Get Driving Tips Guide for Skoda Superb SUV First Generation (2001-2008)

Intelligent Technology 155

Driving Tips

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Operating principle

Electronic stability programme (ESP)*

The ESP switches on automatically when the engine is started and then conducts a

self-test. The ESP control unit processes data from the individual systems. It also

processes additional measurement data which are supplied by highly sensitive

sensors: the rotational velocity of the vehicle about its vertical axis, the lateral accel-

eration of the vehicle, the braking pressure and the steering angle.

General

The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering

angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actual

behaviour of the vehicle. If differences exist, such as the car beginning to skid, the

ESP will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.

The car is stabilised again by the forces which take effect when the wheel is braked.

Intervention into the brake system takes place primarily on the outer front wheel of

a vehicle which tends to oversteer (tendency for the rear of the vehicle to break

away) while occurs this is on the inner rear wheel of a vehicle which tends to under-

steer (tendency to shift out of the curve). This braking control cycle is accompanied

by noises.

Fig. 163 ESP switch

B1Z-0042H

General

The ESP operates in combination with the ABS ⇒ page 159, “Antilock brake system

(ABS)”. If there is a fault in the ABS system, the ESP also does not operate.

The ESP aids you maintain control of your vehicle in situations in borderline driving

situations such as when negotiating a curve too fast. The risk of skidding is reduced

and your car thus offers greater driving stability depending on the conditions of the

road surface. This occurs at all speeds.

The ESP warning light ⇒ page 28 lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a

fault on the ESP.

The following systems are integrated into the electronic stability programme:

Switching off

You can switch the ESP off and on again as you wish, by pressing the button

⇒ fig. 163. The ESP warning light ⇒ page 28 lights up in the instrument cluster

when the ESP is switched off.

•

Electronic Differential Lock (EDL),

Traction control system (TCS),

Antilock brake system ABS,

Brake Assist.

The ESP should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice to switch

the system off only in particular exceptional situations if you desire wheel slip.

Examples:

•

when driving with snow chains,

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156 Intelligent Technology

•

when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface,

when it is necessary to rock a car free when it has become stuck.

Traction control system (TCS)*

The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from spinning

when accelerating.

then you should switch on the ESP again.

WARNING

It is also not possible for the ESP to overcome the physical limits of the

vehicle. Even if a vehicle fitted with ESP you should still always adapt your

style of driving to the condition of the road surface and the traffic situation.

This particularly applies when driving on slippery and wet roads. The

increased safety offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than other-

wise - risk of an accident!

Fig. 164 TCS switch

B1Z-0042H

Note

•

All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-

free operation of the ESP. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can lead to an

undesirable reduction in the engine output.

General

The TCS makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate

and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.

•

Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other assign-

ment of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ESP ⇒ page 205.

Operating principle

The TCS switches on automatically when the engine is started and then conducts a

self-test. The system monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the

ABS sensors. If the wheels are spinning, the force transmitted to the road surface is

automatically adapted by reducing the engine speed. This occurs at all speeds.

The TCS operates in combination with the ABS ⇒ page 159, “Antilock brake system

(ABS)”. The TCS will not function if a fault exists in the ABS system.

The TCS warning light ⇒ page 28 lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a

fault on the TCS.

Switching off

You can switch the TCS off and on again as you wish by pressing the button

⇒ fig. 164. The TCS warning light ⇒ page 28 lights up in the instrument cluster

when the TCS is switched off.

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The TCS should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice to switch

the system off only in particular exceptional situations if you desire wheel slip.

Operating principle

The EDL is activated automatically, that is without any action on the part of the

driver. It monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the ABS sensors.

Should only one drive wheel begin spinning on a slippery surface there will be an

appreciable difference in the speed of the driven wheels. The EDL function brakes

the slipping wheel and the differential transmits a greater driving force to the other

driven wheel. This control process is also accompanied by noises.

Examples:

•

when driving with snow chains,

when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface,

when it is necessary to rock a car free when it has become stuck.

then you should switch on the TCS again.

