Get Driving Tips Guide for Skoda Superb SUV Second Generation (2009-2015)

Intelligent Technology 173

Driving Tips

Intelligent Technology

General information

●

Brake Assist,

Uphill Start Assist.



The ESP system cannot be switched off with the ⇒ꢀfig. 161 button; only the TCS

WARNING

system is switched off, the warning light  instrument cluster lights up.

Lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or lead to shut down the en-

gine. Consequently, the systems described in this chapter may to lose their ef-

fectiveness, resulting in loss of vehicle control – risk of accident!

Operating principle



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 al-

so processes additional measurement data which are supplied by highly sensitive

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

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

Electronic stability programme (ESP)

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 be-

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

ESP will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.

General

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 understeer (tendency to shift out of the curve). This braking control cycle

is accompanied by noises.

During an intervention of the system, the warning light  flashes in the instru-

ment cluster ⇒ꢀpage 28.

Fig. 161 ESP system: Switch for TCS

The ESP operates in combination with the ABS ⇒ꢀpage 177, Antilock brake system

The ESP aids you in maintaining control of your vehicle in situations in which the

vehicle is driving at its dynamic limits, such as entering a curve fast. The risk of

skidding is reduced and your car thus offers greater driving stability depending on

the conditions of the road surface. The system operates at all speeds.

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

The ESP warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a fault on

the ESP  ⇒ꢀpage 28.

£

The following systems are integrated into the electronic stability programme:

●

Electronic Differential Lock (EDL),

Traction control system (TCS),

active driver-steering recommendation (DSR),

Antilock brake system (ABS),

Using the system

Safety

Driving Tips

General Maintenance

Breakdown assistance

Technical data

174 Intelligent Technology

WARNING

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

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

cle. 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 par-

ticularly applies when driving on slippery and wet roads. 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 slippery

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!

●

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

face 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 other-

wise - risk of an accident!

Note

●

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

lem-free operation of the ESP. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can

lead to an undesirable reduction in the engine output.

Note

●

If the ABS or ESP warning light comes on, this may also indicate a fault in the

●

Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combi-

EDL. Have the vehicle inspected by your specialist garage as soon as you can.

nation of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ESP ⇒ꢀpage 215, Ac-



cessories, changes and replacement of parts.

●

Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combi-

nation of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the EDL ⇒ꢀpage 215, Ac-



cessories, changes and replacement of parts.

Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)

The electronic differential lock prevents an individual wheel from

slipping.

Traction control system (TCS)

The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from spin-

ning when accelerating.

General

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

ate and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavoura-

ble.

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 sen-

sors. 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.

Fig. 162 TCS switch

Overheating of the brakes

General

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 TCS makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, acceler-

ate and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavoura-

ble.

£

Intelligent Technology 175

Operating principle

Note

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 sur-

face is automatically adapted by reducing the engine speed. The system operates

at all speeds.

●

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

lem-free operation of the TCS. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can

lead to an undesirable reduction in the engine output.

●

Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combi-

nation of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the TCS ⇒ꢀpage 215, Ac-



The TCS operates in combination with the ABS ⇒ꢀpage 177, Antilock brake system

cessories, changes and replacement of parts.

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

The TCS warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a fault on

the TCS  ⇒ꢀpage 27.

Active driver-steering recommendation (DSR)

This function indicates to the driver in critical situations a steering recommenda-

tion in order to stabilise the vehicle. The active driver-steering recommendation is

activated, for example, on the right and left vehicle side when braking sharply on

different road surfaces.

During an intervention of the system, the TCS warning light flashes  in the in-

strument cluster ⇒ꢀpage 27.

Switching off

You can also switch off the TCS system by pressing the ⇒ꢀfig. 162 button, or, in ve-

hicles with ESP, by pressing the ⇒ꢀfig. 161 button. The TCS warning light lights up

in the instrument cluster when the TCS is switched off .

WARNING

Even with this function the vehicle cannot steer itself! The driver is further-

more responsible for the steering of the vehicle!

The TCS should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice in certain

exceptional cases, such as when you wish to have wheel slip, to switch off the

system.



Brakes

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.

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

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

between the service inspections.

then you should switch on the TCS again.

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!

Wet roads or road salt

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

ditions 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.

