2011 SKODA OCTAVIA headlights

–
Service interval - Display of the remaining number of days, kilometres or
miles to the next Inspection Service/Reset 1)
– Reset trip counter for distance driven
– Resetting Service Interval Display
– Activate/deactivate display mode
Fuel gauge ⇒ page 11 
Engine revolutions counter The red zone of the rev counter scale
1 ⇒ fig. 2
indicates the range in which the
engine control unit begins to limit the engine speed. The engine control unit re-
stricts the engine speed to a steady limit value.
Shift into the next higher gear or select the selector lever position D of the auto-
matic gearbox before reaching the red zone of the rev counter scale.
Avoid high engine speeds during the driving time and before the engine has been
warmed up to operating temperature ⇒ page 161
. For the sake of the environment
Shifting to a higher gear in good time helps to reduce the fuel consumption, mini-
mises operating noise levels, protects the environment and contributes to a lon-
ger life and reliability of the engine. 
Speedometer Warning against excessive speeds
An acoustic warning signal will sound when the vehicle speed exceeds 120 kilo-
metres per hour. The acoustic warning signal will switch off again when the vehi-
cle speed goes below this speed limit.

Coolant temperature gauge The coolant temperature gauge
3
⇒  fig. 2
operates only when the ignition is
switched on. 6 Please pay attention to the following guidelines regarding temperature ranges in
order to avoid damage to the engine:
Cold range
If the pointer is in the left-hand area of the scale it means that the engine has not
yet reached its operating temperature. Avoid running at high engine speeds, at
full throttle and at severe engine loads.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temperature as soon as the pointer moves
into the mid-range of the scale. The pointer may also move further to the right at
high engine loads and high outside temperatures. This is not critical provided the
warning symbol  in the instrument cluster does not flash.
If the symbol  in the instrument cluster flashes it means that either the coolant
temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low. Please refer to the guide-
lines ⇒ page 25, Coolant temperature/ Coolant quantity . WARNING
Pay attention to the warning notes ⇒ page 181, Working in the engine com-
partment
before opening the bonnet and inspecting the coolant level. CAUTION
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the fresh air inlet
impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant. There is then a risk of the engine
overheating at high outside temperatures and high engine loads! 
Fuel gauge The fuel gauge
6
⇒
 fig. 2 only operates when the ignition is switched on.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 55 litres or 60 litres 2)
. The warning symbol 
in the instrument cluster lights up when the pointer reaches the reserve marking.
There are now about 9 litres of fuel remaining in the tank. This symbol is a re-
minder for you, that you must refuel .
The following is displayed in the information display: £1)
Valid for countries where the values are indicated in British measuring units.
2) Valid for Octavia Combi 4x4 and Octavia Scout. 11
Instruments and warning lights Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Lights and Visibility
Lights
Switching lights on and off  Fig. 24 Dash panel: Light switch
Switching on side lights
– Turn the light switch ⇒ fig. 24 into position .
Switching on the low beam and main beam
– Turn the light switch into position .
– Push the main beam lever slightly forward in the spring-tensioned position in
order to switch on the main beam ⇒ fig. 30 .
Switching off lights (except daylight driving lights)
– Turn the light switch into position.
The dipped beam continues to shine while the ignition is switched on and the
light switch is in the position  or  . After switching off the ignition, the low
beam is switched off automatically and only the side lights come on. The parking
light also goes out after the ignition key is removed.
On vehicles with separate lights for daylight driving lights in the fog lights or in
the front bumper, the low beam does not light up when the light switch is in posi-
tion 0 even if the ignition is switched on.
On models fitted with right-hand steering the position of certain switches differs
from that shown in ⇒
 fig. 24. The symbols which mark the switch positions are
identical, however. WARNING
Never drive with only the side lights on - risk of accident! The side lights are
not bright enough to light up the road sufficiently in front of you or to be seen
by other oncoming traffic. In this case, always switch on the low beam when it
is dark or if visibility is poor. Note
● If the light switch is in the position , the ignition key is removed and the
driver's door is open, an acoustic warning signal will sound. The acoustic warning
signal is switched off over the door contact when the driver's door is closed (igni-
tion off). The vehicle can be parked with the side lights on.
● If the light switch is in the position  and the ignition key is removed, the
lights will go out.
● If the car is parked for a lengthy period, we recommend switching off all lights,
or leaving only the parking lights switched on.
● The switching on of the described lights should only be undertaken in accord-
ance with the legal requirements.
● If a fault occurs in the light switch, the low beam comes on automatically
● In the event of cool or humid weather conditions, the headlights can be misted
up from inside.
–The temperature difference between interior and external area of the head-
light lenses is decisive.
– When the driving lights are switched on, the light outlet surfaces are free
from mist after a short period. The headlight lenses can possibly mist up at the
border areas.
– It also concerns reverse light and turn signal lights.
– This mist has no influence on the life of the lighting system. 
“DAY LIGHT” Switching on daylight driving lights
–
Switch on the ignition without turning the light switch out of the position 0 or

 . £44
Lights and Visibility

Rain lights
If you switch on the windscreen wipe in the operation rain sensor for longer than
10 seconds or in the operation permanent wipe (position
2 or 3) ⇒ page 53
switching on for longer than 15 seconds, the side lights and low beam are switch-
ed on automatically. The light switches off if the windscreen wipe is in operation
rain sensor for more than around 4 minutes or is not switched on in the operation
permanent wipe. WARNING
The automatic light control only operates as a support. The driver is not re-
leased from his responsibility to inspect the light and if necessary to switch on
the light depending on the light conditions. The light sensor cannot detect for
example rain or snow. For these conditions we recommend to switch on the
low beam ! Note
● Do not affix any stickers in front of the light sensor, so that you do not impair
its function or put it out of operation.
● The same principles as for using the automatic light control also apply to the
light which is switched on manually ⇒

 page 44. 
Cornering lights The cornering lights are used to illuminate the curves by means of the cone of
light swivelling together with the front headlight with Xenon lights. This function
is active when the speed of the car increases to more than 10

km/h.
The swivelling function of the headlights can be switched off/on via the menu
point Assistants in the main menu of the information display ⇒ page 18.WARNING
If the cornering lights are defective, the headlights are automatically lowered
to the emergency position, which prevents a possible dazzling of oncoming
traffic. Thus the illuminated length of the road is shortened. Drive carefully
and have the car inspected immediately by a specialist garage. Parking light Parking light

– Switch off the ignition.
– Pull the turn signal light lever ⇒
 fig. 30 upwards or downwards - the parking
light on the right and left side of the vehicle will be switched on respectively.
The parking light only operates if the ignition is switched off.
If you have switched on the right or left turn signal light and you switch off the
ignition, the parking light is not automatically switched on.
Parking light on both sides
– Turn the light switch into the position  and lock the vehicle. 
Coming Home Function The function makes it possible to switch on the lights in the darkness for a short
time after leaving the vehicle.
Switching on Coming Home Function
– The light switch is in the position automatic driving lamp control  and the
low beam illuminates.
– Switch off the ignition.
– After opening the driver's door, the function Coming Home is switched on.
– Close all the doors and the boot lid and lock the vehicle. After a short time,
switch all lights off.
Depending on equipment fitted the function Coming Home switches on the fol-
lowing lights:
● Parking lights,
● Low beam,
● Entry lighting in the exterior mirrors,
● Licence plate light.
Coming Home Function
The lights go out 10 seconds after closing all the doors and the boot lid.
If a door or the boot lid remains open, the lights go out 60 seconds after switching
off the ignition. £46
Lights and Visibility

The function Coming Home is controlled with the light sensor in the mount of the
interior rear mirror. If the light intensity is higher than the set value of the light
sensor, the Coming Home Function is not switched on after switching off the igni-
tion. Note
● If the Coming Home Function is switched on constantly, the battery will be
heavily discharged particularly in short-haul traffic.
● The switching on of the described lights should only be undertaken in accord-
ance with the legal requirements.
● You can change the illumination period for the Leaving Home Function by
means of the Information display. 
Leaving Home Function This function makes it possible to switch on the lights when approaching the ve-
hicle.
Switching on Leaving Home Function
–
The light switch is in the position automatic driving lamp control .
– Unlock the vehicle with the radio remote control - the lights come on.
Depending on equipment fitted the function Leaving Home switches on the fol-
lowing lights:
● Parking lights,
● Low beam,
● Entry lighting in the exterior mirrors,
● Licence plate light.
Leaving Home Function
The function Leaving Home is controlled with the light sensor in the mount of the
interior rear mirror. If the light intensity is higher than the set value of the light
sensor, the Leaving Home Function is not switched on after unlocking the vehicle
with the radio remote control.
After unlocking the vehicle with the radio remote control, the lights come on for
10 seconds. The Leaving Home Function is also switched off after the ignition is
switched on and after locking the vehicle.
If no door is opened within 30 seconds, the lights go out and the vehicle is locked
automatically. Note
● If the Leaving Home Function is switched on constantly, the battery will be
heavily discharged particularly in short-haul traffic.
● The switching on of the described lights should only be undertaken in accord-
ance with the legal requirements.
● You can change the illumination period for the Leaving Home Function by
means of the Information display. 
Tourist light This mode makes it possible to drive in countries with opposing traffic system,
driving on the left/right, without dazzling the oncoming vehicles. When the mode
“tourist light
” is active, the side to side swivel of the headlights is deactivated.
The mode “tourist light” is activated/deactivated via the Information display in the
menu:
■ Settings
■ Lights & Vision
■ Travel mode
■ Off
■ Switched on 
Fog lights  Fig. 26 Dash panel: Light switch
Switch on the front fog lamp
– First of all turn the light switch into position  or  ⇒
 fig. 26 .
– Pull the light switch into position 1 .
£ 47
Lights and Visibility Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Headlamp range adjustment 
Once the low beam is switched on you can then adapt the range of
the headlights to the load of the vehicle. Fig. 28 Dash panel: Lights and Visibility
– Turn the control dial ⇒  fig. 28 until you have adjusted the low beam so that
oncoming traffic is not dazzled.
Settings
The positions correspond approximately to the following vehicle loads: Front seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.
All seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.
All seats occupied, luggage compartment laden.
Driver seat occupied, luggage compartment laden. CAUTION
Headlamp range adjustment should always be adjusted in a way that:
● it does not dazzle other road users, especially oncoming traffic,
● and the range is sufficient for safe driving. Note
Headlights fitted with Xenon bulbs adapt automatically to the load and driving
state of the vehicle (e.g. accelerating, braking) when the ignition is switched on
and when driving. Vehicles which are equipped with Xenon bulbs do not have a
manual headlight range adjustment control. 
- 1
2
3 Switch for hazard warning lights
 Fig. 29 Dash panel: Switch for hazard
warning lights
– Press switch  ⇒  fig. 29 to switch the hazard warning light system on or off.
All the turn signal lights on the vehicle flash at the same time when the hazard
warning light system is switched on. The indicator light for the turn signals and
the indicator light in the switch also flash at the same time. You can also switch
on the hazard warning light system if the ignition is switched off.
The hazard warning light system is switched on automatically if an airbag is de-
ployed in the event of an accident.
Please comply with any legal requirements when using the hazard warning light
system. Note
Switch on the hazard warning light system if, for example:
● you encounter traffic congestion;
● your vehicle breaks down or an emergency situation occurs.  49
Lights and Visibility Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

CAUTION
● In cold temperatures and in winter, check before the trip or before switching
on the ignition that the wiper blades are not frozen. Switching on windscreen
wipers when the blades are frozen to the windscreen may result in damage both
to the blades and the motor of the windscreen wipers!
● If you switch off the ignition while the windscreen wipers are on, the wipers
will sweep in the same mode the next time the ignition is switched on. At low
temperatures, the wipers may freeze to the window between switching off the ig-
nition and the next time you switch the ignition on again.
● Carefully detach frozen wiper blades from the front or rear window.
● Remove snow and ice from the window wipers before driving. Note
● If the slower 2 or the faster
3 wiper setting is switched on
⇒  fig. 37 and the
vehicle speed decreases to below 4 km/h, the lower wiper step is switched on au-
tomatically. At a speed increase of more than 8 km/h the previous wiper setting is
established again.
● If there is an obstacle on the windscreen, the wiper will try to push away the
obstacle. If the obstacle continues to block the wiper, the wiper stops automati-
cally after 5 attempts to eliminate the obstacle, in order to avoid a damage to the
wiper. Remove the obstacle and and switch on the wiper again.
● The windscreen washer nozzles for the windscreen are heated when the en-
gine is running and the outside temperature is less than +10
°C.
● The content of the windscreen wiper reservoir is 3 litres. On vehicles which are
equipped with a headlight cleaning system, the content of the reservoir is 5.5
li-
tres. On vehicles fitted with auxiliary heating, the content of the windscreen wiper
reservoir is 4.5 litres. 
Automatic rear window wiper (Estate car) If the windshield wiper is in positions
2
⇒  fig. 37 or 3 the rear view window is
wiped every 30/10 seconds if the vehicle's speed exceeds 5 km/h.
When the rain sensor is active (the lever is in the position 1 ) the function is only
active if the front window wipers continue to operate (no break between each
wiping process). Activation/deactivation
The function of the automatic rear window wiper is activated/deactivated in the
information display in the menu:
■ Settings
■ Lights & Vision
■ Rear wiper Note
The function of the automatic rear window wiper is only valid for Estate car vehi-
cles which are equipped with an information display. The function is activated in
the factory. 
Headlight cleaning system The headlights are being cleaned after the windscreen has been sprayed for the
first time and fifth time, the low beam or main beam are switched on and the
windscreen wiper lever was held in the position 5
⇒  fig. 37 for about 1 second.
The headlight washer nozzles are moved forward out of the bumper by the water
pressure for cleaning the headlights.
You should remove stubborn dirt (such as insect residues) from the headlight len-
ses at regular intervals, for example when refuelling. Please refer to the following
guidelines ⇒

  page 172, The headlight lenses.
You should remove any snow from the fixtures of the washer nozzles and clear ice
in winter with a de-icing spray in order to ensure proper operation of the cleaning
system. CAUTION
Never remove the nozzles from the headlamp cleaning system by hand - risk of
damage!  55
Lights and Visibility 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

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