2007 SKODA OCTAVIA TOUR change time

6CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTKeysTwo keys are supplied with the car. These
keys fit all the locks of the car.Warning
Always withdraw the ignition key
when leaving the car - even if only for
a short time.
Note
Keep the groove of the key absolutely clean
as impurities (textile threads, dust, etc.) can
have a negative affect on the operation of
the locks, the remote control etc. Key tab
The key tab contains the key numbers which
are essential for re-ordering replacement
keys. You can refer to these numbers to or-
der replacement keys from a Škoda Dealer.
Note
You should keep the key tab in a sepa-
rate and safe place for it is only possi-
ble to obtain replacement keys if a key
is lost or damaged by stating this num-
ber.
If you sell your car, please also hand over
the key tab to the new owner.
Key with light*The light is switched on by pressing on the
middle of the key (arrow 1).
Changing battery or bulb


Insert a coin into the slot on the side of
the handle (arrow 2) and lever off top part.

Change battery or bulb.
Replacement batteries and bulbs are avail-
able from Škoda Dealers.
Dispose of the old battery in ac- cordance with environmental regu-
lations.

27
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
Luggage compartmentTo ensure proper handling of your car, al-
ways distribute any load which you carry
(passengers and luggage).
Heavy objects should be transported as
close as possible to the rear suspension,
or even better between the front and rear.
In addition, please ensure that the heater
elements of the rear window are not dam-
aged by objects rubbing against them.
In the event of an accident, there is such a
high kinetic energy, which is produced by
small and light objects that they can cause
severe injuries.
The magnitude of the kinetic energy de-
pends on the speed at which the vehicle is
travelling and on the weight of the object.
The speed at which the vehicle is travel-
ling is in this case the more significant fac-
tor.
Example: In the event of a frontal collision
at a speed of 50 km/h, an unsecured ob-
ject with a weight of 4.5 kg produces an
energy, which corresponds to 20 times its
own weight.
This means that it results in a weight of
approx. 90 kg.
You can imagine the injuries that can oc-
cur, if this „bullet“ is flying through the inte-
rior compartment and hits an occupant.Warning


Store the objects in the luggage
compartment and attach them to the
lashing eyes.


Loose objects in the passenger
compartment can be thrown forward
during a sudden manoeuvre or in case
of an accident and they can injure the
occupants or other oncoming traffic.
This risk is still increased, if the ob-
jects, which are flying around, are hit
by a deployed airbag.
In this case, the objects, which are
thrown back, can injure the occu-
pants - hazard!

Never drive with the tailgate ajar
or even open otherwise exhaust
gases will be drawn into the interior!

Please note that when you trans-
port heavy items, this results in a
change in the centre of gravity of the
vehicle and thus affects the handling.
You should therefore adjust your
style of driving and speed to match,
and also alter the setting of the head-
lights, if necessary.

48CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
InstrumentsThe positioning of the instruments depends
on the particular model and engine versi-
on.
1 - Rev counter .................................. 48
2 - Coolant temperature gauge .. ....... 48
3 - Fuel gauge .................................... 49
4 - Speedometer, trip counter, Service interval display ................ 49
5 - Digital clock .................................. 50
Multi-function display* .................. 50
6 - Information display* ...................... 53
1 - Rev counterThe needle of the rev counter must not mo-
ve into the red zone of the scale on any
account.
Changing up in good time helps to
save fuel and keeps the noise down.
Change down to the next lower gear be-
fore the engine no longer runs smoothly.
Avoid high engine revs during the running-
in period - see page 117.
2 - Coolant temperature
gaugeThe gauge starts to work when ignition is
switched on, but it takes some time before
the needle reaches its final position.
Cold range
The needle is in the bottom range of the scale.
Avoid high revs and high engine loads.
Normal range
When the car is driven normally, the needle
should settle in the middle range of the scale.
The needle may also move further to the
right if the engine is driven at high loads
and at high ambient temperatures, but the
warning lamp for the coolant temperature
must not flash.
If the warning lamp flashes, refer to the in-
formation on page 58.

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.

120DRIVING TIPS

Do not switch off the ignition when driv-
ing.

Do not overfill engine with oil - see page
140.

Do not tow start vehicle for more than
50 m - see page 179.
Warning
Due to the high temperatures which
can occur in catalytic converters in
very unfavourable conditions, the
vehicle should not be parked in such
a way that the catalytic converter can
come into contact with inflammable
materials.
Note
Even if the emission control system is op-
erating perfectly properly, there may be a
sulphurous exhaust smell in certain engine
operating conditions. This depends on the
sulphur content in the fuel being used.
Quite often this can be remedied by select-
ing another brand of fuel or filling up with
unleaded premium petrol.
Trouble-free operation of the
emission
control system is decisive for environmen-
tally friendly operation of the vehicle.
That is why it is important to note the fol-
lowing points:

Vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter
must only be driven on unleaded petrol -
see page 128.

Never drive until the fuel tank is comple-
tely empty on vehicles fitted with a catalytic
converter. The irregular fuel supply can
cause misfiring. This allows unburnt fuel in-
to the exhaust system which can cause
overheating and damage to the catalytic
converter.

If misfiring, a loss of power and rough
engine running occur when driving, this
may be caused by a fault in the ignition
system. In this case, uncombusted fuel can
get into the exhaust system and thus pass
to the atmosphere. In addition, the catalytic
converter may be damaged as a result of
overheating. Reduce your speed immedi-
ately and have the fault rectified at the near-
est Škoda Dealer. General notes


The wear of the brake pads depends to
a great extent on the driving conditions and
your style of driving. Consequently, it may
also be necessary to have the thickness of
the brake pads inspected at a Škoda Dealer
between the intervals stated in the Service
Schedule, particularly if your car is driven
frequently in towns or over short distances,
or in a very sporty manner.

Change down in good time when driv-
ing downhill, in order to make use of the
engine braking effect. This relieves the
strain on the brake system. When the bra-
kes are applied, do not keep them on con-
tinuously, apply and release the brakes al-
ternately.

Under certain operating conditions, for
example after driving through water, after
heavy rain or after washing the vehicle, the
braking effect may be retarded by wet, or
in winter iced-up brake discs and pads - the
brakes must be dried out first by applying
the footbrake.
Brakes

126DRIVING TIPSDriving instructions
To obtain the best possible handling of ve-
hicle and trailer, please note the following
points:

Try to avoid driving with an unladen ve-
hicle and a loaded trailer. If this cannot be
avoided, only drive slowly to allow for the
unfavourable weight distribution.

As the driving stability of vehicle and trai-
ler decreases when the speed increases,
do not drive at the maximum permissible
top speed in unfavourable road, weather or
wind conditions - particularly when going
downhill.
You should in any case immediately reduce
your speed as soon as you detect even the
slightest swaying of the trailer. On no ac-
count attempt to eliminate the swaying by
accelerating!

For safety reasons, you should not drive
faster than 80 km/h (50 mph). This also
applies in countries where higher speeds
are permitted.

Apply the brakes in good time! If the
trailer is fitted with an overrun brake, apply
the brakes gently at first, then increase the
pressure. This avoids any braking shocks
caused by the wheels of the trailer block-
ing. Shift down gears in good time before
driving downhill so that the engine can act
as a brake.

If it is necessary to drive a long uphill
section in a low gear with a very high en-
gine speed and at unusually high ambient
temperatures, keep a check on the cool-
ant gauge. If the needle of the gauge moves
into the upper range of the scale, reduce
the speed of your car immediately. If the
temperature and brake fluid level warning
light flash, however, stop and allow engine
to cool down by letting it idle for a few min-
utes. Pay attention to the further informa-
tion on p. 46.

The coolant temperature can be reduced
by switching on the heater.

The cooling effect of the radiator fan
cannot be increased by changing down,
because the speed of the fan is not depend-
ent on the engine speed. You should there-
fore not change down even when towing a
trailer as long as the engine can cope with-
out the vehicle speed dropping too much.
General notes

It is advisable to have the vehicle ser-
viced between the inspection intervals
if it is used frequently for towing a trailer.