£

Using the system

Safety

Driving Tips

General Maintenance

Breakdown assistance

Technical data

176 Intelligent Technology

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 lon-

ger braking distance and excessive wear.

●

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

Corrosion

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.

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 sys-

tem.

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-

Note

sion is present ⇒ꢀ

.

The brake light flashes automatically in case of an emergency braking at speeds

greater than 60 km/h or with the intervention of the ABS, which lasts longer than

1.5 seconds. After the speed was reduced below 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 after accelerat-

ing or driving off again.

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 ga-

rage 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 high-

er brake pedal pressure required.



Brake booster

Low brake fluid level

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

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

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

level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically ⇒ꢀpage 30, Brake system .

WARNING

●

Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary.

●

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.

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.

●

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 oth-

erwise the braking system could run too hot.

●

While stopping or braking with a vehicle with a petrol engine and manual

transmission in the low rev range, press down on the clutch pedal. If you fail

to do so, the result may be an impairment of the function of the power brake.

You will apply a greater force to the brake pedal which you are usde to - dan-

ger of accident!

●

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

ficiency 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. This guideline also applies to any new brake pads installed

at a future date.



Intelligent Technology 177

Note

Antilock brake system (ABS)

ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking.

General

●

A warning light comes on if a fault occurs in the ABS system  ⇒ꢀpage 28.

Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combi-

nation of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ABS ⇒ꢀpage 215, Ac-



cessories, changes and replacement of parts.

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 op-

timal steering ability even during a full brake application on a slippery road surface

because the wheels do not lock up.

Brake Assist

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

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

required in the brake system.

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.

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.

Operating principle

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

noticeable 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 applica-

tion in this braking range. Never interrupt the application of the brakes!

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 ap-

plication. 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 possi-

ble time, which is required for maximum deceleration of the car. You must apply

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

possible braking distance.

As soon as the vehicle speed has increased to about 20 km/hour an automatic

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

for about 1 second.

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

gency 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.

WARNING

●

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 oth-

erwise - risk of an accident!

The Brake Assist is part of the ESP system. If a fault occurs in the ESP, the Brake

Assist function is also not available. Further information on the ESP ⇒ꢀpage 173.

WARNING

●

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.

●

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

Visit a specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving according

to the damage to the ABS as you will not know how great the damage is and

the limitation it is placing on the braking efficiency.

●

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

take a greater safety risk than otherwise.



Using the system

Safety

Driving Tips

General Maintenance

Breakdown assistance

Technical data

178 Intelligent Technology

Uphill Start Assist

Tyre pressure monitoring system

The uphill start assist makes it easier to start off on steep hills. The system assists

a start off by holding the brake pressure produced by the brake pedal actuation

for approx. 2 seconds after releasing the brake pedal. The driver can therefore

move his foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and start off on the

slope, without having to actuate the handbrake. The brake pressure drops gradu-

ally the more you operate the accelerator pedal. If the vehicle does not start off

within 2 seconds, it starts to roll back.

The uphill start assist is active as of a 5 % slope, if the driver door is closed. It is

always active on slopes when in forward or reverse start off. When driving down-

hill, it is inactive.

Fig. 163 Button for setting the tyre in-

flation pressure control value



The tyre pressure monitoring system compares with the aid of the ABS sensors

the speed and also the rolling circumference of the individual wheels. If the rolling

circumference of a wheel is changed, the warning light  in the instrument clus-

ter ⇒ꢀpage 28 and an acoustic signal sounds.

Electromechanical power steering

The power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.

The rolling circumference of the tyre can change if:

With the electromechanical power steering, the steering assist is automatically

adapted to the speed and to the steering angle.

●

the tyre inflation pressure is too low,

the structure of the tyre is damaged,

the vehicle is loaded on one side,

the wheels of an axle are loaded heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or when

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

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

physical effort is required.

driving uphill or downhill),

If there is a fault in the power steering, the warning light  or  lights up in the

instrument cluster ⇒ꢀpage 25.

●

snow chains are mounted,

the temporary spare wheel is mounted,

one wheel per axle was changed.

WARNING

Contact your specialist garage if the power steering is defective.



