2006 SKODA OCTAVIA boot

Examples of an incorrect seated position
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 122.
Seat belts offer their optimum protection only if the webbing of the seat belts is
properly routed. Incorrect seated positions considerably reduce the protective
functions of the seat belts and therefore increase the risk of injury due to an in-
correct routing of the seat belt. The driver is fully responsible for himself and pas-
sengers, especially children. Never allow a passenger to adopt an incorrect seated
position when the car is moving.
The following list contains examples of which seated positions can cause serious
injuries or death. This list is not complete, however we would like you to familiar-
ise yourself with this subject.
Therefore, while the car is moving never:
› stand up in the vehicle;
› stand up on the seats;
› kneel on the seats;
› tilt the seat backrest fully to the back;
› lean against the dash panel;
› lie on the rear seat bench;
› only sit on the front area of the seat;
› sit to the side;
› lean out of the window;
› put the feet out of the window;
› put the feet on the dash panel;
› put the feet on the seat upholstery;
› transport somebody in the footwell;
› have the seat belt not fastened when driving;
› be in the boot. Ðä
124 Safety

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

Towing a trailer
Towing a trailer
Technical requirements
If your vehicle has already been factory-fitted with a towing device or is fitted
with a towing device from ŠKODA Original Accessories, then it meets all of the
technical requirements and national legal provisions for towing a trailer.
On vehicles with a towing device, the ball rod is detachable and is stowed togeth-
er with separate operating instructions in the spare wheel well or in the compart-
ment for the spare wheel within the boot » page 179, Vehicle tool kit .
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection be-
tween the vehicle and trailer. If the trailer that is to be towed has a 7-pin connec-
tor, you can use a suitable adapter from
ŠKODA Original Accessories.
If a towing device is retrofitted, it must be completed in accordance with the
manufacturer's specifications. Note
If you have any questions, please contact a ŠKODA Service Partner. ÐLoading a trailer
Loading a trailer
The vehicle/trailer combination must be balanced, whereby the maximum permis-
sible drawbar load must be utilised. If the drawbar load is too low, it jeopardises
the performance of the vehicle/trailer combination.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that heavy items are located as
close to the axle as possible. Secure the items from slipping.
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trail-
er is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this
combination. Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for a

“full load” » page 171,
Service life of tyres.
Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan-
ces » page 197, Technical data .
The trailer loads specified apply only to altitudes up to 1 000 metres above mean
sea level. As the engine output drops at an increasing altitude due to the declin-
ing air pressure and therefore the climbing ability is also reduced, this means that
the maximum permissible towed weight must be reduced by 10 % for every fur-
ther increase of 1 000 m in height. The towed weight comprises the actual weight
of the (loaded) towing vehicle and the (loaded) trailer. Always drive particularly
carefully with the trailer.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing device
are merely test data for the towing device The vehicle-specific values are detailed
in the vehicle documents. WARNING
■ If the maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and the maximum per-
missible total or towed weight of the vehicle and the trailer are exceeded this
can cause accidents and serious injuries.
■ Slipping loads can significantly affect the stability and safety of the vehicle/
trailer combination, causing accidents and serious injuries. Ð Towing a trailer
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. The national legal
requirements must be observed.
Headlights
The headlight settings must be checked before starting a journey with a coupled
trailer. If necessary, adjust the settings with the headlight beam adjust-
ment » page 44 , Headlight beam adjustment .
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than the maximum permissible speed indi-
cated on the trailer. £
145
Towing a trailer

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.
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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

Unidirectional tyres
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 170.
The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of the tyre
.
The so specified running direction must absolutely be complied with. Only then
are the tyres able to provide the optimal properties in terms of grip, low noise,
wear-and-tear and aquaplaning.
If, in the event of a puncture, it is necessary to fit a spare wheel with a tyre with-
out a dedicated running direction or the opposite running direction, drive carefully
as the optimum characteristics of the tyre are no longer applicable in this situa-
tion. ÐSpare wheel
Fig. 142
Boot: Spare wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 170.
The spare wheel is located in a well under the floor covering in the boot and is
fixed in place with a special bolt
» Fig. 142.
Before removing the spare wheel, the box containing the vehicle tool kit must be
removed.
It is important to check the inflation pressure in the spare wheel (preferably every
time the tyre air pressure is checked - see sticker on the fuel filler flap »
page 171)
to ensure it is always ready to use.
ä
ä
If the dimensions or design of the spare wheel differ from the tyres fitted to the
vehicle (e.g. winter tyres or low-profile tyres), it must only be used briefly in the
event of a puncture and if an appropriately cautious style of driving is adop-
ted » .
Replace it with a wheel having the appropriate mode and dimensions as soon as
possible
Temporary spare wheel
A warning label is displayed on the wheel rim of the spare wheel to indicate that
your vehicle is equipped with a temporary spare wheel.
Please observe the following when driving with a temporary spare wheel.
› The warning label must not be covered after installing the wheel.
› Do not drive faster than 80

km/h with the temporary spare wheel and pay par-
ticular attention while driving. Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking
and fast cornering.
› The inflation pressure for this spare wheel is identical to the maximum inflation
pressure of the standard tyres. The temporary spare wheel R 18 must have an
inflation pressure of 420 kPa!
› Only use this temporary spare wheel to reach the nearest ŠKODA specialist ga-
rage as it is not intended for continuous use.
› No other summer or winter tyres must be mounted on the rim of the temporary
spare wheel R 18. WARNING
■ Never use the temporary spare wheel if it is damaged.
■ If the dimensions or design of the temporary spare wheel differ from the fit-
ted tyres, never drive faster than 80
km/h (or 50 mph). Avoid accelerating at
full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering. CAUTION
Observe the instructions on the sticker on the temporary spare wheel. Note
The tyre pressure should be at the highest pressure specified for your vehicle at
all times. Ð
173
Wheels and Tyres

Vehicle tool kit
Fig. 147
Boot: Storage compartment for
vehicle too kit
The vehicle tool kit and the lifting jack with sticker are housed in a plastic box in
the spare wheel » Fig. 147 or in the storage space for the spare wheel. There is
also space here for the removable ball rod for the trailer towing device. The box is
attached with a strap on the spare wheel.
The vehicle tool kit contains the following parts (depending on equipment fitted):
› wire clamps for removing the full wheel trims;
› wheel wrench;
› towing eye;
› Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts;
› Extraction pliers for wheel bolt caps;
› Replacement bulb set;
› Tool for removing the fog lights 1)
.
Before placing the lifting jack back into its storage area, screw in the arm of the
lifting jack fully. WARNING
■ The factory-supplied lifting jack is only intended for your model of vehicle.
Under no circumstances attempt to lift heavier vehicles or other loads - risk of
injury!
■ Ensure that the vehicle tool kit is safely secured in the boot. Note
Ensure that the box is always secured with the strap. Ð Changing a wheel
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Preliminary work 180
Changing a wheel 180
Subsequent steps 180
Loosening and tightening wheel bolts 181
Raising the vehicle 181
Securing wheels against theft 182
WARNING
■ If you are in flowing traffic, switch on the hazard warning light system and
set up the warning triangle at the prescribed distance! The national legal re-
quirements must be observed. In this way you are not only protecting yourself
but other road users as well.
■ If the wheel is damaged or in the event of a puncture, park the vehicle as far
away as possible from the flow of traffic. Park on as flat and firm a surface as
possible. ■ If the wheel has to be changed on a slope, first of all block the opposite
wheel with a stone or similar object to prevent the vehicle from unexpectedly
rolling away.
■ If the vehicle is subsequently fitted with tyres which are different to those it
was fitted with at the works, follow these guidelines » page 172, New wheels
and tyres .
■ Always raise the vehicle with the doors closed.
■ Never position any body parts, such as arms or legs under the vehicle, while
the vehicle is raised with a lifting jack. ■ Secure the base plate of the lifting jack with suitable means to prevent pos-
sible moving. A soft and slippery ground under the base plate may move the
lifting jack, causing the vehicle to fall down. It is therefore always necessary to £1)
Valid for Octavia RS and Octavia Scout.
179
Do-it-yourself

WARNING (Continued)
place the lifting jack on a solid surface or use a wide and stable base. Use a
non-slip base (e.g. a rubber foot mat) if the surface is smooth, such as cobbled
stones, tiled floor, etc.
■ Never start the engine with the vehicle sitting on the raised jack - danger of
suffering injury.
■ Only attach the lifting jack to the attachment points provided for this pur-
pose. CAUTION
■ The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts for steel and light alloy
wheels is 120 Nm.
■ If the anti-theft wheel bolt is fastened too tightly, it can cause damage to the
anti-theft wheel bolt and adapter. Note
■ The anti-theft wheel bolt set and adapter can be purchased from a ŠKODA Serv-
ice Partner. ■ The national legal requirements must be observed when changing a wheel. ÐPreliminary work
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 179.
The following steps must be carried out before actually changing the wheel:
› In the event of a puncture, park the vehicle as far away as possible from the
flow of traffic. The place you choose should be level.
› Let all of the occupants get out.
While changing a tyre, the occupants of the
vehicle should not stand on the road (instead they should remain behind a crash
barrier).
› Switch off the engine and move the gearshift lever into
Neutral or move the
selector lever
for the automatic gearbox into position P .
› Firmly apply the
handbrake.
› If a trailer is connected, remove it.
› Remove the vehicle tool kit
» page 179 and the spare wheel » page 173 from
the boot. Ð
ä Changing a wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 179.
Always change a wheel on a level surface as far as possible.
› Remove the full wheel trim
» page 174 or caps » page 174.
› In the case of light alloy wheel rims remove the wheel trim cap
» page 174.
› First of all slacken the anti-theft wheel bolt and then the other wheel
bolts » page 181.
› Jack up the vehicle until the wheel that needs changing is clear of the
ground » page 181.
› Unscrew the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface (cloth, paper, etc.).
› Remove the wheel.
› Attach the spare wheel and slightly screw on the wheel bolts.
› Lower the vehicle.
› Alternately tighten the wheel bolts opposite each other using the wheel
wrench (crosswise) and then tighten the anti-theft wheel bolt » page 181.
› Reinstall the wheel trim/wheel trim cap or the caps. Note
■ All bolts must be clean and must turn easily.
■ Under no circumstances grease or oil the wheel bolts!
■ When fitting unidirectional tyres, ensure that the direction of rotation is cor-
rect »
page 170. Ð Subsequent steps
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 179.
The following steps must also be performed after changing the wheel.
› Stow and attach the replaced wheel in the spare wheel well using a special
screw » page 173 .
› Stow the vehicle tool kit in the space provided.
› Check
the tyre pressure
on the installed spare wheel as soon as possible.
› Have the
tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked with a torque wrench
as soon as possible.
› Change the damaged wheel or consult a ŠKODA specialist garage about repair
possibilities. £
ä
ä
180 Do-it-yourself

›
Position the lifting jack below the jacking point and move it up until its claw is
positioned directly below the vertical web of the lower sill.
› Align the lifting jack so that its claw grasps the web
» Fig. 150 -  below the
embossing in the side surface of the lower sill.
› Ensure that the entire surface of the lifting jack base plate rests on level
ground and is located in a vertical position to the area » Fig. 150 where the claw
grasps the web.
› Continue turning up the jack until the wheel is just about lifted off the ground. ÐSecuring wheels against theft
Fig. 151
Principle sketch: Anti-theft
wheel bolt with adapter
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 179.
The anti-theft wheel bolts on vehicles fitted with them (one anti-theft wheel bolt
per wheel) can only be loosened or tighten up by using the adapter provided.
› Pull off the full wheel trim from the wheel rim or the cap from the anti-theft
wheel bolt.
› Insert the adapter B
» Fig. 151
with its toothed side fully into the inner tooth-
ing of the safety wheel bolt A
until the stop so that only the outer hexagon is
jutting out.
› Push the wheel wrench onto the adapter B
up to the stop.
› Loosen or tighten the wheel bolt
» page 181.
› After removing the adapter, reinstall the full wheel trim or place the cap onto
the anti-theft wheel bolt.
› Have the
tightening torque checked with a torque wrench as soon as possible.
It is advisable to make a note of the code number hammered into the rear side of
the adapter or the rear side of the anti-theft wheel bolt. This number can be used
to purchase a replacement adapter from a

ŠKODA Service Partner, if necessary.
ä We recommend that you always carry the adapter for the wheel bolts with you in
the vehicle. It should be stowed in the vehicle tool kit. Ð Breakdown kit
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Components of the breakdown kit 183
Preparing to use the breakdown kit 184
Sealing and inflating tyres 184
Check after driving for 10 minutes 185
The breakdown kit is located in a box under the floor covering in the boot.
Use the breakdown kit to reliably repair tyre damage caused by foreign bodies or
a puncture with diameters up to approx. 4

mm. Do not remove foreign bodies, e.g.
screws or nails, from the tyre!
The repair can be undertaken on the vehicle immediately.
Repairs with the breakdown kit do not in any way replace a permanent repair of
the tyre, it only serves to reach the next ŠKODA specialist garage.
The breakdown kit must not be used under the following circumstances:
› if there is damage to the wheels;
› in outside temperatures of less than -20 °C;
› with tears or punctures greater than 4 mm in size;
› if there is damage to the tyre wall;
› when driving with very low tyre pressure or with a completely flat tyre;
› if the use-by-date (see inflation bottle) has passed.
£
182 Do-it-yourself