Skoda Rapid Owner's Manual page 109

● On a downhill slope, turn the front wheels such that they point toward the
curbs.
● On an uphill slope, turn the front wheels such that they point to the middle of
the road.
WARNING
The parts of the exhaust system become very hot. This may cause fires and
serious injuries.
● Never park the vehicle such that parts of the exhaust system come in con-
tact with highly flammable materials under the vehicle, such as underbrush,
leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel.
NOTICE
● Always drive cautiously onto parking lots with high-curb mounts or solid
boundaries. These objects protruding from the ground may damage the bump-
er and other vehicle parts when parking or leaving. To avoid damage, stop be-
fore the wheels touch the limits or curbs.
● Drive cautiously over driveways, ramps, curbs and other objects. Deep-
seated vehicle parts such as bumpers, spoilers and parts of the chassis, en-
gine or exhaust system can be damaged when driving over these objects.
● If the handbrake is not applied and the brake pedal is released in selector
lever position P while the vehicle is stationary, the vehicle may move a few in-
ches forward or backward.
Information about the brakes
ä
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 104.
New brake pads have not yet attained full braking power during the first 100 to
200 miles (200 to 300 km) and must be "run in" first ⇒
reduced braking force can be overcome by a stronger pressure on the brake pedal.
During the running-in period, the braking distance during full braking or emer-
gency braking is longer than with run-in brake pads. During the running-in period,
avoid full braking and situations that exert high loads on the brakes, for example
when driving too close to the vehicle ahead.
Vehicle overview Before driving
The wear of the brake pads depends very much on the operating conditions and
driving style. With frequent city and short-range driving as well as using a sporty
style of driving, the thickness of the brake pads needs to be checked more often
than indicated in the service schedule.
When driving with wet brakes, such as after water crossings, heavy rain or after a
car wash, the braking effect may be delayed due to moist or, in winter, icy brake
discs. The brakes need to be "dried" as quickly as possible by gently braking at
higher speeds. Make sure that vehicles behind and other road users are not en-
dangered ⇒
A layer of salt on the brake discs and brake pads delays the braking effect and
extends the braking distance. If you have not operated the brakes on salt-strewn
roads for some time, the salt layer must be abraded by gentle braking operations
⇒
.
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the brake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the brake sys-
tem. Škoda recommends cleaning the brake discs and brake pads by firmly apply-
ing the brakes at a fairly high speed if you do not make much use of the brake sys-
tem or if surface corrosion is present. Make sure that vehicles behind and other
road users are not endangered ⇒
Fault in the brake system
If you need to decelerate and the vehicle does not slow down as much as usual
(sudden increase in braking distance), a brake circuit may have failed. This is indi-
cated by the warning light  and possibly by a text message. Immediately visit
Ð
the nearest authorised specialist garage to have the damage repaired. Drive there
with less speed and expect much longer braking distances and increased pedal
pressure.
Brake booster
The brake booster only works when the engine is running and increases the pedal
pressure exerted by the driver on the brake pedal.
If the brake booster is not working or the vehicle is towed, the brake pedal must
. However, the slightly
be depressed with greater force because the braking distance increases due to
the lack of braking assistance ⇒
When driving
Starting, shifting gears, parking
.
.
.
Maintenance, cleaning, servic- Do-it-yourself
ing
107
£