Basic setting of the system

After changing the tyre inflation pressures, after changing one or several wheels,

the position of a wheel on the vehicle (e.g. exchanging the wheels between the

axles) or when the warning light lights up while driving, a basic setting of the sys-

tem must be carried out as follows:

●

Inflate all tyres to the specified inflation pressure ⇒ꢀpage 210.

Switch on the ignition.

£

Intelligent Technology 179

 

●

Press button

⇒ꢀfig. 163 for more than 2 seconds. While pressing the but-

Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)

ton, the warning light  lights up. At the same time the memory of the system is

erased and the new calibration is started, which is confirmed with an audible sig-

nal and then the warning light  goes out.

In the diesel particle filter the resulting soot particles are collected

and burnt during the combustion of diesel fuel.

●

If the warning light  does not go out after the basic setting, there is a fault in

the system. Have the vehicle inspected by your nearest specialist garage.

Warning light  lights up

If the tyre inflation pressure of at least one wheel is insufficiently inflated in com-

parison to the stored basic value, the warning light  ⇒ꢀ lights up.

Warning light  flashes

If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Have the vehicle inspected by

your nearest specialist garage.

Fig. 164 Vehicle data sticker

WARNING

Code 7GG, 7MB or 7MG on the vehicle data sticker, see ⇒ꢀfig. 164, indicates that

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

cated on the floor of the luggage compartment and is also stated in the Service

schedule.

●

When the warning light  lights up, immediately reduce the speed and

avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. Please stop the vehicle without

delay at the nearest possible stop and inspect the tyres and their inflation

pressures.

●

The driver is responsible for the correct tyre inflation pressures. For this

reason, the tyre inflation pressures must be checked regularly.

Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved

roads) the warning light  can be delayed or does not light up at all.

The tyre pressure monitoring system does not take away the responsibility

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 pro-

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

●

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

light .

●

from the driver for the correct tyre inflation pressure.

WARNING

Note

●

The diesel particle filter achieves very high temperatures. Therefore do not

The tyre pressure monitoring system:

park at points where the hot filter comes into direct contact with dry grass or

other combustible materials - risk of fire!

●

does not replace the regular tyre inflation pressure control, because the sys-

tem cannot detect an even pressure loss;

cannot warn in case of very rapid tyre inflation pressure loss, e.g. in case of

●

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.

sudden tyre damage. In this case carefully bring the vehicle to a standstill without

sudden steering movements and without sharp braking.

●

In order to ensure a proper functioning of the tyre inflation pressure-control

system, it is necessary to carry out the basic setting again every 10 000 km or 1x a

year.

Note



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

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

use only diesel fuel with high sulphur content.



Using the system

Safety

Driving Tips

General Maintenance

Breakdown assistance

Technical data

180 Driving and the Environment

Driving and the Environment

CAUTION

The first 1 500 kilometres and afterwards

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.

New engine

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

For the sake of the environment

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.

Up to 1 000 kilometres

–

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.



–

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 approx.1 500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the success of run-

ning 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 run-

ning-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 in-

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

zone is reached. During acceleration (depressing the accelerator) exceptionally

high engine speeds are automatically reduced, yet the engine is not protected

against too high engine speeds which are caused by incorrectly shifting down the

gears resulting in a sudden increase of the engine speeds above the permitted

maximum revolutions which can lead to engine damage.

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.



Catalytic converter

Proper operation of the emission control system (catalytic convert-

er) is of major significance for driving your vehicle in an environ-

mentally conscious way.

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 en-

gine is no longer running smoothly.

Please refer to the following guidelines.

£

–

For vehicles with petrol engine only refuel with unleaded petrol ⇒ꢀpage 195.

Driving and the Environment 181

–

Never run the fuel tank completely empty.

Driving in an economical and environmentally

conscious manner

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

Do not pour too much oil into the engine ⇒ꢀpage 200, Replenishing engine oil.

General

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.

Your personal style of driving is a major factor.

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

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

WARNING

●

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

●

your personal style of driving,

the conditions under which your vehicle is operated,

technical aspects.

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!

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

nomical 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.

●

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!

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

yond the driver's control. It is, for example, normal for the fuel consumption to in-

crease in winter and under worsened conditions such as poor road conditions,

towing a trailer, etc.

