Get General Maintenance -> Car care Guide for Skoda Fabia 4 Door Seecond Generation (2007-2013)

WARNING

General Maintenance

■

We advise you only to use ŠKODA Original Accessories and ŠKODA Origi-

nal Parts which have been expressly approved for use on your vehicle. Reli-

ability, safety and suitability for your vehicle are guaranteed with these.

ŠKODA Original Accessories and ŠKODA Original Parts can be purchased

Car care

■

Services, modifications and technical alterations

from a ŠKODA Partner who will also fit the purchased parts correctly.

 Introduction

For the sake of the environment

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

Technical documents regarding changes carried out on the vehicle must be

kept by the vehicle user, in order to be handed over to the recyclers later. This

ensures that vehicle recycling is in accordance with environmental regulations.

ŠKODA Original Parts

ŠKODA Original Accessories

Spoiler

126

127

Note

Airbags

Any damage caused by technical alterations made without the approval of the

manufacturer is excluded from the » Service schedule warranty.

The instructions and guidelines issued by ŠKODA AUTO a.s. must be observed

when making any modifications, repairs or technical changes to your vehicle.

ŠKODA Original Parts

Compliance with these guidelines and instructions is in the interest of the

roadworthiness and technical condition of your vehicle. The vehicle will comply

with road traffic regulations following the modifications, repairs and technical

changes.

 Read and observe on page 126 first.

We recommend the use of ŠKODA Genuine Parts for your vehicle, since these

parts are approved by ŠKODA AUTO a.s. They correspond exactly to ŠKODA

AUTO a.s. specifications in respect of design, dimensional accuracy and materi-

al and are identical to the components used in the batch production.

Always consult a ŠKODA Partner before buying accessories or parts, or before

carrying out any modifications, repairs or technical alterations to your vehicle.

WARNING

ŠKODA AUTO a.s. can guarantee the safety, suitability, and long life of these

products. We therefore recommend that you only use ŠKODA Genuine Parts.

■

Work not properly performed on your vehicle can lead to faults - there is a

risk of an accident resulting in serious injury.

We recommend only having these modifications and technical changes

performed by a specialist garage.

ŠKODA AUTO a.s. supplies the market with a complete range of ŠKODA Genu-

ine Parts not only while the model is still in production but with wear-and-tear

parts for at least 15 years after the end of series production and with all other

vehicle parts for at least 10 years.

■

Interference on the electronic components and their software can lead to

operational faults. This interference can also impair not directly affected

systems because of the networking of the electronic components. The op-

erational safety of the vehicle may be at significant risk and parts may suf-

fer increased wear.

ŠKODA service partners are liable for any defects in ŠKODA original parts for a

period of 2 years after sale in accordance with materials defect liability under

the law unless otherwise agreed in the purchase agreement. You should keep

the confirmed warranty certificate and the receipt for these components for

this period, so that the commencement of the warranty term may be verified.

■

The ŠKODA Partner cannot assume any liability for products which have

not been approved by ŠKODA AUTO a.s. even though these may be prod-

ucts with a type approval or have been approved by a nationally recognised

testing laboratory.

Body repairs

ŠKODA vehicles are designed so that if the body suffers damage, it is only nec-

essary to replace those parts which are in fact damaged.



126

General Maintenance

Before you decide to have damaged body parts replaced, however, you should

first contact your specialist garage to determine whether or not such parts can

also be repaired. Repairs to body parts are usually cheaper.

Spoiler

 Read and observe on page 126 first.

The following instructions shall be observed if your new vehicle is equipped

with a spoiler fitted to the front bumper in combination with the spoiler on the

tailgate.

ŠKODA Original Accessories

 Read and observe on page 126 first.

For safety reasons the vehicle must only ever be equipped with a spoiler on

the front bumper in combination with the associated spoiler on the tailgate.

›

You should note the following if you wish to fit accessories to your vehicle:

A spoiler cannot be fitted alone on the front bumper nor in combination with-

out a spoiler on the tailgate or in combination with an inappropriate spoiler

on the tailgate.

We recommend that you consult a ŠKODA Service Partner for any repairs, re-

placement, fitting or removal of spoilers.

