... this a legacy from the 1980s when bulbs used to blow, failures on more modern cars are a rare thing. ....
If it doesn't happen often, I can only assume that the numerous defective lamps I see must be the result of prolonged delays in fitting a replacement, which is the point I was making.
This is from the current Skoda Fabia handbook (P 247) It's a PDF so I can't link directly to the page:
The cover in the front wheel well must be removed in order to change certain light bulbs. Details about removing the cover if needed, are given in the description of each lamp change. Removal ›Adjust front wheels in the direction of centre of the vehicle. ›Insert the clamp for removing the full wheel covers» page 232, Vehicle tool kit into the recess in the cover. ›Remove the cover by pulling the hook in the direction of arrow » Fig. 301. Inserting ›Insert and push the cover into the corresponding opening. The cover must engage securely.
(The accompanying illustration makes it obvious that "wheel well" means what I call the wheel arch.
http://www.skoda-auto.com/en/mini-apps/ ... uals/fabia
This is from p248:
The mounting for the mopping water container nozzle must be removed in order to replace some light bulbs. The holder is located in the engine compartment, front right.
The "mopping water container" is the windscreen washer tank.