144GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Drained coolant should not nor-mally be re-used but should be dis-
posed of by complying with environmen- tal protection regulations.
Radiator fanThe radiator fan is driven by an electric mo-
tor and controlled by a thermostatic switch
in line with the coolant temperature.
Warning
After the engine has been switched
off, the fan may continue running for
a while - even if the ignition is swit-
ched off. It may also start to run again
suddenly after a short time if
- the coolant temperature increases due to heat build-up
- when the engine is hot and the en- gine compartment is heated addi-
tionally by strong sunlight.
Special care should therefore be
taken when working in the engine
compartment.
Brake fluidThe brake fluid reservoir is located in the
left of the engine compartment.Checking fluid levelThe fluid level should always be between
the „MAX“ and „MIN“ markings on the re-
servoir.
A slight drop in the fluid level occurs when
driving as a result of wear and tear and au-
tomatic slack adjustment of the brake pads.
This is perfectly normal.
Warning
The coolant additive and the coolant
are poisonous! Do not breathe in
coolant vapours, do not swallow
coolant, avoid contact with eyes and
skin.
If coolant splashes into your eye,
rinse out immediately with clear wa-
ter and contact a doctor.
If coolant is swallowed, you should
likewise contact a doctor. The cool-
ant additive should therefore be
safely stored in the original contain-
ers out of the reach of children.
If the coolant has to be drained out
of the cooling system of the car at
any time, it should be collected,
marked and likewise stored in a safe
place.
145
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
If the fluid level drops significantly within a
short time, however, or if it drops below the
„MIN“ marking, there may be a leak in the
brake system. Insufficient brake fluid level
in the reservoir is indicated by the brake
warning light coming on, see also page 61.
In such a case, contact a Škoda Dealer
without delay and have the brake sys-
tem inspected.
Warning
Read and observe the warning notes
before working in the engine com-
partment - see page 137.
If the fluid level has dropped below
the MIN marking, do not drive any
further - risk of accident! Contact a
Škoda dealer to obtain professional
assistance.
Replacing brake fluidBrake fluid is hygroscopic and conse-
quently absorbs moisture from the sur-
rounding air over the course of time. An
excessive content of water in the brake fluid
can also in the long term be a cause of
corrosion in the brake system. In addition,
the boiling point of the brake fluid is con-
siderably reduced. For this reason, the
brake fluid must be renewed every two
years.
Warning
When the brake fluid becomes too
old, vapour bubbles may form in the
brake system when the brakes are
used hard. The efficiency of the
brakes and thus the vehicle safety is
then seriously affected.
Use only fresh brake fluid conforming with
Specification FMVSS 116 DOT 4, which is
approved by the factory. Warning
Brake fluid is poisonous!
It must therefore only be stored in the
closed original container and, in par-
ticular, out of the reach of children.
Please also note that brake fluid attacks the
paintwork of the car.
Because of the disposal problem, the special tools and specialist
knowledge required, it is best to have the brake fluid change carried out by aŠkoda Dealer.
It is recommended to have the brake fluid
change carried out as part of an Inspec-
tion Service.
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.
162DO-IT-YOURSELF
Tyre repair spray* The tyre repair spray is precisely for fast
repairs on small tyre defects up to 5 mm.
The spray does not replace a permanent
tyre repair, the repair serves only as an in-
termediate solution until the next service.
The repair can be directly performed on
the vehicle. Carefully read the enclosed in-
structions for direction of use.
On front-wheel drive vehicles, the spray is
located in the well at the front right of the
polypropylene part behind the spare wheel,
and on 4x4 vehicles, in the boot on the left.
Certain models are equipped with a tyre
repair set which includes a compressor and
a repair flask, instructions and accessories.
On front-wheel drive vehicles this set is lo-
cated in the well at the front right of the
polypropylene part behind the spare wheel,
and on 4x4 vehicles, in the boot on the left
next to the first-aid box.
Apply the handbrake before jack-
ing up the car. Never start the engine
when the car is jacked up - risk of
accident.
If it is necessary to carry out work
underneath the vehicle, ensure that
it is supported on suitable stands.
Spare wheelThe spare wheel is stowed in the well below the
floor covering of the luggage compartment and
is secured by a handwheel.
To ensure that the spare wheel is always
ready for use, check the inflation pressure at
regular intervals.
Vehicles with tyres 205/60 R15 and wheel trims
6.5Jx15 have an emergency wheel as a spare
wheel, which has different dimensions and which
is provided with a warning sticker.
Please pay attention to the following instructions,
if you are going to use an emergency wheel:
After fitting on the wheel, the warning sticker
must not be concealed (e.g. by the wheel trim).
Do not drive with this spare wheel at more
than 80 km/h - risk of accident.
Avoid acceleration at full throttle, sharp braking
and fast cornering.
The inflation pressure for this spare wheel is
identical to the inflation pressure of the standard
tyres.
Use this spare wheel only to reach the near-
est service station, as it is not intended for con-
tinuous use.
Tyre repair set*
163
DO-IT-YOURSELF
Changing a wheelWarning
In the case of a flat tyre or punc-
ture, park the vehicle off the road,
switch on the hazard warning lights
and place the warning triangle in po-
sition - note any statutory require-
ments.
All the vehicle occupants should
leave the car and move to a safe area
(e.g. behind safety barrier).
Apply handbrake firmly and engage
a gear. Chock the opposite wheel with
a stone or similar if the car is stand-
ing on a slope.
Never start the engine when the
car is jacked up - risk of accident!
If towing a trailer, unhitch the
trailer from the car before changing
the wheel.
Carry out wheel change on a flat, level
surface, as far as possible.
Remove the car tool kit and spare wheel
from the luggage compartment.
Attach the wire hook (from the car tool
kit) at the edge of the full wheel trim* oppo-
site the air valve. Push the wheel wrench
through the wire hook and pull off the wheel
trim - see illustration.
If light-alloy wheels are fitted, use the
plastic clip supplied to pull off the covers
for the wheel bolts.
Unscrew the safety wheel bolts* - see
page 166.
Fit wheel wrench onto the wheel bolt as
far as the stop and turn to the left. Hold the
wrench as close as possible to its end for
this operation. If the bolts cannot be slack-
ened, you can carefully apply pressure to
the end of the wheel wrench with your foot.
Ensure that you are standing properly and
hold tight on the car. Slacken the wheel
bolts about one turn.
168DO-IT-YOURSELFFuse assignment
No. Electrical component A
1 - Mirror and spray nozzle heater,relay for cigarette lighter
el. seats ........................................ 10
2 - Turn signal lights .......................... 10
3 - Stowage compartment light ............ 5
4 - Licence plate lights ......................... 5
5 - Seat heaters, Climatronic, Navi- gation system, recirculated air
flap, multifunction steering
wheel, exterior mirror heaters ..... 7.5
6 - Central locking control unit ............. 5
7 - Reversing lights, parking aid ........ 10
8 - Mobile phone .................................. 5
9 - ABS/ESP ......................................... 5
10 - Petrol engine: control unit ............ 20
Diesel engine: control unit .............. 5No. Electrical component A
11 - Dash panel insert, selector lever
lock solenoid (automatic
gearbox) .......................................... 5
12 - Power supply for diagnosis, mobile phone ............................... 7.5
13 - Brake lights ................................... 10
14 - Interior light, central locking ......... 10
Interior light (without central
locking) ......................................... 10
15 - Instrument cluster, automatic gearbox, steering lock angle
sensor, rear-view mirrors ................ 5
16 - Air conditioning, electric water pump ............................................. 10
17 - Police .............................................. 5
18 - Right main beam .......................... 10
19 - Left main beam ............................. 10
20 - Right low beam, headlight range control ................................. 15
21 - Left low beam ............................... 15
22 - Right parking light ........................... 5
23 - Left parking light ............................. 5
24 - Wiper system, washer pump ........ 20
25 - Heater fan ..................................... 25
26 - Rear window heater ...................... 25
27 - Rear window wiper ....................... 15
28 - Fuel pump ..................................... 15
29 - Petrol engine - engine electronics, ignition ....................... 15
Diesel engine - engine
electronics .................................... 10 No. Electrical component A
30 - Power sliding/tilting roof
............... 20
31 - Automatic gearbox ........................ 20
Haldex coupling .............................. 5
32 - Petrol engine - injectors ............... 10
Diesel engine - injection pump,
control unit .................................... 30
33 - Headlight cleaning system ........... 20
34 - Petrol engine - engine electronics .................................... 10
Diesel engine - engine
electronics .................................... 10
35 - Trailer socket, socket in luggage compartment ............... 30
36 - Fog lights ...................................... 15
37 - S contact
1)................................... 10
38 - Luggage compartment light, central locking, remote fuel
filler flap release ........................... 15
39 - Hazard warning signals ................ 15
40 - Horn .............................................. 20
41 - Cigarette lighter ............................ 15
42 - Radio ............................................. 15
43 - Petrol engine: engine electronics .................................... 10
Diesel engine: engine
electronics .................................... 10
44 - Seat heaters ................................. 15
1)For electrical components which can be oper-
ated after switching off the ignition provided the
ignition key is not withdrawn, e.g. radio.
170DO-IT-YOURSELFTable of bulbs
Front Halogen Xenonheadlight headlight headlight
Low beam H4D2SMain beam
H1Side lightsW 5 W
Turn signal
lights PY21W
Fog lights H3 Rear light Octavia Octavia
unit
Estate
Rear lightsP21W
Turn signal
lights PY21W
Brake lights
P21W
P21/5W
Side lights
P21/4W
Fog lights P21WOthers Octavia
Octavia
Estate
Side turn
signal lights WY5W
License plate
light W5W
Additional
brake light W2,3W LEDInterior light
C10WReading light W 5 WBoot light C5W C10W
Door warning
light C5W
Glove box light
C3W
Interior mirror light W2,3W
176DO-IT-YOURSELFAdditional brake lightPress both plastic spring catches of the
housing of the light in the direction of ar-
rows 1.
Take off bulb holder with bulbs in the
direction of arrow 2.
Take faulty bulb out of the holder.
Insert new bulb.
Insert bulb holder into the housing. The
spring catches should lock in place.
Additional brake light (Estate)
We recommend having the bulbs replaced
by a Škoda Dealer.
Interior light and reading light Pull lens down and off the housing (at
the arrow shown in the illustration).
Replace the bulb for the interior light.
Pull bulb for the reading light out of its
socket and insert new bulb.
Press the lens of the light into the hous-
ing again until it locks in place (ensure it is
correctly fitted on).