151
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Windscreen washer system
The windscreen washer reservoir is located
in the right of the engine compartment. It
holds about 3 litres, or about 5.5 litres in
the case of models with a headlight washer
system.
If the vehicle is equipped with headlight
washer system, it is necessary to only
use certain fluids which do not corrode
any polycarbonate connections.
Filling reservoirWhen topping up windscreen washer
fluid, do not remove the sieve from the
reservoir. Impurities might otherwise
affect proper operation of the wind-
screen washer system.
We recommend always adding a wind-
screen cleaner with wax-dissolving proper-
ties to the water (in winter with antifreeze
protection) as clear water is not generally
sufficient to quickly and intensively clean
the windscreen and the headlight lenses.
Refer to the mixing instructions on the wind-
screen cleaner pack.
Note
Should windscreen cleaner with antifreeze
protection not be available in exceptional
cases, it is also possible to add methylated
spirits (the concentration of methylated
spirits must not be higher than 15 %). Note
in this case, however, that the antifreeze
protection of this concentration is only down
to -5 °C at the most.
Even if your vehicle has heated windscreen
washer* nozzles, in winter you should al-
ways add antifreeze protection to the wa-
ter.
On no account use radiator antifreeze pro-
tection or other additives!
Windscreen wiper bladesThe windscreen wiper blades at the front
and rear must be in proper condition if they
are to ensure clear visibility. Wiper blades
must not be dirtied by dust, insect residues
and wax preservative.
To avoid smears, the windscreen wiper
blades should be cleaned regularly with a
windscreen cleaner. If they are very dirty,
e.g. insect residues, the wiper blades can
also be cleaned with a sponge or cloth.
If the wiper blades rub or „smear“, this may
be caused by wax residues on the wind-
screen as a result of washing the car in an
automatic car wash. For this reason, each
time after washing the car in a car wash
with wax treatment, remove the wax from
the lips of the wiper rubbers and from the
windshield and rear window.
In frosty conditions, check that the wiper
blades are not frozen to the glass before
switching the wipers on for the first time.
For safety reasons, the windscreen wiper
blades should be replaced twice a year.
Windscreen wiper blades are available
from Škoda Dealers.
155
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Switching around tyresIf the wear to the tyres of the front wheels
is significantly greater, it is recommended
to switch the front tyres to the rear wheels,
as shown in the illustration. This ensures
that the life of all the tyres is approximately
the same.
It may be beneficial to switch over the tyres
diagonally if certain types of wear are
present on the tyre tread (this only applies
to tyres which do not have to be fitted to
run in a particular direction). Details are
available from Škoda Dealers.
Replacing a wheel or tyreTyres and wheels (disc wheels) are impor-
tant design elements. For this reason, use
only tyres and wheels approved by the ve-
hicle manufacturer. They are exactly mat-
ched to your model of car and thus make a
significant contribution to good road-hold-
ing and to safe handling.
Škoda Dealers have available up-to-date
information of which makes of tyres are
approved by us. Many Škoda Dealers al-
so keep in stock an attractive range of
tyres and wheels.
Fitting and repairing tyres requires spe-
cialist knowledge and special tools. Such
work should therefore only be carried out
by qualified persons in Škoda Workshops.
Because of the problems of dispos- ing of old tyres, the special tools
and specialist knowledge required, it is best to have tyres replaced by a ŠkodaDealer.
For road safety reasons, do not replace
individual tyres, if possible, but at least both
tyres on the same axle. The tyres with the
deeper tread should always be fitted to the
front wheels.
Only combine radial tyres of the same
design, size (rolling circumference) and, if
possible, with the same tread pattern on all
four wheels.
Never fit used tyres whose previous his-
tory is not known. Do not fit any used tyres
if you are not aware of their „history“.
Tyres age even if they have not been used
at all or only very little. The spare wheel
should likewise only be used in an emer-
gency and by then adopting appropriately
cautious style of driving.
157
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
If wheel trims are subsequently fit-
ted, it is essential to ensure that the
air flow remains adequate for cool-
ing the brakes.
Škoda Dealers are informed of the techni-
cal possibilities for converting and retrofit-
ting tyres, wheels and wheel trims.Winter tyres
1)
Warning
In winter conditions, winter tyres will
significantly improve the handling of
your car.
Only radial-type winter tyres may be fit-
ted.1)Pay attention to any varying legal requirements
when using winter tyres.
Snow chains
2)
It is possible to fit snow chains to all the
tyre sizes listed (with the exception of tyre
sizes 205/60 R15 and 205/55 R16).
5.5J x 16 ET 36 wheels (Genuine Access-
ories) when used in combination with 205/
55 R16 tyres enable snow chains to be fit-
ted to the Octavia RS including other vehi-
cle models Octavia and Octavia Estate.
The chains must only be fitted to the
front wheels.
Use only fine-link chains which do not ex-
ceed more than 15 mm (including chain
lock).
We recommend purchasing the snow chains
as Genuine Accessories from a Škoda Dea-
ler.
The full wheel trim should be removed when
driving with snow chains.
Snow chains should be taken off when driv-
ing on roads free of snow as they other-
wise impair the handling of the car, dam-
age the tyre and are quickly destroyed.2)Please observe any varying legal requirements
in respect of the approved vehicle speed when
driving with snow chains.
To achieve the best possible handling
and grip, fit winter tyres to all four wheels
(same manufacturer, tyre size, tread pat-
tern).
Winter tyres largely lose their good grip
properties in winter if the tyre tread has
worn down to a depth of 4 mm. The follow-
ing speed restrictions apply to winter tyres.
You can fit winter tyres of a lower speed
category provided that you also do not drive
at a speed in excess of the maximum speed
for these tyres even if your car is able to be
driven at a higher actual maximum speed.
The tyres may be damaged if you drive at
a speed beyond the maximum speed rat-
ing of the tyres.
All-weather tyres may be used in winter
in place of winter tyres.
In the event of a puncture, refer to the
information for using the spare wheel on
page 156.
Summer tyres should also be fitted again in good time as an environ-
mental protection measure as the roll-
ing noises are normally less, tyre wearis reduced and fuel consumption is im-proved.
Further information is available from Škoda
Dealers.
167
DO-IT-YOURSELF
FusesThe individual electrical circuits are pro-
tected by fuses.
The fuses are located on the left-hand face
end of the instrument cluster below the co-
ver.
Space is provided on the right for spare fu-
ses - see page 168.
Additional fuses are located in the engine
compartment on the battery. We recom-
mend having these fuses replaced by a
Škoda Dealer.Replacing a fuseSwitch off the ignition and the relevant
electrical component.
To remove the cover, place a screwdriver
against the cover (arrow on cover) and ca-
refully lever it off.
Refer to the list of fuses as shown in il-
lustration to find which fuse belongs to the
faulty component - see illustration on page
168.
Remove the blown fuse.
A blown fuse is recognizable from the
melted metal strip - replace with a new fuse
of the same rating.
Notes
If a newly inserted fuse blows again af-
ter a short time, the electrical system should
then be inspected as soon as possible by
a Škoda Dealer.
On no account „repair“ fuses as this may
cause major damage to another point of the
electrical system.
Certain of the electrical components
listed are fitted only to particular model
versions or are optional equipment.
We recommend always carrying with
you a box with replacement fuses, which is
available from Škoda Dealers
1).
1)In certain countries the box with replacement
fuses is part of the basic equipment.
Warning
If the fire extinguisher is not correctly
attached, in case of sudden manoeu-
vres or an accident, it can be thrown
through the interior compartment
and cause injuries.
169
DO-IT-YOURSELF
Colour coding of fuses:A
light brown: ............................................. 5
dark brown: .......................................... 7.5
red: ........................................................ 10
blue: ...................................................... 15
yellow: ................................................... 20
white: ..................................................... 25
green: .................................................... 30
Notes
The fuse assignment differs depending on
the version of your car.
The pliers for removing fuses and replace-
ment fuses are not contained in the car
equipment.
Replacing a bulbThe relevant light should always be swit-
ched off first of all before replacing a bulb.
Do not grasp the glass of the bulb with your
bare fingers (even the minutest spot of dirt
reduces the operational life of the bulb).
Use a clean cloth, napkin or similar.
A bulb should only be replaced by a lamp
of the same design . The designation is
given on the base of the bulb or on the
glass.
Warning
H4 bulbs are pressurized and may
burst when they are replaced. For
this reason, always wear gloves and
eye protection when changing a H4
bulb. Models with Xenon headlamps*
If your car is fitted with xenon head-
lights, have the bulb (low beam, side
light and main beam) replaced by a
Škoda dealer.
We recommend always carrying with you in
the car a box with a set of spare bulbs, which
you received together with your car, or which
is available from your Škoda Dealer
1).
1)The small box of replacement light bulbs are part
of the basic equipping of the vehicle in some
countries
182ALPHABETICAL INDEX4x4 models, 123AABS, 60, 122
Accessories, 159- Changes and replacement ofparts, 159
Accumulator, 146
Acoustic signals, 46
Adjustable steering wheel, 43
Adjusting, - Seats, 19
- Seat belt height, 100
- Headlamp beam, 66
Air conditioning system, 75
Air outlet vents, 73, 76, 83
Airbag system, 56, 103
Airbag, 103
Alarm, 13
Anti-theft alarm system, 13
Armrest, 36
Ashtrays, 90
Automatic air conditioning, 79
Automatic gearbox, 39
Automatic vehicle wash systems, 130
Automatic wipe/wash, 71BBalancing wheels, 154
Battery - charging, 61 Battery - recharging, 149
Battery, 146
Beverage holder, 87
Beverages, 87
Bonnet, 135
- Opening, 135
- Closing, 135
Brake Assist, 121
Brake booster, 121
Brake fluid level, 144
Brake fluid, 61, 144
Brake fluid, 61, 144
Brake pad, 58
Brake system, 61, 120, 121, 122, 123, 144
Brakes, 61, 120, 121, 122, 123, 144
Breakdown assistance, 161
Bulbs, 60, 161, 170
CCavity protection, 134
CD changer, 31
Central locking, 8 - Opening a single door, 9
Cigarette lighter, 89
Climatronic, 79
Clock, 50
Cockpit, 5
Coming home, 67
Convenience operation, 10, 16, 86
Coolant level, 143 Coolant temperature, 48
Coolant, 48, 58, 142
Coolant, 48, 58, 142
Cooling, 142
Cruise control system, 68
DDefrosting windows, 63, 73, 76
Diesel engines, 46
Diesel, 128
Digital clock, 50
Disc wheels, 133
- Steel wheels, 133
- Light-alloy wheels, 133
Door and window seals, 132
Door, 8
Driving abroad, 158
Driving economically and in an environmentally
Dust, noise and pollen filter, 152EEDL, 61, 122
Electric sliding/tilting roof, 85
Electrical power windows, 15
Electrically adjustable seats , 20
Engine - starting, 44
Engine - switching off, 46
Engine compartment, 135
Engine electronics, 57, 60