›

We recommend that you use ŠKODA Genuine Accessories in your vehicle.

ŠKODA AUTO a.s. offers a warranty on the reliability, safety and suitability for

your particular vehicle of these accessories. Although we constantly monitor

the market, we are not able to assess or offer a warranty on other products

even though in some instances such products may have a type approval or

may have been approved by a nationally recognised approval authority.

›

WARNING

All accessory products go through a fastidious process of technical develop-

ment (technical tests) and quality inspection (customer tests), and only if all

tests are positive does the product become a ŠKODA Genuine Accessory.

Work not properly performed on the spoilers on your vehicle can result in

faults - there is a risk of an accident and serious injury.

Our ŠKODA Genuine Accessories service also provides expert advice and pro-

fessional fitting if requested by the customer.

Airbags

 Read and observe on page 126 first.

ŠKODA Service Partners are liable for any defects in ŠKODA Genuine Parts for a

period of 2 years after installation or delivery in accordance with materials de-

fect liability legislation, unless otherwise agreed in the purchase contract or in

any other agreements. You should keep the confirmed warranty certificate and

the receipt for these accessories for this period, so that the commencement of

the warranty term may be verified.

The system components for the airbag system may be found in the front

bumper, doors, front seats, the roof lining or in the bodywork.

WARNING

Any work on the airbag system including the installation and removal of

system components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering

wheel) must only be carried out by a specialist garage.

In addition, ŠKODA Service Partners also stock a range of suitable car care

products as well as those parts which are subject to natural wear and tear,

such as tyres, batteries, bulbs and wiper blades.

■

Adjustments, repairs and modifications which have been carried out un-

professionally can cause damage, operational faults, and can also seriously

impair the effectiveness of airbag system – there is the risk of an accident

and fatal injury.

The airbag system must be replaced if an airbag has been deployed. Air-

bag modules cannot be repaired.

Note

The accessories authorized by ŠKODA AUTO a.s. will be offered by the ŠKODA

Partners in all countries where ŠKODA AUTO a.s. has a sales and service net-

work. This will usually be in the form of a printed catalogue of Original ŠKODA

Accessories, in the form of separate printed brochures or in the form of offers

for ŠKODA Genuine Accessories on the ŠKODA Partner's website.

■



127

Car care

It is essential to also thoroughly clean the underside of the vehicle at the end

of the winter.

WARNING

Observe the following instructions for the airbag system.

It is prohibited to tamper with individual parts of the airbag system as this

might result in the airbag being deployed.

Never install any airbag parts into the vehicle that have been removed

from old cars or have been recycled.

Never fit damaged airbag parts to a vehicle. The airbags may then not be

triggered properly or not at all in the event of an accident.

No modifications of any kind must be made to parts of the airbag system.

■

WARNING

■

Washing your vehicle in the winter: water and ice in the brake system can

■

affect the braking efficiency – there is the risk of an accident.

■

Only wash the vehicle when the ignition is switched off – there is the risk

■

of an accident.

■

CAUTION

Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight – there is a risk of paint damage.

WARNING

■

A change in the suspension of the vehicle including the use of non-ap-

For the sake of the environment

Only wash the vehicle at washing bays intended for this purpose.

proved wheels and tyre combinations can alter the functioning of the air-

bag system - there is a risk of accident and fatal injury.

■

Never make any changes to the front bumper or bodywork.

Washing by hand

 Read and observe and on page 128 first.

Soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse as much as you can of this off.

Washing the car

 Introduction

Clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a washing glove or a washing brush.

Work from the top to the bottom - starting with the roof.

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

Washing by hand

128

Only use a car shampoo for stubborn dirt.

Automatic car wash systems

Washing with a high-pressure cleaner

129

Wash out the sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.

Clean wheels, door sills and similar parts last. Use a second sponge for such

areas.

The best protection for your vehicle against harmful environmental influences

is frequent washing.

Give the vehicle a good rinse after washing it and dry it off using a chamois

leather.

How often the vehicle should be washed depends, for example, on the follow-

ing factors.

Frequency of use.

Parking situation (garage, under trees, etc.).

Season of the year.

Weather conditions.

