2010 SKODA OCTAVIA brake light

Driving and the Environment177
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
guidelines given in this chapter in order to
make best use of these characteristics and
to maintain their effectiveness.
The optimal engine speed should be obtained when accelerating, in order to avoid a
high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle.
Looking ahead when driving
A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs it accelerates.Avoid accelerating and braking unnecessarily. If you drive with forsight you will not
need to brake so often and will also then not have to accelerate so much. Let your
vehicle coast to a stop, for example, if this is possible, when you see that the next set of
traffic lights is at red.Shifting gears and saving energy
Shifting up early saves on fuel.Manual gearbox– Drive no more than about one length of your vehicle in first gear.
– Always shift up into the next higher gear at approx. 2 000 to 2 500 revs.Automatic gearbox– Depress the accelerator pedal slowly. Do not depress it beyond the kickdown
position, however. An effective way of achieving good fuel economy is to shift up
early. You will consume
more fuel if you drive at unnecessaril y high revolutions in any given gear.
The fig. 153 shows the ratio of fuel consumption to the speed of your vehicle in the
relevant gears. Fuel consumptio n in 1st gear is the highest, while that in 5th or 6th gear
is the lowest.
Only depress the accelerator pedal slowly if your vehicle is fitted with an automatic
gearbox in order to automatically select an economic driving programme. You will
achieve good fuel economy by shifting up early and shifting down late.
Note
Also use the information supplied by the multi-functional indicator* page 19.Avoiding full throttle
Driving more slowly means saving fuel.Sensitive use of the accelerator will not only significantly reduce fuel consumption but
also positively influence environmenta l pollution and wear of your vehicle.
You should avoid exploiting the top speed of your vehicle wherever possible. Fuel
consumption, pollutant emissions and vehicl e noises increase disproportionally at
high speeds.
The fig. 154 shows the ratio of fuel consumption to the speed of your vehicle. You
will cut your fuel consumption by half if you only make use three-quarters of the
possible top speed of your vehicle.
Fig. 153 Fuel consumption in litres/100
km. and speed in km/h.
Fig. 154 Fuel consumption in litres/100
km. and speed in km/h.
s43s.1.book Page 177 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM

Towing a trailer183
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Headlights
Before starting off with a hitched trailer, also check the setting of the headlights. Alter
the setting as necessary with the ai
d of the headlight beam adjuster page 56.
Detachable ball head
The ball rod is detachable on vehicles which feature a factory-fitted towing device. It is
stowed together with separate fitting instru ctions in the spare wheel well in the luggage
compartment of the vehicle.
Further information on the towing device page 184.
Note

We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between service inter-
vals if you tow a trailer frequently.

The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and decou-
pling 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 temperature 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 combina-
tion.
Driving speed
Do not drive faster than 80 km/hour for safety reasons. This also applies for countries
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 cond
itions, particularly near accident black
spots.
You must always reduce your speed immediat ely 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 downhill
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 engi ne speed when the outside temperature is
very high  page 16, “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 your speed immediately. Stop and switch off the
engine if the warning light
 in the instrument cluster begins flashing. Wait a few
minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle page 201,
“Inspecting the coolant level”.
Please refer to the following guidelines  page 31, “Coolant temperature/coolant
level ”.
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 of the
engine speed. One should also not drop a gear for this reason when towing a trailer as
long as the engine can manage th e slope without any drop in speed.
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Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle
188
Do not use window leathers which you have us ed to polish the vehicle body to dry off
the windows. Residues of preservatives in the window leather can dirty the window
and reduce visibility.
Do not affix any stickers over the inside of the rear window to avoid damage to the
heating elements of the rear window heater .
We recommend using a preserva tive from Škoda genuine accessories offered by your
Škoda dealer.
Caution
Never remove snow or ice from the glass parts with warm or hot water - risk of forma-
tion of cracks in the glass!The headlight lensesPlease do not use any aggressi ve cleaning or chemical solvent products for cleaning
the front headlights - risk of damage to the plastic lenses. Please use soap and clean
warm water.
Caution
Never wipe the headlights dry and do not use any sharp objects for cleaning the plastic
lenses, this may result in damage to the protective paintwork and consequently in
formation of cracks on the headlight lenses, e.g through effect of chemical products.Door and window sealsThe rubber seals on the doors, boot lid, bonnet and windows remain supple and last
longer if you treat them from time to time with a rubber care product (e.g. with a spray
with silicone-free oil). You also avoid premature wear of the seals and prevent leakages
in this way. It is also easier to open the doors. Rubber seals which are well cared for also
do not stick together in cold winter weather.Locking cylinderWe recommend that you use the spray from Škoda original accessories with regreasing
and anticorrosive effect for de-icing locking cylinders.
Note
When washing your vehicle, ensure that as little water as possible gets into the locking
cylinders.WheelsSteel wheels
You should also thoroughly wash the wheels and wheel trims when giving your vehicle
its regular wash. This prevents any brake dust, dirt and road salt from sticking to the
wheel hubs. You can remove stubborn brake abrasion adhering to the wheels with an
industrial cleaner. Touch up any damage to the paintwork on the wheels before rust is
able to form.
Light alloy wheels
Regular care of light alloy wh eels is necessary in order to retain their decorative
appearance over long periods. It is particul arly important to remove regularly any road
salt and brake abrasion from light alloy wheels, otherwise the light metal will suffer.
Wash thoroughly and then treat the wheels with a protective product for light alloy
wheels which does not cont ain any acidic components. We recommend to apply a
hard wax layer onto the wheel hubs every three months. You must not use any prod-
ucts which cause abrasion when treating the wheel hubs. Any damage to the paint
layer on the wheel hubs must be touched up immediately.
We recommend using a preservative from Šk oda genuine accessories offered by your
Škoda dealer.
WARNING
One should remember when cleaning th e wheels that moisture, ice and road
salt may adversely affect braking ef ficiency - risk of an accident!
Note
Severe layers of dirt on the wheels can also result in wheel imbalance. This may show
itself in the form of a wheel vibration which is transmitted to the steering wheel which,
in certain circumstances, can cause premature wear of the steering. This means it is
necessary to remove the dirt.
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Inspecting and replenishing
202WARNING

The cooling system is pressurized! Do not open the cap of the coolant
expansion bottle if the engine is still hot - risk of scalding!

The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.
Avoid contact with the coolant. Coolant vapours are also harmful to the health.
It is important, therefore, to always safely store any coolant additive in its orig-
inal container out of the reach of children - risk of poisoning!

If any splashes of coolant get into yo ur eyes, rinse out your eyes immedi-
ately with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.

You should also consult a doctor without delay if you have inadvertently
swallowed coolant.Caution
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the
conditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Switch the engine off and obtain
professional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe
engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Do not re-use coolant if it is necessary to drain the coolant in the system. It should be
collected and disposed of in compliance with environmental protection regulations.Radiator fan
The radiator fan may switch on suddenly.The radiator fan is driven by an electric motor and controlled according to the coolant
temperature.
The radiator fan may continue running for up to 10 minutes after the engine has been
switched off - even if the ignition is also off. It may also switch on suddenly after a
certain time, if
the coolant temperature has risen beca use of an accumulation of heat or

the warm engine compartment is heated up additionally by strong sunlight.
WARNING
You must therefore be aware when working in the engine compartment that the
fan may switch on suddenly - risk of injury!Brake fluidInspecting the brake fluid levelThe brake fluid reservoir is located on the left of the engine compartment. The brake
fluid reservoir on right-hand steering models is positioned on the other side of the
engine compartment.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet page 196.
– Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir fig. 165 . The level must be between
the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
A slight drop in the fluid level results when driving due to normal wear-and-tear and
automatic adjustment of the brak e pads, and is perfectly normal.
There may be an indication of a leak in th e brake system, however, if the fluid level
drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” marking. If the
brake fluid level is too low, this is indicated by the warning light page 34, “Brake
system ” lighting up in the instru ment cluster. In this case stop immediately and do
not drive any further! Obtain professional assistance.
Fig. 165 Engine compartment: Brake
fluid reservoir
s43s.1.book Page 202 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM

Wheels and Tyres211
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
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.
s43s.1.book Page 211 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM

Breakdown assistance217
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
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 assistance223
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
– Take the vehicle out of gear or move the selector lever into position
N if your
vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
– Note that the brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the engine is running. You will require significantly grea ter physical force to depress the brake
pedal and to steer th e vehicle if the engine is not running.
– Ensure that the tow rope is always kept taught.
Tow rope or tow bar
A tow bar is safest way of towing a vehicle an d also minimizes any shocks. You can use
a tow rope only if a suitable tow bar is not available.
The tow rope must be elastic to protect the vehicle. Thus one should only use plastic
fibre rope or a rope made out of a similarly elastic material.
Only attach the tow rope to the towing eyes provided for this purpose page 223
and page 224.
Driving style
Towing another vehicle requires a certain am ount of practice. Both drivers should be
familiar with the particular points about to wing a vehicle. Unskilled drivers should not
attempt to tow in another vehicle or to be towed in.
One should be constantly vigi lant not to allow impermissibly high towing forces or
jerky loadings. There is always a risk of excessive stresses and damage resulting at the
points to which you attach the tow rope or tow bar when you attempt to tow a vehicle
which is not standing on a paved road.
Caution
If the gearbox of your vehicle no longer contains any oil because of a defect, your
vehicle must only be towed in with the driven wheels raised clear of the ground, or on
a special vehicle transporter or trailer.
Note

Please comply with any national legal provisions particularly regarding the
switched on signal systems, when towi ng in or tow-starting another vehicle.

The tow rope must not be twisted as it ma y in certain circumstances result in the
front towing eye being unscrewed out of your vehicle.
Front towing eye
The towing eye is stored in th e box for the vehicle tool kit.Fig. 182 Front bumper: protective gr ille / installing the towing eyeCarefully remove the cover as follows.
– Guide the fingers into the opening fig. 182 .
– By pulling in the direction of arrow , first of all slacken the cover in the upper area on the side to the fog lights.
– Afterwards, also slacken the cover on th e other side in the direction of arrow
and remove it.
– Screw in the towing eye by hand to the left up to the stop fig. 182 - right and
tighten. For tightening, we recommen d that you use for example the wheel
wrench*, the lashing eye of another vehicl e or a similar object which you can push
through the eye.
– In order to reinstall the cover after screwing out the towing eye, first of all insert it
starting on the side facing the marking. Then press the cover closed on the side
facing the fog light. The cover must engage firmly.
AAA1
A2
s43s.1.book Page 223 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM

Fuses and light bulbs
228
Fuse assignment in the dash panelCertain electrical components are only stan dard on certain vehicle model versions or
only suppliable as optional equipment for certain models.
F15
Lambda probe
glow plug system relay
10
5
F16
Central control unit, right main headlight, right rear light
unit
30
F17
Horn
15
F18
Amplifier for digital sound processor
30
F19
Front window wiper
30
F20
Wa te r pump
valve for fuel dosing
10
20
F21
Lambda probe
Vacuum pump
10/15 20
F22
Clutch pedal switch, brake pedal switch
5
F23
Secondary air pump
Air mass meter
Fuel high pressure pump
5
10
15
F24
Activated charcoal filter, ex haust gas recirculation valve
10
F25
Pump for ABS
30/40
F26
Central control unit, left main headlight, left rear light unit
30
F27
Secondary air pump
Glow plug system
40
50
F28
Not assigned
F29
Power supply terminal 30
50
F30
Te r m i n a l X
a)
50
a)In order not to drain the battery unnecessarily wh en starting the engine, the electrical compo-
nents of this terminal are automatically switched off.No.
Power consumer
Amperes
No.
Power consumer
Amperes
1
Diagnostic socket, Engine co ntrol unit, Electrical fuel
pump
10
2
Control unit for ABS, ESP
5
3
Airbag
5
4
Heating, Air conditioning system, Reversing lights
5
5
Control unit for headla mp beam adjustment
5
6
Instrument cluster, control unit for automatic gearbox,
control unit for electromecha nical power steering, parking
aid, Haldex coupling
5
7
Not assigned
8
Not assigned
9
Not assigned
10
Not assigned
11
Not assigned
12
Central locking control unit
10
Fig. 188 Schematic representation of
the fuse carrier in the dash panel
s43s.1.book Page 228 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM