Press the selector lever forwards + » Fig. 106.

›

+

Pull the right-hand paddle » Fig. 106 briefly towards the steering wheel.

›

The selector lever is locked only when the vehicle is stationary and at speeds

up to 5 km/h.

Shifting down gears

Press the selector lever backwards

-

» Fig. 106.

›

Note

-

Pull the left-hand paddle » Fig. 106 briefly towards the steering wheel.

›

If you want to move the selector lever from mode P to mode D or vice versa,

move the selector lever quickly. This prevents modes R or N from being selec-

ted accidentally.

Temporarily switching to manual gear shifting in mode D or S

-

+

Pull one of the

/

paddles » Fig. 106 briefly towards the steering wheel .

›

Manual gear shifting is deactivated if more than 1 minute passes after either of

-

+

the

/

paddles was pulled. The temporary switch to manual gear shifting can

also be deactivated by pulling the right-hand paddle towards the steering

wheel for more than 1 second.

+



106

Driving

When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear

just before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.

The gearbox shifts down one or more gears depending on the vehicle speed

and engine speed, and the vehicle accelerates.

If a lower gear is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no

risk of the engine overrevving.

The gearbox does not shift up into the highest gear until the engine has

reached its maximum revolutions for this gear range.

WARNING

Note

Rapid acceleration, particularly on slippery roads, can lead to loss of control

of the vehicle – there is a risk of an accident.

It may be advantageous to use manual gear shifting when driving downhill, for

example. Shifting to a lower gear reduces the load on the brakes and hence

brake wear » page 103, Information for braking.

Malfunction

Starting-off and driving

 Read and observe and on page 105 first.

Starting off

 Read and observe and on page 105 first.

Emergency programme

The transmission switches to the emergency programme if there is a fault in

the automatic gearbox system.

Start the engine.

Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.

Press and hold the shiftlock button on the selector lever grip.

Move the selector lever into the desired position » page 105 and then release

›

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.

›

the lock button.

›

Release the brake pedal and accelerate.

›

Gearbox overheating

Stop

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 34,  Clutches of the automatic DSG gearbox are too hot.

Fully depress and hold the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.

Keep holding the brake pedal until driving is resumed.

›

The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping for a

short time, such as at a cross roads.

Note

Visit a specialist workshop if the gearbox has switched to the emergency pro-

gramme.

Parking

Fully depress and hold the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.

Firmly apply the handbrake.

Press and hold the shiftlock button on the selector lever grip.

Move the selector lever to the P position and then release the shiftlock but-

›

ton.

Kickdown

The kickdown function allows you to achieve maximum acceleration by your

vehicle while driving.

When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the kickdown function is activa-

ted in any forward driving mode.

107

Starting-off and Driving

Up to 1 000 kilometres

Selector lever-emergency unlocking

Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the maximum speed of the gear in use, i.e. 3/4

of the maximum permissible engine speed.

›

Fig. 107

No full throttle.

Avoid high engine speeds.

Do not tow a trailer.

›

Selector lever-emergency un-

locking

›

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, i.e. 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.

 Read and observe and on page 105 first.

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.

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.

Never drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds even after the running-in pe-

riod.

The selector lever emergency unlocking procedure is as follows.

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 28, Recommended gear. Very high engine speeds when accelerat-

Firmly apply the handbrake.

Carefully pull up the front left and right cover.

Pull up rear cover.

Use a finger to press the yellow plastic part in the direction of the ar-

›

ing (accelerator) are automatically restricted »

.

›

row » Fig. 107.

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 28, Recommended gear.

At the same time, press the locking button in the selector lever and move

the selector lever to N.

›

The selector lever will be locked once more if it is moved again to P.

CAUTION

■

The engine is not protected from excessive engine revs caused by shifting

Running in

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

 Introduction

■

individual gears.

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

New engine

New tyres

New brake pads

108

109

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.

New engine

The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres.

108

Driving

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.

New tyres

New tyres have to be “run in” since they do not offer optimal grip at first. Drive

especially carefully for the first 500 km or so.

Fuel consumption can vary considerably from the manufacturer's data, as a re-

sult of outside temperatures, the weather and driving style.

New brake pads

The optimal engine speed should be maintained when accelerating, to avoid a

high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle.

New brake pads initially do not provide optimal braking performance. They first

need to be “run in”. Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or so.

CAUTION

All the speed and engine revolution figures apply only when the engine is at

its normal operating temperature.

Economical driving and respect the environment

 Introduction

Driving with anticipation

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

 Read and observe on page 109 first.

Driving with anticipation

Economical gear changing.

Avoiding full throttle

109

110

111

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.

Reducing idling

Avoiding short distances

Checking tyre pressure

Avoiding unnecessary ballast

Regular maintenance

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.

111

Saving electrical energy

Environmental compatibility

111

Fig. 108

Principle sketch: Fuel consump-

tion in litres/100 km depending

on the selected gear

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

 Read and observe on page 109 first.

›

Shifting up early saves on fuel.

›

Manual gearbox

The fuel economy by can be improved by 10 -15 % by always looking ahead and

driving in an economical way.

Drive no more than about one length of your vehicle in first gear.

Shift up into the next gear at approximately 2000 rpm.

›



›

109

Starting-off and Driving

An effective way of achieving good fuel economy is to shift up early. Observe

the recommended gear » page 28, Recommended gear.

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.

A suitably selected gear can have an effect on fuel consumption » Fig. 108.

Even after just 30 - 40 seconds you will have saved more fuel than that is nee-

ded when you start the engine up again.