CAUTION

›

■

When washing the car by hand, protect your hands and arms from sharp-

edged metal parts (e.g. when cleaning the underfloor, the inside of the wheel

housings or the wheel trims, etc.) - There is a risk of cuts!

›

Environmental influences.

›

■

Only apply slight pressure when cleaning the vehicle's paintwork.

The longer insect residues, bird droppings, tree sap, road and industrial dust,

tar, soot particles, road salt and other aggressive deposits remain adhering to

the paintwork of your vehicle, the more detrimental their destructive effect

can be. High temperatures, such as those caused by intensive sun's rays, ac-

centuate this caustic effect.

128

General Maintenance

■

The temperature of the water used for cleaning must not exceed 60 °C –

Automatic car wash systems

there is a risk of damaging the vehicle.

■

See also Washing a vehicle with decorative film trim using a high-pressure

 Read and observe and on page 128 first.

cleaner » page 131 .

The usual precautionary measures must be taken before washing the vehicle

in an automatic car wash system (e.g. closing the windows including the slid-

ing/tilting roof, etc.).

Vehicle exterior care

If your vehicle is fitted with any particular mounted parts, such as a spoiler,

roof rack, two-way radio aerial – it is best to consult the operator of the car

wash system beforehand.

 Introduction

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

Caring for vehicle paintwork

Plastic parts

Rubber seals

130

The lips of the windscreen wiper rubbers must be cleaned and degreased with

cleaning agents especially formulated for the task after an automatic wash

with wax.

130

131

132

Chrome parts

WARNING

Decorative films

Windows and exterior mirrors

Headlight lenses

Door lock cylinders

Underbody waxing

Jack

Fold in the exterior mirrors to prevent damage before washing the vehicle

in an automatic car wash system.

Washing with a high-pressure cleaner

 Read and observe and on page 128 first.

Wheels

Underbody protection

When washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, the instructions for

use of the equipment must be observed. This applies in particular to the pres-

sure used and to the spraying distance.

Regular and proper care help to retain the efficiency and value of your vehicle.

It may also be one of the requirements for the acceptance of warranty claims

relating to corrosion damage and paint defects on the bodywork.

Maintain a sufficiently large distance to the parking aid sensors and soft mate-

rials such as rubber hoses or insulation material.

We recommend using care products from ŠKODA Original Accessories that are

available from ŠKODA Partners. The instructions for use on the package must

be observed.

WARNING

Never use circular spray nozzles or dirt cutters!

WARNING

CAUTION

■

Care products may be harmful to your health if not used according to the

instructions.

Always keep the automobile care products safe from people who are not

completely independent, e.g. children - there is a danger of poisoning!

Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when clean-

ing the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims –

there is a risk of cuts.

■

Do not aim the water jet directly at the lock cylinders or the door or opening

joints when washing the vehicle in the winter using a hose or high-pressure

cleaner – there is a risk of freezing.

To avoid damaging the parking aid sensors while cleaning with high-pressure

cleaners or steam jets, the sensors must only be directly sprayed for short pe-

riods while a minimum distance of 10 cm must be observed.

■



129

Car care

CAUTION

■

Do not use any insect sponges, kitchen scrubbers or similar cleaning prod-

Never apply wax to the windows.

Mat painted or plastic parts must not be treated with polishing products or

ucts – there is a risk of damaging the paintwork finish.

■

Cleaners containing solvents can damage the material being cleaned.

hard waxes.

■

Do not polish the paintwork in a dusty environment - there is a risk of

For the sake of the environment

scratching the paintwork.

■

Used vehicle care product cans represent hazardous waste that is harmful to

the environment. These must be disposed of in accordance with national legis-

lation.

Do not apply polish to door seals or window guides.

If possible, do not apply any polish to body surfaces that come into contact

■

with door seals and window guides.

Note

Plastic parts

Because of the special tools and knowledge required, and to avoid any poten-

tial problems with the cleaning and care of the interior of your vehicle, we rec-

ommend that cleaning and care of the interior of your vehicle be carried out by

a ŠKODA Service Partner.

 Read and observe and on page 129 first.

Clean plastic parts with a damp cloth.

If this method does not clean plastic parts completely, use a specific plastic

care product.

Caring for vehicle paintwork

 Read and observe and on page 129 first.

CAUTION

Do not use polish on plastic parts.

Treat minor paint damage such as scratches, scuffs or chips immediately, if

possible, with paint pens or sprays.

Rubber seals

Preserving the vehicle paintwork

Thorough wax treatment is an effective way of protecting the paintwork from

harmful environmental influences.

 Read and observe and on page 129 first.

All door seals and window guides are factory-treated with a colourless matt

varnish layer against a freezing to painted body parts and against road noise.

The vehicle must be treated with a high-quality hard wax polish at the latest,

when no more drops form on the clean paintwork.

Do not treat the door seals or window guides with any cleaning agent.

A new layer of a high-quality hard wax polish can be applied to the clean body-

work after it has dried thoroughly.

CAUTION

An additional treatment of the seals can attack their protective coating and

road noise may be generated.

Even if you use a wax preserver regularly we still recommend that you treat

the paintwork of the vehicle at least twice a year with hard wax.

Polishing

Chrome parts

Polishing is necessary if the vehicle's paintwork has become unattractive and

if it is no longer possible to achieve a gloss with wax preservatives.

 Read and observe and on page 129 first.

If the polish does not contain any preserving elements, the paint must be trea-

ted with a preservative afterwards.

First clean the chrome parts with a damp cloth and then polish them with a

soft, dry cloth.

If this method does not completely clean chrome parts, use a specific chrome

care product.



130

General Maintenance

CAUTION

■

Do not polish the chrome parts in a dusty environment - there is a risk of

scratching the finish.

The ice scraper should not be moved forward and backward but in one direc-

tion to avoid any damage to the surface of the glass.

■

Snow or ice that is contaminated with coarse dirt such as fine gravel, sand,

and salt must not be removed from the window glass and mirrors – risk of

damage to the surface of the windows and mirrors.

Never remove snow or ice from glass parts using warm or hot water – there

Decorative films

 Read and observe and on page 129 first.

■

is a risk of cracking in glass.

When removing snow or ice from windows and mirror lenses ensure that the

paintwork of the vehicle is not to damage.

Wash the films with a mild soap solution and clean, warm water. Never use ag-

gressive cleaning products or chemical solvents, it could result in damage to

the films.

■

Do not clean the inside of the windows with sharp-edged objects or corro-

sive and acidic cleaning agents – there is a risk of damaging the heating ele-

ments or window aerial.

The following instructions must be observed for the high-pressure washing

the vehicle.

The minimum distance between the nozzle and the vehicle body should be

50 cm.

›

Headlight lenses

Keep the jet perpendicular to the film surface.

The maximum water temperature is 50 °C.

The maximum water pressure is 80 bar.

›

 Read and observe and on page 129 first.

Clean the plastic headlight lenses with clean, warm water and soap.

CAUTION

›

CAUTION

No ice scrapers should be used in the winter months to remove ice and snow

from the areas to which films have been applied. Do not remove frozen snow

or ice using other objects - there is a risk of damage to the film.

■

Never wipe the headlights dry.

Do not use any sharp objects to clean the plastic lenses, this may damage

■

the protective lacquer and consequently cause the cracking on the headlight

lenses.

Windows and exterior mirrors

■

Do not use any aggressive cleaning or chemical solvent products to clean the

headlights – there is a risk of damaging the headlight lenses.

 Read and observe and on page 129 first.

Use a plastic ice scraper for removing snow and ice from the windows and mir-

rors.

Door lock cylinders

 Read and observe and on page 129 first.

Specific products must be used for de-icing door lock cylinders.

CAUTION

Clean the windows regularly with clean water, inside and out.

Dry the glass surfaces with a clean chamois leather or a cloth intended for this

purpose.

When drying the windows after washing the vehicle, do not use window leath-

ers that have been used to polish the bodywork. Residues of preservatives in

the chamois leather can smear the windows and reduce visibility.

When washing your vehicle, ensure as little water as possible gets into the

locking cylinders.

131

Car care

CAUTION

Underbody waxing

Severe layers of dirt on the wheels can also result in wheel imbalance. This

may show itself in the form of a wheel vibration which is transmitted to the

steering wheel which, in certain circumstances, can cause premature wear of

the steering. This means it is necessary to remove the dirt.

