2008 SKODA OCTAVIA towing

Contents
4
Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multifunction steering wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM II* . . . . .
Phone voice phonebook* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM III* . . . .
Phone voice phonebook* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mobile phones and two-way radio systems . . . . .
Input AUX-IN* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MDI input* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD changer* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passive Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basic information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Correct seated position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The physical principle of a frontal collision . . . . . .
Important safety information regarding the use of seat
belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How are seat belts correctly fastened? . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting children safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What you should know about transporting children!
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching a child seat using the “ISOFIX” system .
Attaching child seat using the “Top Tether” system
Driving Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uphill-Start off-Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electromechanical power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . . . . . .
Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving and the Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards . .
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the
vehicle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the exterior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Biofuel Ethanol E85* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and replenishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tyres. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changes and replacement of partsAccessories and replacement parts . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-aid box* and Warning triangle* (Octavia) . . .
First-aid box* and warning triangle* (Estate car) .
Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre repair kit* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and light bulbs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel consumption according to the regulations
(99/100/EU) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
141
141
143
150
152
158
160
161
161
162
163
163
163
164
168
168
169
169
170
174
174
175
178
180
181
184
184
187
190
191
193
193
193
196
197
197
197
198
198
199
200
201
201
202
202
206
206
207
208
208
211
211
211
211
216
219
219
219
221
222
224
224
227228
231
232
235
237
237
243
243
243
245
245
245
245
245
246
246
247
247
252
253
257
257
262
269
269
269
269
269
269
269
270
271
272
20A5Facelift.book Page 4 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights33
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
•If you do not pay attention to the warning lights coming on and the corre-
sponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result in severe body
injuries or major vehicle damage.
•The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk
of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine
compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenis hing oil and other fluids. It is also
essential to observe all warnings ⇒page 225, “Working in the engine
compartment”.
Note
•The arrangement of the indicator light is dependent on the model version. The
symbols shown in the following functional description are to be found as indicator
lights in the instrument cluster.
•Operational faults are shown in the instrument cluster as red symbols (priority
1 - danger) or yellow symbols (priority 2 - warning).
Turn signal system 
Either the left  or right  indicator light flashes depending on the position of the
turn signal lever.
The indicator light flashes at twice its normal rate if a turn signal light fails. This does
not apply when towing a trailer.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of the
turn signal lights as well as both indicator lights to flash.
 Electromechanica l power steering⇒page 35
Engine oil pressure⇒page 36
EPC fault light (petrol engine)⇒page 36
Glow plug system (diesel engine)⇒page 36
Coolant temperature/coolant level⇒page 37
Tra c t i o n c o n t r o l s y s t e m ( TC S )⇒page 37
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*⇒page 38
Selector lever lock*⇒page 38
Tyre pressure*⇒page 38
Antilock brake system (ABS)⇒page 38
Bonnet⇒page 39
Seat belt warning light⇒page 39
Brake pad wear*⇒page 39
Boot lid⇒page 40
Open door⇒page 40
Fluid level in windshield washer system*⇒page 40
Brake system⇒page 40
Dynamo⇒page 41
Engine oil level⇒page 41
Fuel reserve⇒page 41
20A5Facelift.book Page 33 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Unlocking and locking
52
•Angle of the vehicle* ⇒page 52,
•Vehicle interior* ⇒page 52,
•A drop in voltage of the on-board power supply.
An alarm is immediately triggered if either of the two battery terminals is discon-
nected while the anti-theft alarm system is activated.
How is the alarm switched off?
You switch the alarm off if you unlock the car with the radio remote control in the
key or if you switch the ignition on.
Note
•The working life of the alarm siren is 6 years. More detailed information is avail-
able from your Škoda Service Partner.
•Before leaving the car, check that al l the doors, windows and the electric
sliding/tilting roof* are properly closed in order to ensure that the anti-theft alarm
system is fully operational.
•Coding of the radio remote control and the receptor part precludes the use of
the radio remote control from other vehicles.
Interior monitor* and Towing protection monitoring*
Switch off the interior monitor and towing protection monitoring
– Switch off the ignition.
– Open the driver door.
– Press the button
 at the centre c olumn o n the dr iver s ide ⇒fig. 50 ,
the symbol
 which lights up in the button changes from red to
orange.
– Lock the vehicle within 30 seconds.
The interior monitor and the towing protec tion monitoring are switched on again
automatically the next time the car is locked.
