2006 SKODA OCTAVIA roof

The full permissible roof load cannot be used if a roof rack system with a lower
load carrying capacity is used. In this case, the roof rack system must only be loa-
ded up to the maximum weight limit specified in the fitting instructions.
ÐCup holder
Fig. 63
Cup holder
Cup holder in front centre console
Two beverage containers can be placed into the recesses A
» Fig. 63.
Cup holder in rear centre console
› Press on the panel in the area B
» Fig. 63 - the cup holder comes out.
› Pull the cup holder out as far as the stop.
› Adjust the cup holder by moving the locking plate C
.
WARNING
■ Never put hot beverage containers in the cup holder. If the vehicle moves,
they may spill - risk of scalding!
■ Do not use any cups or beakers which are made of brittle material (e.g. glass,
porcelain). This could lead to injuries in the event of an accident. CAUTION
Do not leave open beverage containers in the cup holder during the journey.
There is a risk of spilling e.g. when braking which may cause damage to the elec-
trical components or seat upholstery. Ð Ashtray
Front ashtray
Fig. 64
Centre console: Opening the ashtray/ashtray insert
Opening
› Press on the bottom part of the cover of the ashtray in area A
» Fig. 64
.
Removing ashtray insert
› Press on the ashtray insert in the region B
» Fig. 64
(the insert comes out) and
take it out.
Insert ashtray insert
› Place the ashtray insert in the mount and press it in. WARNING
Never place flammable objects in the ashtray - risk of fire! Ð
68 Using the system

Setting the air conditioning system
Recommended basic settings of the control elements of the air conditioning sys-
tem for the respective operating modes:
Set-up Setting of the control dial
Button
Air outlet vents 3 A B C 1 4
Defrost/defog windscreen and
side windows
a) Desired tempera-
ture 3 or 4
Automatically
switched on Do not switch on Open and align with the side
window
The fastest heating To the right up to
the stop 3
Switched off Briefly switch on
Opening
Comfortable heating Desired tempera-
ture 2 or 3
   Switched off Do not switch on
Opening
The fastest cooling To the left up to
the stop briefly 4, then
2 or 3 Activated Briefly switch on
Opening
Optimal cooling Desired tempera-
ture 1, 2 or 3
Activated Do not switch on Open and align to the roof
Fresh air mode - ventilation To the left up to
the stop Desired position
Switched off Do not switch on
Openinga)
We recommend that you do not use this setting in countries with high humidity levels. This can result in heavy cooling of the window glass and the following fogging from outside. Note
■ Controls A
» Fig. 89
on page 82, B
, C
and buttons 1
and 4
.
■ Air outlet vents 3 » Fig. 86 on page 80.
■ We recommend that you leave the air outlet vents 4 » Fig. 86 on page 80 in the
opened position. ÐRecirculated air mode
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from getting into
the vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or when standing in a
traffic jam.
Switching on
› Press the button
 4
» Fig. 89
on page 82 and the warning light in the but-
ton illuminates. Switching off
› Press the button
 4
» Fig. 89
on page 82again - the warning light in the
button goes out.
Recirculated air mode is switched off automatically if the air distribution control C
» Fig. 89
on page 82 is turned to position . Recirculated air mode can be
switched on again from this setting by repeatedly pressing the button  .
WARNING
Do not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as “stale”
air can cause fatigue of the driver and passengers, reduce attention levels and
also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increases.
Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up. Ð
84 Using the system