CAUTION

●

On vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter, never let the fuel tank run com-

pletely empty. An irregular fuel supply can result in poor ignition or misfiring. Un-

burnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and damage the catalytic converter.

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

hicle 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.

●

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

converter being destroyed.

If you detect a power reduction or irregular engine running when driving, re-

duce your speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected by the nearest spe-

cialist 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.

●

The optimal engine speed should be obtained when accelerating, in order to avoid

a high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle.



Looking ahead when driving

For the sake of the environment

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.

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.



Using the system

Safety

Driving Tips

General Maintenance

Breakdown assistance

Technical data

182 Driving and the Environment

Shifting gears and saving energy

Avoiding full throttle

Shifting up early saves on fuel.

Driving more slowly means saving fuel.

Fig. 165 Fuel consumption in litres/100

km. and speed in km/h.

Fig. 166 Fuel consumption in litres/100

km. and speed in km/h.

Manual gearbox

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

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

–

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

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

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

consumption, pollutant emissions and vehicle noises increase disproportionally at

high speeds.

–

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

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

shift in a fuel-efficient manner, follow ⇒ꢀpage 13, Shift recommendation for chang-

ing gears.

The ⇒ꢀfig. 166 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.



Automatic gearbox

–

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

position, however.

Reducing idling

Idling also costs fuel.

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

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

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

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 sec-

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

up again.

General

The ⇒ꢀfig. 165 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.

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

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.



Note



Also use the information supplied by the multi-functional indicator ⇒ꢀpage 14.

Driving and the Environment 183

Regular servicing

Avoid driving short distances

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

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

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.

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.

Fig. 167 Fuel consumption in litres/100

km at different temperatures

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.

–

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

It is quite normal that a new engine has a higher oil consumption at first, and rea-

ches its lowest level only after a certain running in time. It is therefore not possi-

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

driven about 5 000 km.

The engine and catalytic converter must first have reached their optimal operat-

ing temperature in order to effectively reduce fuel consumption and pollutant

emissions.

The cold engine vehicle consumes approx. 15 - 20 litres/100 km of fuel immediate-

ly after starting. Fuel consumption drops to 10 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.

For the sake of the environment

●

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

lubricity oils.

●

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.

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

⇒ꢀfig. 167 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.



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

will worsen.

£

Always check the inflation pressure of the tyres when cold.

Using the system

Safety

Driving Tips

General Maintenance

Breakdown assistance

Technical data

184 Driving and the Environment

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

Winter tyres are also louder.

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:

No unnecessary ballast

Transporting ballast costs fuel.

Design measures

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.

●

joints designed to be easily detached,

simplified disassembly due to the modular structure system,

improved purity of different classes of materials,

Identification of all plastic parts in accordance with VDA Recommendation 260,

Reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission CO ,

2

It is particularly in town traffic, when one is accelerating quite often, that the vehi-

cle 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.

Minimum fuel leakage during accidents,

Reduced noise.

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

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

causes it to use about 10% more fuel than normal at a speed of 100 - 120 km/h,

even when you are not carrying a load on the roof.

Choice of materials

●

extensive use of recyclable material,

Air conditioning filled with CFC-free refrigerant,

no cadmium,

no asbestos,

Reduction in the “vaporisation” of plastics.



Saving electricity

Generating electricity costs fuel.

Manufacture

–

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

●

solvent-free cavity protection,

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

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

er. If more electrical components of the electrical system are switched on, more

fuel is needed to operate the alternator.

plant to the customer,



●

The use of solvent-free adhesives,

No CFCs used in the production process,

without use of mercury,

Keeping a log of your fuel consumption

Use of water-soluble paints.

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

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

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

stage and to take any appropriate action.

Trade-in and recycling of old cars

ŠKODA meets the requirements of the brand and its products regarding environ-

ment and resource protection. All new ŠKODA vehicles can be utilized up to 95 %

1)

£

and always be returned. In a lot of countries sufficient trade-in networks have

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.



1)

Subject to fulfilment of the national legal requirements.

Driving and the Environment 185

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 environ-

mental regulations.

The adaptation of the headlights with Xenon lights (applies to vehicles which are

designed for driving on the left and on the right) is performed in the menu Set-

tings Travel mode of the information display ⇒ꢀpage 57, Tourist light.



Vehicles with special built-on types

Avoiding damage to your vehicle

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.

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 dam-

aged.

Note

Detailed information about the trade-in and recycling of old cars is available from

a ŠKODA Service Partner.



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



and also when your vehicle is fully laden.

Motoring abroad

Driving through bodies of water on roads

General

Other circumstances may exist abroad.

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 in the Czech Republic and its foreign

importers are happy to provide information about technical aspects of the vehicle,

required maintenance work and possibilities for getting repairs done.



Fig. 168 Web on the lower sill of the ve-

hicle

Unleaded petrol

In order to avoid damage to the vehicle when driving through bodies of water (e.g.

flooded roads), observe the following:

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

rol ⇒ꢀpage 180. The automobile associations can provide you with information re-

garding the locations of filling stations which offer unleaded petrol.

●

Determine the depth of the water when driving through bodies of water. The



water can reach at the maximum the web on the lower sill of the vehicle

⇒ꢀfig. 168.

●

Drive no more than at walking speed. At a higher speed, a water wave can

Headlight

form in front of the vehicle which can cause water to penetrate into the air induc-

tion system of the engine or into other parts of the vehicle.

●

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.

Never let the vehicle stand in the water, never drive backwards and do not

£

switch off the engine.

In order to prevent the dazzling of oncoming traffic, it is necessary that an adjust-

ment of the headlights is carried out by your authorised ŠKODA Service Partner.

Using the system

Safety

Driving Tips

General Maintenance

Breakdown assistance

Technical data

186 Driving and the Environment

WARNING

●

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

extend the braking distance - risk of accident!

Avoid sudden and severe braking manoeuvres immediately after driving

through bodies of water.

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 per-

mit this. Do not place any other road users in jeopardy.

CAUTION

●

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

gearbox, catalytic converter, chassis or electrics can be severely damaged.

●

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

ble water level for your vehicle.

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

possible to drive through the body of water.

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

●

rinse all the parts of the vehicle, which came into contact with the salt water, with

fresh water.

Note

After driving through a body of water, we recommend that the vehicle is checked

by a specialist garage.



Towing a trailer 187

Towing a trailer

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 altitudes.

Towing a trailer

Technical requirements

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.

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.

Distribution of the load

If your vehicle has been factory-fitted with a towing device or has a towing device

from ŠKODA Original Accessories, then the towing device satisfies all technical

and legal requirements.

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.

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

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

nector, you can use a suitable adapter from ŠKODA Original Accessories.

Tyre pressure

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

⇒ꢀpage 210. The inflation pressure of the tyres fitted to the trailer adjust in ac-

cordance with the manufacturer's recommendation.

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

tions if a towing device is retrofitted.

Exterior mirrors

Authorised ŠKODA Service Partners can provide detailed information about retro-

fitting a towing device and for any necessary modifications to the cooling system.

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

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

with an adequate field of view to the rear.

WARNING

We recommend that you have the towing device from ŠKODA Original Acces-

sories installed by an authorised 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!

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 59, Headlamp range adjustment .



General Maintenance

Detachable ball head

The ball head is detachable on vehicles with towing device and can be obtained

from ŠKODA Original Accessories. It is stowed together with separate fitting in-

structions in the spare wheel well in the luggage compartment of the vehicle.

Trailer load

The permissible trailer load must on no account be exceeded.

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

full use of the permissible trailer load.

Note

●

We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between service in-

tervals if you tow a trailer frequently.

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

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

●



coupling the trailer.

Using the system

Safety

Driving Tips

General Maintenance

Breakdown assistance

Technical data

188 Towing a trailer

Driving Tips

Please refer to the following guidelines ⇒ꢀpage 27, Coolant temperature/ Coolant

quantity .

–

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

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

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

downhill sections.

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 independ-

ent 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.

–

Apply the brakes in good time.

Keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if the outside temperature is

high.



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.

Driving speed

Do not drive faster than 80 km/hour for safety reasons. This also applies for coun-

tries in which higher speeds are allowed.

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 acci-

dent black spots.

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.

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

Engine overheating

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 11, Coolant temperature gauge.

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 202, Inspecting the coolant level.

Driving Tips for Your Skoda Superb SUV Second Generation (2009-2015)

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