84CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTGeneral notesIt is important to ensure that the sensor
between the defroster vents for the wind-
shield in the middle of the instrument panel
and the air grille (item 18 - refer to page
79) is not covered over.
The air inlet in front of the windshield
must be free of ice, snow and leaves to
enable the Climatronic to operate properly.
The heating efficiency depends on the
temperature of the coolant - full heating ca-
pacity is therefore only available once the
engine has reached its normal operating
temperature.
If the AUTO mode has not been switched
on for a lengthy period, odours may be
caused as a result of environmentally-re-
lated deposits on the evaporator.
In order to avoid such odour problems, the
cooling system should be switched on at
least once a month at the highest blower
speed - also during the cool season of the
year. At the same time, open a window for
a short time.
At high outside temperatures and high
air humidity condensation may drip from the
evaporator and form a puddle of water be-
low the vehicle. This is quite normal and
not an indication of a leak.
The blower should always be switched
on at a low setting when driving at low
speeds in order to prevent the windows
misting up. Select the ECON or AUTO
mode in this case.
If the air conditioning system has not
been switched on for a lengthy period,
odours may be produced at the evaporator
because of deposits. Switch on the air con-
ditioning system at least once a month, also
during the cold season of the year, to the
maximum blower speed in order to remove
such odours. At the same time open a win-
dow.
Economic use of the Climatronic
systemIn the cooling mode the compressor of the
Climatronic system draws power from the
engine and thus influences the fuel con-
sumption. Pay attention to the following
points in order to minimize the operating
time of the system.
If the interior of the vehicle has been
warmed up considerably by the sun’s rays
when the car is parked, it is recommended
to briefly open the windows or doors to al-
low the warm air to escape.
The Climatronic should not be switched
on when driving if the windows or the slid-
ing roof* are open.
Select the ECON mode if it is possible
to also achieve the desired interior tem-
perature without operating the cooling sys-
tem.
88CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTNoteInterior lights with off time delay* remain on
for a few seconds after the doors are closed.On models fitted with central locking, the
interior light remains on for about 20 sec-
onds when the car is unlocked, a door is
opened or the ignition key is removed pro-
vided the switch is in the door contact po-
sition.
On an open door, the interior light is
switched off after 60 minutes, in order to
avoid discharging the battery.Reading light (B)*Press the switch B, in order to switch the
reading light on or off - see illustration on
page 87.
Interior light (rear)*The interior light is switched on and off by
pressing on the recess in the lens.
Front door warning light*The light always comes on when the front
door is opened.
Note
If the door is left open for a lengthy time,
this can cause the battery to discharge.
On certain models, a reflector is fitted in
place of the door light.On an open door, the interior light is switched
off after 60 minutes, in order to avoid dis-
charging the battery
103
SAFETY
Warning
Any work on the belt tightener sys-
tem or within the immediate area, in-
cluding removal and installation of
system components because of other
repair work, must only be carried out
by a Škoda dealer.
The protection provided by the
system is adequate only for one ac-
cident. If the belt tensioners have
been activated, the entire system has
to be replaced.
If the car is sold, the buyer should
be provided with the complete vehi-
cle wallet.
Notes
Smoke is released when the belt tensio-
ners are activated. This smoke does not
indicate a fire in the car.
If the car or individual components of the
system are scrapped, it is essential to pay
attention to the relevant safety regulations.
Škoda Dealers are acquainted with these
regulations and can provide you with more
detailed information in this connection.
Airbag system*Front airbagThe front airbag system is only operational
after switching on the ignition.
Models with airbag system for driver and
passenger are recognizable from the
„AIRBAG“ inscriptions on the padded boss
of the steering wheel and on the passen-
ger side of the instrument panel.
In addition to the three-point seat belts
with belt tensioners, the Airbag System
offers further protection for the driver’s and
passenger’s head and chest in a serious
frontal collision.
Apart from its normal protective function,
the seat belt also has the task of keeping
the driver or passenger in such a position
so that the airbag can offer maximum pro-
tection in the case of a frontal collision.
For this reason, the seat belts should al-
ways be used not only because this is re-
quired by law, but also for safety reasons!
The Airbag System is not activated in the
event of:
side collisions
rear collisions
rolling-over
minor frontal collisions. The system essentially consists of:
the electronic control and monitoring unit
(control unit),
one or two airbags (airbag with gas gen-
erator) for the:
- driver (in steering wheel),
- front passenger (in instrument panel)
a warning lamp in the instrument panel -
see page 56.
a warning light in the interior lighting of
the car (front)* - see page 108.
Switch for front passenger airbags* - see
page 107.
The operational readiness of the airbag
system is monitored electronically.
The airbag warning lamp comes on for a
few seconds (self-diagnosis) each time the
ignition is switched on.
Note
The airbag system does not require any
maintenance over its entire operating pe-
riod.
116SAFETYWarning
To avoid severe injuries, therefore,
children must always be transported
safely in the vehicle with a restraint
system which matches the age, body
size and weight of the child.
