2005 SKODA OCTAVIA inflation pressure

Contents
6
Important safety information regarding the use
of seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How are seat belts correctly fastened? . . . . .
Belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . .
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting children safely. . . . . . . . . . . . .
What you should know about transporting
children! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching child seat using the “ISOFIX” system
Driving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uphill-Start off-Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electromechanical power steering . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . .
Driving and the Environment. . . . . . . . . . . .
The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Detachable ball head* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance. . . . . . . . . .
Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the
vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the exterior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and Replenishing. . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen Wiper and Washer System . . . .
Wheels and Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changes and replacement of
parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories and replacement parts . . . . . . .
Technical changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-aid box* and warning triangle* (Octavia)
First-aid box* and warning triangle* (Estate
car) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre repair kit* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and light bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Te c h n i c a l D a ta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
185
186
188
190
190
192
195
197
199
202
202
206
210
213
213
213
216
217
218
218
219
219
220
221
221
222
223
227
228
228 229
229
231
233
233
233
233
239
242
242
242
245
247
247
250
253
256
258
262
263
263
270
270
270
273
273
273
273274
274
275
275
276
281
283
288
288
294
303
303
303
305
s24s.book Page 6 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM

Cockpit11
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Cockpit
An overview
This general view is designed to help you to quickly
become familiar with the instruments, gauges and
controls.
Electric power-operated window* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric exterior mirror adjustment* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
−Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight
flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Speed regulating system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering wheel:
− with horn
− with driver airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− with pushbuttons for radio and mobile phone* . . . . . . . .
Instrument cluster: Instruments and indicator lights . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
− Multi-functional indicator* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Windshield wiper and wash system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control dial for heating on the driver's seat* . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartment on the dash panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio*
Control dial for heating on the front passenger seat* . . . . .
Storage compartment on the front passenger side . . . . . . . Switch for the front passenger airbag* (in front passenger
stowage compartment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front passenger airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse carrier (on side of dash panel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control dial for the instrument lighting and control dial for the
headlight beam range regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bonnet release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartment on the driver's side . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
−
Operating controls for the heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Operating controls for Climatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Operating controls for Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Switch for the ESP* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Switch for TCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front and rear parking aid* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Gearshift lever (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Selector lever (6-speed automatic gearbox)* . . . . . . . . .
− Selector lever (automatic DSG)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Rear ashtray - high centre console* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A156
A280
A3122
A4
68
146
A5
192
163
A613
A7
18
75
A888
A9122
A1068
A1111 0
A12
A1388
A14108
A15200
A16192
A17288
A1863
A1967, 67
A20247
A21109
A22138
A23139
A24
11 9
123
128
A25
213
215
A26145
A27
142
150
157
A28220
A29
106
s24s.book Page 11 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
38
Engine oil level* 
Warning light  lights up
If the warning light
 lights up, the quantity of oil in the engine is probably
too low. Check as soon as possible the oil level or top up ⇒page 251 with
engine oil.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Check oil level!
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30
seconds. If no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come
on again after driving about 100 km.
Warning light
 flashes
A fault on the engine oil level sensor is indicated additionally by an audible
signal and the warning light coming on several times after the ignition has
been switched on.
In this case have the engine inspected without delay by a specialist
garage.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Oil sensor workshop!
Tyre inflation pressure*
The warning light  lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation
pressure in one of the tyres. Reduce the speed and check or correct as
soon as possible the inflation pressure in the tyres ⇒page 264.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal. If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Visit the nearest
specialist garage and have the fault rectified.
Further information about tyre pressure-control system
⇒page 220.
WARNING
•When the warning light  lights up, immediately reduce the
speed and avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. Please
stop the vehicle without delay at the nearest possible stop and
inspect the tyres and their inflation pressures.
•Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry
or unpaved roads) the warning light  can be delayed or does not
light up at all.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the warning light  comes on after
switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a
short distance.
Selector lever lock* 
If the warning light  lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is neces-
sary, in order to be able to move the selector lever out of the position P or
N .
Antilock brake system (ABS) 
The warning light  shows the functionality of the ABS.
s24s.book Page 38 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM

Passive Safety
178
For this reason you will be provided with information on why this equip-
ment is very important, how it protects you and the occupants, what
should be observed when using the equipment and how you and the
people travelling with you can make full use of the existing safety equip-
ment. This Owner's Manual contains important warning notes, which you
and those travelling with you should pay attention to in order to reduce a
risk of injury.
Safety concerns everybody!
Before setting off
The driver is always fully responsible for his occupants
and for the operating safety of the vehicle.
For your own safety and the safety of the people travelling with you,
please pay attention to the following points before setting off:
•Ensure that the lighting and the turn signal system are functioning
properly.
•Inspect the tyre inflation pressure.
•Ensure that all the windows offer a good visibility to the outside.
•Safely attach the items of luggage ⇒page 92, “Loading the luggage
compartment”.
•Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedal.
•Adjust the mirror, the front seat and the head restraint to match your
body size.
•Point out to your occupants that the head restraints must be adjusted
to match their body size.
•Protect the children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat
belts ⇒page 202, “Transporting children safely”.
•Adopt the correct seated position ⇒page 179, “Correct seated posi-
tion”. Also inform your occupants to adopt the correct seated position.
•Fasten the seat belt correctly. Also inform your occupants to properly
fasten the seat belts ⇒page 186, “How are seat belts correctly
fastened?”.
What influences the driving safety?
The driving safety is primarily determined by the style of
driving and the personal behaviour of all the occupants.
The driver is fully responsible for himself and his occupants. If your driving
safety is effected, you place yourself and the oncoming traffic at risk.
Please refer to the following guidelines.
•Do not get distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, e.g. by
your occupants or mobile phone calls.
•Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, e.g. through medica-
tion, alcohol, drugs.
•Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
•Adjust the driving speed at all times to the road condition as well as to
the traffic and weather conditions.
•Take regular breaks on long journeys - at the latest every two hours.
s24s.book Page 178 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM

Intelligent Technology
220
Tyre inflation pressure-control system*
The tyre inflation pressure-control system compares with the aid of the
ABS sensors the speed and also the rolling circumference of the individual
wheels. If the rolling circumference of a wheel is changed, the warning
light
 lights up in the dash panel insert ⇒page 38. The rolling circumfer-
ence of the tyre can change if:
•the tyre inflation pressure is too low,
•the structure of the tyre is damaged,
•the vehicle is loaded on one side,
•the wheels of an axle are loaded heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or
when driving uphill or downhill),
•snow chains are mounted,
•the temporary spare wheel is mounted,
•one wheel per axle was changed. Basic setting of tyre inflation pressure-control system
After changing the tyre inflation pressures or after changing one or several
wheels, the button for the tyre inflation pressure-control system must be
pressed long enough until an acknowledegment tone sounds when the
ignition is switched on.
•Inflate all tyres to the specified inflation pressure
⇒page 264.
•Switch on the ignition.
•Press the button   ⇒ fig. 182 long enough, until an acknowledg-
ment tone sounds, which confirms the storage of the basic values. As long
as the button
  is pressed, the warning light lights up in the instru-
ment .
Warning light
 lights up
If the tyre inflation pressure of at least one wheel is insufficiently inflated
in comparison to the stored basic value, the warning light
 ⇒ lights
up.
Warning light
 flashes
If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Have the vehicle
inspected by your nearest specialist garage.
WARNING
•When the warning light  lights up, immediately reduce the
speed and avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. Please
stop the vehicle without delay at the nearest possible stop and
inspect the tyres and their inflation pressures.
•The driver is responsible for the correct tyre inflation pressures.
For this reason, the tyre inflation pressures must be checked regu-
larly.
•Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry
or unpaved roads) the warning light  can be delayed or does not
light up at all.
Fig. 182 Button for
setting the tyre infla-
tion pressure control
value
s24s.book Page 220 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM

Driving and the Environment
226
Avoid driving short distances
Short distances result in an above-average high fuel
consumption.
– Avoid driving a distance of no more than 4 km if the engine is
cold.
The engine and catalytic converter must first have reached their optimal
operating temperature in order to effectively reduce fuel consumption
and pollutant emissions.
The cold engine vehicle consumes approx. 15 - 20 litres/100 km of fuel
immediately after starting. Fuel consumption drops to 10 litres/100 km
after just 1 kilometre. The engine reaches its operating temperature
(outside temperature and engine dependent) only after about 4 to 10 kilo-
metres and the fuel consumption then stabilizes. You should therefore
avoid driving short distances whenever possible. An important factor in this connection is also the
ambient temperature.
The ⇒fig. 185 shows the different fuel consumptions for the same
distance, on the one hand at +20°C and on the other hand at -10°C. Your
vehicle has a higher fuel consumption in winter than in summer.
Checking tyre inflation pressures
Tyres which are correctly inflated save fuel.
Always ensure that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure at all
times. The rolling resistance will be increased if the tyre filling pressure is
too low. This will not only increase fuel consumption but also tyre wear
and the driving behaviour will worsen.
Always check the inflation pressure of the tyres when cold.
Do not drive with winter tyres all year round for this costs about 10 %
more fuel. Winter tyres are also louder.
No unnecessary ballast
Transporting ballast costs fuel.
The fact that every kilogram of extra weight increases your fuel
consumption means that it is worth taking a look in the luggage compart-
ment to avoid transporting any unnecessary ballast.
It is particularly in town trafffic, when one is accelerating quite often, that
the vehicle weight will have a significant effect upon the fuel consumption.
A rule of thumb here is that an increase in weight of 100 kilograms will
cause an increase in fuel consumption of about 1 litre/100 kilometres.
You may frequently also leave a roof rack fitted on just out of conven-
ience, although you no longer need it. The increased aerodynamic drag of
Fig. 185 Fuel
consumption in
litres/100 km at
different temperatures
s24s.book Page 226 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM

Towing a trailer
230
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that any heavy items are
located as close as possible to the axle. Secure the items to prevent them
slipping.
Tyre inflation pressure
Select the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for that of “fully laden”,
⇒ page 264. The inflation pressure of the tyres fitted to the trailer adjust in
accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation.
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see
the traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. Both exte-
rior mirrors should be attached to folding arms. Adjust the mirrors so that
they provide you with an adequate field of view to the rear.
Headlights
Before starting off with a hitched trailer, also check the setting of the head-
lights. Alter the setting as necessary with the aid of the headlight beam
adjuster ⇒page 67.
Detachable ball head
The ball rod is detachable on vehicles which feature a factory-fitted towing
device. It is stowed together with separate fitting instructions in the spare
wheel well in the luggage compartment of the vehicle.
Further information on the towing device ⇒page 231.
Note
•We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between
service intervals if you tow a trailer frequently.
•The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling
and decoupling the trailer.
Driving Tips
Particular caution is required when towing a trailer.
– Do not, as far as possible, drive with your vehicle unladen and the trailer laden.
– Do not make full use of the legal maximum speeds. This applies in particular to downhill sections.
– Apply the brakes in good time.
– Keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if the outside temperature is high.
Distribution of weight
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and
the trailer is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid
driving with this combination.
Driving speed
Do not drive faster than 80 km/hour for safety reasons. This also applies
for countries in which higher speeds are allowed.
The fact that the driving stability of the vehicle + trailer combination
reduces with increasing speed means that the legally allowed speed
should not be used when there are unfavourable road, weather or wind
conditions, particularly near accident black spots.
You must always reduce your speed immediately as soon as you detect
even just the slightest swaying of the trailer. On no account attempt to
stop the trailer from “swaying” by accelerating.
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake ,
apply the brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts
resulting from the trailer wheels locking. Shift down gears in good time
s24s.book Page 230 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM

Wheels and Tyres
264
Tyre life
The life of your tyres very much depends on the following points:
Tyre pressure
The working life of tyres will be shortened considerably if the tyres are
insufficiently or over-inflated and this will have an adverse effect on the
handling of your vehicle.
Correctly inflated tyres are of particular importance when travelling at high
speeds. It is therefore good to check the pressure at least once a month
and also before setting off on a long trip. Please do not forget the spare
wheel when checking the tyres.
The tyre inflation pressures for summer tyres are indicated on the inside
of the fuel filler flap ⇒fig. 199 . The inflation pressures for winter tyres are
20 kPa (0.2 bar) higher than those for summer tyres ⇒page 268.
The tyre pressure should be at the highest pressure specified for your
vehicle at all times. The tyre inflation pressure of the emergency spare wheel R 18 is 420 kPa
(4.2 bar).
Always check the inflation pressure of tyres when cold. Do not reduce the
higher pressure of warm tyres. Adapt the inflation pressure of the tyres
accordingly if your vehicle is carrying a significantly higher payload.
Driving style
Fast cornering, sharp acceleration and braking (squealing tyres) increase
wear-and-tear on your tyres.
Balancing wheels
The wheels of a new vehicle are balanced. There are a wide range of influ-
ences when driving which may result in an imbalance and which makes
themselves felt through vibration in the steering.
You should have the wheels rebalanced since any imbalance increases
wear-and-tear on the steering, the suspension and tyres. A wheel must
also be rebalanced when a new tyre is fitted and each time a tyre is
repaired.
Wheel alignment errors
Incorrect wheel alignment at the front and rear will not only increase wear-
and-tear on the tyres but will also has an adverse effect on vehicle safety.
Contact your specialist garage if you notice any unusual tyre wear.
WARNING
If the inflation pressure is too low, the tyre must perform a greater
flexing work. At higher speeds the tyre will warm up as a result of
this. This can result in tread separation and even a tyre blowout.
•Immediately replace the damaged rims or tyres.
For the sake of
the environment
Tyres which are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption.
Fig. 199 An opened
fuel filler flap with the
tyre inflation pressure
table
s24s.book Page 264 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM