Towing a trailer135
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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 48.
Detachable ball head
The ball rod is detachable on vehicles which feature a factory-fitted towing device. It is
stowed together with separate fitting instructions in the spare wheel well in the
luggage compartment of the vehicle.
Further information on the towing device page 136.
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.
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 153,
“Inspecting the coolant level”.
Please refer to the following guidelines page 28, “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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Towing a trailer
136
Detachable towing device*The detachable ball head of the towing device is stowed in a box for the car tool kit in
the spare wheel well in the luggage compartment.
An instruction for correct installation and remo val of the ball head of the towing device
is supplied with the ball head
Inspect the ball head to ensure that it is prop erly locked each time before setting off.
The inspection is performed by turning th e closed locking lever downwards. If the
locking lever can only be turned around a small angle (approx. 5°), the locking mech-
anism is O.K. After the inspection pull th e locking lever back again to its stop. The
towing device must not be used, if it does not wish to close or the locking lever turns
slightly in the closed position.
WARNING
Do not use any aids or tools for installing or removing the ball head. This might
result in damage to the locking mechanism to the extent that the safety of the
towing device is no longer assured - risk of an accident.
Note
Do not carry out any modifications or repairs to the ball head or to any other
components on the towing device.
Contact a specialist garage if you en counter any problems using the device.
Never unlock the ball head with a trailer coupled to it.
You should take off the ball head if yo u drive without towing a trailer. Inspect
whether the end cover properly seals off the mounting shaft.
Remove the ball head beforehand if you wish to clean your vehicle using a steam
jet. Ensure that the end cover properly seals the mounting shaft.
It is recommended to wear gloves when installing and removing.
Fig. 139 Detachable ball head
s2rc.book Page 136 Thursday, April 22, 2010 10:58 AM
Inspecting and replenishing151
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Oil level within range –You may top up the oil. It is possible that the oil level may then be within range
after doing this.Oil level within range –You must top up the oil page 151. It is sufficient, once this is done, to keep the
oil level within range .
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 if the engine has been
operating at high loads, for example during a lengthy motorway trip during the
summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a high mountain pass, but not above
this .
The warning light in the instrument cluster wi ll indicate whether the oil level is too low
page 29. In this case, check the oil level as soon as possible. Top up with an appro-
priate 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.
Replenishing engine oil– Inspecting the engine oil level page 150.
– Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening page 150, fig. 146 .
– Pour in a suitable grade of oil in portions of 0.5 litres page 149. – Inspect the oil level
page 150.
– 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 148, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.For the sake of the environment
The oil level must on no account be above the range page 150. Oil will otherwise
be drawn in through the cr ankcase ventilation and may pass through the exhaust
system to atmosphere. The oil may 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 18.
WARNING
Only carry out the engine oil change, if you have the required professional
knowledge!
Read and observe the warning notes page 148, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
Let the engine cool down - risk of burning from hot oil.
Wear an eye protection - risk of caustic burns due to oil splashes.
Oil is toxic! Store old oil in a safe place out of the reach of children and unau-
thorized persons until you dispose of it properly.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.
Ab
Aa
AcAb
AaAa
A2
Aa
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Breakdown assistance169
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
The spare wheel lies in a well under the floor covering of the luggage compartment
and is fixed in place using special screws
page 168, fig. 159 .
Before removing the spare wheel, you must take out the box with the vehicle tool kit
box page 167, fig. 157.
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 160) 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.
Use this spare wheel only to reach the nearest specialist garage as it is not intended
for continuous use.
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 road (e.g. behind a crash barrier).
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Shift up into the 1st gear . – If a trailer is coupled, uncouple it.
–Take the
vehicle tool kit page 167 and the spare wheel* page 168 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.Changing a wheelAlways change a wheel on a level surface as far as possible.
– Take off the full wheel trim* page 170 or the caps page 171.
– In the case of light alloy wheels remove the wheel trim cap page 171.
– Slacken the wheel bolts page 171.
– Jack up the vehicle until the wheel to be changed is clear of the ground
page 172.
– Unscrew the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface (cloth, paper etc.).
– Take off the wheel.
– Fit on the new spare wheel* and tighten the wheel bolts slightly.
– Lower the car.
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Breakdown assistance175
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
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 front towing eye is welded on behind the bumper on the right fig. 167 . The tow
rope or the tow bar must only be attached to this eye. The grille is secured with plastic
lugs at the points of the arrows. Remove the grille as follows:
– Grasp the grille on the ribs in the upper area. Press it in the direction of arrow and take it out in the direction or arrow fig. 167 .
– Install again by positioning first of all the lugs of the grille in the guides on the vehicle and press in the grille. The protective grille must engage firmly.Rear towing eyeThe rear towing eye is located below the rear bumper on the right fig. 168 .Tow-starting a vehicleIf the engine does not start, we generally do not recommend to tow-start your vehicle.
One should attempt to start the engine using jump start cables page 173 or call on
the services of the SERVICE mobile.If your vehicle has to be towed:– Engage 2nd or 3rd gear with the vehicle stationary.
– Depress the clutch pedal fu lly and keep it depressed.
– Switch on the ignition.
– Wait until both vehicles are moving then release the clutch pedal slowly.
Fig. 167 Front bumper: protec-
tive grille of towing eye
A1
A2
Fig. 168 Rear towing eye
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Fuses and light bulbs
180
Electrically adjustable seats are protected by automatic circuit breakers, which
switch on again automatically after a few seconds after the overload has been
eliminated.BulbsChanging bulbsThe relevant lamp must always be switch ed off before a light bulb is replaced.
Defect light bulbs should only be replaced with light bulbs of the same type. The desig-
nation is located on the light socket or the glass bulb.
Changing certain bulbs is not something whic h you can do yourself, but requires to be
done by a specialist. Other parts of the vehi cle must be removed in order to change the
13
Brake lights
10
14
Interior lighting, central locking system, interior lighting
(without central locking system)
10
15
Instrument cluster, steering angle sender, rear mirror
5
16
Air conditioning system
10
17
Heated windscreen washer nozzles
daylight driving lights
5
30
18
Right main beam
10
19
Left main beam
10
20
Right low beam, headlight range adjustment
15
21
Low beam on the left
15
22
Right parking light
5
23
Left parking light
5
24
Front window wiper, motor for wash pump
20
25
Air blower, air conditioning system, Climatronic
25
26
Rear window heater
25
27
Rear window wiper
15
28
Fuel pump
15
29
Control unit: Petrol engine
control unit: Diesel engine
15
10
30
Electric sliding/tilting roof
20
31
Not assigned
32
Petrol engine - injection valves
diesel engine - injection pump, control unit
10
30
33
Headlight cleaning system
20
34
Petrol engine: Control unit
diesel engine: Control unit
10
10
No.
Power consumer
Amperes
35
Trailer socket, power socket in the luggage compartment
30
36
Fog lights
15
37
Petrol engine: Control unit
diesel engine: Control unit
20
5
38
Luggage compartment light, central locking system, inte-
rior lighting
15
39
Hazard warning light system
15
40
Horn
20
41
Cigarette lighter
15
42
Radio, mobile phone
15
43
Petrol engine: Control unit
diesel engine: Control unit
10
10
44
Seat heaters
15
a)For power consumers, e.g. the radio, which can be operated with the ignition switched off as
long as the ignition key is not withdrawn.No.
Power consumer
Amperes
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Technical Data191
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Capacities (in liter)
Weight (in kg)
Fuel tank capaci
ty/of which spare
55/7
Reservoir for windscreen washer system/with headlight cleaning system
3/5,5
Engine oil
a)
a)Oil capacity with oil filter change. Inspect oi l level according to filling - see Owner's Manual.
3,2
Cooling system of the vehicle
5,5
OCTAVIA - M5
COMBI - M5
Permissible gross weight
1750
1770
Unloaden weight ready for work
1230
1245
Loading capacity
520
525
Loading capacity when using the TLC
470
475
Permissible front axle load
1000
1000
Permissible rear axle load
990
1000
Permissible trailer loads, trailer braked
850
a)/850
b)
a)For uphills up to 12%.b)Only country specific up to 8% uphill.
850
a)/850
b)
Permissible trailer loads, trailer unbraked
500
500
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Technical Data193
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Capacities (in liter)
Weight (in kg)
1.8 ltr./110 kW - EU4/EU3DEngineFuel tank capaci
ty/of which spare
55/7
Reservoir for windscreen washer system/with headlight cleaning system
3/5,5
Engine oil
a)
a)Oil capacity with oil filter change. Inspect oi l level according to filling - see Owner's Manual.
4,5
Cooling system of the vehicle
7,0
OCTAVIA - M5
COMBI - M5
Permissible gross weight
1790
1805
Unloaden weight ready for work
1260
1275
Loading capacity
530
530
Loading capacity when using the TLC
470
470
Permissible front axle load
1000
1000
Permissible rear axle load
990
1000
Permissible trailer loads, trailer braked
1200
a)/1400
b)
a)For uphills up to 12%.b)Only country specific up to 8% uphill.
1200
a)/1400
b)
Permissible trailer loads, trailer unbraked
500
500
Power output
kW per rpm
110/5700
Maximum torque
Nm per rpm
210/1750-4600
Number of cylinders
4
Displacement
cm3
1781
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