Vehicle Battery - Skoda Rapid Owner's Manual

A slight drop in the fluid level results when driving due to normal wear-and-tear
and automatic adjustment of the brake pads.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid lev-
el drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the "MIN" marking.
If the brake fluid level is too low, this is shown by the indicator light
Braking system lighting up in the instrument cluster.
Changing

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 163.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Over time it therefore absorbs moisture from the
environment.
Excessive water in the brake fluid may be the cause of corrosion in the brake sys-
tem.
The water content lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid.
The brake fluid must comply with the following standards or specifications:
›
VW 50114;
›
FMVSS 116 DOT4.

Vehicle battery


Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Open cover
Checking the battery electrolyte level
Charging
Replace
Disconnecting or reconnecting
Automatic load deactivation
164
General Maintenance
Warning symbols on the vehicle battery
Symbol

Always wear eye protection.
» page 13, Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye protec-


tion.

Keep fire, sparks, open flames and lit cigarettes well clear of the ve-

hicle battery.
When charging the vehicle battery, a highly explosive gas mixture is

produced.

Keep children away from the vehicle battery.
WARNING
There is risk of injuries, poisoning, chemical burns, explosions or fire when
working on the battery and on the electrical system. It is essential to comply
with the general applicable safety rules as well as the warning instructions
outlined below.
Keep children away from the vehicle battery.
■
Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the bat-
■

tery vent openings. Protect your eyes by wearing safety goggles or a face
shield – risk of blindness!
Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin protection when handling the
■
vehicle battery.
The battery acid is strongly corrosive and must, therefore, be handled with
■
the greatest of care.
Corrosive fumes in the air irritate the air passages and lead to conjunctivitis
■
and inflammation of the air passages in the lungs.
Battery acid corrodes dental enamel and, if it comes into contact with the
■
165
skin, causes deep wounds that take a long time to heal. Repeated contact
166
with diluted acids causes skin diseases (inflammations, ulcers, slin cracks).
If any battery acid comes into contact with your eyes, rinse the affected eye
166 ■
immediately with clean water for several minutes and consult a doctor imme-
167
diately!
167
Splashes of acid on your skin or clothes should be neutralised as soon as
■
167 possible using soap suds and then rinsed with plenty of water. If you swallow
battery acid, consult a doctor immediately!
Importance
