2010 SKODA OCTAVIA TOUR maintenance

Inspecting and replenishing153
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Caution

Other coolant additives may cause operational problems which, in partic-
ular, involves significantly reducing the anticorrosion effect.

Any faults or problems resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant
and, as a consequence of this, result in major engine damage.
Inspecting the coolant levelThe coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment on the right.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet  in “Working in the engine compartment” on page 148.
– Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle fig. 148 . When the
engine is cold, the coolant level must lie between the and markings. When
the engine is warm, the level may also lie slightly above the hatched part.
If the coolant level in the reservoir is too lo w, this is indicated by the warning light in
the instrument cluster
  page 28. We nevertheless recommend inspecting the
coolant level 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 148, “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. 148 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 152, “Coolant”. Do not use an al ternative 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 additive again by a specialist garage.
Only use fresh coolant for topping up the system.
Do not top up the fluid above the hatched pa rt! Excess coolant which is heated up is
forced out of the cooling system through th e 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. 148 Engine compartment:
Coolant expansion bottleAa
Ab
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Inspecting and replenishing155
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instrument cluster
page 31. In this case stop immediately and do not drive any
further! Obtain professional assistance.
WARNING

Read and observe the warning notes page 148, “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
authorised Škoda Service Partners.BatteryWorking on the batteryThe battery is located in the engine compartment below a plastic cover*.
– Press the interlocks on the sides of the battery cover fig. 150 and pull the cover
upwards see arrow .
– The installation of the battery co ver takes place in the reverse order.
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.
Fig. 150 Engine compartment:
The battery
AA
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Inspecting and replenishing157
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Battery with a two-tone indicatorAn indicator for the electrolyte level, the so-called magic eye fig. 151 , is located on
the top of the battery. The indicator changes it s colour in line with 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.
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 155.
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 accessories, are marked with the code 000 915 105 Dx, whereby “x” stands for
a variable. The exact marking can be e.g. 000 915 105 DB.
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 specialist garage when outside temperatures are high or when driving on
long trips. You should also have the electrolyte level page 158 checked each time
the battery is charged.
The electrolyte level of the battery will al so be checked as part of the Inspection
Service.Operation in winterThe battery has to provide greater amounts of electricity during the winter. It also has
only part of the initial power output at low temperatures that it has at normal temper-
atures.
A discharged battery may already freez e at temperatures just below 0°C.
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked by a specialist garage
before the start of the winter and recharged if necessary.
WARNING
Never charge a frozen or thawed battery - risk of explosion and caustic burns.
Replace a frozen battery.
Fig. 151 The battery: Show
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Inspecting and replenishing159
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Windshield washer systemThe windshield washer reservoir contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen or rear
window. The reservoir is located at the front right of the engine compartment
fig. 152 .
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 accessorie s (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 clea ning water in winter even if your vehicle
is fitted with heated windscreen washer nozzles*.
It is also possible in exceptional cases to use methylated spirits when no screen cleaner
with antifreeze is available. The concentratio n of methylated spirits must not be more
than 15 %. Please note, however, that the antifreeze protection at this concentration is
only adequate down to -5°C.
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes page 148, “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 specialist garage, who will tell you
which cleaning agent you can use.
Fig. 152 Engine compartment:
Windshield washer fluid reser-
voir
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Wheels and Tyres161
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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.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. 154 . 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. 154 Tyre tread with wear
indicators
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Wheels and Tyres163
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means, for example, that the tyre was ma
nufactured in the 50th week of the year 2008.
If the spare wheel* differs from the tyres fitted to the vehicle (e.g. winter tyres or low-
profile tyres), the spare wheel* should only be used for a short time in the event of a
puncture and when adopting an appropriately cautious style of driving. It should be
replaced as quickly as po ssible 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 circumstan ces 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 specialist garages are informed about the technical possibilities which exist
regarding converting or retrofitting wheels, tyres 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.Winter tyresThe handling of your vehicle will be significantly improved when driving on wintry
roads if you fit winter tyres. Summer tyres do not offer the same grip on ice, snow and
at temperatures below 7 °C because of thei r construction (width, rubber blend, tread
pattern). This particularly applies to vehicles which are equipped with low-profile
tyres or high-speed tyres (code index H or V on wall of tyre).
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Wheels and Tyres165
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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.
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Breakdown assistance167
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Breakdown assistance
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Breakdown assistanceBreakdown assistanceFirst-aid box*, Warning triangle* and bulb set*A space for stowing the first-aid box and the bu lb set is located in a well of the plastic
part under the floor covering of the lu ggage compartment behind the spare wheel.
A space for the warning triangle is located in the luggage compartment.
Note

Pay attention to the use-by-date of the contents of the first-aid box.

If you equip your vehicle additionally with a warning triangle or with a first-aid box,
you can purchase these from the ra nge of Škoda Original Accessories.
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).
WARNING
If the fire extinguisher is not correctly attached, in case of sudden manoeuvres
or an accident it can be “thrown” through the interior compartment and cause
injuries.
Note

The fire extinguisher must comply with the relevant and valid legal requirements.

Pay attention to the expiration date of the fire extinguisher. If the fire extinguisher
is used after the expiration date, its proper function is no longer assured.

The fire extinguisher is only supplied in certain countries within the scope of
delivery.
Vehicle tool kitThe vehicle tool kit and the lifting jack* are stowed in a box in the spare wheel*
 fig. 157 ; there is also space here for the detachable ball head of the towing device*.
The box is attached with a strap on the spare wheel*.
Fig. 156 Placement of fire extin-
guisher
Fig. 157 Luggage compartment:
storage compartment for vehicle
tool kit
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