Automatic gearbox

Depress the accelerator pedal slowly. However, do not depress it as far as

the kickdown position » page 107.

An economic driving programme is automatically selected if the accelerator

pedal is only depressed slowly.

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 full throttle

Avoiding short distances

Fig. 109

Fig. 110

Principle sketch: Fuel consump-

tion in litres/100 km. and speed

in km/h.

Principle sketch: Fuel consump-

tion in l/100 km at different tem-

peratures

 Read and observe on page 109 first.

The slower you drive, the more the fuel savings.

Short distances result in an above-average high fuel consumption. We there-

fore recommend avoiding distances of less than 4 km if the engine is cold.

Sensitive use of the accelerator will not only significantly reduce fuel con-

sumption but also positively influence environmental pollution and wear of

your vehicle.

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.

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.

An important factor in this connection is also the ambient temperature. The

graph » Fig. 110 shows the different levels of fuel consumption after driving a

certain distance at a temperature of +20 °C and a temperature of -10 °C.

The graph » Fig. 109 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.

Checking tyre pressure

Reducing idling

 Read and observe on page 109 first.

Tyres which are correctly inflated save fuel.

 Read and observe on page 109 first.

Idling also costs fuel.



110

Driving

Always ensure the tyre inflation pressure is correct. 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 behaviour will

worsen.

For the sake of the environment

Additional improvements to the fuel economy can be made by using synthet-

ic high-lubricity 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.

Always check the tyre inflation pressure when the tyres are cold.

Avoiding unnecessary ballast

 Read and observe on page 109 first.

Transporting ballast costs fuel.

Note

We recommend that your vehicle is serviced on a regular basis by a ŠKODA

Service Partner.

Saving electrical energy

Each kilogramme of weight increases the fuel consumption. Therefore, we rec-

ommend that you carry no unnecessary weight.

 Read and observe on page 109 first.

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.

When the engine is running, the alternator generates and supplies electrical

power. 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.

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.

Environmental compatibility

 Read and observe on page 109 first.

Regular maintenance

Environmental protection has played a major role in the design, selection of

materials, and manufacture of your new ŠKODA. Particular emphasis has been

placed on the following points.

 Read and observe on page 109 first.

A poorly tuned engine uses an unnecessarily high amount of fuel.

Design measures

By having your vehicle regularly maintained by a specialist garage, you create

the conditions needed for driving economically. The maintenance state of your

vehicle has a positive effect on traffic safety and value retention

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

›

A poorly tuned engine can result in a fuel consumption which is 10 % higher

than normal.

›

260.

Reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission CO .

Minimum fuel leakage during accidents.

Reduced noise.

›

2

Check the oil level at regular intervals, e.g. when refuelling. 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.

›

Choice of materials

Extensive use of recyclable material.

Air conditioning filled with CFC-free refrigerant.

No cadmium.

›

It is quite normal that a new engine has a 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.

›



›

111

Starting-off and Driving

No asbestos.

Reduction in the “vaporisation” of plastics.

›

General information

›

Pay attention to low-slung parts of the vehicle, such as the spoiler and ex-

haust, particularly in the following situations.

Manufacture

Solvent-free cavity protection.

Solvent-free protection of the vehicle for transportation from the production

plant to the customer.

›

When driving on poorly maintained roads and tracks.

When driving over kerb stones.

When driving on steep ramps, etc.

›

The use of solvent-free adhesives.

No CFCs used in the production process.

Without use of mercury.

›

Particular attention is necessary for vehicle with a sports suspension and

when then vehicle is fully laden.

Use of water-soluble paints.

Driving through water on streets

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 ŠKODA ve-

hicles can be utilized up to 95 % and always ¹⁾be returned.

Fig. 111

Driving through water

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

Detailed information about the trade-in and recycling of end-of-life cars is

available from a specialist garage.

The following instructions must be observed if vehicle damage is to be avoided

when driving through water (e.g. flooded roads).

Avoiding damage to your vehicle

Determine the depth of the water before driving through it.

›

The water level must not reach above the web of the lower sill » Fig. 111.

 Introduction

Do not drive any faster than at a walking speed.

›

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

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.

General information

Driving through water on streets

112



Never stop in the water, do not reverse and do not switch the engine off.

›

1)

Subject to fulfilment of the national legal requirements.

112

Driving

WARNING

Unleaded petrol

■

Driving through water, mud, sludge etc. can reduce the braking power

A vehicle fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded

petrol » page 136, Unleaded petrol. Information regarding the locations of fill-

ing stations that offer unleaded petrol is, for example, provided by the auto-

mobile associations.

and extend the braking distance – there is the risk of an 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.

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.

CAUTION

■

When driving through water, some parts of the vehicle such as the engine,

gearbox, chassis or electrics can be severely damaged.

Oncoming vehicles can generate water waves which can exceed the permis-

sible water level for your vehicle.

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. To prevent oncoming traffic from being dazzled, the headlights

must be adjusted by a specialist garage.

■

Potholes, mud or rocks can be hidden under the water making it difficult or

impossible to drive through the body of water.

Do not drive through salt water. The salt can lead to corrosion. Any vehicle

Note

■

For more information on adjusting the headlights, consult a specialist garage.

parts that have come into contact with salt water must be rinsed immediately

with fresh water.

Note

We recommend that the vehicle is checked by a specialist garage after it has

been driven through water.

Driving abroad

 Introduction

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

Unleaded petrol

Headlights

113

In certain countries, it may be possible that the ŠKODA service partner net-

work is limited 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.

113

Starting-off and Driving

Starting-off and Driving for Your Skoda Fabia 4 Door First Generation (1999-2006)

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