Overheating of the brakes

The EDL switches off automatically if unusually severe stresses exist in order to

avoid excessive heat generation in the disc brake on the wheel which is being

braked. The vehicle can continue to be driven and has the same characteristics as a

vehicle not fitted with EDL.

The EDL ⇒ page 157, “Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)” is a part of the TCS. THE

EDL operates independently of the TCS (also when the TCS has been switched off

using the TCS button).

The EDL switches on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down.

WARNING

You should always adjust your style of driving to the conditions of the road

surface and the traffic situation. The increased safety offered must not tempt

you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident!

WARNING

•

Depress the accelerator carefully when accelerating on uniformly slip-

pery road surfaces, such as ice and snow. The driven wheels might still spin

despite the EDL and affect the stability of the vehicle - risk of an accident!

Note

•

You should always adapt your style of driving to the condition of road

•

All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-

free operation of the TCS. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can lead to

an undesirable reduction in the engine output.

surface and to the traffic situation even when your vehicle is fitted with EDL.

The increased safety offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than

otherwise - risk of an accident!

•

Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other assign-

ment of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the TCS ⇒ page 205,

“Accessories, changes and replacement of parts”.

Note

•

If the ABS warning light comes on, this may also indicate a fault in the EDL.

Please have the car inspected as soon as possible by a specialist garage.

Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)

•

Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other assign-

The electronic differential lock prevents an individual wheel from

slipping.

ment of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the EDL ⇒ page 205,

“Accessories, changes and replacement of parts”.

General

The EDL makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate

and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.

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158 Intelligent Technology

Low brake fluid level

Brakes

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

level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically ⇒ page 29, “Brake system ”.

What has a negative effect on braking efficiency?

Wear-and-tear

Wear-and-tear to the brake pads is greatly dependent on the operating conditions

of the vehicle and your style of driving. Particularly if you drive a great deal in towns

and over short distances or if you adopt a sporty style of driving, it may be neces-

sary to have the thickness of the brake pads inspected at a specialist garage

between the service inspections.

WARNING

•

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.

•

When retrospectively mounting a front spoiler, solid wheel hubs etc. one

must ensure that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced

otherwise the braking system could run too hot.

Wet roads or road salt

There may be a certain delay before the brakes take full effect under certain condi-

tions such as when driving through water, during heavy rain showers or after the

vehicle has been washed in an automatic vehicle wash, since the brake discs and

brake pads may be moist or even have a coating of ice on them in winter. You

should dry the brakes as soon as possible (by applying and releasing the brakes

several times, if the road conditions and the traffic situation allows it).

•

Allow for the fact that new brake pads do not achieve their full braking

efficiency until approximately 200 kilometres. New brake pads must be first

“run in” before they develop their optimal friction force. You can, however,

compensate for this slightly reduced braking force by increasing the pres-

sure on the brake pedal. This guideline also applies to any new brake pads

installed at a future date.

There also may be a certain delay before the full braking efficiency is available when

driving on roads which have been treated with road salt if you have not used the

brakes for some considerable time beforehand. The layer of salt on the brake discs

and brake pads must first be rubbed off when you apply the brakes.

Caution

•

Never allow the brakes to rub by applying slight pressure if you do not wish to

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

braking distance and excessive wear.

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.

•

Before negotiating a steep downhill section, please reduce your speed, shift

down into the next lower gear (manual gearbox) or select a lower driving stage

(automatic gearbox). This enables you to make full use of the braking power of the

vehicle and reduces the strain on the brakes. Any additional braking should be done

intermittently, not continuously.

We recommend cleaning the brake discs by firmly applying the brakes at a fairly

high speed if you do not make much use of the braking system or if surface corro-

sion is present ⇒

.

Faults in the brake surface

If you notice that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the

brake pedal can be depressed further, it is possible that a brake circuit of the dual-

circuit brake system has failed. Drive, in such cases, to the nearest specialist garage

without delay in order to have the problem rectified. Drive at a reduced speed while

on your way to the dealer and adapt your style of driving to the higher brake pedal

pressure required.

Brake booster

The brake booster boosts the pressure which you generate with the brake pedal.

The necessary pressure is only generated when the engine is running.

Intelligent Technology 159

WARNING

•

Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary.

