2010 SKODA OCTAVIA TOUR wheel

Passive Safety
86

Ensure that all the windows offer a good visibility to the outside.

Safely attach the items of luggage page 57, “Loading the luggage compartment”.

Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedal.

Adjust the mirror, the front seat and the head restraint to match your body size.

Point out to your occupants that the head restraints must be adjusted to match
their body size.

Protect the children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat belts
 page 103, “Transporting children safely”.

Adopt the correct seated position page 86, “Correct seated position”. Also
inform your occupants to adopt the correct seated position.

Fasten the seat belt correctly. Also inform your occupants to properly fasten the
seat belts page 91, “How are seat belts correctly fastened?”.
What influences the driving safety?
The driving safety is primarily determined by the style of driving and the
personal behaviour of all the occupants.The driver is fully responsible for himself an d his occupants. If your driving safety is
effected, you place yourself and the oncomi ng traffic at risk. Please refer to the
following guidelines.
Do not get distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, e.g. by your occu-
pants or mobile phone calls.

Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, e.g. through medication, alcohol,
drugs.

Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.

Adjust the driving speed at all times to the road condition as well as to the traffic
and weather conditions.

Take regular breaks on long journe ys - at the latest every two hours.
Correct seated positionCorrect seated position for the driver
Correct seated position for the driver is important for safe and relaxed
driving.Fig. 89 The correct distance of the driver fr om the steering wheel/the correct head restraint
adjustment for the driverFor your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident, we
recommend the following setting:
Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance between the steering wheel and your
chest is at least 25 cm fig. 89 - left.

Position the driver seat in the forward/back direction so that you are able to fully
press the pedals with your legs at a slight angle.

Adjust the seat backrest so that you are able to reach the highest point of the
steering wheel with your arms at a slight angle.

Adjust the head restraint so that the top edge of the head restraint is at the same
level as the upper part of your head fig. 89 - right.

Fasten the seat belt correctly  page 91, “How are seat belts correctly fastened?”.
Manual driver se at adjustment page 11, “Adjusting the front seats”.
WARNING

The front seats and the head restraints must always be adjusted to match
the body size of the seat occupant as well as the seat belts must always be
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Passive Safety87
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correctly fastened in order to provide an optimal protection for you and your
occupants.

The driver must maintain a distance of
at least 25 cm to the steering wheel
 page 86, fig. 89 - left. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that
the airbag system will not be able to properly protect you - hazard!

When driving, hold the st eering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer
edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock po sition. Never hold the steering wheel
firmly in the 12 o'clock position or in another way (e.g. in the middle of the
steering wheel or at the inner steering wheel edge). In such cases, injuries to the
arms, the hands and the head can occur when the driver airbag is deployed.

The seat backrests must not be angled too far back when driving otherwise
this will affect proper operation of the se at belts and of the airbag system - risk
of injury!

Ensure that there are no objects in the footwell as any objects may get
behind the pedals during a driving or braking manoeuvre. You would then no
longer be able to operate the clutch, to brake or accelerate.
Correct seated position for the front passenger
The fro n t p assen ger must mai n tai n a d i stan ce of a t l ea st 25 c m from th e
dash panel so that the airbag offers him the greatest possible safety it is
deployed.For the safety of the front passenger and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an
accident, we recommend the following setting:
Adjust the front passenger seat as far as possible to the rear.

Adjust the head restraint so that the top edge of the head restraint is at the same
level as the upper part of your head page 86, fig. 89 - right.

Fasten the seat belt correctly page 91, “How are seat belts correctly fastened?”.
In exceptional cases the front pass enger airbag can be deactivated page 101,
“Deactivating an airbag”.
Manual front passenger adjustment page 11, “Adjusting the front seats”.
WARNING

The front seats and the head restraints must always be adjusted to match
the body size of the seat occupant as well as the seat belts must always be
correctly fastened in order to provide an optimal protection for you and your
occupants.

The front passenger must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the dash
panel. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag
system will not be able to properly protect you - hazard!

Keep your feet in the footwell at all times while driving. Never place your
feet on the dash panel, out of the window or on the seats. You will be exposed
to increased risk of injury if it becomes necessary to apply the brake or in the
event of an accident. If an airbag is de ployed, you may suffer fatal injuries when
adopting an incorrect seated position!

The seat backrests must not be angled too far back when driving otherwise
this will affect proper operation of the se at belts and of the airbag system - risk
of injury!
Correct seated position for the occupants on the rear seats
Occupants on the rear seats must sit upright, keep the feet in the foot-
well and must have their se at belts correctly fastened.To reduce the risk of injury in the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or an accident,
the occupants on the rear seats must observe the following:
Adjust the head restraints so that the top edge of the head restraints is at the same
level as the upper part of your head page 86, fig. 89 - on the right.

Fasten the seat belt correctly  page 91, “How are seat belts correctly fastened?”.

If you are transporting page 103, “Transporting children safely” children in the
vehicle, please use a suitable child restraint system.
WARNING

The head restraints must always be adjusted to match the body size, in order
to offer an optimal protection for you and your occupants.
WARNING (continued)
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Seat belts
90
The speed of the vehicle is, nevertheless, the most important factor. Doubling the
speed of the vehicle from 25 km/h up to 50 km/hour increases the kinetic energy four
times.
The common opinion that it is possible to su pport your body in a minor accident with
your hands, is incorrect. Even in a collision at only a low speed, the forces acting on the
body are such that it is no longer possible to support your body.
Even if you only drive at a speed within the range from 30 km/hour to 50 km/hour, the
forces which are produced on your body in the event of an accident can easily exceed
10.000 N (Newton). This equals a weight of one tonne (1 000 kg).
In the event of a frontal collision, occupants of the vehicle not wearing a seat belt, are
thrown forward and strike in an uncontrolled way parts of the interior of the vehicle,
such as steering wheel, dash panel, windscreen, page 89, fig. 91 - left. The occu-
pants of a vehicle who have not fastened their seat belts may even be thrown out of
the vehicle. This can result in fatal injuries.
It is also important that rear seat occupants fasten their seat belts as they will otherwise
be thrown through the vehicle in an uncontr olled manner in the event of an accident
A rear seat passenger who has not fastened the s eat bel t i s a dang er not o nl y to hims elf
but also for those seated at the front page 89, fig. 91 - right.Important safety information regarding the use of seat beltsThe correct use of the seat belts cons iderably reduces the risk of injury!
WARNING

The belt webbing must not be jammed in-between at any point or twisted,
or chafe against any sharp edges.

It is important that the belt webbing is properly routed if the seat belts are
to offer their maximum protection page 91.

No two persons (also not children) should ever use a single seat belt
together.

The maximum protection which seat belts can offer is only achieved if you
are correctly seated page 86, “Correct seated position”.

The belt webbing must not run across solid or fragile objects (e.g. specta-
cles, ball-point pens, keys etc.) as this may be a cause of injuries.

Bulky, loose clothing (e.g. a winter coat over a jacket) does not allow you to
be correctly seated and impairs proper operation of the seat belts.

It is prohibited to use clamps or other objects to adjust seat belts (e.g. for
shortening the belts for smaller persons).

The lock tongue should only be inserted into the lock which is the correct
one for your seat. Wrong use of the safety belt will reduce its capacity to protect
and the risk of injury increases.

The seat backrests of the front seats must not be tilted too far to the rear
otherwise the seatbelts can lose their effectiveness.

The belt webbing must always be kept clean. A soiled belt webbing may
impair proper operation of the inertia reel page 135, “Seat belts”.

The slot of the belt tongue must not be blocked by paper or similar objects
otherwise the belt tongue will not lock in place properly.

Inspect the seat belts regula rly to ensure they are in good condition. If you
find seat belts which have damage to the seat belt webbing, seat belt connec-
tions, to the inertia reels or to the lock, the relevant safety belt must be replaced
by a specialist garage.

The seat belts must not be removed or changed in any way. Do not make an
attempt to repair the seat belts yourself.

Damaged seat belts which have been subjected to stress in an accident and
were therefore stretched, must be replaced - this is best done by a specialist
garage. The anchorage points of the belts must also be inspected. The
anchorage points for the belts should also be checked.

In certain countries it is possible to use seat belts which differ in terms of
their operation from the seat belts which are described on the pages which
follow.WARNING (continued)
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Airbag system95
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When are the airbags deployed?The airbag system is designed in such a wa y that the driver and front passenger airbag
are deployed in the event of a violent frontal collision.
In the case of a violent side collision , the side airbag* on the side of the vehicle at
which the collision occurs, is deployed to gether with the relevant head airbag*.
In special accident scenarios, the front as well as the relevant side and head airbags
may be deployed together.
The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions, in the
case of rear-end collisi ons and vehicle rollover.
Deployment factors
It is not possible to state globally which deployment conditions apply to the airbag
system in every situation as the circumstances which exist in the case of accidents vary
greatly. An important role in this case is played by factors such as the type of object
against which the vehicle impacts (hard, soft ), the angle of impact, the relative speed
during the accident etc.
A decisive factor for the deployment of the airbags is the deceleration which occurs
during a collision. The control unit analyses the nature of the collision and activates the
relevant restraint system. If the vehicle deceleration which occurs and is measured
during the collision remains below the prescribed reference values specified in the
control unit, the airbags are no t deployed although the vehicle may well suffer severe
damage to the bodywork as a consequence of the accident.
The airbags are not deployed if:
ignition off,

a minor frontal collision,

a minor side collision,

a rear-end collision,

Rollover of the vehicle.Note

A grey white, non harmful gas is released when airbag is inflated. This is perfectly
normal and is not an indicati on of a fire in the vehicle.

In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed:
The interior lighting comes on (if the switch for the interior light is in the door
contact position),
 The hazard warning light is switched on,
 All the doors are unlocked,
 the fuel supply to the engine is interrupted.
Front airbagsDescription of the front airbags
The airbag system is not a su bstitute for the seat belt!Fig. 95 Driver airbag in the steering whee l/front passenger airbag in the dash panelThe front airbag for the driver is housed in the steering wheel fig. 95 - left. The front
airbag for the front passenger* is housed in the dash panel above the storage compart-
ment fig. 95 - right. The installation positions are each marked with the “AIRBAG”
logo.
The front airbag system is complementary to the three-point seat belts and offers addi-
tional protection for the head and chest area of the driver and passenger in the event
of a frontal collision. page 96
The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but is part of the complete passive
vehicle safety concept. Please note that an airbag can only offer you optimal
protection in combination with a seat belt which is fastened .
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Airbag system
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Apart from their normal protective function, a further task of the seat belts is to also
hold the driver and front passenger in a correct seated position in the event of a frontal
collision so as to enable the front ai rbags to offer the maximum protection.
You should therefore always fasten the seat be lts, not only because this is required by
law, but also for safety reasons and for your own protection page 89, “Why seat
belts?”.
Note
The dash panel must be replaced after the front passenger airbag has been
deployed.Function of the front airbags
Risk of injury to the head and ches t area is reduced by fully inflated
airbags.The airbag system is designed in such a way that the driver and the front passenger
airbag* are deployed in the event of a frontal collision of major severity.
In certain accident situ ations, the front, side and head airbag are deployed together.
If the airbags are deployed, the airbags are filled with a propellant gas and inflated in
front of the driver and front passenger fig. 96 . The airbags inflate in fractions of a
second and at a high speed in order to be able to offer that additional protection in the
event of an accident. The forward movement of the driver and of the front passenger
is cushioned when they make contact with the fully inflated airbag and the risk of injury
to head and chest is thus reduced. The specially developed airbag allows the gas
to flow out of the inflated airbag in a
controlled manner (depending on the load of the particular car occupant) in order to
cushion head and chest areas. The airbag then deflates subsequently to such an extent,
after an accident, to again provide a clear view forward.
A grey white, non harmful gas is released when airbag is inflated. This is perfectly
normal and is not an indicati on of a fire in the vehicle.
The airbag develops enormous forces when triggered, which can lead to injuries if the
sitting position or seated position is not correct page 96.
Important safety information regarding the front airbag system
Correct use of the airbag system cons iderably reduces the risk of injury!
WARNING

Never transport children on the front seat of a vehicle without using a
proper restraint system. If airbags are de ployed in the event of an accident, the
child might suffer severe or even fatal injuries!

For the driver and front passenger it is important to maintain a distance of
at least 25 cm from the steering wheel or dash panel fig. 97 . Not maintaining
this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to
properly protect you - hazard! The front seats and the head restraints must
always also be correctly adjusted to match the body size of the occupant.

It is essential to always switch off th e front passenger airbag when attaching
a child safety seat on the front passenger seat where the child is seated with its
back facing in direction of travel (in some countries also when the child is facing
Fig. 96 Deployed front airbags
Fig. 97 Safe distance to steering wheel
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the direction of travel)
page 101, “Deactivating an airbag”. If this is not done,
there is a risk of the child suffering seve re or even fatal injuries if the front
passenger airbag is deployed. The national legal provisions in certain countries
require that both the front, side and head airbags be deactivated. When trans-
porting a child on the front passenger se at, please comply with the appropriate
national legal provisions regarding the use of child safety seats.

There must not by any further persons, animals or objects positioned
between the front seated occupants and the deployment area of the airbag.

The steering wheel and the surface of the airbag module in the dash panel
on the passenger side must not be stuck onto, covered or modified in any other
way. These parts should only be cleaned with a dry cloth or a cloth moistened
with water. No objects such as cup holders, mobile phone mounts, etc. may be
attached to the covers of the airbag modules or be located within the imme-
diate area.

No modifications of any kind may be made to parts of the airbag system.
Any work on the airbag system includ ing installing and removing system
components because of other repair wo rk (e.g. removing the steering wheel)
must only be carried out by a specialist garage.

Never carry out changes on the front bumper or on the body.

Never place any objects on the surface of the front passenger airbag module
in the dash panel.
side airbags*Description of the side airbags
The side airbag together with the head airbag offers enhanced occu-
pant protection in the event of a side collision.The front side airbags are housed in the upholstery of the seat backrests of the front
seats fig. 98 .
The side airbag system in combination with the three-point seat belts, offers additional
protection for the upper area of the body (chest, stomach and pelvis) of the occupants
of the vehicle in the event of severe side collisions page 98.
Apart from their normal protective function, a further task of the seat belts is to also
hold the occupants of the front or rear exterior seats in position so as to enable the side
airbag to offer the maximum protection in the event of a side collision.
You should therefore always fasten the seat belts, not only because this is required by
law, but also for safety reasons and for your own protection.
Each time the side airbags are deployed, th e head airbag* and the front belt tensioner
on the side of the car on which the collision occurs, are automatically deployed at the
same time in order to provide the occupant with enhanced protection.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 98 Installation position of side
airbag in driver seat
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being deployed. When the deployed head airbag is inflated, parts of the acces-
sories fitted may in certain circumstances be thrown into the interior of the car
and cause injuries to the occupants 
page 157, “Accessories, changing and
replacing parts”.

Any work on the head airbag system including installing and removing
system components because of other repair work (e.g. removing headliner)
must only be carried out by a specialist garage.
Deactivating an airbagDeactivating airbags
If any airbags have been deactivated, switch them on again as soon as
possible so that they are able to again provide their proper protection.There is the technical means installed within your vehicle to switch off the front, side*
or head airbag* (take out of commission).
This is why you should have the deactivation of the airbags carried out by a specialist
garage.
On vehicles equipped with the switch for de activation of the airbags, you can deacti-
vate the front passenger airbag by means of this switch page 101.
Deactivation of airbags is envisaged only for particular instances, such as if:
you must in exceptional cases use a child seat on the front passenger seat where
the child has its back to the direction of tr avel of the vehicle (in some countries this
must be in the direction of travel due to other legal regulations applying) page 103,
“Important safety information regarding the use of child safety seats”,

you are not able to maintain the distan ce of at least 25 cm between middle of
steering wheel and chest, despite the driver seat being correctly adjusted,

special attachments are required in the ar ea of the steering wheel because of a
physical disability,

you have installed other seats (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side airbags). Monitoring the airbag system
The functionality of the airbag system is al
so monitored electronically when one airbag
has been switched off.
If the airbag was switched off using diagnostic equipment:

The warning light for the airbag system li ghts up for 4 seconds after switching on
the ignition and then flashes for 12 seconds afterwards in 2 second intervals.
Front passenger airbags switched off using the switch for front passenger
airbags* in storage compartmen t on the front passenger side:

the airbag indicator light in the instrume nt cluster comes on for about 4 seconds
each time the igniti on is switched on,

if the airbags are switched off, this is in dicated in the middle of the dash panel by
the lighting up of the indicator light

  fig. 102 - right.
Note
Your authorised Škoda Service Partner will be able to advise you whether national
legislation in your country allows airbags in your vehicle to be deactivated, and which
ones.Switch for switching off the front passenger airbag*Fig. 102 Storage compartment: Switch for swit ching off the front passenger airbag/indicator
light for a switched off front seat passenger airbagThe front passenger airbag is deactivated with the switch.
WARNING (continued)
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Intelligent Technology111
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Driving TipsIntelligent TechnologyElectronic stability programme (ESP)*GeneralThe ESP aids you in maintaining control of your vehicle in situations in which the
vehicle is driving at its dynamic limits, such as entering a curve fast. The risk of skidding
is reduced and your vehicle thus offers greater driving stability depending on the
conditions of the road surface. The system operates at all speeds.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stability programme:
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL),

Traction control system (TCS),

active driver-steering recommendation (DSR),

Antilock brake system (ABS),

Brake Assist,

Uphill-Start off-Assist.
The ESP system cannot be switched off, only the TCS system can be switched off by
pressing the button fig. 111 , the warning light
 lights up. Operating principle
The ESP switches on automatically when the engine is started and then conducts a
self-test. The ESP control unit processes data from the individual systems. It also proc-
esses additional measurement data which are supplied by highly sensitive sensors: the
rotational velocity of the vehicle about its ve
rtical axis, the lateral acceleration of the
vehicle, the braking pressure and the steering angle.
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering
angle and the speed of the vehicle and is co nstantly compared with the actual behav-
iour of the vehicle. If differences exist, such as the vehi cle beginning to skid, the ESP will
automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
The car is stabilised again by the forces wh ich take effect when the wheel is braked.
Intervention into the brake system takes place primarily on the outer front wheel of a
vehicle which tends to oversteer (tendency for the rear of the vehicle to break away)
while occurs this is on the inner rear wh eel of a vehicle which tends to understeer
(tendency to shift out of the curve). This braking control cycle is accompanied by
noises.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light
 flashes quickly in the instru-
ment cluster page 26.
The ESP operates in combination with the ABS page 115, “Antilock brake system
(ABS)”. If there is a fault in the ABS system, the ESP also does not operate.
The ESP warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a fault on the
ESP
  page 26.WARNING
It is also not possible for the ESP to overcome the physical limits of the vehicle.
Even if a vehicle fitted with ESP you should still always adapt your style of
driving to the condition of the road surfac e and the traffic situation. This partic-
ularly applies when driving on slippery and wet roads. The increased safety
Fig. 111 ESP switch
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