We operate and store Skoda Rapid with our own hands: step-by-step instructions

The Skoda Rapid liftback received an update in 2020, but technically it is still the same car on the Volkswagen PQ35 platform, known since 2014. The units have also not changed, which should have a positive effect on the spare parts range and availability. of repairs.

Most of the cars sold are with a 1.6 naturally aspirated engine and an automatic transmission. We will also analyze these, but today in our technical center we will evaluate the complexity of the basic maintenance and light repairs of the Rapid with a 1.4 TSi turbo engine (125 hp) and a seven-speed DSG robot.

By the way, almost everything that has been said also applies to the current generation of the VW Polo – since 2020 it has become a “clone” of Skoda.

Engine oil change: 4.0 points

To access the drain plug, you must remove the sump guard. She at Skoda is traditionally made of impact-resistant plastic and can easily be held by one. It is secured with thirteen bolts. Seven of these are 13mm for the head and six bolts are E27 Torx. After removing the protection, free access to the drain plug and the oil filter opens.

The original oil filter for the 1.4 TSI engine costs a little less than 3,000 rubles. Replacement prices have soared lately and range from 1,400 to 5,000 rubles. Although there is no shortage yet.

Drain plug and 19mm head. The cork has a sealing ring, which is desirable to change – it costs about 150 rubles. The original motor oil with a viscosity of 0W-30 with a Volkswagen 502 approval costs almost 10 thousand rubles for a five-liter jerry can. Of the relatively inexpensive substitutes – our Lukoil Genesis, which costs from five to six thousand rubles. Castrol, Motul or Mobil cost 10-12 thousand rubles for five liters.

Air filter: 4.0 points

The way to the air filter is long, because there is no separate cover for quick replacement. First you need to loosen the two clamps on the nozzles. If one of the clamps is suddenly damaged, you have to buy a new one (diameter 70 mm). Then you can remove the air filter housing.

Only once the housing has been removed will you be able to access the filter cover, which is secured with two Phillips screwdriver screws. You also need to squeeze out four plastic tabs. And then, finally, remove the filter itself.

The original Skoda uses a Mann filter. Both in the Volkswagen package and in the Mann box it costs 3,000 rubles. The cheapest Chinese analogue is half the price, but in most cases substitutes cost about 3,000 rubles. When installing the filter housing in place, it is better to lubricate the guides on the valve cover with silicone.

Cab filter replacement: 4.5 points

The cabin filter is located between the center console and the glove compartment. The filter element cover is held by two brackets. The only negative is not the most comfortable position when replacing.

The original carbon-coated filter costs almost 3,500 rubles. In this case, it makes sense to save money by buying analogues: Mahle or Febi cartridges are half the price.

Replace spark plug: 4.0 points

To get to the ignition coils and spark plugs, you need to remove the air filter housing – having previously loosened the two clamps on the pipes. The connectors on the coils are held by a tab that simply needs to be pressed out.

Each spool is held by a 10mm head bolt. Native coils manufactured by Eldor cost 6,000 rubles each. Before reinstalling, it is necessary to treat the rubber belts on each coil with silicone grease so that they do not “grow” to the metal and tear in the future.

For candles you need a 16 mm spanner. Original NGK candles cost an average of 2,000 rubles each.

Strong savings on substitutes will not work.

Replace brake pad: 4.5 points

With alloy wheels, the bolts are often covered with decorative plastic overlays. A quick extraction hook is usually stored in the road tool tray, which is located in the spare tire. There is also usually the head of the original “secret”, if any. To get to the brake pads, you need to remove the spring clip from the outside. And then unscrew the two caliper guides with a 7mm hex. And then gently pull the brake pads out.

Original pads (made by ATE) cost about 10 thousand rubles. The same, but already in an ATE box, almost half the price.

Relay and fuse box: 5.0 points

Rapid has two relay and fuse boxes. The first is located under the hood near the left strut cup. The lid is held by three latches and can be easily removed. There is a fuse puller on the back.

The second unit is located in the cab, under the steering column. To do this, remove the plastic cover and the access is open. As with the first block, there is a clip on the back of the cover for removing the fuses.

There are no problems with replacing bulbs on the revamped Rapid, as there are no bulbs as such. All optics are fully LED. For basic cars, high beam remains halogen, but everything else is diode. The story is similar for the new Polo.

Turbo for the people

A modern direct injection compressor engine does not mean that it is difficult to maintain. None of these actions will cause problems for those experienced in servicing naturally aspirated vehicles. Unless replacing the air filter takes a little more time and the plastic protection could have fewer bolts. But otherwise Skoda Rapid 1.4 TSI isn’t much harder than our Grants or Largus – although consumables are noticeably more expensive.

Prices for consumables and materials*

* Prices are from August 2022.

The complexity of maintenance and repair

• Which problems the Rapid 2012-2020 has, is described in detail here.
• “Behind the wheel” can also be read in Telegram.