2011 SKODA OCTAVIA fuel

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

Trade-in and recycling of old cars
ŠKODA meets the requirements of the brand and its products regarding environ-
ment and resource protection. All new
ŠKODA vehicles can be utilized up to 95 %
and always 1)
be returned. In a lot of countries sufficient trade-in networks have
been created, where you can trade-in your vehicle. After you trade-in your vehicle,
you will receive a confirmation stating the recycling in accordance with environ-
mental regulations.
Vehicles with special built-on types
Technical documents regarding changes carried out on the vehicle must be kept
by the vehicle user, in order to hand over later to the old car user. This ensures the
recycling in accordance with environmental regulations. Note
Detailed information about the trade-in and recycling of old cars is available from
a ŠKODA Service Partner. 
Motoring abroad General Other circumstances may exist abroad.
It is also possible, in certain countries, that the
ŠKODA Service Partner network is
limited or has not been established yet. This is the reason why obtaining certain
spare parts may be somewhat complicated and specialist garage personnel may
only be able to make limited repairs. ŠKODA in the Czech Republic and its foreign
importers are happy to provide information about technical aspects of the vehicle,
required maintenance work and possibilities for getting repairs done. 
Unleaded petrol A vehicle fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded pet-
rol
⇒ page 161

. The automobile associations can provide you with information re-
garding the locations of filling stations which offer unleaded petrol. Headlight The low beam of your headlights is set asymmetrically. It illuminates the side of
the road on which you are driving to a greater extent. If you drive abroad on the
other side of the road, you will dazzle oncoming traffic.
In order to prevent the dazzling of oncoming traffic, it is necessary that an adjust-
ment of the headlights is carried out by a specialist garage.
The adaptation of the headlights with Xenon lights (applies only to vehicles which
are designed for driving on the left and on the right) is performed in the menu
Settings Lights & Vision Travel mode in the main menu of the Information display
⇒  page 17

. 
Avoiding damage to your vehicle When driving on poor roads and lanes or when driving over kerb stones, steep
ramps, etc., you must pay particular attention to ensuring that any low-slung parts
of the vehicle, such as spoiler and exhaust, do not touch the ground and get dam-
aged.
This particularly applies to models with a lowered suspension (sport suspension)
and also when your vehicle is fully laden. 
Driving through bodies of water on roads Fig. 145 Crossing bodies of water
£1)
Subject to fulfilment of the national legal requirements. 166
Driving and the Environment

Fuel
Petrol
Unleaded petrol Your vehicle can only be operated with
unleaded petrol, which complies with the
standard EN 228 (In Germany: standard DIN 51626 - 1 or E10 for unleaded fuel with
octane rating 95 RON and 91 RON or DIN 51626 - 2 or E5 for unleaded fuel with
octane rating 95 RON and 98 RON). On the inside of the fuel filler flap, you will
find the information regarding the RON required by your engine ⇒
 fig. 147 - right.
Prescribed fuel - unleaded petrol 95/91 RON
Use unleaded fuel with the octane rating 95 RON. You can also use unleaded pet-
rol 91 RON, but this leads to a slight loss in performance.
If, in case of necessity, the vehicle must be refuelled with petrol of a lower octane
number than the one prescribed, you must continue driving at medium engine
speeds and low engine load. Driving at high engine revs or a high engine load can
severely damage the engine! Refuel as soon as possible with petrol of the prescri-
bed octane number.
Prescribed fuel - unleaded petrol min. 95 RON
Use unleaded fuel with the octane rating 95 RON.
In case of necessity, you can refuel with petrol with the octane rating 91 RON if
petrol with the octane rating 95 RON is not available. You must continue driving at
medium engine speeds and minimum engine load. Driving at high engine revs or a
high engine load can severely damage the engine! Refuel as soon as possible with
petrol of the prescribed octane number.
Even in case of necessity, you must not use petrol of a lower octane number than
91 RON, otherwise the engine can be severely damaged!
You can find further information on refuelling ⇒ page 178, Refuelling.
Unleaded petrol with higher octane number
You can make unlimited use of unleaded petrol which has a higher octane number
than the one prescribed.
On vehicles with prescribed unleaded petrol 95/91 RON, the use of petrol with a
higher octane number than 95 RON does not result in a noticeable power increase
or a lower fuel consumption. On vehicles with prescribed unleaded petrol
min. 95 RON, the use of petrol with a
higher octane number than 95 RON does not result in a power increase or a lower
fuel consumption.
Prescribed fuel - unleaded petrol 98/95 RON
Use unleaded fuel with the octane rating 98 RON. You can also use unleaded pet-
rol 95 RON, but this leads to a slight loss in performance.
In case of necessity, you can refuel with petrol with the octane rating 91 RON of
unleaded fuel with octane rating 98

RON or 95 RON is not available. You must
continue driving at medium engine speeds and minimum engine load. Driving at
high engine revs or a high engine load can severely damage the engine! Refuel as
soon as possible with petrol of the prescribed octane number.
Even in case of necessity, you must not use petrol of a lower octane number than
91 RON, otherwise the engine can be severely damaged!
Fuel additives
Your vehicle can only be operated with unleaded petrol, which complies with the
standard EN 228 (in Germany: standard DIN 51626 - 1 or E10 for unleaded fuel with
octane rating 95 RON and 91 RON or DIN 51626 - 2 or E5 for unleaded fuel with
octane rating 95 RON and 98 RON). These meet all requirements for troublefree
engine operation. Therefore, we do not recommend the use of fuel additives. CAUTION
● All
ŠKODA vehicles with petrol engines are equipped with a catalytic converter
and must be driven only with unleaded petrol. Filling the tank even only once with
leaded petrol will result in the catalytic converter being destroyed!
● If you use petrol with a lower octane number than the one prescribed, the en-
gine can be severely damaged!
● The use of improper fuel additives can cause serious damage to the engine or
the catalytic converter. In no case may fuel additives with metal components be
used, especially not with manganese and iron content.
● Fuels with metallic content may not be used. Risk of engine or catalytic con-
verter damage!
● LRP (lead replacement petrol) fuels with metallic components may not be
used. Risk of engine or catalytic converter damage! 176
Fuel

Biofuel Ethanol E85
Ethanol E85 Only valid for vehicles with 1.6/75°kW MultiFuel engine.
Biofuel Ethanol E85 consists of 85 % bioethanol and 15 % unleaded petrol com-
plying with the standard (DIN) EN°228.
Biofuel Ethanol E85 in accordance with the standard (DIN) EN 228 can be mixed in
any desired ratio with unleaded petrol.
Drive the vehicle for at least 5 minutes without interruption, if biofuel Ethanol E85
has been refuelled, so that the engine control unit can determine the share of the
biofuel in the fuel. During this period do not drive at top speed of your vehicle or
high engine speeds and not at full throttle. During this process decrease the idling
speed. WARNING
Pay attention to any legal requirements if you do carry a spare canister in the
vehicle. We do not recommend carrying any fuel canisters in your vehicle for
safety reasons. The canister can be damaged in the event of an accident and
fuel may leak out. CAUTION
● Even inadvertently filling the fuel tank with another biofuel such as Ethanol
°E85 can result in damage to the fuel system.
● If you park your vehicle for a lengthy period, fill with petrol complying with
(DIN) EN°228, because Ethanol E85 can contain low quantities of impurities, which
can lead to corrosion. For the sake of the environment
If you use Ethanol E85, the CO 2 emission of your vehicle is lowered up to 5 %. Note
● When operating with Ethanol E85, the fuel consumption increases by approx
33 %, as a lower quantity of energy is contained in the bioethanol than in unlea-
ded petrol.
● Biofuel Ethanol E85 contains only a low quantity of additives in contrast to un-
leaded petrol. Therefore we recommend to fill up the tank with unleaded petrol
complying with EN 228 every 15 000 km (e.g. before the oil change) and run it
empty, so that the engine remains clean. Make sure not to use the whole content
of the tank ⇒ page 178, Refuelling
.
● The interval of 15 000 km applies for the oil change. 
Operation in winter Fig. 146 MultiFuel - power socket
If you use biofuel Ethanol E85 at very low temperatures, it is necessary to preheat
the engine before an engine start.
The power socket for the engine preheating is located in the front bumper next to
the fog light ⇒

 fig. 146 . The outside temperature Duration of engine preheating
lower than -10
℃ We recommend up to 1 hour
lower than -15
℃ at least 1 hours.
lower than -25
℃ at least 2 hours.
If an engine preheating is not possible at outside temperatures lower than -10 °C,
the share of unleaded petrol complying with EN 228 must be as high as possible.
Thus the cold start property of the engine is clearly improved.
If there is biofuel Ethanol E85 in the tank and the engine is not preheated, it can
lead at temperatures below -15 °C to very poor or no starting of the engine. £ 177
Fuel Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

For the sake of the environment
The use of engine preheating at temperatures below -10 °C has a positive effect
on the fuel consumption and thus on the environment. Note
An extension cable used for connecting to the electrical network is located in the
luggage compartment. 
Diesel Diesel fuel Your vehicle can only be operated with
diesel fuel, which complies with the stand-
ard EN 590 (standard DIN 51628 in Germany, standard ÖNORM
C 1590 in Austria,
GOST R 52368-2005/EN 590:2004 in Russia).
Fuel additives
You must not use fuel additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and similar
products) in diesel fuel.
You can find information on refuelling ⇒ page 178, Refuelling. CAUTION
● Your vehicle can only be operated with diesel fuel, which complies with the
standard EN 590 (standard DIN 51628 in Germany, standard ÖNORM

C 1590 in
Austria, GOST R 52368-2005/EN 590:2004 in Russia). Filling the tank even only
once with diesel fuel which does not comply with the standard, can result in dam-
age to the engine parts, the lubrication system, the fuel and exhaust system.
● If by mistake you have refuelled with a different fuel other than the diesel fuel
which complies to the above mentioned standards (e.
g. petrol), do not start the
engine or switch on the ignition! Severe damage damage is possible! Contact a
specialist garage and have the fuel system of the engine cleaned.
● Water which has collected in the fuel filter can result in engine problems.
● Your vehicle is not adapted for use of biofuel (RME), therefore this fuel must
not be refuelled and driven. The use of biofuel (RME) can lead to damage to the
engine or the fuel system. Operation in winter Winter-grade diesel fuel
A different grade of diesel fuel is available at filling stations in winter than during
the summer. Using

“summer-grade diesel fuel” at temperatures below 0 °C can re-
sult in operational problems because the diesel becomes viscous as a result of
paraffin separation.
It is therefore the case that the standard EN 590 (standard DIN 51628 in Germany,
standard ÖNORM C 1590 in Austria, GOST R 52368-2005/EN 590:2004 in Russia)
is the diesel fuel class prescribed for certain periods of the year which can also be
purchased at the corresponding time during the year. “Winter-grade diesel fuel”
will still operate properly even at a temperature of -20 °C.
It is often the case in countries with different climatic conditions that diesel fuels
available have a different temperature characteristic. The authorised ŠKODA Serv-
ice Partners and filling stations in the country concerned will be able to provide
you with information regarding the diesel fuels available.
Preheating fuel
The vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter preheating system. This secures operation of
a vehicle using diesel fuel down to an environmental temperature of -25 °C. CAUTION
It is not permitted to add the various fuel additives on the market, including pet-
rol, to diesel fuel in order to improve its flow properties. 
Refuelling Fig. 147 Right rear side of the vehicle: Open fuel filler flap/fuel filler flap with cap unscrewed
£178
Fuel

The filler flap is automatically unlocked or locked with the central locking.
Opening the fuel filler cap
–
Press in the middle of the left area of the fuel filler flap in direction of arrow 1⇒ fig. 147.
– Hold the fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube with one hand and unlock it by
turning the vehicle key to the left (only valid for vehicles which do not have
automatic unlocking of the fuel filler flap).
– Unscrew the fuel filler cap anti-clockwise and place the fuel filler cap from
above on the fuel filler flap ⇒ fig. 147 - right.
Closing fuel filler cap
– Screw on the cap by turning it to the right until it is heard to lock.
– Hold the fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube with one hand and lock it by turn-
ing the vehicle key to the right (only valid for vehicles which do not have auto-
matic locking of the fuel filler flap).
– Close the fuel filler flap until it locks.
The correct grade of fuel for your vehicle as well as the tyre size and inflation
pressures are stated on a sticker affixed to the inside of the fuel filler flap. Further
information on fuel ⇒
 page 176.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 55 litres or 60 litres 1)
. WARNING
Pay attention to any legal requirements if you do carry a spare canister in the
vehicle. We do not recommend carrying any fuel canisters in your vehicle for
safety reasons. The canister can be damaged in the event of an accident and
fuel may leak out. CAUTION
● Before refuelling it is necessary to switch off the auxiliary heating system
(auxiliary heating and ventilation).
● Remove any fuel which has spilled onto the paintwork of your vehicle immedi-
ately - risk of paint damage! ●
On vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter, never let the fuel tank run com-
pletely empty. An irregular supply of fuel to the engine can result in misfiring and
unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system, which may result in overheating
and damage to the catalytic converter.
● The fuel tank is full just as soon as the pump nozzle switches off for the first
time, provided the nozzle has been operated properly. Do not continue refuelling -
otherwise the expansion volume is filled up. 1)
Valid for Octavia Combi 4x4 and Octavia Scout. 179
Fuel Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Working in the engine compartment
Particular care is required when carrying out any work in the en-
gine compartment!
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the en-
gine compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. For this
reason, it is essential to comply with the warning instructions stated below and
with the general applicable rules of safety. The engine compartment of your car
is a hazardous area ⇒
  .
WARNING
● Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is flowing out of
the engine compartment - risk of scalding! Wait long enough until the steam
or coolant has stopped escaping.
● Switch off the engine and pull out the ignition key.
● Apply the handbrake firmly.
● If your vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever in-
to Neutral, or if it is fitted with automatic gearbox, move the selector lever in-
to position

P.
● Allow the engine to cool down.
● Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
● Do not touch any hot engine parts - risk of burns!
● Never spill oil and other fluids over the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the an-
tifreeze contained in the coolant) may ignite!
● Avoid short circuits in the electrical system - particularly on the battery.
● Never place your hand into the radiator fan as long as the engine is still
warm. The fan might suddenly start running!
● Never open the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir so long as the en-
gine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
● Cover over the cap of the reservoir with a large cloth when opening it as
protection for your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot coolant.
● Do not let objects, such as e.g cleaning cloth or tools lie in the engine com-
partment. WARNING (Continued)
● If you wish to work under the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle from
rolling away and support it with suitable supporting blocks: the car jack is not
sufficient for this - risk of injury!
● In cases where it be necessary to carry out inspection work when the en-
gine is running there is an additional risk from rotating parts (e.g. the V-ribbed
belt, alternator, radiator fan) and from the high-voltage ignition system.
Please observe in addition the following:
–Never touch the electrical cables of the ignition system.
– Absolutely avoid any jewellery, loose items of clothing or long hair from
getting into the rotating parts of the engine - Hazard! Therefore remove
any jewellery beforehand, tie up your hair and wear tight fitting clothing.
● Please also comply with the warning instructions stated below when car-
rying out any essential work on the fuel system or on the electrical system.
–Always separate the car battery from the electrical system.
– Do not smoke.
– Never carry out any work close to naked flames.
– Always keep a working fire extinguisher at hand. CAUTION
When replenishing fluids in the engine, always ensure that the fluids are on no ac-
count mixed up. This may result in major operating problems and also vehicle
damage!  181
Inspecting and Replenishing Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

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 higher 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 A - but not above this
,
if the engine has been operating at high loads, for example during a lengthy mo-
torway trip during the summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a high
mountain pass.
The warning light in the instrument cluster will indicate whether the oil level is
too low ⇒ page 25, Engine oil pressure . In this case, check the oil level as soon
as possible. Top up with an appropriate quantity of oil. CAUTION
● The oil level must on no account extend beyond the range A . Danger of dam-
aging 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 profes-
sional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe en-
gine damage. Note
Engine oil specifications ⇒  page 221, Technical data. 
Replenishing engine oil –
Inspecting the engine oil level ⇒
 page 182.
– Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening.
– Pour in a suitable grade of oil in portions of 0.5 litres ⇒ page 224, Engine oil
specifications.
– Inspect the oil level ⇒ page 182
.
– 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 181, Working in the engine
compartment before working in the engine compartment. For the sake of the environment
The oil level must on no account extend beyond the range A ⇒
 
page 182. Oil will
otherwise be drawn in through the crankcase ventilation and may pass through
the exhaust system to atmosphere. The oil may combust in the catalytic converter
and damage it. 
Changing engine oil The engine oil must be changed at the intervals stated in the Service schedule or
according to the service interval indicator
⇒ page 12, Service reminder indicator

. WARNING
● Only carry out the engine oil change, if you have the required professional
knowledge!
● Read and observe the warning notes ⇒
 page 181, Working in the engine
compartment before working in the engine compartment.
● First of all, let the engine cool down, wear an eye protection and gloves -
risk of caustic burns due to hot oil. CAUTION
You must not pour any additives into the engine oil - risk of engine damage! Dam-
age, which results from such product, are excluded from the warranty. For the sake of the environment
● You must on no account pour oil into the ground or into the sewage system.
● In view of the problems involved in properly disposing of old oil, the necessary
special tools and the knowledge required for such work, we recommend that you
have the oil and oil filter change carried out by an authorised

ŠKODA Service Part-
ner. £ 183
Inspecting and Replenishing Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data