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.
65
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
3 - Traction control system* TCSVehicles fitted with the anti-lock brake sys-
tem (ABS) can additionally be equipped
with a traction control system (TCS).
On front-wheel drive vehicles, the TCS pre-
vents the driven wheels from slipping when
the car is accelerated, by reducing the en-
gine output. The system operates in com-
bination with the ABS over the entire vehi-
cle speed range. If a fault develops in the
ABS, the TCS is also affected.
The TCS switches on automatically when
the engine is started. If desired, the sys-
tem can be switched off and on by press-
ing the pushbutton.
If the system is switched off, the TCS warn-
ing lamp comes on - refer to page 60.
The TCS should always be switched on in
normal driving conditions. It is only benefi-
cial to switch off the system in certain ex-
ceptional cases if wheel slip is desired.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 TCS 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 ASR.
Warning
Always adapt your style of driving to
the condition of the road and the traf-
fic situation. The increased safety
offered by the TCS system must not
induce you to take risks with your
safety.
The traction control system greatly facili-
tates starting-off, accelerating and climb-
ing hills, or at all makes this possible, even
when driving on poor road conditions.
4 - Knurled wheel for seat heating*The cushion and backrest of the front seats
can be heated electrically when the igni-
tion is on.
The heater can be switched on with the
appropriate knurled wheel and regulated as
desired.
To switch heating off, turn knurled wheel to
the basic position „0“.
Note
Do not switch on the seat heater until after
starting the engine. This considerably re-
duces the drain on the battery capacity.5 - Releasing fuel filler flap from driver’s seat*The fuel filler flap opens when the switch is
pressed. For further information - see page
127.
124DRIVING TIPSWarning
Your style of driving should always
be matched to the condition of the
road and the traffic situation. The
enhanced safety offered by the four-
wheel drive and ABS systems must
not tempt you to take any risks re-
garding your safety!
The braking power of the car is lim-
ited by the adhesion of the tyres and
is no different than that of a car with
front-wheel drive.
You should therefore not be tempted
to drive at too high a speed even
though the car still provides good
acceleration on smooth and slippery
road surfaces.It is particularly important to note on
wet road surfaces that the front wheels
may aquaplane at high speeds. In con-
trast to a vehicle fitted only with front-
wheel drive, the start of aquaplaning
is not indicated by the engine sud-
denly revving up. For this reason, do
not drive at too high a speed, but al-
ways match your speed to the road
conditions.
Use of winter tyresFour-wheel drive already offers good vehi-
cle traction in wintry road conditions with
the standard tyres. It is nevertheless rec-
ommended to fit winter or all-weather tyres
to all four wheels in order to improve trac-
tion and braking. For further information -
refer to page 157.Use of snow chainsSnow chains must also be fitted to a vehi-
cle with four-wheel drive if the use of snow
chains is mandatory. Snow chains must
only be fitted to the front wheels. For fur-
ther information regarding snow chains -
refer to page 157. The car is intended mainly for the transpor-
tation of persons and luggage, but it can
also be used to tow a trailer if the appropri-
ate technical equipment is fitted.
Detachable ball head*
Refer to the enclosed instructions for
attaching and detaching the ball head.
For further information - refer to p. 157.Towing a trailer
157
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
If wheel trims are subsequently fit-
ted, it is essential to ensure that the
air flow remains adequate for cool-
ing the brakes.
Škoda Dealers are informed of the techni-
cal possibilities for converting and retrofit-
ting tyres, wheels and wheel trims.Winter tyres
1)
Warning
In winter conditions, winter tyres will
significantly improve the handling of
your car.
Only radial-type winter tyres may be fit-
ted.1)Pay attention to any varying legal requirements
when using winter tyres.
Snow chains
2)
It is possible to fit snow chains to all the
tyre sizes listed (with the exception of tyre
sizes 205/60 R15 and 205/55 R16).
5.5J x 16 ET 36 wheels (Genuine Access-
ories) when used in combination with 205/
55 R16 tyres enable snow chains to be fit-
ted to the Octavia RS including other vehi-
cle models Octavia and Octavia Estate.
The chains must only be fitted to the
front wheels.
Use only fine-link chains which do not ex-
ceed more than 15 mm (including chain
lock).
We recommend purchasing the snow chains
as Genuine Accessories from a Škoda Dea-
ler.
The full wheel trim should be removed when
driving with snow chains.
Snow chains should be taken off when driv-
ing on roads free of snow as they other-
wise impair the handling of the car, dam-
age the tyre and are quickly destroyed.2)Please observe any varying legal requirements
in respect of the approved vehicle speed when
driving with snow chains.
To achieve the best possible handling
and grip, fit winter tyres to all four wheels
(same manufacturer, tyre size, tread pat-
tern).
Winter tyres largely lose their good grip
properties in winter if the tyre tread has
worn down to a depth of 4 mm. The follow-
ing speed restrictions apply to winter tyres.
You can fit winter tyres of a lower speed
category provided that you also do not drive
at a speed in excess of the maximum speed
for these tyres even if your car is able to be
driven at a higher actual maximum speed.
The tyres may be damaged if you drive at
a speed beyond the maximum speed rat-
ing of the tyres.
All-weather tyres may be used in winter
in place of winter tyres.
In the event of a puncture, refer to the
information for using the spare wheel on
page 156.
Summer tyres should also be fitted again in good time as an environ-
mental protection measure as the roll-
ing noises are normally less, tyre wearis reduced and fuel consumption is im-proved.
Further information is available from Škoda
Dealers.
ALPHABETICAL INDEX
NNavigation system, 55
Net partition, 33
Net, 30
Noise, dust and pollen filter, 152
Note holder, 91OOil consumption, 119
On-board instruments, 48PPaint damage, 131
Parking light, 62
Parking light, 67
Parking ticket, 91
Pedals, 35
Pelvic belt, 101
Petrol engines, 45
Plastic and synthetic leather parts, 132
Polishing the car, 131
Power steering, 141
Preglow system (diesel), 43, 45, 57
Prewarming fuel, 129RReading light, 88
Rear-view mirror, 16
Recirculated air mode, 73, 76
Refuelling the car, 65, 127 Remote control, 12
- Replacing the code, 13
Replacement
- Brake fluid, 145
- Parts, 159
- Wheel, 163
- Oil, 141
- Fuses, 167
- Bulbs, 169
Rev counter, 48
Roof luggage rack system, 91
Roof luggage rack system, 91
Running in the car, 117
SSafe securing system, 9
Safety net, 30
Safety, 93
Seat belt tensioners, 102
Seat belt tensioners, 102
Seat belts, 98
Seat belts, 98
Seat heaters, 65
Seat height, 19
Seats, 19, 25, 94
Securing wheels, 166
Service Display, 49
Service interval, extended, 138
Shift pattern, 38
Shifting gears, 38 Side airbag, 109
Signals, acoustic, 46
Snow chains, 157
Socket 12 V, 89
Spare wheel, 162
Spark plugs, 150
Spectacle case, 91
Spectacles, 91
Speedometer, 49
Speedometer, 49
- Counter for distance driven, 49
Spray for tyre repair, 162
Steering wheel, 5, 43, 70
Storage compartments, 10, 87
Sun visors, 86
Support of pelvic belt, 20
Switch, 62
Switching from high beam to low beam, 67
TTaking care of your vehicle, 129
TCS, 60, 65
Technical changes, 160
Temperature display, 52
The first 1500 km, 117
Tool, 161
Top up with oil, 140
Towing a trailer, 124
Towing a vehicle, 178
Towing device, 124