2007 SKODA OCTAVIA TOUR brake light

58CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTCoolant temperature, coolant
levelThe warning light comes on for a few se-
conds after switching on the ignition.
On vehicles with information display, the
warning light does not come on after switch-
ing on the ignition, only if a fault exists or a
lack or coolant.
If the warning light does not go off after this
or flashes when driving, either the coolant
temperature is too high or the coolant level
is too low.
Text in the information display*: STOP CHECK
COOLANT SERVICE MANUAL.
An audible warning signal then sounds
(peep signal 3 times).
If this happens, stop the car and switch
off the engine ; check the coolant level and
top up coolant if necessary.
If the warning light comes on, although the
coolant is at the correct level and the fan
fuse is in proper order, do not drive any
further. The engine must then also not run
in neutral. Contact a Škoda Dealer for pro-
fessional assistance.
Warning

Take care when opening the cool-
ant expansion tank. When the engine
is hot, the cooling system is pressu-
rized - risk of scalding! Allow the
engine to cool down, therefore, be-
fore unscrewing the cap.

Do not touch the fan! The fan may
switch on suddenly - even if the igni-
tion is switched off.
If the coolant is at the correct level, the rise
in temperature may be caused by a failure
of the radiator fan. Check the fuse of the
radiator fan and renew if necessary - see
page 167.
If the warning light does not go out althou-
gh the coolant is at the correct level and
the fan fuse is in proper order, do not drive
any further . Contact a Škoda Dealer for
professional assistance.
Further information is provided on pages
137 and 142.
Brake wear indicator*If this warning light comes on, contact a
Škoda Dealer to have the brake pads chec-
ked.
An audible warning signal sounds (single
peep signal).
In view of the fact that the brake wear indi-
cator monitors only the front brake pads, it
is recommended to also have the rear
brake pads or linings inspected.Fuel levelThe warning light comes on and remains
on if there are only about 7 litres of fuel in
the tank.
An audible warning signal sounds (1 beep).

60CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTOpening doors*If a door is open, this is indicated by this
warning light.
Vehicles with information display
As an additional warning signal, a peep
sounds if the car is driven at a speed of
more than 6km/hour and if the door or the
luggage compartment door is open.Washer fluid level*The warning light comes on if the washer
fluid level is too low. Top up washer fluid -
see page 151.
An audible warning signal also sounds (sin-
gle peep signal).Bulbs*This warning light comes on if the bulb of
the luminous element is faulty during:

Operation of brakes (brake light)

Malfunction of illumination (low beam (or
fog light)
An audible warning signal also sounds (sin-
gle peep signal)
Testing engine electronics*The warning light comes on when the igni-
tion is switched on.
If the warning light does not go out after
starting the engine, or comes on or flashes
when driving, this indicates a fault in the
engine electronics system or in systems
which influence exhaust emissions. A pro-
gramme stored in the engine control unit
makes it possible to continue driving with
certain restrictions - contact a Škoda dealer
for professional help.Electronic stability
program (ESP)*The warning light comes on for a few se-
conds when the ignition is switched on.
The ESP system also includes the traction
control system (TCS).
The light flashes when driving if the system
has activated a control cycle.
The warning light will come on and remain
on if the system is switched off or if a sy-
stem fault exists.
As the ESP system operates in combination
with the ABS, EDL and EBC, the ESP warn-
ing light also comes on if the ABS system fails.
Further details are given on pages 84 and
122 - 124.
Traction control system (TCS)*The warning light comes on for a few se-
conds when the ignition is switched on.
The light flashes when driving if the system
has activated a control cycle.
The warning light will come on and remain
on if the system is switched off or if a sy-
stem fault exists.
As the TCS system operates in combinati-
on with the ABS, EDL and EBC, the TCS
warning light also comes on if the ABS sy-
stem fails.
Further details are given on pages 65 and
122 - 124.Anti-lock brake system (ABS)*The warning light monitors the ABS, or ABS
and EDL* system.
The ABS warning light should come on for
a few seconds when the ignition is switched
on. If the ABS warning light does not go off
after a few seconds, if it does not come on
at all, or comes on when driving, the sys-
tem is not operating properly. The car is
braked in this case without operation of the
ABS; only the normal brake system then
operates. Contact a Škoda Dealer as
soon as possible and adapt your style
of driving to the fault which exists for
you cannot know the extent of the pro-
blem.

61
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
Electronic differential lock (EDL)*The EDL system operates in combination
with the ABS. A failure of the EDL system
is indicated by the ABS warning light co-
ming on. You should then contact a Škoda
Dealer without delay.
Models fitted with ESP are equipped with
electronic differential lock (EDL).
If a major fault is present in the ABS sy-
stem, an audible warning signal also
sounds (3 peeps). Further information on
the ABS and EDL systems is given on
pages 122 and 124.Electronic immobiliserWhen the ignition is switched on, a data
harmonization is performed between key
and control unit. If the data exchanged are
correct, this is confirmed by the warning li-
ght coming on for a few seconds.
If an unauthorized car key (e.g. forged key)
has been used, the warning light changes
to a continuous flashing light. It is then no
longer possible to start the car - see page
7.
Brake fluid levelThe warning light comes on for a few se-
conds after switching on the ignition.Warning
If the warning light comes on when
the ignition is switched on or when
driving, there is a fault in the brake
system. Contact the nearest Škoda
Dealer without delay and have the
brake system inspected.
An audible warning signal sounds
(3 peeps).
You can drive on carefully to the near-
est Škoda Dealer but allow for higher
pedal pressures, longer braking dis-
tances and greater idle travel of the
brake pedal.
The warning light also comes on when the
handbrake is applied.
Charge indicatorThe warning light comes on when the igni-
tion is switched on. It should go out when
the engine is started.
If the warning light comes on when driving
or does not go out after the engine has
started, stop the car and switch off the
engine. Check the ribbed belt.
If it is loose or broken, do not drive any
further . The belt has to be tensioned or
replaced.
If the ribbed belt is in proper order and the
warning light nevertheless comes on, it is
possible to drive on to the nearest Škoda
Dealer. In this case, the battery will not be
charged; switch off all unnecessary elec-
trical components in the vehicle.
An audible warning signal sounds (single
peep signal).Seat belt warning system*This warning light comes on to request the
driver to fasten the seat belt.
If the driver’s belt is not fastened, an audi-
ble warning signal sounds for 6 seconds.

64CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT3 - Electronic stabilityprogram* ESPModels fitted with anti-lock brake system
(ABS) can be equipped additionally with an
electronic stability program (ESP).
The ESP makes it possible to enhance
control over the vehicle in situations in
which the vehicle is operating at the dyna-
mic limits, such as driving too fast into a
curve. The ESP is an extension of the ABS/
EBC//TCS/EDL function and reduces the
risk of skidding in all road conditions. The
system operates over the entire speed of
the vehicle in conjunction with the ABS. If
a fault develops in the ABS system, the ESP
then also does not operate.
The ESP is switched on automatically each
time the engine is started. It can be swit-
ched off and on, as desired, together with
the TCS system, by pressing the pushbut-
ton.
If the system is switched off, the ESP warn-
ing light comes on - see page 60.
In exceptional cases where wheel slip is
desired, it is beneficial to switch off the ESP
system. For example:
- when driving with snow chains
- when starting off in deep snow or on a
loose surface
- when rocking the car free if it has got stuck.
The system should be switched on again
after this.
Note
The same tyres must be fitted to all four
wheels if the ESP system is to operate
properly. Differing rolling circumferences of
the tyres can result in an undesirable re-
duction in engine output.
Repairs on the vehicle (e.g. on engine,
braking system, chassis or another combi-
nation of wheels and tyres) can influence
the function of the ESP.
Operating principle of ESP
The ABS, EBC, EDL, TCS systems are in-
tegrated in the electronic stability program.
In addition to the data available from these
functions, the ESP control unit is also sup-
plied with signals which are transmitted by
highly sensitive sensors. What is measu-
red is the spinning rotary motion about the
vertical axis of the vehicle, the lateral ac-
celeration of the vehicle, the brake pressu-
re and the steering lock.
Note
The direction selected by the driver is de-
termined with the aid of the movement of
the steering and the vehicle speed and
constantly compared with the actual behav-
iour of the vehicle. If variations exist, such
as the vehicle beginning to slide, the ESP
automatically brakes the wheel in question
and reduces engine speed.
The vehicle is again stabilised as a result
of the forces acting on the wheel during the
braking operation. If the vehicle is overs-
teering (tending to break away at the rear),
it is primarily the outside front wheel which
is braked, whereas, if the vehicle is under-
steering (tending to slide out of the curve),
the rear inner wheel is then braked.
Warning
The ESP system is also not able to
overcome the physical limits of the
vehicle. You should remember this,
particularly when driving on slippery
and wet road surfaces.
Your style of driving should always
be adapted to the condition of the
road and the traffic situation. The
enhanced safety offered by the ESP
must not tempt you to take any risks
which compromise your safety.

117
DRIVING TIPS
The first 1500 kilometres (1000 miles) - and afterRunning inDuring the first few operating hours the in-
ternal friction of the engine is higher than
later on when all the moving parts have
bedded down. How well this running-in
process is done depends to a considerable
extent on the way the vehicle is driven dur-
ing the first 1500 km (1000 miles).
Up to 1000 km (600 miles)
the following general rules apply:

Do not use full throttle

Do not drive faster than 3/4 of top speed

Avoid high engine speeds

Avoid towing a trailer, if possible
Warning

New tyres should also be „run in“
because they do not have maximum
adhesion at the start. This should be
taken into account by driving care-
fully during the first 500 km (300 mi-
les).

New brake pads have to „bed
down“ and do not therefore have
their ideal friction force during the
first 200 km (120 miles) or so. The
slightly reduced braking power can
be compensated for by applying
greater pressure on the brake pedal.
This also applies subsequently after
replacing the brake pads.
From 1000 - 1500 km (600 - 1000 miles)
It is possible to gradually increase up to the
maximum speed of the gear engaged or to
the maximum permissible engine speed,
respectively.
During and after the running-in pe-
riod:
Do not overrev the engine when cold -
either in Neutral when driving. All the
speeds and revs stated only apply when the
engine is properly warm .
Do not drive at unnecessarily high
engine speeds - changing up early
helps to save fuel, reduces noise and pro- tects the environment - see also page 118.

Do not let the engine labour - change down
when engine no longer runs smoothly.After the running-in periodOn cars fitted with a rev counter the maxi-
mum permissible engine speed is marked
by the start of the red range on the scale of
the rev counter. The needle of the rev coun-
ter must not move into this range.

118DRIVING TIPS
Driving economically while protecting the environmentVarious factors determine fuel consump-
tion, the impact on the environment and
wear-and-tear of the engine, brakes and
tyres.
Your personal style of driving
determines to a great extent the economi-
cal aspect and the development of exhaust
and noise:
Do not warm up engine when the vehicle is stationary.
At idling speed it takes a very long time until
the engine becomes operationally warm.
However, in the warm-up phase, wear and
the discharge of pollutants is particularly
high. For this reason, drive off immediately
the engine has started and avoid high en-
gine speeds.
The cold engine consumes approx. 15 - 20
litres/100 km of fuel immediately after start-
ing. 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 kilometres and the fuel
consumption then stabilizes. You should
therefore avoid driving short distances
whenever possible.
Avoid full throttle acceleration.
Accelerating with feeling not only consid-
erably improves fuel economy but also re-
duces the impact on the environment and
wear-and-tear.
Do not drive at unnecessarily highengine revs - change up as soon as
possible and only change down when the engine no longer runs smoothly.
Fuel consumption, for example, is more
than twice as high in 2nd gear than it is in
top gear. At the same time, the lower en-
gine speed means a reduction in engine
noise.
Try not to drive at maximum speed.
Fuel consumption, exhaust pollution and
noise increase disproportionately at high
speeds. If you make use of approximately
only 3-quarters of top speed, your fuel con-
sumption will be reduced by about half.
Experience has shown that the loss in time
is only marginal.
Drive as smoothly as possible andlook well ahead.
Unnecessary acceleration and braking has
to be paid for with higher fuel consumption
and a greater impact on the environment.
Switch off the engine when stand-
ing in traffic (traffic lights, railway
crosses etc.).
Individual operating conditions
naturally also affect fuel consumption.
The following factors, for instance, are not
favourable to good fuel consumption:

High traffic density, particularly in large
towns with numerous traffic lights.

Frequent stop/start driving, always re-
starting and warming up the engine.

Driving in heavy, slow moving traffic in
low gear so that the engine speed is rela-
tively high in relation to the speed driven.
Obviously, fuel consumption is also affected
by factors over which the driver has no con-
trol. It is, for example, normal for fuel con-
sumption to increase in the winter or in
severe conditions such as poor roads, tow-
ing a trailer etc.

121
DRIVING TIPS
The full braking effect may also be delayed
when the car has been driven for some time
on heavily salted roads without using the
brakes, because the layer of salt on the
discs and pads has to be removed first.Warning
If a front spoiler, full-size wheel trims
etc., are retrofitted, it is necessary to
ensure that the flow of air to the front
brakes is not restricted - otherwise
the brakes may overheat.
Brake booster
The braking force boosts the pressure,
which you generate with the brake pedal.
The necessary pressure is only generated
when the engine is running. Warning
The brake booster only operates
when the engine is running.
Never switch off the engine before
the vehicle is stationary.
In the case that the brake booster is
not operating - e.g. because the vehi-
cle has to be towed or because there
is damage to the brake booster - the
brake pedal has to be depressed with
a significantly greater force, in order
to balance out the missing brake
boosting effect.Because if you do not stop as nor-
mal, this can cause an accident and
severe injuries.
Brake Assist*
The Brake Assist boosts the brake servo
effect during a brake application in a haz-
ardous situation and is able in this way to
assist the rapid build-up of brake pressure.
In emergency situations the majority of car
drivers do apply the brakes in time, but not
with the brake pedal force which is neces-
sary for achieving maximum deceleration.
Valuable braking distance is lost as a result!The Brake Assist is activated as soon as the
brake pedal is depressed very rapidly. A hig-
her brake servo assistance than is usual in
normal brake applications, is then available.
Consequently, it is possible to build up
within a very short time the brake pressure
which is required for achieving maximum
deceleration with only a correspondingly
slight counterforce on the brake pedal.Depress the brake pedal further for achiev-
ing the shortest possible braking distance. Do
not reduce the foot pressure on the pedal!The Brake Assist is able in this way to help
you in critical situations by building up the
brake pressure more rapidly and shorten-
ing the stopping distance. The advantages
offered by the ABS are fully exploited by the
Brake Assist. As soon as the brake pedal is
released, the Brake Assist function is swit-
ched off then automatically and the usual
service brake function is again available.
Warning

The Brake Assist is also not in a
position to overcome the physical
limits which apply to the braking dis-
tance.

This is something you should re-
member particularly when driving on
smooth or wet road surfaces.

Adapt your style of driving always
to the road condition and the traffic
situation. The increased safety which
the Brake Assist offers you must not
lead you to take any safety risk!

125
DRIVING TIPS
Technical requirements

If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted
towing bracket, all that is technically and
legally necessary for towing a trailer has
already been taken into account.

If the trailer to be towed has a 7-pin con-
nector, you can obtain an adapter cable
from Škoda Dealers.

Škoda Dealers are acquainted with the
details of retrofitting a towing bracket and
modifying the cooling system. You should
therefore have a towing bracket fitted by a
Škoda Dealer. Operating instructions


The permissible trailer weights must on
no account be exceeded.

The trailer weights stated are only ap-
plicable for altitudes up to 1000 m above
mean sea level (MSL). As the engine out-
put and thus the climbing ability drops due
to the decreasing air density, the weight of
vehicle and trailer must also be reduced by
10 % for each further 1000 m or part the-
reof.
Take this fact into account when driving at
high altitudes.

You should make full use of the maxi-
mum permissible drawbar weight indicated
on the ball head of the towing bracket, but
do not exceed it.

The load carried in the trailer should be
distributed so that any heavy objects are
placed as close as possible to the axle,
taking into account the permissible trailer
weight and drawbar load. The objects
should also be secured to prevent them
slipping.

Select the tyre pressure of the car for full
loads and also check the pressure of the
trailer tyres.

The headlight beam control of the car
should be set to match the particular load
conditions.

The handbrake of the car should be ap-
plied when hitching up and unhitching the
trailer.
Inspect the ball head to ensure that
it is properly locked each time before
setting off.
The inspection is performed by turn-
ing the closed locking lever down-
wards.
If the locking lever can only be turned
approx. 5°, the locking mechanism is
OK.
After the inspection pull the locking
lever back again to its stop.
The towing device must not be used,
if it does not wish to close or the
locking lever turns slightly in the clo-
sed position.