›
Use the device that is to be connected to search for available Bluetooth ®
devi-
ces.
› Select the hands-free system (as standard “SKODA_BT”) from the list of found
devices.
› Enter the password on the device being connected and follow any instructions
given on this device or in the information display.
› Enter the desired Internet address in the Internet browser. The operating sys-
tem requests the entry of the telephone number for the internet access (de-
pending on the operator, usually
“*99#”). ÐVoice control
Dialogue
The period of time during which the system is ready to receive voice commands
and to carry them out is called a dialogue. The system gives audible feedback and
guides you if necessary through the relevant functions.
Optimum understanding of the voice commands depends on several factors.
› Speak with a normal tone of voice without intonation and excessive pauses.
› Avoid a bad pronunciation.
› Close the doors, windows and sliding roof, to reduce or stop disturbing exterior
noise.
› It is recommended to speak louder at higher speeds, so that the tone of your
voice is louder than the increased surrounding noise.
› During the dialogue, limit additional noise in the vehicle, e.g. passengers talking
at the same time.
› Do not speak, if the system makes an announcement.
The microphone for voice control is inserted in the moulded headliner and direc-
ted to the driver and front passenger. Therefore the driver and the front passen-
ger can operate the equipment.
Entering a phone number
The telephone number can be entered as a continuous series of individually spo-
ken digits (the whole number at once) or in the form of digital blocks (separated
by short pauses). After each order of digits (separation through brief voice pause)
all of the digits detected up to now are repeated by the system. The digits 0 - 9
, symbols +, , # are permitted. The system detects no continuous
digit combinations such as twenty-three, but only individually spoken digits (two,
three).
Activating voice control - GSM

II
› by briefly pressing the button
 » Fig. 107
on page 111 on the adapter 1)
;
› by briefly pressing the button 1
on the multi-function steering
wheel » page 108 , Operating the phone on the multifunction steering wheel .
Deactivating voice control - GSM

II
If the system is currently playing a message, the message that is currently being
played will have to be stopped:
› by briefly pressing the button
 on the adapter
1)
,
› by briefly pressing the button 1
on the multifunction steering wheel.
If the system expects a voice command, you can end the dialogue yourself:
› with the
CANCEL voice command;
› by pressing the button
 on the adapter
1)
;
› by briefly pressing the button 1
on the multifunction steering wheel.
Activating voice control - GSM

III
The dialogue can be started at any time by pressing the button 1
on the multi-
function steering wheel 1)
.
Deactivating voice control - GSM

III
If the system is currently playing a message, you will need to end the message
currently being played by pressing the 1
button on the multifunction steering
wheel.
If the system expects a voice command, you can end the dialogue yourself:
› with the
CANCEL voice command;
› by briefly pressing the button 1
on the multifunction steering wheel.
Note
■ The dialogue of an incoming call is immediately interrupted.
■ The voice control is only possible in vehicles fitted with a multifunction steering
wheel with telephone control or a phone mount and adapter.
■ On vehicles which are factory-fitted with the Columbus navigation system, it is
only possible to operate the voice control for the telephone via this device; refer
to the operating instructions for the Columbus navigation system. Ð1)
Not valid for vehicles with the Columbus navigation system.
116 Using the system

Avoid short distances
Fig. 127
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in l/100 km at different tem-
peratures
Short distances result in an above-average high fuel consumption. We therefore
recommend avoiding distances of less than 4 km if the engine is cold.
A cold engine consumes the most fuel immediately after the start. Fuel consump-
tion drops to 10 litres/100 km after just 1 kilometre. The consumption stabilises
once the engine and catalytic converter have reached their operating tempera-
ture.
An important factor in this connection is also the ambient temperature. The im-
age » Fig. 127 shows the different levels of fuel consumption after driving a cer-
tain distance at a temperature of +20 °C and a temperature of -10 °C. Your vehicle
has a higher fuel consumption in the winter than in the summer. ÐChecking tyre inflation pressures
Tyres which are correctly inflated save fuel.
Always ensure the tyre inflation pressure is correct. The rolling resistance will be
increased if the tyre filling pressure is too low. This will not only increase fuel con-
sumption but also tyre wear and the driving behaviour will worsen.
Always check the tyre inflation pressure when the tyres are cold. ÐAvoid unnecessary ballast
Transporting ballast costs fuel.
Each kilogramme of weight increases the fuel consumption. It is worth checking
the boot to avoid transporting any unnecessary ballast. It is particularly in town traffic, when one is accelerating quite often, that the ve-
hicle 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.
At a speed of 100 - 120 km/h, your vehicle that is fitted with a roof rack cross
member without a load will use use about 10 % more fuel than normal due to the
increased aerodynamic drag.
Ð Saving electricity
When the engine is running, the alternator generates and supplies electrical pow-
er. If more electrical components of the electrical system are switched on, more
fuel is needed to operate the alternator. We therefore recommend switching off
electrical components if these are no longer required. Ð Environmental compatibility
Environmental protection has played a major role in the design, selection of mate-
rials and manufacture of your new