•

The ABS can also not overcome the physical limits of your vehicle. Please

do not forget this, particularly when driving on icy or wet road surfaces. If the

ABS is operating within the control range, adapt your speed immediately to

the conditions of the road surface and the traffic situation. The increased

safety offered by the ABS must not tempt you to take greater risks than

otherwise - risk of an accident!

The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater

physical effort for braking is required when engine is switched off. Because

if you do not stop as normal, this can cause an accident and severe injuries.

•

The normal braking system is still fully functional if there is an ABS fault.

Antilock brake system (ABS)

ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking.

General

Visit a specialist garage as quickly as possible and adjust your style of driving

to take account of the ABS fault in the meantime since you will not know how

great the damage is.

The ABS contributes significantly to enhancing the active safety of your vehicle.

Compared to a car not fitted with the ABS brake system, you are able to retain

optimal steering ability even during a full brake application on a slippery road

surface because the wheels do not lock up.

Note

•

A warning light comes on if a fault occurs in the ABS system ⇒ page 29.

Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other assign-

ment of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ABS ⇒ page 205,

“Accessories, changes and replacement of parts”.

You must not expect, however, that the braking distance will be shorter under all

circumstances as a result of the ABS. The braking distance for example on gravel

and fresh snow, when you should anyway be driving slowly and cautiously, will be

longer.

Brake Assist*

Operating principle

As soon as the vehicle speed has increased to about 6 km/h an automatic test

procedure is conducted during which you will be able to hear a pumping noise for

about 1 second.

During a severe brake application (e.g. if a hazard exists), the Brake Assist increases

the braking force and thus makes it possible to rapidly produce the pressure

required in the brake system.

The brake pressure will be reduced on a wheel which is rotating at a speed which is

too low for the speed of the vehicle and tending to lock. This control cycle is notice-

able from a pulsating movement of the brake pedal which is accompanied by

noises. This is consciously intended to provide the driver with the information that

the wheels are tending to lock (ABS control range). You must always keep the brake

pedal depressed to enable the ABS to optimally control the brake application in this

braking range. Never interrupt the application of the brakes!

The majority of drivers do apply the brakes in good time in dangerous situations,

but do not depress the brake pedal with sufficient pressure. Consequently, it is not

possible for the car to achieve its maximum deceleration and the car covers a

greater distance than necessary.

The Brake Assist is activated by the very quick operation of the brake pedal. In such

cases, a much greater braking pressure exists than during a normal brake applica-

tion. This makes it possible, even with a relatively low resistance of the brake pedal,

to produce an adequate pressure in the brake system in the shortest possible time,

which is required for maximum deceleration of the car. You must apply the brake

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160 Intelligent Technology

pedal firmly and hold it in this position in order to achieve the shortest possible

braking distance.

Note

•

Have the steering inspected as soon as possible by a specialist garage if there is

a leak or fault in the system.

The Brake Assist is able to help you achieve a shorter braking distance in emergency

situations by rapidly producing the pressure required in the brake system. It fully

exploits the attributes of the ABS. After you release the brake pedal, the function of

the Brake Assist is automatically switched off and the brakes operate in the normal

way.

•

The power steering requires a special hydraulic oil. The oil reservoir is located

at the front left of the engine compartment ⇒ page 186. The correct hydraulic oil

level is important for proper operation of the power steering system.

WARNING

Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine)

•

The Brake Assist is also not able to overcome the physical limits of your

car in terms of the braking distance required.

Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic

situation.

In the diesel particle filter the resulting soot particles are collected

and burnt during the combustion of diesel fuel.

•

The increased safety offered by the Brake Assist must not tempt you to

take a greater safety risk than otherwise.

Power steering

Power steering assists the driver in steering the vehicle and reduces the physical

force needed for steering.

The steering characteristics can be changed by a specialist garage.

It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the engine

is not running (vehicle being towed in). The only difference is that greater physical

effort is required.

Fig. 165 Vehicle data

sticker

If the steering is turned to full lock when the car is stationary, you will place great

stresses on the power steering system. Turning the steering to full lock in such a

situation will be accompanied by noises. In addition, the idling speed of the engine

will drop briefly.

Code 7GG on the vehicle data sticker ⇒ fig. 165 indicates that your

vehicle is equipped with a diesel particle filter. The vehicle data sticker is

located on the floor of the luggage compartment and is also stated in the

Service schedule.

Caution

The diesel particle filter filters the soot particles completely from the exhaust. The

soot is collected in the diesel particle filter and burnt regularly. To assist this proce-

dure, we recommend not to drive regularly over short distances.

Do not leave the steering at full lock for more than 15 seconds when the engine is

running - risk of damaging the power steering!

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If the diesel particle filter is clogged or there is a fault, it is indicated by the warning

light  ⇒ page 25, “Diesel particle filter*  (diesel engine)”.

WARNING

•

The diesel particle filter achieves very high temperatures. Therefore do

not park at points where the hot filter comes into direct contact with dry

grass or other combustible materials - risk of fire!

•

Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection

agents for the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, diesel particle filter or

heat shields. When the engine reaches its operating temperature, these

substances might ignite - risk of fire.

Note

• When using diesel fuel with high sulphur content the life of the diesel particle

filter is clearly reduced. A specialist garage will be able to tell you which countries

use only diesel fuel with high sulphur content.

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162 Driving and the Environment

Driving and the Environment

The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards

Caution

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

normal operating temperature. Never rev up an engine which is cold, neither when

the vehicle is stationary nor when driving in individual gears.

A new engine

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

Up to 1 000 kilometres

For the sake of the environment

–

Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the mamimum speed of the gear in use,

that is 3/4 of the maximum permissible engine speed.

Not driving at unnecessarily high engine revolutions and shifting to a higher gear as

early as possible are ways to minimise fuel consumption and operating noise levels

and protects the environment.

–

Do not use full throttle.

Avoid high engine revolutions.

Do not tow a trailer.

New tyres

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

take account of this fact for the first 500 kilometres and drive particularly carefully.

From 1 000 up to 1 500 kilometres

–

Increase the power output of the engine gradually up to the full

speed of the gear engaged, that is up to the maximum permissible

engine revolutions.

New brake pads

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 1 500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the success of running in

your car.

Allow for the fact that new brake pads do not achieve their full braking efficiency

until approximately 200 kilometres. New brake pads must be first “run in” before

they develop their optimal friction force. You can, however, compensate for this

slightly reduced braking force by increasing the pressure on the brake pedal.

You should not drive at unnecessarily high engine revolutions even after the

running-in period is complete. The maximum permissible engine speed is marked

by the beginning of the red zone on the scale of the revolutions counter. Shift up

into the next higher gear on a vehicle fitted with manual gearbox before the red

zone is reached. Extremely high engine revolutions are automatically governed, by

the way.

This guideline also applies to any new brake pads installed at a future date.

During the running-in period, you should avoid excessive stresses on the brakes.

This includes, for example, violent braking, particularly from very high speeds, and

also when crossing mountain passes.

For a vehicle fitted with a manual gearbox the converse situation also applies: Do

not drive at engine revolutions which are too low. Shift down as soon as the engine

is no longer running smoothly.

Driving and the Environment 163

misfiring. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and damage the catalytic

converter.

Catalytic converter

Proper operation of the emission control system (catalytic converter)

is of major significance for driving your vehicle in an environmen-

tally conscious way.

•

Filling the tank even only once with leaded petrol will result in the catalytic

converter being destroyed.

If you detect misfiring, a drop in performance or irregular engine running when

•

driving, reduce your speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected by the

nearest specialist garage. The symptoms described may be caused by a fault in the

ignition system. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and damage the

catalytic converter.

Please refer to the following guidelines:

–

For vehicles with petrol engine only refuel with unleaded petrol

⇒ page 181, “Grades of petrol”.

–

Never run the fuel tank completely empty.

For the sake of the environment

Do not switch off the ignition while you are driving the vehicle.

Even if the exhaust system is operating properly, a sulphur-like exhaust odour may

be produced under certain operating conditions of the engine. This depends on the

sulphur content of the fuel. It is often sufficient to refuel with unleaded premium-

grade petrol of a different brand or at a different filling station.

Do not pour too much oil into the engine ⇒ page 188, “Replenishing

engine oil”.

–

Do not tow-start the vehicle over a distance of more than 50 metres

⇒ page 218, “Tow-starting a vehicle”.

Driving in an economical and environmentally

conscious manner

If you drive your vehicle in a country in which unleaded petrol is not available, you

must have the catalytic converter replaced later when driving the vehicle into a

country in which use of a catalytic converter is mandatory.

General

Your personal style of driving is a major factor.

WARNING

Your fuel consumption, any pollution of the environmental and the wear-and-tear

to the engine, brakes and tyres, depend essentially on three factors:

•

In view of the high temperatures which may be produced in the catalytic

converter, one should always park a vehicle in such a way that the catalytic

converter cannot come into contact with easily flammable materials below

the vehicle - a risk of fire!

•

your personal style of driving,

the conditions under which your vehicle is operated,

technical aspects.

•

Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection

agents for the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters or heat shields. Such

substances might ignite when driving - risk of fire!

You can easily improve your fuel economy by 10 - 15 percent by driving in an

economical way with foresight. This section is intended to provide you with a

number of tips on how to protect the environment and at the same time save

money.

Caution

•

Vehicles fitted with catalytic converter should never be allowed to let the fuel

tank to run completely empty. An irregular fuel supply can result in poor ignition or

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164 Driving and the Environment

The fuel consumption can naturally also be influenced by factors which are beyond

the driver's control. It is, for example, normal for the fuel consumption to increase

in winter and under worsened conditions such as poor road conditions, towing a

trailer, etc.

Manual gearbox

–

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

Always shift up into the next higher gear at approx. 2 000 to 2 500 revs.

The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the

vehicle have already been built into the vehicle at the works. Special attention has

been given to 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.

Automatic gearbox

–

Depress the accelerator pedal slowly. Do not depress it beyond the

kickdown position, however.

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

consume more fuel if you drive at unnecessarily high revolutions in any given gear.

Looking ahead when driving

The ⇒ fig. 166 shows the ratio of fuel consumption to the speed of your vehicle in

the relevant gears. Fuel consumption in 1st gear is the highest, while that in 5th or

the 6th gear is the lowest.

A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs it accelerates.

Avoid accelerating and braking unnecessarily. If you drive with forsight you will not

need to brake so often and will also then not have to accelerate so much. Let your

vehicle coast to a stop, for example, if this is possible, when you see that the next

set of traffic lights is at red.

Only depress the accelerator pedal slowly if your vehicle is fitted with an automatic

gearbox in order to automatically select an economic driving programme. You will

achieve good fuel economy by shifting up early and shifting down late. This applies

in particular if you make use of the manual mode (Tiptronic) for shifting gears.

Shifting gears and saving energy

Note

Also use the information supplied by the multi-functional indicator ⇒ page 15.

Shifting up early saves on fuel.

Fig. 166 Fuel consump-

tion in litres/100 km. and

speed in km/h.

Driving and the Environment 165

in the warming-up phase. This is why you should drive off right after starting the

engine. Do avoid high engine revolutions at this time, however.

Avoiding full throttle

Driving more slowly means saving fuel.

Regular servicing

A poorly tuned engine consumes an unnecessarily high amount of

fuel.

Having your vehicle serviced regularly at a specialist garge enables you to satisfy

one of the requirements for economical motoring even before you set off on your

journey. Keeping your vehicle properly serviced not only has a positive effect on the

safety of your vehicle and maintaining its value, but also saves on fuel.

Fig. 167 Fuel consump-

tion in litres/100 km. and

speed in km/h.

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

normal.

The foreseen maintenance work should be undertaken exactly according to the

Service schedule by a specialist garage.

Sensitive use of the accelerator will not only significantly reduce fuel consumption

but also positively influence environmental pollution and wear of your vehicle.

Also check the oil level after refueling. Oil consumption is dependent to a consid-

erable 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.

You should avoid fully exploiting the top speed of your vehicle wherever possible.

Fuel consumption, pollutant emissions and vehicle noises increase disproportion-

ally at high speeds.

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. It is therefore not

possible to correctly assess the oil consumption of a new vehicle until after you

have driven about 5 000 km.

The ⇒ fig. 167 shows the ratio of fuel consumption to the speed of your vehicle.

You will cut your fuel consumption by half if you only make use three-quarters of

the possible top speed of your vehicle.

Reducing idling

For the sake of the environment

•

You can achieve additional improvements in your fuel economy by using high-

lubricity oils.

Idling also costs fuel.

It is worthwhile switching off the engine in a traffic jam or when waiting at a level

crossing or at traffic lights with a lengthy red phase. Even after just 30 - 40 seconds

you will have saved more fuel than that is needed when you start the engine up

again.

•

Check the ground below your car at regular intervals to detect any leakages in

good time. Please have your vehicle inspected by a specialist garge if you find any

stains caused by oil or other fluids on the floor.

If an engine is only idling it takes much longer for it to reach its normal operating

temperature. Wear-and-tear and pollutant emissions, though, are particularly high

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166 Driving and the Environment

only increase fuel consumption but also tyre wear and the driving behaviour will

worsen.

Avoid driving short distances

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

Always check the inflation pressure of the tyres when cold.

Do not drive with winter tyres all year round for this costs about 10 % more fuel.

Winter tyres are also louder.

No unnecessary ballast

Transporting ballast costs fuel.

The fact that every kilogram of extra weight increases your fuel consumption

means that it is worth taking a look in the luggage compartment to avoid trans-

porting any unnecessary ballast.

Fig. 168 Fuel consump-

tion in litres/100 km at

different temperatures

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 increase in fuel

consumption of about 1 litre/100 kilometres.

–

Avoid driving a distance of no more than 4 km if the engine is cold.

The engine and catalytic converter must first have reached their optimal operating

temperature in order to effectively reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emis-

sions.

You may frequently also leave a roof rack fitted on just out of convenience,

although you no longer need it. The increased aerodynamic drag of your vehicle

causes it to use about 1 l more fuel than normal at a speed of 100 - 120 km/h, even

when you are not carrying a load on the roof.

The cold engine vehicle consumes approx. 20 - 30 litres/100 km of fuel immediately

after starting. Fuel consumption drops to 15 litres/100 km after just 1 kilometre. The

engine reaches its operating temperature (outside temperature and engine

dependent) only after about 4 to 10 kilometres and the fuel consumption then

stabilizes. You should therefore avoid driving short distances whenever possible.

Saving electricity

Generating electricity costs fuel.

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

⇒ fig. 168 shows the different fuel consumptions for the same distance, on the one

hand at +20°C and on the other hand at -10°C. Your vehicle has a higher fuel

consumption in winter than in summer.

–

Switch off electrical components as soon as you no longer need them.

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

The greater the load on the alternator as a result of having a large number of elec-

trical components switched on, the more fuel will be consumed for operating the

alternator.

Checking tyre inflation pressures

Tyres which are correctly inflated save fuel.

Always ensure that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure at all times. The

rolling resistance will be increased if the tyre filling pressure is too low. This will not

Driving and the Environment 167

•

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

plant to the customer

Keeping a log of your fuel consumption

If you really wish to keep a close check on your fuel consumption, it is best to enter

the figures in a logbook. This does not take much time but is a very worthwhile exer-

cise. It enables you to detect any change (positive and negative) at an early stage

and to take any appropriate action.

•

The use of solvent-free adhesives

No CFCs used in the production process

without use of mercury

Use of water-soluble paints

If you find that your fuel consumption is too high, you should reflect on how, where

and in what conditions you have driven the vehicle since you last refuelled.

Trade-in and recycling of old cars

Škoda Auto meets the requirements of the brand and its products regarding envi-

ronment and ressource protection. All new Škoda vehicles can be utilized up to

95 % and always be returned. 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 regulations.

3)

Environmental compatibility

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

rials and manufacture of your new Škoda. Particular emphasis has been paid to a

number of aspects, including:

Vehicles with special built-on types

Design measures

Technical documents regarding changes carried out on the vehicle must be kept by

the vehicle user, in order to hand over later to the old car user. This ensures the

recycling in accordance with environmental regulations.