Children must never be positioned
with their head in the inflation range
of the side airbag. Risk of injury!
Do not place any objects in the in-
flation range of the side airbag. Risk
of injury!
A child seat in which the child
faces with its back in the direction of
travel, may only be used in the front
passenger seat if the front passen-
ger airbag (in certain countries also
on child seats in which the child
faces the direction of travel) has
been deactivated - refer to page 107.
Otherwise, there is a risk of the child
suffering severe or even fatal injuries
if the airbag is deployed. In certain
countries, legal requirements neces-
sitate deactivating the side airbag. If
a child is nevertheless seated on the
front passenger seat, observe the
legal requirements for the use of
child seats.
Attaching child seats („ISOFIX“
system)Two eyes for attaching a child seat with the
„ISOFIX“ system are provided between
backrest and seat cushion at the two outer
rear seats.
Child seats with the „ISOFIX“ system can
be installed quickly, conveniently and
safely. The seat should be installed as
specified in the installation instructions
enclosed with the „ISOFIX“ child seat. Al-
ways ensure that the child seat engages
properly when installed (pull as a check!).
Notes
An „ISOFIX“ child seat must only be at-
tached in the vehicle using the „ISOFIX“
system if the child seat bears an official seal
of approval for the particular vehicle model
in conformity with the ECE-R 44 Standard.
Warning
Before using an „ISOFIX“ child
seat which you have acquired for an-
other vehicle, please check with yourŠkoda dealer whether your child seat
is recommended for the Škoda-Octavia. Certain child seats with “ISOFIX”
attachment system can also be at-
tached with the usual three-point
seat belt. Attention should be paid to
the instructions of the child seat
manufacturer for the installation and
removal.
127
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Filling the tankThe fuel filler neck is inserted into the rear
right body panel.
The fuel tank holds about 55 litres
(4x4* - 63 litres).
Notes
The fuel filler flap can be opened from the
driver’s seat* - see page 65.
On this version the fuel cap cannot be
locked separately.
A sticker with data is affixed to the fuel filler
flap - see page 181.When refuelling, the filler cap can be in-
serted at the flap.
After refuelling, fit on the filler cap tight until
it is heard to click. After this, close the filler
flap.
If your car is not fitted with a remote re-
lease for the fuel filler flap at the driv-
er’s seat*, the following instructions
apply:
Use the car key to unlock the filler cap of
the fuel filler neck by turning it to the left
and unscrew it.
When refuelling, the filler cap can be in-
serted at the flap.
After refuelling, screw the filler cap tight until
it is heard to click. Lock the filler cap by
turning the key of the car to the right, with-
draw the key and close the fuel filler flap.
As soon as the petrol pump at the
filling station switches off automati-
cally for the first time after being prop- erly used, the fuel tank is „full“. Do notfill in any more petrol otherwise the ex-pansion chamber in the tank will be filled
and fuel might flow out when it warms up.
Note
Never run the fuel tank completely empty
on models fitted with a catalytic con-
verter. The irregular fuel supply may re-
sult in misfiring and uncombusted fuel
may get into the exhaust system. This
can cause overheating and damage to
the catalytic converter.
Warning
Observe any statutory regulations
when carrying a reserve canister of
fuel. For safety reasons, it is recom-
mended that you do not carry a re-
serve canister in the car. In the event
of an accident, the canister could be
damaged and fuel spillage could oc-
cur.
130GENERAL MAINTENANCEWashing the carThe best protection for your car against
harmful environmental influences is fre-
quent washing and polishing.
How often your car requires to be treated
depends among other factors on how fre-
quently you use the car, where you park it
(garage, in the open, below trees etc.), the
time of year, the weather conditions and
other environmental influences.
The longer bird droppings, insect residues,
tree resin, road and industrial dust, tar
stains, soot particles, road salt and other
aggressive deposits remain on the paint-
work of your car, the more extreme will be
their destructive effect. High temperatures
caused by strong sun’s rays, intensify the
caustic effect. It may therefore be neces-
sary to wash the car once a week, but once
a month may also be sufficient with appro-
priate waxing.
It is essential to also thoroughly wash the
underside of the car after the end of the
winter period.Automatic car washes
The paintwork of your car is sufficiently re-
sistant to enable the car to be washed nor-
mally in automatic car washing plants with-
out any problems. The effect on the paint-
work, though, also depends greatly on the
design of the car wash, the filtering of the
washing water, the type of wash and care
products used etc. If the paintwork appears
mat after a car wash or even has scratches,
you should contact the operator of the plant.
If necessary, change the car wash you use.
Notes
Before washing your car in an automatic
car wash, there are no special precautions
necessary other than the usual measures
(closing windows and sliding roof, folding
down roof aerial etc.).
Warning
Do not tighten roof aerial in the lower
position
It is best to contact the operator of the
car wash if your car has any particular spe-
cial fittings - e.g. spoiler, roof rack, mobile
phone aerial etc.
After washing your car in an automatic car
wash with wax preservative, wipe the lips of
the windscreen wiper blades clean and also
clean the windscreen (also the rear window
on models fitted with rear window wiper).
Washing your car by hand
As a protection for the environment,
your car should only be washed at
washbays provided for this purpose.
Local regulations may in fact forbidwashing cars in certain areas outside ofsuch facilities.
First of all soften the dirt with plenty of wa-
ter and rinse off as well as possible.
Then, clean the car with a soft sponge,
washing glove or brush starting on the roof
and working down, applying only slight
pressure. Use a car wash shampoo only
for particularly stubborn dirt.
Thoroughly wash out the sponge or glove
at short intervals.
Clean wheels and door sills etc. last. Use
a second sponge if possible for such ar-
eas.
After washing the car, rinse it thoroughly
with water and finally chamois dry.
132GENERAL MAINTENANCEDo not affix any stickers from the inside
over the heating circuit to avoid damaging
the heating circuit of the rear window
heater .
Models fitted with all-wheel drive:
The adhesive sticker for identifying 4x4 mo-
dels on the rear window must only be re-
moved by a Škoda Dealer using a special
technology otherwise the rear window
heater might be damaged.Door, window , bonnet/tailgate sealsThe rubber seals remain supple and last
longer if they are treated from time to time
with a light film of a rubber care product.
They also will not then freeze up in winter!Plastic parts and synthetic leatherExterior plastic parts are cleaned by wash-
ing in a normal way and interior parts by
using a damp cloth. Should this not be ad-
equate, plastic parts and synthetic leather
must only be treated with special solvent-
free plastic cleaning and care products.
We recommend using a cleaning product
from Škoda original accessories offered by
your Škoda dealer.
Note
Solvent-free cleaners attack the material
and can damage it.
Upholstery cloth and cloth trimUpholstery cloth and cloth trim on the doors,
rear shelf, luggage compartment cover, head-
lining etc. are treated with special cleaning
products or with dry foam and a soft brush.Cleaning seat beltsKeep belts clean! If the belt webbing is
very dirty, this may prevent the inertia reel
belt from retracting properly.
Wash dirty belt webbing only with a mild
soap solution without taking the seat belts
out of the car.
Note
Dry inertia reel belts completely before re-
tracting.
Warning
Do not have the belts dry-cleaned be-
cause dry-cleaning products damage
the webbing material. Ensure that the
belts do not come into contact with
corrosive fluids.
Chrome partsFirst clean the chrome parts with a damp
cloth and then polish them with a soft, dry
cloth.
If it does not prove to be adequate, use a
chrome care product from Škoda original
accessories.
NoteDo not polish the chrome parts in a dusty en-
vironment, otherwise they can be scratched.Natural leatherLeather should be treated from time to time
in accordance with the instructions below,
depending on the amount of use. It is im-
portant to ensure that the leather must
not be treated on any account with sol-
vents, floor wax, shoe cream, stain re-
mover or similar products.
For normal cleaning of leather-trim steer-
ing wheels, leather seat covers etc., slightly
moisten a cotton or woollen cloth with wa-
ter and clean the soiled surfaces of the
leather. Severe soiling can be cleaned with
a mild soap solution (2 soup-spoonfuls of
neutral soap to 1 litre of water). It is very
important to ensure that the leather is not
moistened through at any point and that
no water is able to trickle through the stitch-
ing. Wipe the leather dry finally with a soft,
dry cloth.
139
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Models with fixed service intervals (QG0, QG2) for oil
change
DesignationSpecification for Specification for
petrol engines diesel engines
Multigrade high- VW 500 00 VW 505 00
1)
lubricity oils VW 502 00 VW 505 01
VW 501 01
Multigrade oils ACEA A2
2)
ACEA B3
2)
or A3
2)
or B4
2)
Models with variable service intervals (QG1)* for oil
change
Specification
Petrol engines VW 503 00
Diesel engines VW 506 00
1)
VW 506 01
Warning
Models with variable service intervals (QG1) must only use
the above specified oils. It is recommended for the preser-
vation of the specified properties of the oils conforming to
specification, only engine oil with the same specification
may be used for replenishing. In exceptional cases, only
use engine oil conforming to specification VW 502 00 (only
petrol engines) or conforming to specification VW 505 01
(only diesel engines) for topping up to max. 0.5 ltr. Other
engine oils must not be used - risk of engine damage.
Before a long drive, we recommend that you purchase and
carry with you engine oil which complies with the specifica-
tion for your vehicle. Consequently, you will always have the
correct engine oil for refilling.
We recommend using oils from the range of Škoda Genuine
Oils offered by your Škoda Dealer.
For further information - see Service Schedule.
1)Except PDi engines (engines with unit injection)2)This oil may be used only once for topping up within the specified oil c\
hange
cycle if no approved engine oil is available.