 Read and observe and on page 129 first.

All the cavities of your vehicle which are at risk from corrosion are protected

for life by a layer of protective wax applied in the factory.

Wax protection does not require to be inspected or re-treated.

Underbody protection

If any small amount of wax flow out of the cavities at high temperatures, these

must be removed with a plastic scraper and the stains cleaned using a petrole-

um cleaner.

 Read and observe and on page 129 first.

The underside of your vehicle is protected for life against chemical and me-

chanical influences.

WARNING

Damage to the protective coating cannot be excluded when the vehicle is

driven.

Safety regulations should be observed when using petroleum cleaner to re-

move wax – there is a risk of fire.

We recommend that you have the protective coating under the body and on

the chassis inspected - preferably before the beginning and at the end of the

cold season.

Jack

 Read and observe and on page 129 first.

The jack is maintenance-free.

WARNING

Never use additional underbody protection or anti-corrosion agents for ex-

haust pipes, catalytic converters, diesel particle filters or heat shields.

These substances could ignite when the engine reaches its operating tem-

perature - there is a risk of fire.

If necessary, the moving parts of the jack should be lubricated with a suitable

lubricant.

Wheels

Care of the interior

 Read and observe and on page 129 first.

 Introduction

Wheel rims

Also thoroughly wash the wheel rims when washing the vehicle on a regular

basis.

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

Natural leather

Synthetic leather, fabrics and Alcantara

Seat covers

133

Regularly remove salt and brake dust otherwise the rim material will be at-

tacked.

®

134

Damage to the paint layer on the wheel rims must be touched up immediately.

Seat belts

Light alloy wheels

Regular and proper care help to retain the efficiency and value of your vehicle.

After washing thoroughly and treat the wheel rims with a protective product

for light alloy wheels. Products which cause abrasion must not be used to

treat the wheel rims.

We recommend using care products from ŠKODA Original Accessories that are

available from ŠKODA Partners. The instructions for use on the package must

be observed.



132

General Maintenance

The leather should be cleaned on a regular basis depending on the amount of

wear-and-tear.

WARNING

■

Care products may be harmful to your health if not used according to the

instructions.

Dust and dirt in pores and creases act as abrasives. This leads to severe abra-

sion and the premature embrittlement of the leather surface.

■

Always keep the automobile care products safe from people who are not

completely independent, e.g. children - there is a danger of poisoning!

We recommend that you remove dust at regular short intervals with a cloth or

vacuum cleaner.

CAUTION

Clean soiled leather surfaces with a cotton or woollen cloth lightly moistened

■

Be sure to check clothing for colourfastness to avoid any damage or visible

with water and then dry with a clean dry cloth »

.

stains on the material (leather), panels and textiles.

■

Remove fresh stains such as those from ball-point pens, ink, lipstick, shoe

Clean more severely soiled areas with a cloth soaked in a mild soap solution (2

tablespoons of natural soap to 1 litre of water).

polish, etc., from the material (leather), panels and textiles as quickly as possi-

ble.

Use a cleaning agent specially developed for the purpose to remove stains.

■

Air fresheners and scents can be hazardous to heath when the temperature

inside the vehicle is high.

Do not attach scents and air fresheners to the dashboard – risk of damage to

Treat the leather with a suitable leather care product at suitable regular inter-

vals.

■

the dash panel.

CAUTION

■

Do not stick any stickers on the inside of the rear windows, the rear side win-

dows and in the vicinity of the heating elements on the windscreen or near the

window aerial. These may get damaged.

■

Ensure that the leather is not soaked through at any point during cleaning

and that no water gets into the stitching of the seams. The leather would then

become brittle and cracked.

Avoid leaving the vehicle for lengthy periods in bright sunlight to avoid the

leather from bleaching. If the vehicle is parked in the open for lengthy periods,

protect the leather from direct sunlight by covering it.

■

Do not clean the headlining with a brush – risk of damage to the lining sur-

face.

Cleaners containing solvents can damage the material being cleaned.

Apply only a small amount of the cleaning and care product.

■

Sharp-edged objects on items of clothing such as zip fasteners, rivets, sharp-

For the sake of the environment

edged belts, jewellery and pendants may leave permanent scratches or signs

of rubbing on the surface. Damage of this nature cannot later be recognized as

a justified complaint.

Used cans of vehicle care product represent hazardous waste that is harmful

to the environment. These must be disposed of in accordance with national

legislation.

■

The use of a mechanical steering wheel lock may damage the leather surface

of the steering wheel.

Use a care cream with light blocker and impregnation effect on a regular ba-

Note

■

Because of the special tools and knowledge required, and to avoid any poten-

tial problems with the cleaning and care of the interior of your vehicle, we rec-

ommend that cleaning and care of the interior of your vehicle be carried out by

a ŠKODA Service Partner.

sis and each time after cleaning. The cream nourishes the leather, allows it to

breathe and keeps it supple and also provides moisture. It also creates surface

protection.

■

Some clothing materials, such as dark denim, do not have sufficient colour

fastness. This can cause damage or clearly visible discolouration to seat covers

even when treated correctly. This is particularly true for light-coloured uphols-

tery. This is not a defect in the seat cover, but poor colour fastness of the

clothing textiles.

Natural leather

 Read and observe and on page 133 first.



Leather is a natural material with specific properties and requires regular

cleaning and maintenance.

133

Car care

■

Avoid leaving the vehicle for lengthy periods in bright sunlight to prevent the

Note

fabrics from bleaching. If the vehicle is parked in the open for lengthy periods,

protect the fabrics against direct sunlight by covering them.

Some clothing materials, such as dark denim, do not have sufficient colour

fastness. This can cause damage or clearly visible discolouration to seat covers

even when treated correctly. This is particularly true for light-coloured uphols-

tery. This is not a defect in the seat cover, but poor colour fastness of the

clothing textiles.

During the life of the vehicle, minor visible changes can occur on the leather

parts of the covers (e. g wrinkles or creases as a result of the stress of the cov-

ers).

■

®

Synthetic leather, fabrics and Alcantara

 Read and observe and on page 133 first.

Synthetic leather

Clean the synthetic leather with a damp cloth.

Seat covers

 Read and observe and on page 133 first.

If the synthetic leather does not come completely clean with this method, a

mild soap solution or specific cleaning agent must be used.

Electrically heated seats

Do not wet clean the seat covers as this can damage the seat heating system.

Fabrics

Clean upholstery cover materials and cloth trims on doors, boot cover, etc. us-

ing specific cleaning agents, e.g., dry foam.

Use a specific cleaning agent such as dry foam or similar to clean the covers.

Seats without seat heating

Thoroughly vacuum the seat covers with a vacuum cleaner before cleaning.

Use a soft sponge, brush, or commercially available microfibre cloth.

Use a cloth and special detergent to clean the headlining.

Remove pilling and residues on upholstery with a brush.

Remove stubborn hair with a “cleaning glove”.

Clean the seat covers with a damp cloth or cleaning agents particularly formu-

lated for them.

Compressed areas created on the fabrics by everyday use can be removed by

brushing against the nap with a lightly moistened brush.

®

Alcantara

Always treat all parts of the upholstery so that no visible boundaries are cre-

ated. Then leave the seat to dry completely.

Dust and fine dirt particles in pores, creases and seams may chafe and damage

the surface.

If you leave your vehicle parked in the open for lengthy periods, protect the Al-

cantara seat upholstery from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

CAUTION

®

■

Regularly vacuum dust from the seat covers using a vacuum cleaner.

Electrically heated seats must not be dried after cleaning by switching on the

heater.

Do not sit on wet seats - there is a risk of stretching the upholstery.

Always clean the seats “from seam to seam”.

■

Minor changes in colour caused by use are normal.

■

CAUTION

®

■

Do not use leather cleaners on Alcantara seat upholstery.

■

Do not use solvents, floor wax, shoe cream, stain remover or similar agents

®

on Alcantara seat upholstery.

Seat belts

 Read and observe and on page 133 first.

The belt must always be kept clean.

Wash dirty seat belts with a mild, soapy solution.

Remove dirt with a soft brush.



134

General Maintenance

General Maintenance -> Car care for Your Skoda Fabia 4 Door Seecond Generation (2007-2013)

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