Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle191
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Clean the leather every 2 to 3 months, remove fresh soiling each time this occurs.
Remove fresh stains such as those from ball-point pens, ink, lipstick, shoe cream
etc., as quickly as possible.
Care also for the leather dye. Refreshen ar eas which have lost their colour with a
special coloured leather cream as required.
The leather is a natural material with specific properties. During the use of the
vehicle, minor optical changes can occur on the leather parts of the covers (e. g wrin-
kles or creases as a result of the stress of the covers).
Seat belts– Keep the seat belts clean!
– Wash seat belts which have become soiled using a mild soapy solution.
– Inspect the seat belts regularly to ensure they are in good condition.
Belt webbing which has become severely so iled may prevent the inertia reel from
reeling up the belt properly.
WARNING
The seat belts must not be removed for cleaning.
Never clean the seat belts chemically as dry cleaning may destroy the fabric.
The seat belts must also not be allowed to come into contact with corrosive
liquids (such as acids etc.).
Seat belts which have damage to the webbing, the connections, the inertia
reel or the lock should be replaced by an authorised Škoda Service Partner.
Inertia reel belts must be completely dried before being reeled up.
s43s.1.book Page 191 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM
Fuel193
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
WARNING
Pay attention to any legal requirements if you do carry a spare canister in the
vehicle. We do not recommend carrying any fuel canisters in your vehicle for
safety reasons. The canister can be damaged in the event of an accident and fuel
may leak out.
Caution
Even inadvertently filling the fuel tank with another biofuel such as Ethanol°E85
can result in damage to the fuel system.
If you park the car for a lengthy period, fill with petrol complying with (DIN) EN°228,
because Ethanol E85 can contai n low quantities of impurities, which can lead to corro-
sion.For the sake of the environment
If you use Ethanol E85, the CO
2 emission of your vehicl e is lowered up to 5%.
Note
When operating with Ethanol E85, the fuel consumption increases by approx 33%,
as a lower quantity of energy is contained in the bioethanol than in unleaded petrol.
Biofuel Ethanol E85 contains only a low quantity of additives in contrast to
unleaded petrol. Therefore we recommend to fill up the tank with unleaded petrol
complying with EN 228 every 15 000 km (e.g . before the oil change) and run it empty,
so that the engine remains clean. Make sure not to use the whole content of the tank
page 195, “Refuelling”.
The interval of 15 000 km applies for the oil change.
Operation in winterIf you use biofuel Ethanol E85 at very low temperatures, it is necessary to preheat the
engine before an engine start.
The power socket for the engine preheating is located in the front bumper next to the
fog light fig. 158.
If an engine preheating is not possible at outside temperatures lower than -10 °C, the
share of unleaded petrol complying with EN 228 must be as high as possible. Thus the
cold start property of the engine is clearly improved.
If there is biofuel Ethanol E85 in the tank and the engine is not preheated, it can lead at
temperatures below -15°C to very p oor or no starting of the engine.
For the sake of the environment
The use of engine preheating at temperatures below -10°C has a positive effect on the
fuel consumption and thus on the environment.The outside temperature
Duration of engine preheating
lower than -10 °C
we recommend up to 1 hour
lower than -15 °C
at least 1 hour
lower than -25 °C
at least 2 hour
Fig. 158 MultiFuel - power socket
s43s.1.book Page 193 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM
Fuel195
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
RefuellingFig. 159 Right rear side of the vehicle: Open fuel filler flap / fuel filler flap with cap unscrewedThe filler flap is automatically unlocked or locked* with the central locking.Opening the fuel filler cap– Press in the middle of the left area of the fuel filler flap in direction of arrow
fig. 159 .
– The fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube must be unlocked to the left using the
vehicle key (only valid for vehicles which do not have automatic unlocking of the
fuel filler flap).
– Unscrew the fuel filler cap anti-clockwise and place the fuel filler cap from above
on the fuel filler flap fig. 159 - right.Closing fuel filler cap– Screw on the fuel filler cap by turning it to the right until it is heard to click.
– The fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube mu st be locked to the right using the vehicle
key (only valid for vehicles which do not ha ve automatic locking of the fuel filler
flap).
– Close the fuel filler flap until it locks.
The correct grade of fuel for your vehicle as well as the tyre size and inflation pressures
are stated on a sticker affixed to the inside of the fuel filler flap. Further information on
fuel page 192. The fuel tank has a capacity of about 55°litres or 60 litres
17).
WARNING
Pay attention to any legal requirements if
you do carry a spare canister in the
vehicle. We do not recommend carrying any fuel canisters in your vehicle for
safety reasons. The canister can be damaged in the event of an accident and fuel
may leak out.
Caution
Before refuelling it is necessary to switch off the auxiliary heating system (auxiliary
heating and ventilation) *.
Remove any fuel which has spilled onto th e paintwork of your vehicle immediately
- risk of paint damage!
On vehicles fitted with a ca talytic converter, never let the fuel tank run completely
empty. An irregular supply of fuel to the engine can result in misfiring and unburnt fuel
may get into the exhaust system, which may result in overheating and damage to the
catalytic converter.
Make sure that the valve is not pressed into the filler tube when inserting the pump
nozzle into the filler tube. Otherwise you ar e unintentionally filling up the volume,
which in case of heat can cause an expansion of the fuel. This can lead to an overflow
of fuel or damage to parts of the fuel reservoir.
The fuel tank is full just as soon as the pump nozzle switches off for the first time,
provided the nozzle has been operated properly. Do not continue refuelling - other-
wise the expansion volume is filled up.
A1
17)Valid for Octavia Combi 4x4 and Octavia Scout.
s43s.1.book Page 195 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM
Inspecting and replenishing197
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Working in the engine compartment
Particular care is required when carrying out any work in the engine
compartment!There is a risk of injuries, scalding, acci dents and fire when working in the engine
compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. For this
reason, it is essential to comply with the warning instructions stated below and
with the general applicable rules of safe ty. The engine compartment of your car
is a hazardous area .
WARNING
Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is flowing out of the
engine compartment - risk of scalding! Wait long enough until the steam or
coolant has stopped escaping.
Switch off the engine and pull out the ignition key.
Apply the handbrake firmly.
If your vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever into
Neutral, or if it is fitted with automatic gearbox, move the selector lever into
position P.
Allow the engine to cool down.
Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
Never spill oil and other fluids over the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the anti-
freeze contained in the coolant) may ignite!
Avoid short circuits in the electrical system - particularly on the battery.
Never place your hand into the radiator fan as long as the engine is still
warm. The fan might su ddenly start running!
Never open the cap of the coolant expans ion bottle as long as the engine is
still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
Cover over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir with a large cloth
when opening it as protection for your face, hands and arms from hot steam or
hot coolant.
Do not let objects, such as e.g cleaning cloth or tools lie in the engine
compartment.
If you wish to work under the vehicl e, you must secure the vehicle from
rolling away and support it with suitable supporting blocks; the lifting jack* is
not sufficient for this - risk of injury!
In cases where it be necessary to carry out inspection work when the engine
is running there is an additional risk fr om rotating parts (e.g. the V-ribbed belt,
alternator, radiator fan) and from the high-voltage ignition system. Please
observe in addition the following:
Never touch the electrical cabl es of the ignition system.
Absolutely avoid any jewellery, loose it ems of clothing or long hair from
getting into the rotating parts of the engine - Hazard! Therefore remove any
jewellery beforehand, tie up your hair and wear tight fitting clothing.
Please also comply with the warnin g instructions stated below when
carrying out any essential work on the fu el system or on the electrical system:
Always separate the car battery from the electrical system.
Do not smoke.
Never carry out any work close to naked flames.
Always keep a working fire extinguisher at hand.Caution
When replenishing fluids in the engine, always ensure that the fluids are on no account
mixed up. This may result in major oper ating problems and also vehicle damage!
WARNING (continued)
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Inspecting and replenishing199
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
It is normal for the engine to consume oil.
The oil consumption may be as much as 0.5
l/1 000 km depending on your style of driving and the conditions under which you
operate your vehicle. The oil consumption may be slightly hi gher than this during the
first 5 000 kilometres.
One should therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably every time after
the fuel tank is filled or after driving for long stretches.
We recommend maintaining the oil level within the range - but not above this, if
the engine has been operating at high load s, for example during a lengthy motorway
trip during the summer months, towing a tr ailer or negotiating a high mountain pass.
The warning light in the instrument cluster* will indicate page 30, “Engine oil pres-
sure ” whether the oil level is too low. In this case, check the oil level as soon as
possible. Top up with an appropriate quantity of oil.
Caution
The oil level must on no ac count extend beyond the range . Danger of damaging
the catalytic converter.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the
conditions prevailing to top up with oil. Switch the engine off and obtain professional
assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe engine damage.Note
Engine oil specifications page 237, “Technical Data”.Replenishing engine oil– Inspecting the engine oil level page 198.
– Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening.
– Pour in a suitable grade of oil in portions of 0.5 litres page 240, “Engine oil spec-
ifications”.
– Inspect the oil level page 198.
– Carefully screw on the cap of the filler opening and push the dipstick in fully.
WARNING
Avoid dripping oil onto hot parts of the engine when topping up will oil - a
risk of fire!
Read and observe the warning notes page 197, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.For the sake of the environment
The oil level must on no account extend beyond the range page 198. Oil will
otherwise be drawn in through the crankc ase ventilation and may pass through the
exhaust system to atmosphere. The oil ma y combust in the catalytic converter and
damage it.Changing engine oilThe engine oil must be changed at the intervals stated in the Service schedule or
according to the service interval indicator page 17, “Service Interval Display”.
WARNING
Only carry out the engine oil change, if you have the required professional
knowledge!
Read and observe the warning notes page 197, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
First of all, let the engine cool down, we ar an eye protection and gloves - risk
of caustic burns due to hot oil.Caution
You must not pour any additives into the engine oil - risk of engine damage! Damage,
which results from such product, are excluded from the warranty.
For the sake of the environment
You must on no account pour oil into the ground or into the sewage system.
AAAA
AA
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Inspecting and replenishing201
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Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Note
On vehicles which are fitted with an indepe ndent auxiliary heating and ventilation, the
volume of the coolant is greater by approx. 1 ltr.Inspecting the coolant levelThe coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment on the right.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet page 196.
– Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle fig. 164 . The coolant
level when the engine is cold must lie between the (MIN) and (MAX) mark-
ings. The level may also rise slightly above the (MAX) marking when the engine
is warm.
If the coolant level in the reservoir is too lo w, this is indicated by the warning light in
the instrument cluster page 31, “Coolant temperature/coolant level ”. We never-
theless recommend inspecting the coolant leve l directly at the reservoir from time to
time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the system. You should
not merely top up the coolant in the reservoir. It is also important to have the cooling
system inspected without delay by a specialist garage. Losses can only occur through the pressure
relief in the cap of the coolant expansion
bottle which is completely free of leaks if the coolant boils as a result of overheating
and is forced out of the cooling system.
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes page 197, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
Caution
One should contact a specialist garage as s oon as possible if the source of overheating
itself cannot be determined and removed, since there may be grave damage to the
engine.Replenishing the coolant– Switch the engine off.
– Allow the engine to cool down.
– Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir fig. 164 and
unscrew the cap carefully by turning it to the left .
–Top up the coolant.
– Screw the cap tight until it is heard to lock.
The coolant which you use for replenishing th e system, must comply with one specific
specification page 200. Do not use an alternative additive if the coolant additive
G13 is not available in exceptional cases. Just top up the system with water and as soon
as possible arrange adjustment to correct the mixing ratio of water and coolant addi-
tive again by a specialist garage.
Only use fresh coolant for topping up the system.
Do not fill up over the “MAX” marking! Excess coolant which is heated up is forced out
of the cooling system through the pressure relief valve in the cap of the coolant
compensation bottle.
Wait until the engine has cooled down for a system which has suffered a major loss of
coolant before pouring in coolant. This is necessary to avoid engine damage.
Fig. 164 Engine compartment: Coolant
expansion bottle
Ab
Aa
Aa
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Inspecting and replenishing203
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Driving Tips
General Maintenance
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Technical Data
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes page 197, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking, do not drive any
further - risk of accident! Obtain professional assistance.
Replacing brake fluidBrake fluid absorbs moisture. This causes the fluid to absorb moisture from the
surrounding air over a period of time. Excessive water in the brake fluid may be the
cause of corrosion in the brake system. The water content also lowers the boiling point
of the brake fluid.
One may only use new genuine brake fluid from Škoda Auto. The brake fluid must
comply with one of the following standards or specifications:
VW 50114
FMVSS 116 DOT4
DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
We recommend that you have the brake fluid replaced by an authorised Škoda
Service Partner as part of an Inspection Service.
WARNING
Using old brake fluid can result in severe stress on the brakes because of the
formation of vapour bubbles in the br ake system. This greatly impairs the
braking efficiency and thus also the safety of your vehicle.
Caution
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
In view of the problems involved with proper disposal of brake fluid, the special tools
and the professional knowledge required, you should have the brake fluid replaced by
a Škoda Service Partner.
BatteryWorking on the batteryFig. 166 Engine compartment: Polyester cover of the vehicle battery / plastic cover of the
vehicle batteryThe battery is located in the engine compartment in a polyester cover fig. 166 - left,
or in a plastic cover* fig. 166 - right.
– Open the battery cover in direction of arrow fig. 166 or press the interlock
on the side of the battery cover, fold the cover up and remove the battery.
– The installation of the battery co ver takes place in the reverse order.
The edge of the polyester battery cover fig. 166 - left is inserted between the battery
and the side wall of the battery co ver when working on the battery.
Removal and installation of the battery is not recommended since it can, under certain
circumstances, lead to major dama ge. Contact a specialist garage.
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and burns when carrying out any work on
the battery and on the electrical system. For th is reason, it is essential to comply with
the warning instructions stated below and with the general applicable rules of
safety.
WARNING
The battery acid is strongly corrosive and must, therefore, be handled with
the greatest of care. Always wear prot ective gloves, eye and skin protection
when handling batteries. Corrosive fumes in the air irritate the air passages and
A1
A2
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Inspecting and replenishing205
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Technical Data
An indicator for the electrolyte level, the so-called magic eye
page 204, fig. 167 , is
located on the top of the battery. The indicato r changes its colour in line with the elec-
trolyte level in the battery.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the in dicator. For this reason carefully knock on
the indicator before carrying out the check.
Black colour - electrolyte level is correct.
Colourless or light yellow colour - electr olyte level too low, the battery must be
replaced.
Batteries, which are more than 5 years old, must be replaced. We recommend you
have the battery checked or repl aced by a specialist garage.Caution
If the vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will discharge
because certain electrical components consum e electricity (e.g. control units) also in
idle state. You can prevent the discharging of the battery by disconnecting the negative
terminal or charging the battery constantly with a very low charging current. Please
also refer to the notes wh en working on the battery in “Working on the battery”
on page 203.
Note
Batteries with two-tone indicator, which are mounted as of factory, are marked
with a code which always begins with 5K0. The exact marking can be e.g.
5K0 915 105 D .
Replacement batteries with two-tone indi cator, which were obtained from Škoda
original parts, are marked with the code 000 915 105 Dx, whereby “x” stands for a vari-
able. The exact marking can be e.g. 000 915 105 DB.
Battery with a three-tone indicatorAn indicator for the electrolyte level and the charge state, the so-called magic eye
page 204, fig. 167 , is located on the top of the ba ttery. The indicator changes its
colour in line with the charge state of and the electrolyte level in the battery.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the in dicator. For this reason carefully knock on
the indicator before carrying out the check.
Green colour - the battery is adequately charged.
Dark colour - the battery has to be charged.
Colourless or yellow colour - electrolyte level too low, the battery must be
replaced.
Batteries, which are more than 5 years old, must be replaced. We recommend you
have the battery checked or repl aced by a specialist garage.Caution
If the vehicle has not been driven for more th an 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will discharge
because certain electrical co mponents consume electricity (e.g. control units) also in
idle state. You can prevent the discharging of the battery by disconnecting the negative
terminal or charging the battery constantly with a very low charging current. Please
also refer to the notes when working on the battery in “Working on the battery”
on page 203.
Note
Batteries with three-tone indicator, whic h are mounted as of factory, are marked
with a code which always begins with 1J0, 7N0 or 3B0 . The exact marking can be e.g.
1J0 915 105 AC .
Replacement batteries with three-tone indi cator, which were obtained from Škoda
original parts, are marked with the code 000 915 105 Ax, whereby “x” stands for a vari-
able. The exact marking can be e.g. 000 915 105 AB.
Inspecting the electrolyte levelThe battery is practically maintenance-free under normal operating conditions. We
do, however, recommend that you have the electrolyte level inspected from time to
time by a Škoda Service Partner when outside temperatures are high or when driving
on long trips. You should also have the electrolyte level page 206 checked each time
the battery is charged.
The electrolyte level of the battery will al so be checked as part of the Inspection
Service.
s43s.1.book Page 205 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM