2011 SKODA OCTAVIA snow chains

Traction control system (TCS)
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from spin-
ning when accelerating.
Fig. 139 TCS switch
General
The TCS makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, acceler-
ate and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavoura-
ble.
Operating principle
The TCS switches on automatically when the engine is started and then conducts
a self-test. The system monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of
the ABS sensors. If the wheels are spinning, the force transmitted to the road sur-
face is automatically adapted by reducing the engine speed. The system operates
at all speeds.
The TCS operates in combination with the ABS ⇒ page 158, Antilock brake system
(ABS)
. The TCS will not function if a fault exists in the ABS system.
The TCS warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a fault on
the TCS 
⇒  page 26.
During an intervention of the system, the TCS warning light flashes  in the in-
strument cluster ⇒ page 26.
Switching off
You can also switch off the TCS system by pressing the ⇒ fig. 139 button, or, in ve-
hicles with ESP, by pressing the ⇒ fig. 138 button. The TCS warning light lights up
in the instrument cluster when the TCS is switched off . The TCS should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice in certain
exceptional cases, such as when you wish to have wheel slip, to switch off the
system.
Examples:
● when driving with snow chains,
● when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface,
● when it is necessary to rock a car free when it has become stuck.
then you should switch on the TCS again. WARNING
You should always adjust your style of driving to the conditions of the road
surface and the traffic situation. The increased safety offered must not tempt
you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident! Note
● All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve prob-
lem-free operation of the TCS. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can
lead to an undesirable reduction in the engine output.
● Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combi-
nation of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the TCS ⇒

 page 197, Ac-
cessories, changes and replacement of parts. 
Active driver-steering recommendation (DSR) This function indicates to the driver in critical situations a steering recommenda-
tion in order to stabilise the vehicle. The active driver-steering recommendation is
activated, for example, on the right and left vehicle side when braking sharply on
different road surfaces. WARNING
Even with this function the vehicle cannot steer itself! The driver is further-
more responsible for the steering of the vehicle! 156
Intelligent Technology

The Brake Assist is able to help you achieve a shorter braking distance in emer-
gency situations by rapidly producing the pressure required in the brake system. It
fully exploits the attributes of the ABS. After you release the brake pedal, the
function of the Brake Assist is automatically switched off and the brakes operate
in the normal way.
The Brake Assist is part of the ESP system. If a fault occurs in the ESP, the Brake
Assist function is also not available. Further information on the ESP
⇒ page 154.WARNING
● The Brake Assist is also not able to overcome the physical limits of your car
in terms of the braking distance required.
● Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic
situation.
● The increased safety offered by the Brake Assist must not tempt you to
take a greater safety risk than otherwise. 
Uphill Start Assist The uphill start assist makes it easier to start off on steep hills. The system assists
a start off by holding the brake pressure produced by the brake pedal actuation
for approx. 2 seconds after releasing the brake pedal. The driver can therefore
move his foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and start off on the
slope, without having to actuate the handbrake. The brake pressure drops gradu-
ally the more you operate the accelerator pedal. If the vehicle does not start off
within 2 seconds, it starts to roll back.
The uphill start assist is active as of a 5 % slope, if the driver door is closed. It is
always active on slopes when in forward or reverse start off. When driving down-
hill, it is inactive. 
Electromechanical power steering The power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
With the electromechanical power steering, the steering assist is automatically
adapted to the speed and to the steering angle.
It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the en-
gine is not running (vehicle being towed in). The only difference is that greater
physical effort is required. If there is a fault in the power steering, the warning light
 or  lights up in the
instrument cluster ⇒
 page 24. WARNING
Contact your specialist garage if the power steering is defective. 
Tyre pressure monitoring system Fig. 140 Button for setting the tyre in-
flation pressure control value
The tyre pressure monitoring system compares with the aid of the ABS sensors
the speed and also the rolling circumference of the individual wheels. If the rolling
circumference of a wheel is changed, the warning light
 in the instrument clus-
ter ⇒ page 27 and an acoustic signal sounds.
The rolling circumference of the tyre can change if:
● the tyre inflation pressure is too low,
● the structure of the tyre is damaged,
● the vehicle is loaded on one side,
● the wheels of an axle are loaded heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or when
driving uphill or downhill),
● snow chains are mounted,
● the temporary spare wheel is mounted,
● one wheel per axle was changed.
Basic setting of the system
After changing the tyre inflation pressures, after changing one or several wheels,
the position of a wheel on the vehicle (e.g. exchanging the wheels between the
axles) or when the warning light lights up while driving, a basic setting of the sys-
tem must be carried out as follows. £ 159
Intelligent Technology Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

The tyre inflation pressure for tyres of the tyre size 205/50 R17, which are inten-
ded to be used with snow chains, is identical to the tyre inflation pressure for
tyres of the tyre size 225/45
R17, see ⇒ fig. 157.
The tyre pressure should be at the highest pressure specified for your vehicle at
all times.
The tyre inflation pressure of the emergency spare wheel R 18 is 420 kPa
(4.2 bar).
Always check the inflation pressure of tyres when cold. Do not reduce the higher
pressure of warm tyres. Adapt the inflation pressure of the tyres accordingly if
your vehicle is carrying a significantly higher payload.
Driving style
Fast cornering, sharp acceleration and braking (squealing tyres) increase wear-
and-tear on your tyres.
Balancing wheels
The wheels of a new vehicle are balanced. There are a wide range of influences
when driving which may result in an imbalance and which makes themselves felt
through vibration in the steering.
You should have the wheels rebalanced since any imbalance increases wear-and-
tear on the steering, the suspension and tyres. A wheel must also be rebalanced
when a new tyre is fitted and each time a tyre is repaired.
Wheel alignment errors
Incorrect wheel alignment at the front and rear will not only increase wear-and-
tear on the tyres but will also has an adverse effect on vehicle safety. Contact
your specialist garage if you notice any unusual tyre wear. WARNING
● If the inflation pressure is too low, the tyre must perform a higher rolling
resistance. At higher speeds the tyre will warm up as a result of this. This can
result in tread separation and even a tyre blowout.
● Immediately replace the damaged rims or tyres.
● Tyres which are 6 years old or more should only be fitted in exceptional ca-
ses and when adopting an appropriately cautious style of driving. For the sake of the environment
Tyres which are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption. Wear indicators
Fig. 158 Tyre tread with wear indicators
The base of the tread of the original tyres has wear indicators 1.6 mm high, instal-
led at right angles to the direction of travel. These wear indicators are located at 6
- 8 points depending on the make and are evenly spaced around the circumfer-
ence of the tyre ⇒ fig. 158 . Markings on the walls of the tyres through the letters
“TWI”, triangular symbols or other symbols identify the position of the wear indi-
cators.
A remaining tread of just 1.6 mm, measured in the grooves of the tread next to the
wear indicators, means that your tyres have reached their legally permissible mini-
mum tread depth. WARNING
● You must have your tyres replaced with new ones at the latest when the
wear indicators have been worn down. The legally permissible minimum tread
depth should be observed.
● Worn tyres do not provide the necessary adhesion to the road surface at
high speeds on wet roads. One could experience “
aquaplaning” (uncontrolled
movements of the vehicle - “swimming” on a wet road surface). 193
Wheels and Tyres Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

You can fit winter tyres of a lower speed category to your vehicle provided that
you also do not drive faster than the permissible maximum speed for such tyres,
even if the possible maximum speed of your vehicle is higher. The corresponding
tyre category can damage the tyres when exceeding the permissible maximum
speed.
Please pay attention to the notes if you decide to fit winter tyres
⇒
 page 192.
You can also fit so-called “all-year tyres” instead of winter tyres.
Please contact your specialist garage if there are any points which are not clear
who will be able to provide you with information regarding the maximum speed
for your tyres. WARNING
You must on no account drive your car at more than the permissible maximum
speed for your winter tyres - risk of an accident resulting from tyre damage
and loss of control over your car. For the sake of the environment
Fit your summer tyres on again in good time since summer tyres offer you better
grip and handling on roads which are free of snow and ice as well as ar tempera-
tures below 7 °C - the braking distance is shorter, there is less tyre noise, tyre
wear is reduced and fuel consumption is reduced. Note
Please observe the various differing legal requirements regarding tyres. 
Unidirectional tyres The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of the tyre
.
This indicates the direction of rotation of the tyre, and it is essential that the tyres
are fitted on to run in this direction. Only then are the tyres able to provide the
optimal properties in terms of grip, low noise, wear-and-tear and aquaplaning.
Should it be necessary to fit on a spare wheel in exceptional cases with a tyre not
dedicated to the running direction or in opposite running direction, please adopt a
cautious style of driving as the tyre is no longer able to provide optimal grip and
handling in such a situation. This particularly important on wet roads. Pay atten-
tion to the following points ⇒

 page 199, Spare wheel.
You should have the defective tyre replaced as soon as possible and restore the
correct direction of rotation on all tyres Snow chains Snow chains must only be mounted on the front wheels.
When driving on wintry roads, snow chains improve not only traction, but also the
braking performance.
For technical reasons, it is only permissible to fit snow chains with the following
wheel/tyre combinations. Wheel size Depth (D) Tyre size
6J x 15
a) 47 mm 195/65
6.5J x 15
a) 50 mm 195/65
6J x 16
a) 50 mm 205/55
6J x 17
b) 45 mm 205/50
a)
Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than 15 mm.
b) Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than 9 mm.
Remove the full wheel trims before installing the snow chains.
Observe the different national legal regulations relating to the use of snow chains
and the maximum vehicle speed with snow chains. WARNING
Please pay attention to the information in the supplied fitting instructions of
the snow chain manufacturer. CAUTION
You must take the chains off as soon as you drive on roads which are free of
snow. They adversely affect the handling of your vehicle, damage the tyres and
are rapidly destroyed. Note
We recommend that you use snow chains from ŠKODA Original Accessories. 196
Wheels and Tyres

Overview of the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . 182
P Paint
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Paint damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Parking aid Front and rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Parking light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Parking the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Passive Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Payload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Petrol engines Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Polishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Power socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Power windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Button in the driver's door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Button in the front passenger door and in the rear doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Operational faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
with central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
R Radiator fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Rear-view mirror Exterior mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Interior mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Rear armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66, 81
Rear fog light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Rear window
heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Rear window heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Recharge battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Recommendation for changing gears . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Synchronisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Removing the seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Replacement of parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Replacing fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Replacing the wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Roof aerial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Running in the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
S
Safe securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Safety information Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Safety wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Saving electrical energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Seat belt height adjuster Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
fastening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
taking off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Seat belt warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Seat heaters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Selector lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Selector lever-emergency unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Selector lever lock Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Selector lever positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Service reminder indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Setting temperature
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Setting the clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Shifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Side airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Side lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Stability system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
START-STOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 after fuel tank has run empty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Diesel engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Petrol engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
START STOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Steering active driver-steering recommendation . . . . . . . 156
Steering force assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Storage compartment Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Storage facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Sun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Sun screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Switching off the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Switch off Anti-spin regulation (ASR) Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
T Tailgate Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Taking care of your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
TCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116, 122
Temperature outside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
The first 1 500 kilometres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161 242
Index