2005 SKODA OCTAVIA warning

Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle
238
WARNING
One should remember when cleaning the wheels that moisture, ice
and road salt may adversely affect braking efficiency - risk of an
accident!
Note
Severe layers of dirt on the wheels can also result in wheel imbalance.
This may show itself in the form of a wheel vibration which is transmitted
to the steering wheel which, in certain circumstances, can cause prema-
ture wear of the steering. This means it is necessary to remove the dirt.
Underbody protection
The underside of your vehicle is protected for life against chemical and
mechanical influences.
One cannot, however, completely rule out damage to the protective layer
when driving so we recommend that you inspect the protective layer on
the underside of your vehicle and on the chassis at certain intervals - this
is best done at the beginning and end of the winter - and to touch up any
damaged areas.
Škoda dealers have suitable spray products available as well as the
necessary equipment and are familiar with the instructions for its use. It is
therefore best to have such touch-up work or additional corrosion protec-
tion measures carried out by a Škoda dealer.
WARNING
Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection
agents for the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters or heat shields.
Such substances might ignite when driving - risk of fire!
Protection of hollow spaces
All the cavities of your vehicle which are at risk from corrosion are
protected for life by a layer of protective wax applied in the factory.
This wax protection does not require to be inspected or re-treated. Please
remove any small amount of wax which flows out of the cavities at high
temperatures with a plastic scraper and clean the spot using petroleum
cleaner.
WARNING
Safety and environmental prot ection regulations should be
observed when using petroleum cleaner to remove wax - a risk of
fire!
Engine compartment
Good corrosion protection is very important, particularly in winter when
one often drives over its salt-strewn roads. One should therefore clean the
engine compartment before and after the salt spreading period and treat
with preservative in order to prevent the salt from being destructive.
Škoda dealers have the cleaning agents and preservatives recommended
by the manufacturer and also the required equipment.
WARNING
•It is necessary to observe the guidelines given in the chapter
before working on the engine compartment ⇒page 248.
•Let the engine cool down before cleaning the engine compart-
ment.
s24s.book Page 238 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM

Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle 241
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Belt webbing which has become severely soiled may prevent the inertia
reel from reeling up the belt properly.
WARNING
•The seat belts must not be removed for cleaning.
•Never clean the seat belts chemically as dry cleaning may
destroy the fabric. The seat belts must also not be allowed to come
into contact with corrosive liquids (such as acids etc.).
•Seat belts which have damage to the webbing, the connections,
the inertia reel or the lock should be replaced by a Škoda dealer.
•Inertia reel belts must be completely dried before being reeled
up.
s24s.book Page 241 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM

Fuel245
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Refuelling
The filler flap is automatically unlocked or locked* with the central
locking. Opening the fuel filler cap
– Press onto the left side of the fuel filler flap
⇒fig. 187 .
– The fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube must be unlocked to the left using the vehicle key (only valid for vehicles which do not
have automatic unlocking of the fuel filler flap).
– Unscrew the fuel filler cap anti-clockwise and place the fuel filler cap from above on the fuel filler flap ⇒fig. 188 .
Closing fuel filler cap
– Screw on the cap by turning it to the right until it is heard to lock.
– The fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube must be locked to the right using the vehicle key (only valid for vehicles which do not
have automatic locking of the fuel filler flap).
– Press the fuel tank flap closed.
The correct grade of fuel for your vehicle as well as the tyre size and infla-
tion pressures are stated on a sticker affixed to the inside of the fuel filler
flap. Further information on fuel ⇒page 242, “Fuel”.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 55 litres.
WARNING
Pay attention to any legal requirements if you do carry a spare
canister in the vehicle. We do not recommend carrying any fuel
canisters in your vehicle for safety reasons. The canister can be
damaged in the event of an accident and fuel may leak out.
Fig. 187 Right rear
side of the vehicle: Fuel
filler flap
Fig. 188 Filler flap with
cap unscrewed
s24s.book Page 245 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM

Inspecting and Replenishing
248
Opening the bonnet
– Unlock the bonnet ⇒page 247, fig. 189 .
– Ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers are correctly in place against the windscreen before opening the bonnet
otherwise damage could occur to the paintwork.
– Pulling on the handle ⇒page 247, fig. 190 will lock the bonnet
fully.
– Grip with the hand under the radiator grille and lift up the bonnet.
– Take the bonnet support out of its holder and set it in the opening designed for it ⇒page 247, fig. 191.
Closing the bonnet
– Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Press the bonnet support into the holder designed to hold it.
– Allow the bonnet to drop from a height of about 30 cm into the lock - bonnet do not press down on it !
WARNING
•Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is
flowing out of the engine compartment - risk of scalding! Wait long
enough until the steam or coolant has stopped escaping.
•For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be properly closed
when driving. One should therefore check that the lock has in fact
engaged properly after closing the bonnet.
•Stop your vehicle immediately whil e driving if you notice that
the lock is not properly engaged and close the bonnet properly -
risk of an accident!
Caution
Never open the bonnet using the handle - danger of causing damage.
Working in the engine compartment
Particular care is required when carrying out any work in
the engine compartment!
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working
in the engine compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and
other fluids. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the
warning instructions stated below and with the general applicable
rules of safety. The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous
area ⇒ .
WARNING
•Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is
flowing out of the engine compartment - risk of scalding! Wait long
enough until the steam or coolant has stopped escaping.
•Switch off the engine and pull out the ignition key.
•Apply the handbrake firmly.
•If your vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gear-
shift lever into Neutral, or if it is fitted with automatic gearbox,
move the selector lever into position P.
WARNING (continued)
s24s.book Page 248 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM

Inspecting and Replenishing249
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
•Allow the engine to cool down.
•Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
•Never spill oil and other fluids over the hot engine. Such fluids
(e.g. the antifreeze contained in the coolant) may ignite!
•Avoid short circuits in the electrical system - particularly on the
battery.
•Never place your hand into the radiator fan as long as the
engine is still warm. The fan might suddenly start running!
•Never open the cap of the coolant expansion bottle as long as
the engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
•Cover over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir with a
large cloth when opening it as protection for your face, hands and
arms from hot steam or hot coolant.
•Do not let objects, such as e.g cleaning cloth or tools lie in the
engine compartment.
•If you wish to work under the vehicle, you must secure the
vehicle from rolling away and support it with suitable supporting
blocks: the car jack is not sufficient for this - risk of injury!
•In cases where it be necessary to carry out inspection work
when the engine is running there is an additional risk from rotating
parts (e.g. the V-ribbed belt, alternator, radiator fan) and from the
high-voltage ignition system. Please observe in addition the
following:
−Never touch the electrical cables of the ignition system.
− Absolutely avoid any jewellery, loose items of clothing or
long hair from getting into the rotating parts of the engine -
Hazard! Therefore remove any jewellery beforehand, tie up your
hair and wear tight fitting clothing.
•Please also comply with the warning instructions stated below
when carrying out any essential work on the fuel system or on the
electrical system:
−Always separate the car battery from the electrical system.
− Do not smoke.
− Never carry out any work close to naked flames.
− Always keep a working fi re extinguisher at hand.
Caution
When replenishing fluids in the engine, always ensure that the fluids are
on no account mixed up. This may result in major operating problems and
also vehicle damage!
WARNING (continued)WARNING (continued)
s24s.book Page 249 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM

Inspecting and Replenishing
252
Oil level within range
– You may top up the oil. It is possible that the oil level may then
be within range after doing this.
Oil level within range
– You must top up the oil ⇒page 252. It is sufficient, once this
is done, to keep the oil level is within range .
It is normal for the engine to consume oil. The oil consumption may be as
much as 0.5 l/1 000 km depending on your style of driving and the condi-
tions under which you operate your vehicle. The oil consumption may be
slightly higher than this during the first 5 000 kilometres.
One should therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably
every time after the fuel tank is filled or after driving for long stretches.
We recommend maintaining the oil level within the range if the engine
has been operating at high loads, for example during a lengthy motorway
trip during the summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a high
mountain pass, but not above this .
The warning light in the instrument cluster* will indicate ⇒page 38,
“Engine oil level* ” whether the oil level is too low. In this case, check
the oil level as soon as possible. Top up with an appropriate quantity of oil.
Caution
•The oil level must on no account extend beyond the range . Danger
of damaging the catalytic converter.
•Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible
under the conditions prevailing to top up with oil. Switch of the engine
and contact and obtain professional assistance from a specialist
garage.
Replenishing engine oil
– Inspecting the engine oil level ⇒page 251.
– Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening.
– Pour in a suitable grade of oil in portions of 0.5 litres ⇒page 250, “Engine oil specifications”.
– Inspect the oil level ⇒page 251.
– Carefully screw on the cap of the filler opening and push the dipstick in fully.
WARNING
•Avoid dripping oil onto hot parts of the engine when topping up
will oil - a risk of fire!
•Read and observe the warning notes ⇒ page 248, “Working in
the engine compartment” before working in the engine compart-
ment.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must on no account be above the range ⇒page 251. Oil
will otherwise be drawn in through the crankcase ventilation and may pass
through the exhaust system to atmosphere. The oil may combust in the
catalytic converter and damage it.
Ab
Aa
Ac
Ab
Aa
Aa
Aa
s24s.book Page 252 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM

Inspecting and Replenishing253
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Changing engine oil
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals stated in the Service
schedule or according to the service interval indicator ⇒page 16.
WARNING
•Only carry out the engine oil change, if you have the required
professional knowledge!
•Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 248, “Working in
the engine compartment” before working in the engine compart-
ment.
•Let the engine cool down - risk of burning from hot oil.
•Wear an eye protection - risk of caustic burns due to oil
splashes.
•Oil is toxic! Store old oil in a safe place out of the reach of chil-
dren and unauthorized persons until you dispose of it properly.
Caution
You must not pour any additives into the engine oil - risk of engine
damage! Damage, which results from such product, are excluded from the
warranty.
For the sake of the environment
•You must on no account pour oil into the ground or into the sewage
system.
•In view of the problems involved in properly disposing of old oil, the
material, equipment and the knowledge required for such work, we recom-
mend that you have the oil and oil filter change carried out by your Škoda
dealer.
Note
After your skin has come in contact with the oil, you must thoroughly wash
your skin.
Cooling system
Coolant
The job of the coolant is to cool the engine.
The cooling system does not require any maintenance under normal oper-
ating conditions. The coolant consists of water with a concentration of
coolant additive of 40 %. This mixture not only provides antifreeze protec-
tion down to -25°C but also protects the cooling and heating system from
corrosion. It also prevents the formation of scale and significantly
increases the boiling point of the coolant.
You must therefore not reduce the concentration of antifreeze agent in the
coolant by adding water, also not during the summer months or in coun-
tries with a warm climate. The concentration of coolant additive in the
coolant must be at least 40%.
You can increase the amount of antifreeze in the coolant iIf a higher
concentration of antifreeze is necessary for climatic reasons but only up
to 60% (antifreeze protection down to approx. -40°C). The antifreeze
protection tails off above that concentration.
Vehicles exported to countries with a cold climate (e.g. Sweden, Norway,
Finland) are already factory-filled with a coolant which offers antifreeze
protection down to about -35°C. In these countries the concentration of
coolant additive should be at least 50 %.
s24s.book Page 253 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM

Inspecting and Replenishing
254
Coolant
The cooling system is filled at the works with coolant (purple in colour),
which complies with the specification TL-VW 774 F.
We recommend that you use the same coolant additive - G12 PLUS
(purple in colour).
Please contact your Škoda dealer if you have any questions regarding the
coolant or if you wish to fill up with a different coolant.
Your Škoda dealer can also supply you with the correct coolant additives.
Caution
•Other coolant additives may cause operational problems which,
in particular, involves significantly reducing the anticorrosion effect.
•Any faults or problems resulting from corrosion may cause a loss
of coolant and, as a consequence of this, result in major engine
damage.
Inspecting the coolant level
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compart-
ment on the right.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒ in “Working in the engine compart-
ment” on page 248.
– Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle ⇒fig. 194 . The coolant level when the engine is cold must lie
between the (MIN) and (MAX) markings. The level may
also rise slightly above the (MAX) marking when the
engine is warm.
If the coolant level in the reservoir is too low, this is indicated by the
warning light in the instrument cluster  ⇒ page 35. We nevertheless
Fig. 194 Engine
compartment: Coolant
expansion bottle
AbAa
Aa
s24s.book Page 254 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM