2008 SKODA OCTAVIA high beam

Cockpit9
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Cockpit
Overview
This general view is designed to help you to quickly become familiar
with the instruments, gauges and controls.
Electric power-operated window* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric exterior mirror adjustment* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
−Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight flasher
− Speed regulating system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering wheel:
− with horn
− with driver airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− with pushbuttons for radio, na vigation system and mobile
phone* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument cluster: Instrum ents and indicator lights . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
− Multi-functional indicator* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Windshield wiper and wash system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control dial for heating on the driver's seat* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartment on the dash panel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Radio*
− Navigation*
Control dial for heating on the front passenger seat* . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartment on the front passenger side . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for the front passenger airbag* (in front passenger stowage
compartment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Front passenger airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse box (on side of dash panel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control dial for the instrument lighting and control dial for the head-
light beam range regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bonnet release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartment on the driver's side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
−
Operating controls for the heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Operating controls for Climatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Operating controls for Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Switch for the ESP* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Switch for TCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front and rear parking aid* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Gearshift lever (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Selector lever (automatic gearbox*) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Front ashtray - high centre console* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Storage compartment* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator light for a switched off front seat passenger airbag* . .
Note
•Equipment which is marked * is only standard on certain vehicle model
versions or only suppliable as op tional equipment for certain models.
A153
A273
A3108
A4
65
131
A5
175
141
A617
A7
21
69
A884
A9108
A1064
A11100
A12
A1384
A1499
A15182
A16175
A17257
A1859
A1963, 64
A20224
A21100
A2211
A23125
A24
109
111
115
A25
193
195
A26130
A27
127
136
A28199
A29
95
101
A30182
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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
62
sensor, the Coming Home Func tion is not switched on after switching off the igni-
tion.
Note
•If the Coming Home Function is switch ed on constantly, the battery will be
heavily discharged particularly in short-haul traffic.
•The switching on of the described lights should only be undertaken in accord-
ance with the legal requirements.
•You can change the illumination period for the Coming Home Function by
means of the information display*.
Leaving Home Function
This function makes it possible to switch on the lights when approaching
the vehicle.
Switching on Leaving Home Function
– Unlock the vehicle with the radio remote control - the lights come on.
Depending on equipment fitted the function Leaving Home switches on the
following lights:
•Parking lights,
•Low beam,
•Entry lighting in the exterior mirrors,
•Licence plate light.
Leaving Home Function
The function Leaving 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
sensor, the Leaving Home Func tion is not switched on after unlocking the vehicle
with the radio remote control. After unlocking the vehicle with the radio remote control, the lights come on for 10
seconds. The Leaving Home Function is also switched off after the ignition is
switched on and after locking the vehicle.
If no door is opened within 30 seconds, th
e lights go out and the vehicle is locked
automatically.
Note
•If the Leaving Home Function is switch ed on constantly, the battery will be
heavily discharged particularly in short-haul traffic.
•The switching on of the described lights should only be undertaken in accord-
ance with the legal requirements.
•You can change the illumination period for the Leaving Home Function by
means of the information display*.
Fog lights* 
Switching on the fog lights
– First of all turn the light switch into position
 or  ⇒ fig. 58 .
– Pull the light switch into position .
Fig. 58 Dash panel: Light
switch
A1
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Lights and Visibility63
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The rear fog light warning light

⇒ page 32 lights up in the instrument cluster
when the fog light is switched off.
Fog lights with the function “Corner”*
The fog lights with the function “Corner” improve the illumination of
areas close to the vehicle when turning, parking etc.
The fog lights with the function “Corner” are regulated according to the steering
angle or after switching on the turn signal light8) in the following circumstances:
•the vehicle is stationary an d the engine is running or it moves with a speed of
maximum 40 km/h;
•the daylight driving lights are not switched on;
•the low beam is switched on or th e light switch is in the position  and the
intensity of the ambient light causes the low beam to be switched on;
•the fog lights are not switched on;
•no reverse gear is engaged.
Note
If you engage the reverse gear during the active function “Corner”, both fog lights
illuminate.
Rear fog light 
Switching on the rear fog light
– First of all turn the light switch into position
 or  ⇒ page 62,
fig. 58 .
– Pull the switch into position .
The rear fog light warning light  ⇒ page 32 lights up in the instrument cluster
when the fog light is switched off.
Only the rear fog light of the trailer ligh ts up automatically when you are towing a
trailer using a factory-fitted towing device which is fitted with the rear fog light.
The rear fog light is located in the rear light array on the driver's side.
Caution
The rear fog light should only be switched on if visibility is particularly poor
(conform with any varying legal provisions) to avoid dazzling vehicles behind your
vehicle.
Instrument lighting* 
You can adjust the brightness of the instrument lighting.
Instrument lighting
– Switch on the light.
– Turn the control dial ⇒fig. 59 to the desired intensity of the instru-
ment lighting
9).
8)If both switch on versions are conflicting, for example if the steering wheel is turned to the
left and the right turn signal light is switched on, the turn signal light has the higher priority.
A2
9)For the information display* ⇒page 26 the intensity of the lighting is automatically set. The
setting using the control dial ⇒ fig. 59 is only possible when driving in the dark.
Fig. 59 Dash panel: Instru-
ment lighting
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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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