•

Joints designed to be easily detached

simplified disassembly due to the modular structure system

improved purity of different classes of materials

Identification of all plastic parts in accordance with VDA Recommendation 260

Motoring abroad

Reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission CO

2

Minimum fuel leakage during accidents

Reduced noise

General

Other circumstances may exist abroad.

Choice of materials

It is also possible, in certain countries, that the Škoda Service Partner network is

limited or has not been established yet. This is the reason why obtaining certain

spare parts may be somewhat complicated and specialist garage personnel may

only be able to make limited repairs. Škoda Auto a.s. in the Czech Republic and rele-

vant importers are happy to provide information about technical aspects of the

vehicle, required maintenance work and possibilities for getting repairs done.

•

extensive use of recyclable material

Air conditioning filled with CFC-free refrigerant

no cadmium

no asbestos

Reduction in the “vaporisation” of plastics

Manufacture

3)

•

solvent-free cavity protection

subject to fulfilment of the national legal regulations

Using the system

Safety

Driving Tips

General Maintenance

Breakdown assistance

Technical Data

168 Driving and the Environment

Unleaded petrol

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

⇒ page 163. The automobile associations can provide you with information

regarding the locations of filling stations which offer unleaded petrol.

Headlight

The low beam of your headlights is set asymmetrically. It illuminates the side of the

road on which you are driving to a greater extent. If you drive abroad on the other

side of the road, you will dazzle oncoming traffic.

It is necessary in order to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic to stick a sticker over a

certain part of the headlights.

Headlight stickers can be obtained as a spare part from the Skoda Service Partners.

Headlights with Xenon lamps are designed for driving in countries with traffic on

the right or on the left. Have this done always at a Škoda Service Partner.

Note

You can obtain further information regarding masking over or converting the head-

lights from your Škoda Service Partner.

Avoiding damage to your vehicle

When driving on poor roads and lanes or when driving over kerbstones, steep

ramps etc., you must pay particular attention to ensuring that any low-slung parts

of the vehicle, such as spoiler and exhaust, do not touch the ground and get

damaged.

This particularly applies to models with a lowered suspension (sport suspension)

and also when your vehicle is fully laden.

Towing a trailer 169

Towing a trailer

General Maintenance

There are a number of points to pay attention to when towing a

trailer.

Technical requirements

The towing device must satisfy certain technical requirements.

Trailer load

The permissible trailer load must on no account be exceeded.

Your vehicle is designed primarily for transporting persons and luggage. It can,

however, also be used for towing a trailer - provided certain technical equipment is

fitted.

You can negotiate appropriately steeper inclines and descents if you do not make

full use of the permissible trailer load.

If your vehicle has already been supplied with a factory-fitted towing device then

everything that is necessary for towing a trailer in technical terms, and in terms of

the law, has already been taken into account.

The trailer loads specified only apply for altitudes up to 1 000 metres above mean

sea level. The fact that the engine power output drops with increasing height due to

a lowering of air pressure and thus the ability to climb, means that the towed weight

must be reduced by 10% for every further increase of 1 000 metres in height above

sea level. The towed weight is the weight of the (laden) vehicle and the (laden)

trailer together. One should take this into account before driving up to higher alti-

tudes.

Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection

between the vehicle and trailer. If the trailer which you wish to tow has a 7-pin

4)

connector, you can use a suitable adapter from Škoda original accessories.

This work must be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications

if a towing device is retrofitted.

The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing

device are merely test data for the towing device The data relating to your

vehicle, which is often less than this test data, can be found in your vehicle

registration documents.

Škoda Service Partners are familiar with details relating to retrofitting a towing

device and for any necessary modifications to the cooling system.

Distribution of the load

WARNING

Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that any heavy items are located as

close as possible to the axle. Secure the items to prevent them slipping.

We recommend that you have the towing device from Škoda original acces-

sories installed by a Škoda Service Partner. He is familiar with all the relevant

details relating to retrofitting such equipment. There is a risk of an accident

if the towing device is not properly fitted!

Tyre pressure

Select the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for that of “fully laden”,

⇒ page 200. The inflation pressure of the tyres fitted to the trailer adjust in accord-

ance with the manufacturer's recommendation.

Exterior mirrors

You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the

traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. Both exterior mirrors

4)

In some countries the adapter is supplied with the towing device.

Using the system

Safety

Driving Tips

General Maintenance

Breakdown assistance

Technical Data

170 Towing a trailer

should be attached to folding arms. Adjust the mirrors so that they provide you with

an adequate field of view to the rear.

Distribution of weight

The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trailer

is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this

combination.

Headlights

Before starting off with a hitched trailer, also check the setting of the headlights.

Alter the setting as necessary with the aid of the headlight beam adjuster

⇒ page 48.

Driving speed

Do not drive faster than 80 km/h for safety reasons. This also applies for countries

in which higher speeds are allowed.

Detachable ball head

The fact that the driving stability of the vehicle + trailer combination reduces with

increasing speed means that the legally allowed speed should not be used when

there are unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions, particularly near accident

black spots.

The ball rod is detachable on vehicles which feature a factory-fitted towing device.

It is stowed together with separate fitting instructions in the spare wheel well in the

luggage compartment of the vehicle.

Further information on the towing device ⇒ page 171.

You must always reduce your speed immediately as soon as you detect even just

the slightest swaying of the trailer. On no account attempt to stop the trailer from

“swaying” by accelerating.

Note

•

We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between service

intervals if you tow a trailer frequently.

The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and

Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the

brakes gently at first and then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting from

the trailer wheels locking. Shift down gears in good time before negotiating a down-

hill section to allow the engine to also act as a brake.

•

decoupling the trailer.

Engine overheating

Driving Tips

Please keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if you have to negotiate a

lengthy slope in a low gear at a high engine speed when the outside temperature is

very high ⇒ page 12.

Particular caution is required when towing a trailer.

–

Do not, as far as possible, drive with your vehicle unladen and the

trailer laden.

If the needle of the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area or

even the red area of the scale, reduce your speed immediately. Stop and switch off

the engine if the warning light  in the instrument cluster begins flashing. Wait a

few minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle

⇒ page 190, “Inspecting the coolant level”.

–

Do not make full use of the legal maximum speeds. This applies in

particular to downhill sections.

–

Apply the brakes in good time.

Please refer to the following guidelines ⇒ page 26, “Coolant temperature, Coolant

quantity ”.

Keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if the outside temper-

ature is high.

The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.

Any increase in the cooling effect of the coolant fan through shifting down a gear

and increasing the engine speed is not possible since the fan speed is independent

Towing a trailer 171

of the engine speed. One should also not drop a gear for this reason when towing

a trailer as long as the engine can manage the slope without any drop in speed.

Note

Do not carry out any modifications or repairs to the ball head or to any other

components on the towing device.

•

Detachable towing device*

•

Contact a specialist garage if you encounter any problems using the device.

Never unlock the ball head with a trailer coupled to it.

You should take off the ball head if you drive without towing a trailer. Inspect

whether the end cover properly seals off the mounting shaft.

•

Remove the ball head beforehand if you wish to clean your vehicle using a

steam jet. Ensure that the end cover properly seals the mounting shaft.

It is recommended to wear gloves when installing and removing.

•

Fig. 169 Detachable ball

head

The detachable ball head of the towing device is stowed in the spare wheel well in

the luggage compartment.

An instruction for correct installation and removal of the ball head of the towing

device is supplied with the ball head

Inspect the ball head to ensure that it is properly locked each time before setting off.

The inspection is performed by turning the closed locking lever downwards. If the

locking lever can only be turned around a small angle (approx. 5°), the locking

mechanism is O.K. After the inspection pull the locking lever back again to its stop.

The towing device must not be used, if it does not wish to close or the locking lever

turns slightly in the closed position.

WARNING

Do not use any aids or tools for installing or removing the ball head. This

might result in damage to the locking mechanism to the extent that the

safety of the towing device is no longer assured - risk of an accident.

Using the system

Safety

Driving Tips

General Maintenance

Breakdown assistance

Technical Data

172 Towing a trailer

Driving Tips for Your Skoda Superb SUV First Generation (2001-2008)

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