ŠKODA. Particular emphasis has been placed
on the following points:
Design measures
› Joints designed to be easily detached.
› Simplified disassembly due to the modular structure system.
› Improved purity of different classes of materials.
› Identification of all plastic parts in accordance with VDA Recommendation 260.
› Reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission CO
2.
› Minimum fuel leakage during accidents.
› Reduced noise.
Choice of materials › Extensive use of recyclable material.
› Air conditioning filled with CFC-free refrigerant.
› No cadmium.
› No asbestos.
› Reduction in the “vaporisation” of plastics.
Manufacture › Solvent-free cavity protection.
› Solvent-free protection of the vehicle for transportation from the production
plant to the customer. £
142 Driving Tips

General Maintenance
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle
Taking care of your vehicle
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Washing the vehicle 149
Automatic car wash systems 149
Washing by hand 149
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner 149
Preserving and polishing the vehicle paintwork 150
Chrome parts 150
Paint damage 150
Plastic parts 150
De-icing windows and exterior mirrors 151
Radio reception and aerial 151
Headlight lenses 151
Rubber seals 151
Door lock cylinders 151
Wheels 152
Underbody protection 152
Protection of hollow spaces 152
Artificial leather and materials 153
Fabric covers on electrically heated seats 153
Natural leather 153
Seat belts 154
Regular and proper care help to retain the efficiency and value of your vehicle. It
may also be one of the requirements for the acceptance of warranty claims relat-
ing to corrosion damage and paint defects on the bodywork.
We recommend using care products from
ŠKODA Original Accessories that are
available from ŠKODA Service Partners. The instructions for use on the package
must be observed. WARNING
■ Care products may be harmful to your health if not used according to the in-
structions.
■ Always store care products in a safe place, out of the reach of children - risk
of poisoning! ■ When washing your vehicle in the winter: Water and ice in the brake system
can affect the braking efficiency - risk of accident! ■ Only wash the vehicle when the ignition is switched off - risk of accident!
■ Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when cleaning
the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims - risk of
cuts!
■ Air fresheners and scents can be hazardous to heath when the temperature
inside the vehicle is high. CAUTION
■ Be sure to check clothing for colourfastness to avoid any damage or visible
stains on the material (leather), panels and textiles.
■ Cleaners containing solvents can damage the material being cleaned.
■ Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight - risk of paint damage.
■ If washing the vehicle in the winter using a hose or high-pressure cleaner, en-
sure that the jet of water is not aimed directly at the locking cylinders or the
door/panel joints - risk of freezing!
■ Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar cleaning prod-
ucts - risk of damaging the surface of paintwork.
■ Do not stick any stickers on the inside of the rear windows, the rear side win-
dows and in the vicinity of the heating elements on the windscreen or near the
window aerial. These may get damaged. With regard to the antenna, they may in-
terfere with the radio or navigation system.
■ Do not clean the inside of the windows with sharp-edged objects or corrosive
and acidic cleaning agents - risk of damaging the heating elements or window
aerial.
■ Do not attach scents and air fresheners to the dashboard - risk of damage to
the dashboard.
■ To avoid damaging the parking aid sensors while cleaning with high-pressure
cleaners or steam jets, the sensors must only be directly sprayed for short periods
while a minimum distance of 10
cm must be observed.
■ Do not clean the roof trim with a brush - risk of damage to the trim surface. £
148 General Maintenance

For the sake of the environment
■ Used cans of vehicle care products represent a special type of hazardous waste.
These must be disposed of in accordance with national legal regulations. ■ Only wash the vehicle at washing bays intended for this purpose. Note
■ Remove fresh stains such as those from ball-point pens, ink, lipstick, shoe pol-
ish, etc., from the material (leather), panels and textiles as quickly as possible. ■ Due to possible issues with the cleaning and care of the interior of your vehicle,
the special tools and knowledge required, we recommend that this is completed
by a
ŠKODA Service Partner. ÐWashing the vehicle
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 148.
The best protection for your vehicle against harmful environmental influences is
frequent washing and wax treatment. How often the vehicle should be washed
depends on a wide range of factors, such as:
›
Frequency of use;
› The parking situation (garage, below trees etc.);
› Season of the year;
› Weather conditions;
› Environmental influences.
The longer insect residues, bird droppings, tree sap, road and industrial dust, tar,
soot particles, road salt and other aggressive deposits remain adhering to the
paintwork of your vehicle, the more detrimental their destructive effect can be.
High temperatures, such as those caused by intensive sun's rays, accentuate this
caustic effect.
It is essential to also thoroughly clean the underside of the vehicle at the end of
the winter. ÐAutomatic car wash systems
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 148.ä
ä Your vehicle can be washed in automatic car wash systems.
The usual precautionary measures must be taken before washing the vehicle in
an automatic car wash system (closing the windows including the sliding/tilting
roof, etc.).
If your vehicle is fitted with any particular attached parts, such as a spoiler, roof
luggage rack, two-way radio aerial - it is best to consult the operator of the car
wash system beforehand.
It is important to degrease the lips of the windscreen wiper rubbers after passing
through the automatic vehicle wash system. Ð Washing by hand
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 148.
When washing by hand, first soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse off as
much as possible.
Clean the vehicle with a soft
sponge, a washing glove or a washing brush. Work
from the top to the bottom - starting with the roof. Only apply slight pressure
when cleaning the vehicle's paintwork. Only use a car shampoo for stubborn dirt.
Wash out the sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.
Clean wheels, door sills and similar parts last. Use a second sponge for such
areas.
Give the vehicle a good rinse after washing it and dry it off using a chamois leath-
er. Ð Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 148.
When washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, the instructions for use
of the equipment must be observed. This applies in particular to the
pressure
used and to the spraying distance. Maintain a sufficiently large distance to the
parking aid sensors and soft materials such as rubber hoses or insulation materi-
al. £
ä
ä
149
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle

De-icing windows and exterior mirrors
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 148.
Use a plastic ice scraper for removing snow and ice from the windows and mir-
rors. The ice scraper should not be moved forward and backward but in one direc-
tion to avoid any damage to the surface of the glass.
Clean the windows from the inside on a regular basis.
Dry the glass surfaces with a clean chamois leather or a cloth intended for this
purpose.
When drying the windows after washing the vehicle, do not use window leathers
that have been used to polish the bodywork. Residues of preservatives in the
window leather can dirty the window and reduce visibility. CAUTION
■ Never remove snow or ice from glass parts using warm or hot water - risk of for-
mation of cracks in the glass!
■ When removing snow or ice from windows and mirror lenses ensure that the
paintwork of the vehicle is not to damage.
■ Snow or ice that is contaminated with coarse dirt such as fine gravel, sand, and
salt must not be removed from the window glass and mirrors - risk of damage to
the surface of the windows and mirrors. ÐRadio reception and aerial
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 148.
Car parks, tunnels, tall buildings or mountains can disrupt the radio signal even
causing it to fail completely.
With factory-fitted radios and navigation systems, the aerial for the radio recep-
tion can be installed at different locations in the vehicle:
› on the inside of the rear window along with the rear window heater;
› on the inside of the rear side windows;
› on the inside of the windscreen;
› on the roof. Ð
ä
ä Headlight lenses
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 148.
Use soap and clean water to clean the plastic headlight lenses.
CAUTION
■ Never wipe the headlights dry and do not use any sharp objects to clean the
plastic lenses, this may damage the protective paintwork and consequently cause
the formation of cracks on the headlight lenses.
■ Do not use any aggressive cleaning or chemical solvent products to clean the
headlights - risk of damaging the headlight lenses. Ð Rubber seals
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 148.
The rubber seals on doors, the sliding roof and other windows remain smoother
and last longer if the seals are treated regularly with a suitable rubber care prod-
uct. This helps to prevent leakages and premature wear of the seals. Rubber
seals which are well cared for also do not stick together in cold winter weather.
Ð Door lock cylinders
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 148.
Specific products must be used for de-icing door lock cylinders.
Note
■ When washing your vehicle, ensure as little water as possible gets into the lock-
ing cylinders. ■ We recommend that suitable materials from ŠKODA Original Accessories are
used for maintaining the door lock cylinders. Ð
ä
ä
ä
151
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle

Artificial leather and materials
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 148.
The artificial leather can be cleaned using a damp cloth. If this does not prove to
be adequate, these parts can only be treated with special
solvent-free plastic
cleaning and care products .
Clean upholstery cover materials and cloth trims on doors, boot cover, etc. using
specific cleaning agents, e.g., dry foam. Use a soft sponge, brush, or commercially
available microfibre cloth. Use a cloth and a specific cleaning agent to clean the
roof trim.
Some clothing materials, such as dark denim, do, in part, not have sufficient col-
our fastness. This can cause damage or clearly visible discolouration to seat cov-
ers (fabric or leather) even when used correctly. This particularly applies to light
seat covers (fabric or leather). This is not a defect in the seat cover, but poor col-
our fastness of the clothing textiles. ÐFabric covers on electrically heated seats
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 148.
Do not clean the seat covers
using moisture as this can damage the seat heating
system.
Use a specific cleaning agent such as dry foam or similar to clean the covers. ÐNatural leather
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 148.
Depending on the amount of wear-and-tear, the leather should be cleaned on a
regular basis.
Normal cleaning
Clean soiled areas of the leather with slightly moistened cotton or woollen cloth.
ä
ä
ä
Severe soiling
Ensure that the leather is not soaked through at any point and that no water gets
into the stitching of the seams.
Dry off the leather with a soft, dry cloth.
Removing stains
Remove fresh water-based stains (e.g., coffee, tea, juices, blood) with an absorb-
ent cloth or household cleaning paper. A specific cleaning agent is required for
dried-on stains.
Remove fresh grease-based stains (e.g. butter, mayonnaise, chocolate, etc.) with
an absorbent cloth, household cleaning paper, or use a suitable cleaner if the
stain has not yet penetrated into the surface.
Use a grease solvent for grease stains which have dried in .
Remove specific stains (e.g. ball-point pens, marker pen, nail varnish, dispersion
paint, shoe polish, etc.) with a special stain remover suitable for leather.
Leather care
Treat the leather roughly every six months with a suitable leather care product.
Apply only a small amount of the cleaning and care product.
Dry off the leather with a soft, dry cloth. CAUTION
■ Avoid leaving the vehicle for lengthy periods in bright sunlight to avoid the
leather from bleaching. If the vehicle is parked in the open for lengthy periods,
protect the leather from direct sunlight by covering it.
■ Sharp-edged objects on items of clothing such as zip fasteners, rivets, sharp-
edged belts, jewellery and pendants may leave permanent scratches or signs of
rubbing on the surface.
■ The use of a mechanical steering wheel lock may damage the leather surface of
the steering wheel. Note
■ Use a care cream with light blocker and impregnation effect on a regular basis
and each time after cleaning. The cream nourishes the leather, allows it to
breathe and keeps it supple and also provides moisture. It also creates surface
protection. ■ Clean the leather every 2 to 3 months, remove any fresh stains as they occur. £
153
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle