2008 SKODA OCTAVIA headlights

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
18
Engine revolutions counter
The red zone of the rev counter scale ⇒page 17, fig. 18 indicates the range in
which the engine control unit begins to li mit the engine speed. The engine control
unit restricts the engine speed to the steady limit value.
Shift into the next higher gear or select the selector lever position D of the auto-
matic gearbox before reaching the red zone of the rev counter scale.
Avoid high engine speeds during the driving time and before the engine has been
warmed up to operating temperature ⇒page 201.
For the sake of the environment
Shifting up early helps you save fuel and reduce the operating noise of your
vehicle.
Speedometer
Warning against excessive speeds*
An acoustic warning signal will sound when the vehicle speed exceeds 120 kilome-
tres per hour. The acoustic warning signal will switch off again when the vehicle
speed goes below this speed limit.
Note
This function is only valid for some countries.
Coolant temperature gauge
The coolant temperature gauge ⇒page 17, fig. 18 operates only when the igni-
tion is switched on.
In order to avoid any damage to the engine , please pay attention to the following
notes regarding the temperature ranges: Cold range
If the pointer is in the left-hand area of the scale it means that the engine has not
yet reached its operating temperature. Avoi
d running at high engine speeds, at full
throttle and at severe engine loads.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temperature as soon as the pointer moves
into the mid-range of the scale. The pointe r may also move further to the right at
high engine loads and high outside temper atures. This is not critical provided the
warning symbol
 in the instrument cluster does not flash.
If the symbol
 in the instrument cluster flashes it means that either the coolant
temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low. Observe the guidelines
⇒ page 37, “Coolant temperature/ Coolant quantity ”.
WARNING
Pay attention to the warning notes ⇒page 225, “Working in the engine
compartment” before opening the bonnet and inspecting the coolant level.
Caution
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the fresh air inlet
impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant. There is then a risk of the engine over-
heating at high outside temperatures and high engine loads!
Fuel gauge
The fuel gauge ⇒page 17, fig. 18 only operates when the ignition is switched
on.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 55°litres or 60 litres
2). The warning symbol 
in the instrument cluster li ghts up when the pointer reaches the reserve marking.
There are now about 9 litres of fuel remaining in the tank. This symbol is a reminder
for you, that you must refuel .
A1
A3
2)Valid for Octavia Combi 4x4 and Octavia Scout.
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Lights and Visibility59
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Lights and Visibility
Lights
Switching lights on and off 
Switching on side lights
– Turn the light switch into position
.
Switching on the low beam and main beam
– Turn the light switch into position
.
– Press the main beam lever forward in order to switch on the main beam ⇒page 65, fig. 62 .
Switching off lights (except daylight driving lights)
– Turn the light switch into position 0.
Low beam comes on only if the ignition is switched on. After switching off the igni-
tion, the low beam is switched off automati cally and only the side lights come on.
For vehicles which are equipped with the function Coming/Leaving-Home*
⇒ page 61, the side lights also go out. On models fitted with
right-hand steering the position of certain switches differs
from that shown in ⇒ fig. 56. The symbols which mark the switch positions are
identical, however.
WARNING
Never drive with side lights on - risk of accident! The side lights are not
bright enough to light up the road suffic iently in front of you or to be seen by
other oncoming traffic. In this case, always switch on the low beam when it
is dark or if visibility is poor.
Note
•An audible warning will sound if you wi thdraw the ignition key and open the
driver's door when the vehicle lights are still on.
•The acoustic warning signal is switched off over the door contact when the
driver's door is closed (ignition off). The vehicle can be parked with the side lights
on.
•If the car is parked for a lengthy period , we recommend switching off all lights,
or leaving only the parking lights switched on.
•The switching on of the described lights should only be undertaken in accord-
ance with the legal requirements.
•If a fault occurs in the light switch , the low beam comes on automatically
•In the event of cool or humid weather co nditions, the headlights can be misted
up from inside.
−The temperature difference between interior and external area of the head-
light lenses is decisive.
− When the driving lights are switched on , the light outlet surfaces are free
from mist after a short period. The headlight lenses can possibly mist up at the
border areas.
− It also concerns reverse light and turn signal lights.
− This mist has no influence on th e life of the lighting system.
Fig. 56 Dash panel: Light
switch
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Lights and Visibility61
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
If the vehicle speed is below 65 km/h for at least 2 minutes, the lights are switched
off.
Rain lights
If you switch on the windscreen wipe in
the operation rain sensor* for longer than
10 seconds or in the operation permanent wipe (position 2 or 3) ⇒page 69
switching on for longer than 15 seconds, th e side lights and low beam are switched
on automatically. The light switches off if the windscreen wipe is in operation rain
sensor* for more than 4 minutes or is no t switched on in the operation permanent
wipe.
WARNING
The automatic light control only operates as a support. The driver is not
released from his responsibility to inspect the light and if necessary to switch
on the light depending on the light conditions. The light sensor cannot
detect for example rain or snow. For these conditions we recommend to
switch on the low beam
!
Note
•Do not affix any stickers in front of the light sensor, so that you do not impair its
function or put it out of operation.
•The same principles as fo r using the automatic light control also apply to the
light which is switched on manually ⇒page 59.
Cornering lights*
The cornering lights are used to illuminate the curves by means of the cone of light
swiveling together with the front headlight with Xenon lights*.
WARNING
If the cornering lights are defectiv e, the headlights are automatically
lowered to the emergency position, whic h prevents a possible dazzling of oncoming traffic. Thus the illuminated length of the road is shortened. Drive
carefully and have the car inspected
immediately by a specialist garage.
Coming Home Function
The function makes it possible to switch on the lights in the darkness for
a short time after leaving the vehicle.
Switching on Coming Home Function
– The light switch is in the position automatic driving lamp control

and the low beam illuminates.
– Switch off the ignition.
– After opening the driver's door , the function Coming Home is
switched on.
– Close all the doors and the boot lid and lock the vehicle. After a short time, switch all lights off.
Depending on equipment fitted the function Coming Home switches on the
following lights:
•Parking lights,
•Low beam,
•Entry lighting in the exterior mirrors,
•Licence plate light.
Coming Home Function
The lights go out 10 seconds after cl osing all the doors and the boot lid.
If a door or the boot lid remains open, th e lights go out 60 seconds after switching
off the ignition.
The function Coming Home is controlled wi th the light sensor in the mount of the
interior rear mirror. If the light intensity is higher than the set value of the light
WARNING (continued)
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Lights and Visibility
64
Headlamp range adjustment 
Once the low beam is switched on you can then adapt the range of
the headlights to the load of the vehicle.
– Turn the control dial ⇒fig. 60 until you have adjusted the low beam
so that oncoming traffic is not dazzled.
Settings
The positions correspond approximat ely to the following vehicle loads:
Front seats occupied, lu ggage compartment empty.
All seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.
All seats occupied, luggage compartment laden.
Driver seat occupied, luggage compartment laden.
Caution
Set the headlight beam adjustment in su ch a way as to avoid dazzling oncoming
traffic.
Note
Headlights fitted with Xenon bulbs* adapt automatically to the load and driving
state of the vehicle (e.g. accelerating, braking) when the ignition is switched on and
when driving. Vehicles which are equi pped with Xenon bulbs* do not have a
manual headlight range adjustment control.
Switch for hazard warning lights 
–Press switch  ⇒ fig. 61 to switch the hazard warning light system on
or off.
All the turn signal lights on the vehicle flash at the same time when the hazard
warning light system is switched on. The indicator light for the turn signals and the
indicator light in the switch also flash at the same time. You can also switch on the
hazard warning light system if the ignition is switched off.
The hazard warning light system is switch ed on automatically if an airbag is
deployed in the event of an accident.
Please comply with any legal requirements when using the hazard warning light
system.
Fig. 60 Dash panel: Lights
and Visibility
A-
A1
A2
A3
Fig. 61 Dash panel: Switch
for hazard warning lights
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Lights and Visibility71
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
•Properly maintained windscreen wiper blades are essential for clear visi-
bility and safe driving ⇒page 71.
•Do not use the windscreen washer sy stem at low temperatures, without
heating the windscreen beforehand. Otherwise the window cleaner could
freeze on the windscreen and re strict the view to the front.
•The rain sensor only operates as a support. The driver is not released
from the responsibility to set the function of the windscreen wipers manu-
ally depending on the visibility conditions.
Caution
In frosty weather, please first of all check whether the windscreen wiper blades are
not frozen to the windscreen before swit ching them on. Switching on windscreen
wipers when the blades are frozen to the windscreen may result in damage both to
the blades and the motor of the windscreen wipers!
Note
•If the slower or the faster wiper setting is switched on ⇒page 69, fig. 70
and the vehicle speed decreases to below 4 km/h, the lower wiper step is switched
on automatically. At a speed increase of more than 8 km/h the previous wiper
setting is esta blished again.
•If there is an obstacle on the windscre en, the wiper will try to push away the
obstacle. If the obstacle continues to block the wiper, th e wiper stops after 5 cycles,
in order to avoid a damage to the wiper. Remove the obstacle and and switch on
the wiper again.
Headlight cleaning system*
The headlights are being cleaned after the windscreen has been sprayed for the first
time and fifth time, the low beam or ma in beam are switched on and the wind-
screen wiper lever was he ld in the position ⇒page 69, fig. 70 for about 1
second. The headlight washer nozzles are moved forward out of the bumper by the water
pressure for cleaning the headlights.
You should remove stubborn dirt (such
as insect residues) from the headlight
lenses at regular intervals, for example when refuelling. Please refer to the following
guidelines ⇒page 214, “The headlight lenses”.
You should remove any snow from the fixtures of the washer nozzles and clear ice
in winter with a de-icing spray in order to ensure proper operation of the cleaning
system.
Replacing wiper blades for the windscreen wipers
One cannot fold out the wiper arms in the rest position from the wind-
screen. Before replacing the wiper arms you must put them into the
service position.
Service position for changing wiper blades
– Close the bonnet.
– Switch the ignition on and then again off.
– Then press the windscreen wiper lever in the position ⇒page 69,
fig. 70 within 20 seconds - the wiper arms move into the service posi-
tion.
A2A3
A5
Fig. 71 Wiper blade for the
windscreen wiper
A4
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Communication141
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Communication
Multifunction steering wheel*
Operate radio und navigation on the multifunction steering wheel
The driver can set the basic functions of the radio and navigation by simply oper-
ating the buttons located on the steering wheel so that he can concentrate on the traffic situation without being distracted as little as possible by operating the radio
and navigation
⇒fig. 159 .
This applies only if your vehicle has been installed with radio
14) or navigation at the
factory. You can of course operate the ra dio and navigation at the appliance. You
will find a description in the operating instructions of your radio system.
When the headlights are switched on, the steering wheel pushbuttons are then also
illuminated.
The buttons apply for the respective operating mode of the current radio or naviga-
tion.
By pressing the buttons, you can carry out the following functions:
Fig. 159 Multifunction
steering wheel: control
buttons
14)Does not apply for Radio Blues.
ButtonActionRadio, traffic informationCDThe CD changer / MP3Navigation
press brieflySwitch off/on tone
press button for a
long period of timeswitch off/on*
 turn upwardsIncrease volume
 turn down-
wardsDecrease volume
 press briefly
Changing to the next stored radio stationChanging to the next stored traffic infor-
mation
Interrupting the traffic report
Changing to the next title
A1
A1
A1
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Driving and the Environment
206
Keeping a log of your fuel consumption
If you really wish to ke ep a close check on your fuel consumption, it is best to enter
the figures in a logbook. This does not take much time but is a very worthwhile exer-
cise. It enables you to detect any change (positive and negative) at an early stage
and to take any appropriate action.
If you find that your fuel consumption is too high, you sh ould reflect on how, where
and in what conditions you have driven the vehicle since you last refuelled.
Environmental compatibility
Environmental protection has played a majo r role in the design, selection of mate-
rials and manufacture of your new Škoda. Particular emphasis has been paid to a
number of aspects, including:
Design measures
•Joints designed to be easily detached.
•Simplified disassembly due to the modular structure system.
•Improved purity of differ ent classes of materials.
•Identification of all plastic parts in accordance with VDA Recommendation 260.
•Reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission CO2.
•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.
•The use of solvent-free adhesives.
•No CFCs used in the production process.
•Without use of mercury.
•Use of water-soluble paints.
Motoring abroad
General
Other circumstances may exist abroad.
It is also possible, in ce rtain countries, that the Škod a Service Partner network is
limited or has not been established yet. This is the reason why obtaining certain
spare parts may be somewhat complicated and specialist garage personnel may
only be able to ma ke li mite d re pa irs. Škoda Auto a.s. i n the Czech Republic and rele -
vant importers are happy to provide info rmation about technical aspects of the
vehicle, required maintenance work and possibilities for getting repairs done.
Unleaded petrol
A vehicle fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded petrol
⇒ page 202. The automobile associations can provide you with information
regarding the locations of filling stations which offer unleaded petrol.
Headlight
The low beam of your headlights is set asym metrically. It illuminates the side of the
road on which you are driving to a greater extent. If you drive abroad on the other
side of the road, you wi ll dazzle oncoming traffic.
In order to prevent the dazzling of oncoming traffic, it is necessary that an adjust-
ment of the headlights is carried out by your Škoda Service Partner.
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Towing a trailer209
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
should be attached to folding arms. Adjust
the mirrors so that they provide you with
an adequate field of view to the rear.
Headlights
Before starting off with a hitched trailer, also check the setting of the headlights.
Alter the setting as necessary with th e aid of the headlight beam adjuster
⇒ page 64.
Detachable ball head
The ball rod is detachable on vehicles which feature a factory-fitted towing device.
It is stowed together with separate fitting instructions in the spare wheel well in the
luggage compartment of the vehicle.
Further information on the towing device ⇒page 210.
Note
•We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between service
intervals if you tow a trailer frequently.
•The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and
decoupling the trailer.
Driving Tips
Particular caution is required when towing a trailer.
– Do not, as far as possible, drive with your vehicle unladen and the
trailer laden.
– Do not make full use of the legal maximum speeds. This applies in particular to downhill sections.
– Apply the brakes in good time.
– Keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if the outside temper- ature is high.
Distribution of weight
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trailer
is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this
combination.
Driving speed
Do not drive faster than 80 km/hour for safety reasons. This also applies for coun-
tries in which higher speeds are allowed.
The fact that the driving stability of the vehicle + trailer combination reduces with
increasing speed means that the legally allowed speed should not be used when
there are unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions, particularly near accident
black spots.
You must always reduce your speed immedi ately as soon as you detect even just
the slightest swaying of the trailer. On no account attempt to stop the trailer from
“swaying” by accelerating.
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the
brakes gently at first and then brake firmly . This will avoid brake jolts resulting from
the trailer wheels locking. Shift down gears in good time before negotiating a down-
hill section to allow the engine to also act as a brake.
Engine overheating
Please keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if you have to negotiate a
lengthy slope in a low gear at a high engine speed when the outside temperature is
very high ⇒page 18, “Coolant temperature gauge”.
If the needle of the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area or
even the red area of the scale, reduce yo ur speed immediately. Stop and switch off
the engine if the warning light
 in the instrument cluste r begins flashing. Wait a
few minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle
⇒ page 229, “Inspecting the coolant level”.
Please refer to the following guidelines ⇒page 37, “Coolant temperature/ Coolant
quantity ”.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.
Any increase in the cooling effect of the coolant fan through shifting down a gear
and increasing the engine speed is not possible since the fan speed is independent
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