2011 SKODA OCTAVIA lights

Towing a trailer
Technical requirements Your vehicle is designed primarily for transporting persons and luggage. It can,
however, also be used for towing a trailer - provided certain technical equipment
is fitted.
If your vehicle has been
factory-fitted with a towing device or has a towing device
from ŠKODA Original Accessories, then the towing device satisfies all technical
and legal requirements.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection be-
tween the vehicle and trailer. If the trailer which you wish to tow has a 7-pin con-
nector, you can use a suitable adapter from
ŠKODA Original Accessories.
This work must be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's specifica-
tions if a towing device is retrofitted.
Authorised ŠKODA Service Partners can provide detailed information about retro-
fitting a towing device and for any necessary modifications to the cooling system. WARNING
We recommend that you have the towing device from ŠKODA Original Acces-
sories installed by an authorised
ŠKODA Service Partner. He is familiar with all
the relevant details relating to retrofitting such equipment. There is a risk of
an accident if the towing device is not properly fitted! 
General Maintenance Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must on no account be exceeded.
You can negotiate appropriately steeper inclines and descents if you do not make
full use of the permissible trailer load.
The trailer loads specified only apply for
altitudes up to 1000 metres above mean
sea level. The fact that the engine power output drops with increasing height due
to a lowering of air pressure and thus the ability to climb, means that the towed
weight must be reduced by 10 % for every further increase of 1 000 metres in height above sea level. The towed weight is the weight of the (laden) vehicle and
the (laden) trailer together. One should take this into account before driving up to
higher altitudes.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing device
are merely test data for the towing device The data relating to your vehicle,
which is often less than this test data, can be found in your vehicle registration
documents.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that any heavy items are located as
close as possible to the axle. Secure the items to prevent them slipping.
Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for that of

“fully laden”
⇒  page 192. The inflation pressure of the tyres fitted to the trailer adjust in ac-
cordance with the manufacturer's recommendation.
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the
traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. Both exterior mirrors
should be attached to folding arms. Adjust the mirrors so that they provide you
with an adequate field of view to the rear.
Headlights
Before starting off with a hitched trailer, also check the setting of the headlights.
Alter the setting as necessary with the aid of the headlight beam adjuster
⇒  page 49.
Detachable ball head
The ball head is detachable on vehicles with towing device and can be obtained
from ŠKODA Original Accessories. It is stowed together with separate fitting in-
structions in the spare wheel well in the luggage compartment of the vehicle. Note
● We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between service in-
tervals if you tow a trailer frequently.
● The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and de-
coupling the trailer. 168
Towing a trailer

Polishing
Polishing is only necessary if the paintwork of your vehicle has become unattrac-
tive and if it is no longer possible to achieve a gloss with wax preservers.
You must treat the paintwork with a wax preserver if the polish you use does not
contain any preserving elements ⇒ page 171.
We recommend using a preservative from
ŠKODA Original Accessories.CAUTION
● You must not treat mat painted parts or plastic with polishing products or hard
wax.
● Do not polish the paintwork of the vehicle in a dusty environment, otherwise
the paintwork can be scratched. 
Chrome parts First clean the chrome parts with a damp cloth and then polish them with a soft,
dry cloth. If this method does not completely clean chrome parts, use a specific
chrome care product.
CAUTION
Do not polish the chrome parts in a dusty environment, otherwise they can be
scratched. 
Paint damage Slight damage to paintwork such as scratches, scuffs or traces of chip damage
must be touched up immediately with paint (Škoda painting pen)
before any cor-
rosion can result. You can of course have this work carried out by authorised
ŠKODA Service Partners.
The authorised

ŠKODA Service Partners have a range of matching touch-up pens
or spray cans available in the colour of your vehicle.
The paint number of the original paintwork of your vehicle is indicated on the ve-
hicle data sticker ⇒ page 222.
Any corrosion which has already have formed must be removed thoroughly. Apply
a corrosion protection primer and then the paint to the affected point. You can of
course have this work carried out by authorised ŠKODA Service Partners. Plastic parts External plastic parts are cleaned by normal washing. Plastic parts and synthetic
leather can also be treated with special solvent-free plastic cleaning agents if a
damp cloth is not sufficient. Paint care products are not suitable for plastic parts. CAUTION
Solvent-free cleaners attack the material and can damage it. 
Windows Only use a plastic ice scraper for removing snow and ice from the windows and
mirrors. You should not move the ice scraper forward and backward but in one di-
rection on the window which you are cleaning in order to avoid any damage to the
surface of the glass.
You can best remove residues of rubber, oil, grease, wax or silicone by using a
special window cleaner or a special silicone remover.
You should also clean the windows regularly from the inside.
Do not use window leathers which you have used 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 . CAUTION
● Never remove snow or ice from the glass parts with warm or hot water - risk of
formation of cracks in the glass!
● When removing snow or ice from the windows and mirror lenses make sure
not to damage the paintwork of the vehicle. 
The headlight lenses Please do not use any aggressive cleaning or chemical solvent products for clean-
ing the front headlights - risk of damage to the plastic lenses.
Please use soap
and clean warm water. £172
Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle

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 conse-
quently in formation of cracks on the headlight lenses, e.g. through effect of
chemical products. 
Door and window seals The rubber seals on the doors, boot lid, bonnet, roof window and windows remain
supple and last longer if you treat them from time to time with a rubber care prod-
uct (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 cylinder Use specific products for de-icing locking cylinders.
Note
When washing your vehicle, ensure that as little water as possible gets into the
locking cylinders. 
Wheels Steel 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 wheels is necessary in order to retain their decorative
appearance over long periods. It is particularly 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 contain any acidic components. We recommend to apply a hard wax layer onto the wheel hubs every three months. You must not
use any products which cause abrasion when treating the wheel hubs. Any dam-
age to the paint layer on the wheel hubs must be touched up immediately. WARNING
One should remember when cleaning the wheels that moisture, ice and road
salt may adversely affect braking efficiency - 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. 
Underbody protection The underside of your vehicle is protected for life against chemical and mechanical
influences.
One cannot, however, completely rule out damage to the protective layer
when
driving so we recommend that you inspect the protective layer on the underside
of your vehicle and on the chassis at certain intervals - this is best done at the be-
ginning and end of the winter - and to touch up any damaged areas.
The authorised ŠKODA Service Partners have suitable spray products available as
well as the necessary equipment and are familiar with the instructions for use.
Therefore, we recommend you have such touch-up work or additional corrosion
protection measures carried out by an authorised ŠKODA Service Partner. WARNING
Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection agents for
the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, diesel particle filter or heat shields.
When the engine reaches its operating temperature, these substances might
ignite - risk of fire! 
Protection of hollow spaces All the cavities of your vehicle which are at risk from corrosion are protected for
life by a layer of protective wax applied in the factory. £ 173
Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

WARNING
● Never charge a frozen or thawed battery - risk of explosion and caustic
burns. Replace a frozen battery.
● Never charge a battery which has a too low electrolyte level - risk of explo-
sion and caustic burns. CAUTION
On vehicles with the “START/STOP” system, the pole terminal of the charger must
not be connected directly to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery, but only
to the engine earth ⇒ fig. 172. 
Disconnecting and reconnecting the battery On disconnecting and reconnecting the battery the following functions are initially
deactivated or are no longer able to operate fault-free.
Operation Operating measure
Electrical power window (operational faults) ⇒ page 41
Enter the car stereo/radio navigation system
code number see operating instructions for the
car stereo/radio navigation sys-
tem
Setting the clock ⇒ page 13
Data in the multi-functional indicator are de-
leted. ⇒ page 14
We recommend having the vehicle checked by an authorised ŠKODA Service Part-
ner to ensure full functionality of all electrical systems.

Replacing the battery When replacing a battery, the new new battery must have the same capacity,
voltage (12
V), amperage and be the same size. Suitable types of vehicle battery
are available from an authorised ŠKODA Service Partner.
We recommend you have a battery change carried out by an authorised ŠKODA
Service Partner, who will properly install the new battery and dispose of the origi-
nal one. CAUTION
Vehicles with a “START-STOP” system are fitted with a special battery type which
allows the battery control unit to check the energy level for recurring engine start.
This battery must only be replaced by a battery of the same type. For the sake of the environment
Batteries contain poisonous substances such as sulphuric acid and lead. For this
reason, it must be disposed of properly. Under no circumstances must it be dis-
posed of in the communal rubbish. 
Automatic consumer shut-off Under heavy load on the vehicle battery, the vehicle electrical system manage-
ment automatically takes various measures to avoid draining the vehicle battery.
●
The idling speed is raised to allow the generator to deliver more electricity to
the electrical system.
● If necessary, some electrical consumers are limited in their performance or are
temporarily switched off completely. Note
Despite such intervention by the vehicle electric system management, the vehicle
battery may be drained. For example, when the ignition is switched on a long time
with the engine turned off or the side or parking lights are turned on during lon-
ger parking. 
Windshield washer system Fig. 156 Engine compartment: Wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir
£190
Inspecting and Replenishing

The 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. 156 .
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 Original 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 ve-
hicle 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 concentration 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 181, Working in the engine com-
partment
before working in the engine compartment. CAUTION
● On no account should you add radiator antifreeze or other additives to the
windscreen 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 head-
lights to the windscreen washer fluid. Please contact an authorised

ŠKODA Serv-
ice Partner who will help you select a suitable cleaning agent.  191
Inspecting and Replenishing Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

The fire extinguisher must be checked by an authorised person or company annu-
ally (please observe the differing legal requirements).
WARNING
If the fire extinguisher is not correctly attached, in case of sudden manoeu-
vres 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 require-
ments.
● Pay attention to the expiration date of the fire extinguisher. If the fire extin-
guisher 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 kit Fig. 162 Luggage compartment: Storage
compartment for vehicle too kit
The vehicle tool kit and the lifting jack with sticker are housed in a plastic box in
the spare wheel ⇒ fig. 162 or in the compartment for the spare wheel. There is al-
so space here for the removable ball for the trailer towing device. The box is at-
tached with a strap on the spare wheel. The vehicle tool kit contains the following parts (depending on equipment fitted):
● Wire clamps for removing the full wheel trims,
● Plastic clip for a wheel bolt cover,
● Wheel wrench,
● Towing eye,
● Adapter for the wheel bolts lock,
● Replacement lamp,
● Screwdriver for removing the fog lights 1)
.
Before placing the lifting jack back in its storage area, screw in the arm of the lift-
ing jack fully. WARNING
● The factory-supplied lifting jack is only intended for your model of vehicle.
On no account attempt to lift a heavier vehicle or other loads - risk of injury!
● Ensure that the vehicle tool kit is safely attached in the luggage compart-
ment. Note
Ensure that the box is always secured with the strap. 
Spare wheel Fig. 163 Luggage compartment: Spare
wheel
The spare wheel lies in a well under the floor covering of the luggage compart-
ment and is fixed in place using special screws ⇒

 fig. 163. £1)
Valid for Octavia RS and Octavia Scout. 199
Breakdown assistance Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Before removing the spare wheel, you must take out the box with the vehicle tool
kit box ⇒ fig. 162 .
One should check the inflation pressure in the spare wheel (at best when general-
ly checking the tyre air pressures - see sign on the fuel filler flap ⇒ page 192) 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 equipped 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 at-
tention 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 in-
tended for continuous use.
● No other summer or winter tyres must be mounted on the rim of the spare
wheel R 18. 
Changing a wheel Preliminary work The following steps should be carried out 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 tyre, the occupants of the
vehicle should not stand on the road (instead they should remain 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 199
and the spare wheel ⇒ page 199 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 prescri-
bed distance from your vehicle. Comply with the national legal regulations. In
this way you are protecting not only yourself but also other road users.
● Never start the engine with the vehicle sitting on the raised jack - danger
of suffering injury. CAUTION
If you have to change a wheel on a slope first 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 wheel Always change a wheel on a level surface as far as possible.
–
Take off the full wheel trim ⇒ page 201
or the caps ⇒ page 201.
– In the case of light alloy wheels remove the wheel trim cap ⇒
 page 202.
– First of all slacken the safety wheel bolt and afterwards the other wheel bolts
⇒  page 202.
– Jack up the vehicle until the wheel to be changed is clear of the ground
⇒ page 203.
– Unscrew the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface (cloth, paper, etc.).
– Take off the wheel.
– Fit on the spare wheel and tighten the wheel bolts slightly.
– Lower the car.
– Tighten the wheel bolts firmly, alternately and diagonally using the wheel
wrench (crosswise) and lastly the wheel safety bolt ⇒

 page 202.
– Mount the full wheel trim/wheel trim cap or the caps. £200
Breakdown assistance

–
Have the tightening torque checked with a torque wrench as soon as possi-
ble. Steel and light alloy wheels must be tightened to a tightening torque of
120 Nm .
The safety wheel bolts on vehicles fitted with 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 stowed in the vehicle tool kit. CAUTION
Damage can occur to the adapter and safety wheel bolt if the safety wheel bolt is
tightened up too much. Note
The set of safety wheel bolts can be obtained from an authorised ŠKODA Service
Partner. 
Tyre repair kit General information The tyre repair kit is located in a box under the carpet in the luggage compart-
ment.
Use the tyre repair kit to reliably repair tyre damage caused by foreign bodies or a
puncture with diameters up to 4 mm. Do not remove foreign bodies, e.g. screws or
nails, from the tyre!
The repair can be undertaken on the vehicle immediately.
The repair with the tyre repair kit is not at all intended to replace a permanent
repair on the tyre, this repair only serves to reach the next specialist garage.
Do not use the tyre repair kit:
● to repair wheel damage,
● in outside temperatures of less than -20 °C (-4 °F), ●
with tears or punctures greater than 4 mm in size,
● to repair damage to the tyre wall,
● when driving with very low tyre pressure or with a completely flat tyre,
● if the use-by-date (see inflation bottle) has passed. 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 prescri-
bed distance from your vehicle. Comply with the national legal regulations. In
this way you are protecting not only yourself but also other road users.
● Park the vehicle as far away as possible from the traffic flow. Park on as
flat and firm a surface as possible.
● A tyre filled with sealant has the same driving characteristics as a standard
tyre.
● Do not drive faster than 80 km/h, 50 mph.
● Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
● Check the tyre inflation pressure after driving 10 minutes.
● Sealant is hazardous to heath. Remove immediately if it comes into con-
tact with the skin. For the sake of the environment
Used sealant or sealant whose expiry date has passed must be disposed of in ac-
cordance with environmental protection regulations. Note
● Observe the manufacturer's usage instructions for the tyre repair kit.
● You can purchase a new bottle of sealant from the range of the ŠKODA Origi-
nal Accessories.
● Change the wheel that was repaired using the tyre repair kit or consult a spe-
cialist garage about possibilities for getting repairs done. 204
Breakdown assistance