2008 SKODA OCTAVIA warning

Transporting children safely
186
If this is not done, there is a risk of the child suffering severe or even fatal
injuries if the front passenger airbag is deployed. In certain countries
national legal provisions also requir e that the side or head passenger
airbags be deactivated. When transporting a child on the front passenger
seat, please comply with the appropri ate national regulations regarding the
use of child safety seats.
•If the front passenger airbag has been switched off by a specialist garage
using the vehicle system tester, the side and head passenger airbag*
remains switched on. In certain countries national legal provisions require
that besides the front passenger airbag also the side or head passenger
airbags are deactivated. Please comply with any differing national legal
regulations regarding the use of child safety seats.
•If a child safety seat in which the child faces in the direction of travel is
used on the front passenger seat, the front passenger seat must be moved
back fully. For vehicles with height adjustable front passenger seat, the seat
must be put in the highest position.
•If this is not done, a child seated on the front passenger seat may suffer
severe or even fatal injuries if the front passenger airbag or airbags are
deployed. Have the airbag (or ai rbags) deactivated if necessary ⇒page 181,
“Deactivating an airbag”.
•You should have the front passenger airbag (or airbags) reactivated just
as soon as you no longer use a child sa fety seat on the front passenger seat.
Child safety and side airbag*
Children must never be seated in the deployment area of the side
airbags and head airbags.
In the event of a side collision, the si de airbags offer the vehicle occupants
enhanced protection.
The side airbags are inflated in fractions of a second in order to be able to provide
this protection ⇒page 178, “Function of the side airbags”.
An airbag inflating develops such a strong force that an occupant who has not
adopted an upright seated position may suffer injuries from the airbag or as a result
of objects which are located within the deployment area of the side airbag.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 188 Seated position of
an unprotected child at risk
from side airbag
Fig. 189 Child properly
protected by safety seat
20A5Facelift.book Page 186 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Transporting children safely187
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
This applies particularly to children if they are not transported in accordance
with legal requirements.
The child is protected when seated in a child safety seat matching its age. Adequate
room is available between the child and the
deployment area of the side airbag and
head airbag. The airbag offers optimal protection.
WARNING
•It is essential to always switch off ⇒page 181 the front passenger airbag
when attaching a child safety seat on the front passenger seat where the
child is seated with its back facing in direction of travel (in some countries
also when the child is facing the direction of travel). If this is not done, there
is a risk of the child suffering severe or even fatal injuries if the front
passenger airbag is deployed. In certai n countries national legal provisions
also require that the side and head airbags be deactivated. When trans-
porting a child on the front passenger seat, please comply with the appro-
priate national regulations regarding the use of child safety seats.
•When transporting a child on the front passenger seat, please comply
with the appropriate national regulations regarding the use of child safety
seats.
•Children must never be seated with th eir head in the deployment area of
the side airbag - risk of injury!
•Do not place any objects within the deployment area of the side airbag -
risk of injury!
Child seat
Classification of ch ild seats into groups
Only child safety seats which have an official approval and are suit-
able for the child, may be used.
ECE-R 44 standard applies to child safety seats. ECE-R means: Economic Commis-
sion of Europe - Regulation. Child safety seats which have been tested for conformity with ECE-R 44 have a non-
detachable test seal (a large E within
a circle and below this the test number)
attached to the seat.
Child safety seats are classified in 5 groups:
Children of more than 150 cm in height may use the seat belts fitted to the vehicle
without a seat bolster.
Use of child safety seats
An overview of the usefulness of child seats on each of the seats according to the
EG guidelines 77/541 and ECE 44 standard:
Universal category - seat is suitable for all approved types of child safety seats.
The seat can be fitted with fixing eyes for the “ ISOFIX*”system.
The divided rear seat - seat can be fi tted with fixing eyes for the system “To p
Te t h e r *” ⇒ page 191.
GroupWeight
00 - 10 kg⇒ page 188
0+up to 13 kg⇒page 188
19 - 18 kg⇒page 188
215 - 25 kg⇒page 189
322 - 36 kg⇒page 189
Child seat
groupsFront passenger seatRear seat outsideRear seat middle
0
0+
1
2 and 3
AUA+AUA+ATAU
AUA+AUA+ATAU
AUA+AUA+ATAU
AUAUAU
AU
A+
AT
20A5Facelift.book Page 187 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Transporting children safely
188
Child seats of group 0/0+
The optimal solution for babi es of up to about 9 months old weighing up to 10 kg
or babies up to about 18 months old weighi ng up to 13 kg is a child safety seat
which can be adjusted into the reclining position ⇒fig. 190 .
In view of the fact that such child seats are installed that the child is seated with its
back facing the direction of travel, they must not be used on the front passenger
seat ⇒page 185, “Use of child safety seats on the front passenger seat”.
WARNING
•It is essential to always switch off the front passenger airbag (airbags)
when attaching in exceptional circumstances a child safety seat on the front
passenger seat where the child is seated with its back facing in direction of
travel (in some countries also when the child is facing the direction of travel).
− in a specialist garage
− or by using the switch for the front passenger airbag* ⇒page 182,
“Switch for the front passenger airbag*”.
•In certain countries national legal provisions require that besides the
front airbag also the side or head ai rbags are deactivated. Please comply
with any differing national legal regula tions regarding the use of child safety
seats.
•If this is not done, a child seated on the front passenger seat may suffer
severe or even fatal injuries if the front passenger airbag or airbags are
deployed.
•You should have the front passenger airbag (or airbags) reactivated just
as soon as you no longer use a child sa fety seat on the front passenger seat.
Child safety seats in Group 1
Child seats in Group 1 are for babies and small children up to 4 years of age with a
weight of between 9 and 18 kilograms. It is best for children in the lower range of
this group, to use a child seat which allows the child to sit with its back to the direc-
tion of travel. It is best for children in the upper range of the Group 0+, to use a child
seat which allows the child to sit ⇒fig. 191 in the direction of travel.
Child safety seats in which the child is seated with its back facing the direction of
travel, must not be used on the front passenger seat ⇒page 185, “Use of child
safety seats on the front passenger seat”.
WARNING
•It is essential to always switch off the front passenger airbag (airbags)
when attaching in exceptional circumstan ces a child safety seat on the front
Fig. 190 Child seats of group
0/0+
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 191 Child seat with
padded table in Group 1
installed on rear seat bench
facing the direction of travel
20A5Facelift.book Page 188 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Transporting children safely189
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
passenger seat where the child is seated
with its back facing in direction of
travel (in some countries also when the child is facing the direction of travel).
−in a specialist garage
− or by using the switch for the front passenger airbag* ⇒page 182,
“Switch for the front passenger airbag*”.
•In certain countries national legal provisions require that besides the
front airbag also the side or head ai rbags are deactivated. Please comply
with any differing national legal regula tions regarding the use of child safety
seats.
•If this is not done, a child seated on the front passenger seat may suffer
severe or even fatal injuries if the front passenger airbag or airbags are
deployed.
•You should have the front passenger airbag (or airbags) reactivated just
as soon as you no longer use a child sa fety seat on the front passenger seat.
Child safety seats in Group 2
For children up to about 7 years of age weighing between 15 and 25 kg the optimal
solution is a child safety seat in comb ination with the three-point seat belt
⇒ fig. 192 .
WARNING
•When transporting a child on the fr ont passenger seat, please comply
with the appropriate national regulati ons regarding the use of child safety
seats. If required, the airb ag has to be deactivated,
− in a specialist garage
− or by using the switch for the front passenger airbag* ⇒page 182,
“Switch for the front passenger airbag*”.
•The shoulder part of the seat belt must run approximately across the
middle of the shoulder and fit snugly agai nst the chest. It must on no account
run across the neck. The lap part of the seat belt must run across the pelvis
and fits snugly; it must not run over the belly. Tighten the belt webbing over
your hip if necessary.
•Please comply with any differing nati onal legal regulations regarding the
use of child safety seats.
Child safety seats in Group 3
For children of about 7 years of age weighing between 22 and 36 kg and of a height
of less than 150 cm, the optimal solution is a child safety seat (seat bolster) in
combination with the three-point seat belt ⇒fig. 193 .
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 192 Child seat in Group
2 installed on the rear seat
facing the direction of travelFig. 193 Child seat in Group
3 installed on the rear seat
facing the direction of travel
20A5Facelift.book Page 189 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Transporting children safely
190
Children of more than 150 cm in height may use the seat belts fitted to the vehicle
without a seat bolster.
WARNING
•When transporting a child on the fr ont passenger seat, please comply
with the appropriate national regulations regarding the use of child safety
seats. If required, the airbag has to be deactivated,
−in a specialist garage
− or by using the switch for the front passenger airbag* ⇒page 182,
“Switch for the front passenger airbag*”.
•The shoulder part of the seat belt must run approximately across the
middle of the shoulder and fit snugly agai nst the chest. It must on no account
run across the neck. The lap part of the seat belt must run across the pelvis
and fits snugly; it must not run over th e belly. Tighten the belt webbing over
your hip if necessary.
•Please comply with any differing nati onal legal regulations regarding the
use of child safety seats.
Attaching a child seat using the “ISOFIX” system
There are two fixing eyes* between the backrest and the seat of the front
passenger for fixing the “ISOFIX” syst em child seat in place. The locking
eyes on the rear outside rear seats are located below the upholstery. The
places are marked with signs with the “ISOFIX” logo.
Install child seat
– Open the zip fasteners between the seat and the backrest of the rear outside seat.
– Insert the mounting funnels onto the locking eyes between the backrest and seat cushion ⇒fig. 194 .
– Push the notched arms of the chil d seat over the mounting funnels
into the locking eyes, until it is heard to lock ⇒fig. 195 .
– Pull on both sides of the child seat!
One can mount a child safety seat using the “ISOFIX” system quickly, easily and reli-
ably. Please pay close attention to instru ctions from the manufacturer of the child
safety seat when installing and removing the seat.
Child seats fitted with the “ISOFIX” clamping system can only be mounted and fixed
in a vehicle fitted with an “ISOFIX sy stem” when these child seats have been
released for this type of vehicle according to the ECE-R 44 standard.
Fig. 194 Locking eyes
(ISOFIX system)
Fig. 195 The ISOFIX child
seat is pushed into the
mounting funnels
AAAB
20A5Facelift.book Page 190 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Transporting children safely191
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
You can obtain child seats with the “ISOFI
X” attachment system from specialist
garages who will also installed it as well.
Complete installation instructions are enclosed with the child safety seat.
WARNING
•The locking eyes have just been de veloped for child safety seats which
use the “ISOFIX” system. You should therefore never attach other child
safety seats, seat belts or objects to the locking eyes - hazard!
•Ask a Škoda Service Partner whether a child seat which you bought for
another vehicle is recommended for use in a Škoda before using an “ISOFIX”
system.
•Certain child seats which use the “ISO FIX” system can be attached with
standard three-point seat belts. Please pay close attention to instructions
from the manufacturer of the child safety seat when installing and removing
the seat.
Note
•Child seats which use the “ISOFIX” system are currently available for children
weighing from 9 up to 18 kg. This corresponds to an age range of from 9 months to
4 years.
•The child seats can also be fitted with the “Top Tether” system ⇒page 191.
Attaching child seat using the “Top Tether” system
IIn certain countries national legal provisions also require the equipment of the rear
seat with fixing eyes for child seat using the “Top Tether” system ⇒fig. 196 .
Always perform the installation and removal of the child seat using the “Top Tether”
system as stated in the instructions fr om the manufacturer of the child seat.
WARNING
•Attach the child seats with the “Top Tether” system only to the points
provided for this purpose ⇒fig. 196 .
•On no account should you equip your vehicle, e.g. mount screws or other
anchorage points.
•Pay attention to the important safety information regarding the use of
child seats.
Note
Store the remaining part of the belt for the “Top Tether” system in a textile pocket,
which is located at the child seat.
Fig. 196 Rear seat: Top
Te t h e r
20A5Facelift.book Page 191 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Intelligent Technology193
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Driving Tips
Intelligent Technology
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*
General
General
The ESP aids you maintain control of your vehicle in situations in borderline driving
situations such as when negotiating a curve too fast. The risk of skidding is reduced
and your car thus offers greater driving stability depending on the conditions of the
road surface. This occurs at all speeds.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stability programme:
•Electronic Differential Lock (EDL),
•Traction control system (TCS),
•Driver-steering recommendation,
•Antilock brake system (ABS),
•Brake Assist,
•Uphill-Start off-Assist. Operating principle
The ESP switches on automatically when the engine is started and then conducts a
self-test. The ESP control unit processes data from the individual systems. It also
processes additional measurement data which are supplied by highly sensitive
sensors: the rotational velocity of the vehi
cle about its vertical axis, the lateral accel-
eration of the vehicle, the brakin g pressure and the steering angle.
The direction which the driver wishes to ta ke is determined based on the steering
angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actual
behaviour of the vehicle. If differences exis t, such as the car beginning to skid, the
ESP will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
The car is stabilised again by the forces which take effect when the wheel is braked.
Intervention into the brake system takes place primarily on the outer front wheel of
a vehicle which tends to oversteer (tendency for the rear of the vehicle to break
away) while occurs this is on the inner re ar wheel of a vehicle which tends to under-
steer (tendency to shift out of the curve). This braking control cycle is accompanied
by noises.
The ESP operates in combination with the ABS ⇒page 197, “Antilock brake system
(ABS)”. If there is a fault in the ABS system, the ESP also does not operate.
The ESP warning light lights up in the instru ment cluster when there is a fault on the
ESP
 ⇒ page 38.
Switching off
You can switch the ESP off and on again as you wish, by pressing the button
⇒ fig. 197 . The ESP warning light lights up in th e instrument cluster when the ESP is
switched off
 ⇒ page 38.
The ESP should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice in certain
exceptional cases, such as when you wish to have wheel slip, to switch off the
system.
Examples:
Fig. 197 ESP switch
20A5Facelift.book Page 193 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Intelligent Technology
194
•when driving with snow chains
•when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface
•when it is necessary to rock a ca r free when it has become stuck.
then you should switch on the ESP again.
WARNING
It is also not possible for the ESP to overcome the physical limits of the
vehicle. Even if a vehicle fitted with ESP you should still always adapt your
style of driving to the condition of the road surface and the traffic situation.
This particularly applies when driving on slippery and wet roads. The
increased safety offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than other-
wise - risk of an accident!
Note
•All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-
free operation of the ESP. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can lead to an
undesirable reduction in the engine output.
•Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other assign-
ment of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ESP ⇒page 243,
“Accessories, changes and replacement of parts”.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDS)*
The electronic differential lock pr events an individual wheel from
slipping.
Models fitted with ESP are equipped with electronic differential lock (EDL).
General
The EDL makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate
and climb a steep hill when the conditio ns of the road surface are unfavourable. Operating principle
The EDL is activated automatically, that is without any action on the part of the
driver. It monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the ABS sensors.
Should only
one drive wheel begin spinning on a slippery surface there will be an
appreciable difference in the speed of the driven wheels. The EDL function brakes
the slipping wheel and the differential transmits a greater driving force to the other
driven wheel. This control proces s is also accompanied by noises.
Overheating of the brakes
The EDL switches off automatically if unusually severe stresses exist in order to
avoid excessive heat generation in the disc brake on the wheel which is being
braked. The vehicle can continue to be driven and has the same characteristics as a
vehicle not fitted with EDL.
The EDL switches on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down.
WARNING
•Depress the accelerator carefully when accelerating on uniformly slip-
pery road surfaces, such as ice and snow. The driven wheels might still spin
despite the EDL and affect the stability of the vehicle - risk of an accident!
•You should always adapt your style of driving to the condition of road
surface and to the traffic situation even when your vehicle is fitted with EDL.
The increased safety offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than
otherwise - risk of an accident!
Note
•If the ABS or ESP warning light comes on, this may also indicate a fault in the
EDL. Please have the car inspected as soon as possible by a specialist garage.
•Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other assign-
ment of tyres and wheels) can in fluence the function of the EDL ⇒page 243,
“Accessories, changes and replacement of parts”.
20A5Facelift.book Page 194 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM