Inspecting and replenishing207
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Technical Data
We recommend having the vehicle checked by a Škoda Service Partner to ensure full
functionality of all electrical systems.
Replacing the batteryYou should only replace a battery with a ne
w battery of the same capacity, voltage (12
V), amperage and of the same size. Škoda Service Partners have a range of suitable
batteries available.
We recommend that you only have an old ba ttery disposed of by your Škoda Service
Partner since it does require special disposal.
For the sake of the environment
Batteries contain poisonous substances such as sulphuric acid and lead. They must be
disposed of in accordance with local environmental protection regulations and on no
account as domestic waste.
In view of the problems involved with it s proper disposal, we recommend having
the battery replaced by a specialist garage.
Windshield washer systemThe windshield washer reservoir contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen or rear
window and for the headlamp cleaning system*. The reservoir is located at the front
right of the engine compartment fig. 168 . The
filling level of the container is about 3 litres and about 5.5 litres on vehicles which
have a headlight washing system.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and headlights. We
therefore recommend using clean washing water together with the screen cleaner
from Škoda genuine accessories (in winter additionally with antifreeze) which is
capable of removing stubborn dirt. Follow the instructions for use on the packaging
when using screen cleaning products.
You should always add antifreeze to the cleaning water in winter even if your vehicle is
fitted with heated wind screen washer nozzles*.
It is also possible in exceptional cases to use methylated spirits when no screen cleaner
with antifreeze is available. The concentration of methylated spirits must not be more
than 15 %. Please note, however, that the anti freeze protection at this concentration is
only adequate down to -5°C.
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes page 197, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
Caution
On no account should you add radiator an tifreeze or other additives to the wind-
screen washer fluid.
If the vehicle is fitted with a headlight cleaning system, you should only add
cleaning products which do not attack the polycarbonate coating of the headlights to
the windscreen washer fluid. Please contac t your Škoda Service Partner, who will tell
you which cleaning agent you can use.
Fig. 168 Engine compartment: Wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir
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Wheels and Tyres209
Using the system
Safety
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Technical Data
The tyre inflation pressure for tyres of the tyre size 205/50 R17, which are intended to
be used with snow chains, is identical to the tyre inflation pressure for tyres of the tyre
size 225/45 R17, see
page 208, fig. 169 .
The tyre pressure should be at the highest pressure specified for your vehicle at all
times.
The tyre inflation pressure of the emergency spare wheel R 18 is 420 kPa (4.2 bar).
Always check the inflation pressure of tyres when cold. Do not reduce the higher pres-
sure of warm tyres. Adapt the inflation pressure of the tyres accordingly if your vehicle
is carrying a significantly higher payload.
Driving style
Fast cornering, sharp acceleration and brak ing (squealing tyres) increase wear-and-
tear on your tyres.
Balancing wheels
The wheels of a new vehicle are balanced. There are a wide range of influences when
driving which may result in an imbalance and which makes themselves felt through
vibration in the steering.
You should have the wheels rebalanced si nce any imbalance increases wear-and-tear
on the steering, the suspension and tyres. A wheel must also be rebalanced when a
new tyre is fitted and each time a tyre is repaired.
Wheel alignment errors
Incorrect wheel alignment at the front and re ar will not only increase wear-and-tear on
the tyres but will also has an adverse effect on vehicle safety. Contact your specialist
garage if you notice any unusual tyre wear.
WARNING
If the inflation pressure is too low, the tyre must perform a greater flexing
work. At higher speeds the tyre will warm up as a result of this. This can result
in tread separation and even a tyre blowout.
Immediately replace the damaged rims or tyres.
Tyres which are 6 years old or more should only be fitted in exceptional
cases and when adopting an approp riately cautious style of driving.
For the sake of the environment
Tyres which are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption.Wear indicatorsThe base of the tread of the original tyres has wear indicators 1.6 mm high, installed at
right angles to the direction of travel. These wear indicators are located at 6 - 8 points
depending on the make and are evenly spaced around the circumference of the tyre
fig. 170 . Markings on the walls of the tyres through the letters “TWI”, triangular
symbols or other symbols identify th e position of the wear indicators.
A remaining tread of just 1.6 mm, measured in the grooves of the tread next to the wear
indicators, means that your tyres have reached their legally permissible minimum
tread depth.
WARNING
You must have your tyres replaced with new ones at the latest when the
wear indicators have been worn down . The legally permissible minimum tread
depth should be observed.
Worn tyres do not provide the necessary adhesion to the road surface at
high speeds on wet roads. One could experience “aquaplaning” (uncontrolled
movements of the vehicle - “swimming” on a wet road surface).
Fig. 170 Tyre tread with wear indicators
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Wheels and Tyres211
Using the system
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Technical Data
The date of manufacture
is also stated on the tyre wall (possibly only on the inside of
wheel):
DOT ... 20 09...
means, for example, that the tyre was ma nufactured in the 20th week of the year 2009.
Any spare wheel which differs from the tyres fitted to the vehicle (e.g. winter tyres or
low-profile tyres) should only be used for a short time in the event of a puncture and
when adopting an appropriately cautious styl e of driving. It should be replaced as
quickly as possible by a normal wheel.
WARNING
Only use those tyres or wheel rims which have been approved for your
model of Škoda Auto vehicle. Failure to observe this instruction will adversely
affect the road safety of your vehicle - risk of accident! Approval and licencing
of your vehicle on public roads may also become void as a result.
You must on no account drive at a high er speed than is permissible for your
tyres - risk of an accident resulting from tyre damage and loss of control over
your vehicle.
Tyres which are 6 years old or more should only be fitted in exceptional
cases and when adopting an approp riately cautious style of driving.
Never fit tyres which have already been used without having adequate
knowledge of their previous history. Tyre s age even if they have not been used
at all or only very little. A spare tyre must only be used in exceptional cases and
only then when adopting an appropriately cautious style of driving.
Do not, where possible, replace individu al tyres but at least replace them on
both wheels of a given axle at the same time. Always fit the tyres with the
deeper tread depth to the front wheels.For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of in conf ormity with the appropriate regulations.
Note
It is not normally possible to fit wheels from other models of cars for technical reasons.
This may also apply in certain circumstances to the wheels of the same type of
vehicle.Wheel boltsWheels and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. Each time you
fit other wheels - e.g. light alloy wheels or wheels with winter tyres - you must therefore
also use the matching wheel bolts of the corr ect length and shape of spherical cap. This
is essential to ensure that the wheels are tightly fitted and that the brake system oper-
ates properly.
If you retrofit wheel trims (or have this done), please also ensure that an adequate
flow of air remains assured for cooling the brake system.
The authorised Škoda Service Partners are instructed in the technical possibilities
which exist regarding converting or retrofitting tyres, wheels and wheel trims.
WARNING
In case of incorrect treatment of the wheel bolts, the wheel can loosen when
the car is moving - risk of accident!
The wheel bolts must be clean and must turn easily. However, they must
never be treated with grease or oil.
If the wheel bolts are tightened to a too low tightening torque, the rim can
lossen when the car is moving - risk of accident! A tightening torque which is
too high can damage the bolts and threads and this can result in permanent
deformation of the contac t surfaces on the rims.Caution
The prescribed tightening torque of the wh eel bolts for steel and light alloy wheels is
120 Nm.
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Wheels and Tyres213
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Technical Data
Remove the
full wheel trims if you wish to fit snow chains to the wheels.
Observe the national legal requirements relating to the maximum vehicle speed with
snow chains.
WARNING
Please pay attention to the information in the supplied fitting instructions of
the snow chain manufacturer.
Caution
You must take the chains off as soon as you drive on roads which are free of snow. They
adversely affect the handling of your ve hicle, damage the tyres and are rapidly
destroyed.
Note
We recommend that you use snow chains from the Škoda genuine accessories.
Wheel size
Depth (D)
Ty re s i z e
6J x 15
a)
a)Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than 15 mm.
47 mm
195/65
6.5J x 15
a)
50 mm
195/65
6J x 16
a)
50 mm
205/55
6J x 17
b)
b)Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than 9 mm.
45 mm
205/50
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Breakdown assistance215
Using the system
Safety
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Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Breakdown assistanceBreakdown assistanceFirst-aid box* and Warning triangle* (Octavia)The first-aid box* is attached by a strap to the right-hand side of the luggage compart-
ment.
The warning triangle can be attached to th e trim panel of the rear wall with rubber
straps fig. 172 .
If you wish to equip your ve hicle additionally with a warning triangle, please contact a
specialist garage.
Note
Pay attention to the use-by-date of the contents of the first-aid box.
First-aid box* and warning triangle* (Estate car)For vehicles of the type estate car the firs t-aid box and the warning triangle are housed
in a compartment on the right side in th e luggage compartment. You can open the
compartment by turning the locks in the direction of arrow fig. 173 .
If you wish to equip your ve hicle additionally with a warning triangle, please contact a
specialist garage.
Note
Pay attention to the use-by-date of the contents of the first-aid box.Fire extinguisher*The fire extinguisher is attached with st raps in a holder under the driver seat.
Please read carefully the instructions whic h are attached to the fire extinguisher.
The fire extinguisher must be checked by an authorised person or company annually
(please observe the differing legal requirements).
Fig. 172 Placing of the warning triangle
(Octavia)
Fig. 173 Placing of the warning
triangle (Estate car)
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Breakdown assistance217
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Safety
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General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Spare wheel*The spare wheel lies in a well under the floor covering of the luggage compartment and
is fixed in place using special screws fig. 175 .
Before removing the spare wheel, you must take out the box with the vehicle tool kit
box page 216, fig. 174.
One should check the inflation pressure in the spare wheel (at best when generally
checking the tyre air pressures - see sign on the fuel filler flap page 208) to ensure
that the spare wheel is always ready to use.
Temporary spare wheel
A warning label displayed on the rim of the temporary spare wheel indicates that your
vehicle is equippe d with a temporary spare wheel.
Please observe the following notes when driving with a temporary spare wheel:
The warning label must not be covered after installing the wheel.
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h with this spare wheel and pay particular attention
while driving. Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
The inflation pressure for this spare wheel is identical to the inflation pressure of
the standard tyres. The temporary spare wheel R 18 must have an inflation pressure of
420 kPa (4.2 bar)!
Use this spare wheel only to reach the nearest specialist garage as it is not intended
for continuous use.
No other summer or winter tyres must be mounted on the rim of the spare wheel
R 18.
Changing a wheelPreliminary workThe following steps should be carried ou t before actually changing the wheel.
– If it is necessary to change a wheel, park the vehicle as far away as possible from
the traffic flow. The place you choose should be level.
–Have all the occupants get out. While changing a wheel, the occupants of the
vehicle should not stand on the ro ad (e.g. behind a crash barrier).
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
–Engage 1st gear or if your vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox, position the
selector lever into position P .
– If a trailer is coupled, uncouple it.
–Take the vehicle tool kit page 216 and the spare wheel* page 217 out of the
luggage compartment.
WARNING
If you find yourself in flowing traffic switch on the hazard warning lights
system and place the warning triangle on the side of the road at the prescribed
distance from your vehicle while observin g all national legal provisions. In this
way you are protecting not only yourself but also other road users.
Never start the engine with the vehicle si tting on the raised jack - danger of
suffering injury.Caution
If you have to change a wheel on a slope fi rst block the opposite wheel with a stone or
similar object in order to secure the vehicle from unexpectedly rolling away.
Note
Comply with the national legal regulations.
Fig. 175 Luggage compartment: Spare
wheel
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Breakdown assistance219
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Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Caution
Use the pressure of your hand, do not knock on the full wheel trim! Heavy knocks
mainly on the points where the full wheel tr im has not been inserted into the wheel,
can result in damage to the guide and ce ntering elements of the full wheel trim.
Check for yourself that the safety wheel bolt is located in the hole in the area of the
valve before fitting the full wheel trim onto a steel wheel which is attached with a safety
wheel bolt page 220.
Wheel bolts with caps*Pulling off– Push the plastic clip sufficiently far onto the cap until the inner catches of the clip
are positioned at the collar of the cap and detach the cap.Installing– Push the caps fully onto the wheel bolts.
The caps are located in the well of the luggage compartment.
Wheel trim caps*Pulling off– Carefully remove the wheel trim cap using the wire clamp fig. 177 .Slackening and tightening wheel bolts
Slacken the wheel bolts before jacking up the vehicle.Slackening wheel bolts– Push the wheel wrench* fully onto the wheel bolt
19).
– Grasp the end of the wrench* and turn the bolt about one turn to the left
fig. 178 .
Fig. 176 Removing the cap.
19)Use the appropriate adapter for slackening and tightening the safety wheel bolts page 220.
Fig. 177 Pulling off wheel trim cap on
light alloy wheelsFig. 178 Changing a wheel: Slackening
wheel bolts
s43s.1.book Page 219 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM
Breakdown assistance221
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Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
– Insert the adapter with its toothed side fu
lly into the inner toothing of the safety
wheel bolt right down in such a way that only the outer hexagon is jutting out
page 220, fig. 180 .
– Insert the wheel wrench* fully onto the adapter .
– Slacken the wheel bolt, or tighten it firmly page 219.
– Reinstall the full wheel trim/wheel cap afte r removing the adapter or place the cap
onto the safety wheel bolt.
– Have the tightening torque checked with a torque wrench as soon as possible.
Steel and light alloy wheels must be tightened to a tightening torque of 120 Nm .
The safety wheel bolts on vehicles fitted wi th them (one safety wheel bolt per wheel)
can only be loosened or tighten up by using the adapter provided.
It is meaningful to note the code number hammered into the rear side of the adapter
or the rear side of the safety wheel bolts. You can obtain a replacement adapter from
an authorised Škoda Service Partner, if necessary, by quoting this number.
We recommend that you always carry the adapter for the wheel bolts with you in the
vehicle. It should be stow ed in the vehicle tool kit.
Caution
Damage can occur to the adapter and safety wh eel bolt if the safety wheel bolt is tight-
ened up too much.
Note
The set of safety wheel bolts can be obtained from an authorised Škoda Service
Par tner.Jump-startingInitial stepsYou can use the battery of another vehicle for jump-starting yours if the engine does
not start because the battery on your vehicle is flat. You will require jump-start cables
for this purpose. Both batteries must have a rated voltage of 12 V. The
capacity (Ah) of the battery
supplying the power must not be significantly less than the capacity of the discharged
battery in your vehicle.
Jump-start cables
Only use jump-start cables which have an adequately large cross-section and insu-
lated terminal clamps. Please pay attention to the manufacturer's instructions.
Positive cable - colour coding in the majority of cases red.
Negative cable - colour coding in the majority of cases black.
WARNING
A discharged battery may already freeze at temperatures just below 0°C. In
case of frozen battery carry out no jump-starting - risk of explosion!
Please pay attention to the warning instructions relating to working in the
engine compartment page 197, “Working in the engine compartment”.Note
There must not be any contact between the two vehicles otherwise current may
flow as soon as the negati ve terminals are connected.
The discharged battery must be properly connected to the system of the vehicle.
Switch off any mobile phone, pay attention to the instructions for use of the mobile
phone in such a situation.
We recommend that you purchase the jump -starting cable in the specialist shops
of the battery manufacturers.
AB
AA
AB
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