The trailer and drawbar load figures on
the data plate of the towing bracket are for
test certification only. The correct figures for
the vehicle, which may be lower than the
above figures, are given in the vehicle do-
cuments.

130GENERAL MAINTENANCEWashing the carThe best protection for your car against
harmful environmental influences is fre-
quent washing and polishing.
How often your car requires to be treated
depends among other factors on how fre-
quently you use the car, where you park it
(garage, in the open, below trees etc.), the
time of year, the weather conditions and
other environmental influences.
The longer bird droppings, insect residues,
tree resin, road and industrial dust, tar
stains, soot particles, road salt and other
aggressive deposits remain on the paint-
work of your car, the more extreme will be
their destructive effect. High temperatures
caused by strong sun’s rays, intensify the
caustic effect. It may therefore be neces-
sary to wash the car once a week, but once
a month may also be sufficient with appro-
priate waxing.
It is essential to also thoroughly wash the
underside of the car after the end of the
winter period.Automatic car washes
The paintwork of your car is sufficiently re-
sistant to enable the car to be washed nor-
mally in automatic car washing plants with-
out any problems. The effect on the paint-
work, though, also depends greatly on the
design of the car wash, the filtering of the
washing water, the type of wash and care
products used etc. If the paintwork appears
mat after a car wash or even has scratches,
you should contact the operator of the plant.
If necessary, change the car wash you use.
Notes


Before washing your car in an automatic
car wash, there are no special precautions
necessary other than the usual measures
(closing windows and sliding roof, folding
down roof aerial etc.).
Warning
Do not tighten roof aerial in the lower
position

It is best to contact the operator of the
car wash if your car has any particular spe-
cial fittings - e.g. spoiler, roof rack, mobile
phone aerial etc.


After washing your car in an automatic car
wash with wax preservative, wipe the lips of
the windscreen wiper blades clean and also
clean the windscreen (also the rear window
on models fitted with rear window wiper).
Washing your car by hand
As a protection for the environment,
your car should only be washed at
washbays provided for this purpose.
Local regulations may in fact forbidwashing cars in certain areas outside ofsuch facilities.
First of all soften the dirt with plenty of wa-
ter and rinse off as well as possible.
Then, clean the car with a soft sponge,
washing glove or brush starting on the roof
and working down, applying only slight
pressure. Use a car wash shampoo only
for particularly stubborn dirt.
Thoroughly wash out the sponge or glove
at short intervals.
Clean wheels and door sills etc. last. Use
a second sponge if possible for such ar-
eas.
After washing the car, rinse it thoroughly
with water and finally chamois dry.

138GENERAL MAINTENANCE
LongLife Service*The LongLife Service ensures that your
vehicle is always in proper roadworthy con-
dition while requiring only minimal effort on
your part.
The LongLife Service is determined on the
basis of:
- Oil level and pressure sensor - see page 59
- Brake wear indicator - see page 58
- Engine oils complying with the standard VW 503 00 (petrol engines), VW 506 00
(diesel engines, except PDi engines)
and VW 506 01 (diesel engines) - see
page 138
- Variable service interval display - see page 49
- Battery with so-called „magic eye“ - see page 148.
Further information - refer to Service Sche-
dule. More detailed information is also
available from your Škoda Dealer.
SpecificationThe engine is factory-filled with a brand-
name multigrade oil which can be used as
an all-seasons oil - except in extremely cold
climatic zones. Oils may also be intermixed
when topping up (does not apply to mod-
els with LongLife Service*).
We recommend using oils from the selec-
tion of original oils available at Škoda.
Note
Engine oils naturally also undergo continu-
ous further development. That is why the
information contained in this Owner’s
Manual reflects the technical status at the
time of publication.Engine oil
Škoda Dealers are kept up-to-date by the
factory regarding any changes. It is there-
fore good practice to have the oil change
carried out at a Škoda Dealer.