2011 SKODA OCTAVIA roof

You can close and/or open the sliding/tilting roof by hand if the system is defect.
–
Position the flat blade of a screwdriver carefully against the rear edge of the
cover for the electrical drive at the points of the arrows 1 ⇒ fig. 23 on the left.
– Pull the cover down.
– Insert an Allen key, Group 4, up to the stop into the opening at the point of the
arrow 2 and close and/or open the sliding/tilting roof
⇒ fig. 23 on the right.
– Press on the cover again by first of all inserting the plastic lugs and then push-
ing the cover up.
– Have the fault rectified by a specialist workshop. Note
It is necessary after each emergency operation (using Allen key) to move the slid-
ing/tilting roof into the basic position. Here you have to turn the control dial for-
ward to the switch position A ⇒ 
fig. 22 and press for about 10 seconds.  43
Unlocking and locking Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Install
–
Position the luggage net partition housing into the mounts in the rear seat
backrests.
– Push the luggage net partition housing in the opposite direction of arrow 1as far as the stop.
– Fold the rear seats back into its original position. WARNING
Pay attention that the rear seat backrest is correctly interlocked. It is only
then that the three-point seat belt for the middle seat can reliably fulfil its
function. 
The roof rack Description CAUTION
● Only use roof racks approved by ŠKODA.
● If you use other roof rack systems or if the roof bars are not properly fitted,
then any damage which may result to your car is not covered by the warranty
agreements. It is therefore essential to pay attention to the fitting instructions
supplied with the roof luggage rack system.
● On models fitted with a power sliding/tilting roof, ensure that the opened slid-
ing/tilting roof does not strike any items of luggage transported on the roof.
● Ensure that the opened boot lid does not collide with the roof load. For the sake of the environment
The increased aerodynamic drag results in a higher fuel consumption. Note
If a vehicle is not factory-equipped with a roof rack, it can be purchased from the
ŠKODA Original Accessories Lashing points (Octavia)
Fig. 66 Attachment points for base roof
carrier
Perform the assembly and the disassembly according to the attached instructions. Note
● If you have any questions, please contact a specialist garage.
● The figure is not valid for an estate car. 
Roof load Distribute the weight evenly over the roof luggage rack system. The maximum
permissible roof load (including roof rack system) of
75 kg and the maximum per-
missible total weight of the vehicle should not be exceeded.
You cannot make full use of the permissible roof load if you use a roof luggage
rack system with a lower load carrying capacity. The load transported on the roof
luggage rack system must not exceed the weight limit which is stated in the fit-
ting instructions. WARNING
● The items which you transport on the roof bar system must be reliably at-
tached - risk of accident!
● You must on no account exceed the permissible roof load, the permissible
axle loads and the permissible gross weight of your vehicle - risk of accident!
● Please note that the handling properties of your vehicle change when you
transport heavy or bulky items on the roof bar system as a result of the dis-
placement of the centre of gravity and the increased wind attack area - risk of
accident! You must absolutely adapt your style of driving and the speed of the
vehicle to the specific circumstances. 73
Seats and Stowage Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Setting air conditioning system
Recommended basic settings of the control elements of the air conditioning sys-
tem for the respective operating modes: Set-up Setting of the control dial Button
Air outlet vents 3
A B C 1 4
Defrost windscreen and side
windows - free from mist
a) Desired tempera-
ture 3 or 4
 Is activated auto-
matically b) Do not switch on Open and align with the side
windowThe fastest heating To the right up to
the stop 3
 Switched off Briefly switched on Opening
Comfortable heating Desired tempera-
ture 2 or 3
   Switched off Do not switch on Opening
The fastest cooling To the left up to
the stop briefly 4, then
2 or 3  Activated Briefly switched on Opening
Optimal cooling Desired tempera-
ture 1, 2 or 3
 Activated Do not switch on Open and align to the roof
Fresh air mode - ventilation To the left up to
the stop Desired position
 Switched off Do not switch on Opening
a)
In countries with high humidity, we recommend you do not use this setting. This can result in heavy cooling of the window glass and the following fogging from outside.
b) The warning light in the 1 button lights after activation, even if not all of the conditions for the function of the cooling system have been met. As a result, the readiness for cooling is signalled when all conditions
are satisfied ⇒ page 88
, Description of the air conditioning system. Note
● Controls A ,
B ,
C and the
1 button and
4 ⇒
 
fig. 94 .
● Air outlet vents 3 ⇒ fig. 91.
● We recommend that you leave the air outlet vents 4 ⇒ fig. 91 in the opened
position. 
Recirculated air mode In recirculated air mode air is sucked out of the interior of the vehi-
cle and then fed back into the interior.
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from getting into
the vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or when standing in a traf-
fic jam. Switching recirculated air mode on
– Press the button 
4 ⇒ fig. 94
the warning light lights up in the button.
Switching recirculated air mode off
– Press again the button  - the warning light in the button goes out.
The recirculated air mode is switched off automatically if the air distribution con-
trol C is in position  ⇒

 fig. 94 . You can also switch recirculated air mode on
again from this setting by repeatedly pressing pushbutton  .
£90
Heating and air conditioning system

Voice control
Dialogue On vehicles which are factory-fitted with the navigation system Co-
lumbus, it is only possible to operate the voice control via this de-
vice, see the operating instructions for Columbus.
The period of time in which the system is ready to receive voice commands and to
carry them out is called a dialogue. The system gives audible feedback and guides
you if necessary through the relevant functions.
Optimum understanding of the commands depends on several factors:
● Speak with a normal tone of voice without intonation and excessive pauses.
● Avoid a bad pronunciation.
● Close the doors, windows and sliding roof, in order to reduce or stop disturbing
exterior noise.
● It is recommended to speak louder at higher speeds, so that the tone of your
voice is louder than the increased surrounding noise.
● During the dialogue limit additional noise in the vehicle, e.g. simultaneously
talking occupants.
● Do not speak, if the system makes an announcement.
● The microphone for voice control is inserted in the moulded headliner and di-
rected to the driver and front passenger. Therefore the driver and the front pas-
senger can operate the equipment.
If a voice command is not detected, the system answers with
“Sorry?” and a new
entry can be performed. After the 2nd error the system repeats the aid. After the
3rd error the answer “Procedure cancelled ” is given and the dialogue is ended.
Switch on voice control (dialogue)
● by briefly pressing the  button on the adapter
1)
⇒  fig. 112 ;
● by pressing the 1 button on the multi-function steering wheel for a longer
time ⇒ fig. 113. Switching off voice control (dialogue)
If the system is currently playing a message, you will need to end the message
currently being played:
●
by briefly pressing the  button on the adapter
1)
;
● by pressing the 1 button on the multi-function steering wheel for a longer
time.
If the system expects a voice command, you can end the dialogue yourself:
● Do some with the CANCEL voice command;
● by pressing the  button on the adapter
1)
;
● by pressing the 1 button on the multi-function steering wheel for a longer
time. Note
● The dialogue of an incoming call is immediately interrupted.
● The voice control is only possible in vehicles fitted with a multi-function steer-
ing wheel with telephone control or a phone holder and adapter. 
Voice commands Basic voice commands for operating the telephone control unit
Voice command Action
HELP After this command the system repeats all possible
commands.
CALL XYZ With this command you call up the contact from the
phone book ⇒ page 122. PHONE BOOK After this command, for example the phone book can
be repeated, a voice entry for the contact can be up-
dated or deleted etc. CALL HISTORY Lists of dialed numbers, missed calls etc.
DIAL NUMBER After this command a phone number can be entered
which establishes a connection to the requested par-
ty.
REDIAL After this command the system selects the last se-
lected number.
£1)
Not valid for vehicles which are fitted with the radio navigation system Columbus. 121
Communication Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Voice control
Dialogue On vehicles which are factory-fitted with the navigation system Co-
lumbus, it is only possible to operate the voice control via this de-
vice, see the operating instructions for Columbus.
The period of time in which the system is ready to receive voice commands and to
carry them out is called a dialogue. The system gives audible feedback and guides
you if necessary through the relevant functions.
Optimum understanding of the commands depends on several factors:
● Speak with a normal tone of voice without intonation and excessive pauses.
● Avoid a bad pronunciation.
● Close the doors, windows and sliding roof, in order to reduce or stop disturbing
exterior noise.
● It is recommended to speak louder at higher speeds, so that the tone of your
voice is louder than the increased surrounding noise.
● During the dialogue limit additional noise in the vehicle, e.g. simultaneously
talking occupants.
● Do not speak, if the system makes an announcement.
● The microphone for voice control is inserted in the moulded headliner and di-
rected to the driver and front passenger. Therefore the driver and the front pas-
senger can operate the equipment.
Switch on voice control (dialogue)
You can start the dialogue at any time by pressing the 1 button on the multi-
function steering wheel ⇒ page 125.
If the system does not recognise your command, it repeats the first part of the aid
and thus a new entry is possible. After the 2nd error the system repeats the sec-
ond part of the aid. After the 3rd error the answer
“Procedure cancelled ” is given
and the dialogue is ended.
Switching off voice control (dialogue)
If the system is currently playing a message, you will need to end the message
currently being played by pressing the 1 button on the multi-function steering
wheel. If the system expects a voice command, you can end the dialogue yourself:
●
Do some with the CANCEL voice command;
● by pressing the 1 button on the multi-function steering wheel.
Note
The dialogue of an incoming call is immediately interrupted. 
Voice commands Basic voice commands for operating the telephone control unit
Voice command Action
HELP After this command the system repeats all possible
commands.
CALL NAME After this command a name can be entered which es-
tablishes a connection to the requested partner. DIAL NUMBER After this command a phone number can be entered
which establishes a connection to the requested par-
ty.
REDIAL The last selected telephone number is selected.
READ ADDRESSBOOK The system reads the contacts in the telephone
book.
READ MESSAGES The system reads the messages which were received
while the telephone was connected with the hands-
free system. SHORT DIALOGUE Help is clearly reduced (good operating knowledge
provided).
LONG DIALOGUE Help is not reduced (suitable for beginners).
CANCEL The dialogue is ended.
Store voice recording of a contact
If automatic name recognition does not work reliably for some contacts, you will
can choose to save your own voice entry for the contact in the menu point
Phone
book - Voice Tag - Record.
You can also store your own voice entry using voice control in the menu FURTHER
OPTIONS . 128
Communication

Do not drive with winter tyres all year round for this costs about 10 % more fuel.
Winter tyres are also louder.

No unnecessary ballast Transporting ballast costs fuel.
The fact that every kilogram of extra weight increases your fuel consumption
means that it is worth taking a look in the luggage compartment to avoid trans-
porting any unnecessary ballast.
It is particularly in town traffic, when one is accelerating quite often, that the vehi-
cle weight will have a significant effect upon the fuel consumption. A rule of
thumb here is that an increase in weight of 100 kilograms will cause an increase in
fuel consumption of about 1 litre/100 kilometres.
You may frequently also leave a roof rack fitted on just out of convenience, al-
though you no longer need it. The increased aerodynamic drag of your vehicle
causes it to use about 10 % more fuel than normal at a speed of 100 - 120 km/h,
even when you are not carrying a load on the roof. 
Saving electricity Generating electricity costs fuel.
– Switch off electrical components as soon as you no longer need them.
When the engine is running, the alternator generates and supplies electrical pow-
er. If more electrical components of the electrical system are switched on, more
fuel is needed to operate the alternator. 
Keeping a log of your fuel consumption If you really wish to keep a close check on your
fuel consumption, it is best to en-
ter the figures in a logbook. This does not take much time but is a very worthwhile
exercise. It enables you to detect any change (positive and negative) at an early
stage and to take any appropriate action.
If you find that your fuel consumption is too high, you should reflect on how,
where and in what conditions you have driven the vehicle since you last refuelled. Environmental compatibility Environmental protection has played a major role in the design, selection of mate-
rials and manufacture of your new ŠKODA. Particular emphasis has been paid to a
number of aspects, including:
Design measures
● Joints designed to be easily detached.
● Simplified disassembly due to the modular structure system.
● Improved purity of different classes of materials.
● Identification of all plastic parts in accordance with VDA Recommendation
°260.
● Reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission CO
2.
● Minimum fuel leakage during accidents.
● Reduced noise.
Choice of materials
● Extensive use of recyclable material.
● Air conditioning filled with CFC-free refrigerant.
● No cadmium.
● No asbestos.
● Reduction in the “vaporisation” of plastics.
Manufacture
● Solvent-free cavity protection.
● Solvent-free protection of the vehicle for transportation from the production
plant to the customer.
● The use of solvent-free adhesives.
● No CFCs used in the production process.
● Without use of mercury.
● Use of water-soluble paints. £ 165
Driving and the Environment Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

There are no particular points to note before washing your vehicle in an automatic
vehicle wash system other than the usual precautionary measures (closing the
windows including the sliding/tilting roof, removing the external antenna, etc.).
If you have any particular attached parts fitted to your car - such as spoiler, roof
rack system, two-way radio aerial - it is best to first of all consult the operator of
the car wash plant.
It is important to degrease the lips of the windshield wiper rubbers after passing
through the automatic vehicle wash system. 
Washing vehicle by hand It is important to first soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse it off as thor-
oughly as possible before washing your vehicle by hand.
One should then clean the vehicle using a soft
washing sponge, washing glove or
a washing brush and only slight pressure. Work from the top to the bottom - be-
ginning with the roof. Only place slight pressure on the vehicle paintwork during
cleaning Only use a car shampoo for stubborn dirt.
Wash out the sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.
Clean wheels, door sills and similar parts last. Use a second sponge for such areas.
Rinse off the vehicle well after giving it a wash and dry it off using a chamois
leather. WARNING
● The ignition should always be switched off when you wash your vehicle -
risk of accident!
● Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when you are
cleaning the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims -
risk of cuts. CAUTION
● Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight - risk of paint damage.
● Ensure that the jet of water is not aimed directly at the locking cylinders or at
the door and panel joints if you spray your vehicle in winter down with a hose -
risk of freezing.
● Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar cleaning
products - risk of damage to the surface of paintwork. For the sake of the environment
Only wash your vehicle at washing bays specifically reserved for this purpose. This
ensures that no water which may be contaminated by oil flows into the sewage
system. It is not even permitted to wash your vehicle in certain areas except at
such specific washing bays. 
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner When you wash your vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, it is essential to comply
with the instructions for use of the cleaning equipment. This applies in particular
to the pressure
used and to the spraying distance. Maintain a sufficiently large
distance to soft materials such as rubber hoses or insulation material.
On no account use circular spray nozzles or so-called dirt cutters! WARNING
It is particularly important that you do not clean tyres with circular spray jets.
Visible but also invisible damage to tyres may occur even at a relatively large
spraying distance and if sprayed only for a short time - risk of accident! CAUTION
The water containing wax must be no hotter than 60 °C, otherwise the vehicle
can be damaged. 
Wax treatment Good wax treatment is an effective way of protecting the paintwork from harmful
environmental influences and minor mechanical damage.
The vehicle must be treated with a high-quality hard wax polish at the latest,
when no more drops form on the clean paintwork.
A new layer of a high-quality hard wax polish can be applied to the clean body-
work after it has dried thoroughly. Even if you use a wax preserver regularly we
still recommend that you treat the paintwork of the vehicle at least twice a year
with hard wax. CAUTION
Never apply wax to the windows.  171
Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

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