Note
•You can switch the interior monitor and th e towing protection monitoring off if
there is a possibility that movements from (e.g. children or animals) inside the
vehicle interior or if the vehicle must be tr ansported (e.g. by train or ship) or towed,
might trigger the alarm.
•The opened storage compartment for spectacles reduces the effectiveness of
the interior monitor. In order to ensure the function of the interior monitor to be
fully operational, always close the storage compartment for spectacles before
locking the vehicle.
Fig. 50 Button for interior
monitor and towing protec-
tion monitoring
20A5Facelift.book Page 52 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

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
20A5Facelift.book Page 63 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Seats and Stowage105
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Opening from luggage compartment
– Push the unlock button downwards ⇒page 104, fig. 130 and fold
the lid (with armrest) to the front.
Closing
– Fold the lid and the armrest up to the stop in upward direction - the lid must click into place audibly.
Ensure that the armrest is always locked into place after closing. You can recognize
this on the fact that the red field above the unlocking button of the luggage
compartment is not visible.
Through-loading bag*
Loading
– Open the boot lid/luggage compartment door.
– Push the unlock button downwards ⇒fig. 131 and fold the lid
(with armrest) to the front.
– Place the empty through-loading bag in such a way that the end of the bag with the zip lies in the boot.
– Push the objects into the through-loading bag from the boot ⇒.
Securing
– Insert the securing belt of the through-loading bag into the middle seat belt buckle ⇒fig. 132 .
– Place the securing belt on ski sport articles in the middle between the bindings ⇒.
– Pull the securing belt tight at the free end of the belt .
Stowing
– Fold the lid and the armrest up to the stop in upward direction - the lid must click into place audibly. You can recognize this on the fact that
the red field above the unlocking button of the luggage compart-
ment is not visible ⇒fig. 131.
AA
AA
Fig. 131 Luggage compart-
ment: Unlock button
Fig. 132 Attaching through-
loading bag to middle seat
belt buckle of rear seats
AA
AA
AC
AB
AA
20A5Facelift.book Page 105 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Starting-off and Driving129
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Rear parking aid*
The parking aid provides a warning of obstacles behind the vehicle.
The audible parking aid determines the distance between the rear bumper and an
obstacle located behind the vehicle with the aid of ultrasound sensors. The tones
of the parking aid can be adapted in the menu of the information display*
⇒ page 30. The sensors are integrated in the rear bumper.
Range of sensors
The clearance warning begins at a distance of about 160 cm from the obstacle (area
⇒ fig. 149 ). The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter as the
clearance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a clearanc e of just 30 cm (Bereich ) - danger
area. You should not reverse any further after this signal sounds! If the vehicle
is equipped with a factory-fi tted towing device*, the border of the danger area
starts - continuous tone - 5 cm further behind the vehicle. The vehicle can be
extended through an installe d detachable towing device.
On vehicles equipped with a factory-fitted radio* or navigation*, the distance to the
obstruction is shown graphically on the disp lay. On vehicles with a factory-fitted
towing device, the sensors are deactivated when towing a trailer. The driver is also
informed of the radio* or the navigation* by a graphic display (vehicle towing a
trailer) on the display. The radio* or navi gation*, which is factory-fitted, can be set
so that the play function volume decrea ses when activating the parking aid, see Owner's Manual radio* or navigation*. This improves the audibility of the parking
aid.
Activating
The parking aid is activated automatically when
reverse gear is engaged and the
ignition is turned on. This is conf irmed by a brief acknowledgement signal.
Deactivating
The parking aid is deactivated by removing the reverse gear.
WARNING
•The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper attention
and it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when parking the
vehicle or carrying ou t similar manoeuvres.
•You should therefore satisfy yourself, before reversing, that there is no
small obstacle, such as a rock, thin po st, trailer drawbar etc., behind your
vehicle. Such an obstacle might not be within the range detected by the
sensors.
•Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the signal of the parking aid. Thus, these objects or
people who wear such clothing are not recognised by the sensors of the
parking aid.
Note
•The parking aid does not operate if you are towing a trailer (applies to models
which feature a factory-fi tted towing device*).
•If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seconds after switching the ignition on
and engaging reverse gear, and there is no obstacle close to your car, this indicates
a system fault. Have the fault rectified by a specialist workshop.
•The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking aid to
operate properly.
Fig. 149 Parking aid: Detec-
tion range of rear sensors
AA
AB
20A5Facelift.book Page 129 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Starting-off and Driving
130
Front and rear parking aid*
The parking aid provides a warning of obstacles in front and behind
the vehicle.
The audible parking aid determines the distance between the front or rear bumper
and an obstacle with the aid of ultrasound sensors. The sensors are integrated in the
front and rear bumper. The signal tones for the front parking aid sound higher as
standard than for the rear parking aid. The tones of the parking aid can be adapted
in the menu of the information display* ⇒page 30.
Range of sensors
The distance warning begins at a distance of about 120°cm from the obstacle in
front of the vehicle (area ⇒fig. 151 ) and about 160 cm from the obstacle behind the vehicle (area ). The interv
al between the warning signals becomes
shorter as the clearance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a clearanc e of just 30 cm (Bereich ) - danger
area. From this moment on do not continue driving! If the vehicle is equipped
with a factory-fitted towing device*, the bo rder of the danger area starts - contin-
uous tone - 5 cm further behind the vehicle. The vehicle can be extended through
an installed detachable towing device.
On vehicles equipped with a fa ctory-fitted radio* or navigation*, the distance to the
obstruction is shown graphically on the di splay. On vehicles with a factory-fitted
towing device, the rear sensors are deactivated when towing a trailer. The driver is
also informed of the radio* or the navigation* by a graphic display (vehicle towing
a trailer) on the display. The radio* or navi gation*, which is factory-fitted, can be set
so that the play function volume decreases when activating the parking aid, see
Owner's Manual radio* or navigation*. Th is improves the audibility of the parking
aid.
Activating
The parking aid is activated when the reverse gear is engaged and the ignition is
turned on or by pressing the button ⇒fig. 150 - the symbol lights up in the
button. The activation is confirmed by a brief acknowledgement signal.
Deactivating
The parking aid is deactivated after pressing the button° ⇒fig. 150 or at a speed
of more than 10 km/h - the symbol
 in the button is no longer illuminated.
WARNING
•The parking aid is not a substitute fo r the driver paying proper attention
and it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when reversing the
vehicle or carrying out similar manoeuvres.
•You should therefore satisfy yourself, before reversing, that there is no
small obstacle, such as a rock, thin po st, trailer drawbar etc., in front or
behind your vehicle. Such an obstacle might not be within the range
detected by the sensors.
•Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the signal of the parking aid. Thus, these objects or
Fig. 150 Activating the
parking aid
Fig. 151 Parking aid: Detec-
tion range of the front
sensors
AA
AA
AB


20A5Facelift.book Page 130 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Starting-off and Driving131
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
people who wear such clothing are not recognised by the sensors of the
parking aid.
Note
•Only the front parking aid operates if you are towing a trailer (applies only to
models which feature a factory-fitted towing device*).
•If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seconds after activating the system and
there is no obstacle close to your car, th is indicates a system fault. The fault is
confirmed additionally when the symbol flashes in the button ⇒page 130,
fig. 150 . Have the fault rectified by a specialist workshop.
•The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking aid to
operate properly.
•If the parking aid is activated and the se lector lever of the automatic gearbox is
in the position , warning signal indicates interruption (vehicle can no longer
move).
Cruise control system (CCS)*
Introduction
The cruise control system (CCS) maintains a constant speed, more than 30 km/h (20
mph), once it has been set, without you having to depress the accelerator pedal.
This is only possible within the range which is permitted by the power output and
braking power of the engine. The cruise co ntrol system makes it possible - particu-
larly on long journeys - for you to rest your “accelerator foot”.
WARNING
•The cruise control system must not, for safety reasons, be used in dense
traffic or on unfavourable road surfaces (such as icy roads, slippery roads or
loose chippings) - risk of accident!
•In order to prevent unintentional use of the cruise control system, always
switch off the system after use.
Note
•Models fitted with a manual gearbox: Al ways depress the clutch pedal if you
switch on the cruise control system when the gearbox is in Neutral. Otherwise the
engine can rev up unintentionally.
•The cruise control system is not able to maintain a constant speed when driving
on steep downhill sections. The weight of the vehicle increases the speed at which
it travels. One should shift down in good time to a lower gear or slow the vehicle
down by applying the foot brake.
•It is not possible on vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox to switch on the
cruise control system if the sele ctor lever is in the position P, N or R.
Storing a speed
The cruise control system is operat ed by means of the switch and
rocker button in the left lever of the multi-functional switch.
– Press the switch ⇒fig. 152 into the position ON.
WARNING (continued)

AP
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 152 Operating lever:
Rocker button and switch of
cruise control system
AA
AB
AA
20A5Facelift.book Page 131 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM