2011 SKODA OCTAVIA winter tyres

Auto Check Control
Car state The Auto Check Control carries out a check of certain functions and vehicle com-
ponents. The check is performed constantly when the ignition is switched on,
both when the vehicle is stationary, as well as when driving.
Some operational faults, urgent repairs, service work or other information appear
in the display of the instrument cluster. The displays are shown with a red or yel-
low light symbol depending on the priority of the message.
The red symbols indicate danger (priority 1) while the yellow symbols indicate a
warning (priority 2). Information for the driver may also appear in addition to the
symbols ⇒ page 21.
There is at least one error message when the term Vehicle status is displayed in
the menu. After selecting this menu the first of the error messages is displayed.
Several error messages are shown on the display under the message e.g. 1/3. This
indicates that the first of a total of three error messages is displayed. Investigate
the displayed faults as soon as possible.
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always indica-
ted again. After the first display, the symbols are indicated without information for
the driver.
If a fault occurs, a warning signal will also sound in addition to the symbol and
text in the display:
● Priority 1 - three warning signals
● Priority 2 - one warning signal 
Red symbols A red symbol signals danger.
– Bring the vehicle to a stop.
– Switch the engine off.
– Investigate the function indicated.
– Obtain professional assistance.
Meaning of the red symbols:  Engine oil pressure too low ⇒ 
page 25  Overheated clutches of the automatic gear-
box DSG ⇒ page 29
Three successive warning signals will sound if a red symbol appears.

Yellow symbols A yellow symbol signals a warning.
Check the relevant function as soon as possible.
The meaning of the yellow symbols:  Check engine oil level,
engine oil sensor faulty
⇒ page 29
 Problem with en-
gine oil pressure It is also important to have the vehicle inspected
without delay by a specialist garage. The informa-
tion about the maximum permissible engine speed is displayed together with this symbol. In certain countries, if a yellow symbol appears
one warning signal will sound as
well.
If several operational faults of priority 2 exist, the symbols appear one after the
other and are each illuminated for about 5 seconds. 
Set-up You can change certain settings by means of the information display. The current
setting is shown on the information display in the respective menu at the top be-
low the line.
You can select the following information (depending on the equipment installed
on the vehicle):
●
Language
● MFD Data
● Convenience
● Lights & Vision
● Time
● Winter tyres £ 19
Instruments and warning lights Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

●
Units
● Assistants
● Alternative speed displayed (Second speed)
● Service Interval
● Factory setting
● Back
After selecting the menu point Back you will reach one level higher in the menu.
Language
Here you can set in which language the warning and information texts should be
displayed.
Displays of the MFA
Here you can switch off or on certain displays of the multi-functional indicator.
Comfort
Here you can activate, deactivate or adjust the following functions: Rain closing Switch on/off the function for automatically closing the
window and panoramic tilt/slide sunroof in a locked rain
when it starts raining a)
. If the function is set and it is not
raining, the windows including the panoramic tilt/slide
sunroof will close automatically after approx. 12
hours.ATA confirm Switch on/off the acoustic signal indicating activation of
the anti-theft alarm system.
Central locking Switch on/off the central locking and automatic locking
function. Window op. Here you can set the convenience mode only for the
driver window or for all the windows.
Mirror down Switch on/off the function for mirror lowering on the
front passenger side when engaging the reverse gear b)
. Mirror adjust. Switch on/off the function for left and right exterior
mirror setting simultaneously.
Factory setting
Restore the Convenience factory setting.
a)
This function is only available on vehicles with a rain sensor.
b) This function is only available on vehicles with an electrically adjustable driver seat. Lights and Visibility
Here you can activate, deactivate or adjust the following functions: Coming Home Switch on/off and adjust the light duration of the Com-
ing Home function.
Leaving Home Switch on/off and adjust the light duration of the Com-
ing Home function.
Dayl. dri. light
Switch on/off the “DAY LIGHT” function.
Lane ch. flash
(convenience flashing) Switch on/off the convenience flashing function.
Rear wiper Switch on/off the function for automatic rear window
wiping.
Travel mode
Switch on/off the travel model function.
Factory setting
Restore the factory setting for the lighting.
Time
Here you can set the time, the time format (12 or 24 hour indicator) and the time
change summer/winter time.
Winter tyres
Here you can set at which speed a warning signal should sound. This function is
used for e.g winter tyres with the permissible maximum speed less than the maxi-
mum speed of the vehicle.
When exceeding the speed, an indication is displayed on the information display:
Winter tyres max. speed
... km/h
Measures
Here you can set the units for temperature, consumption and distance driven.
Assistants
Here you can adjust the tones of the acoustic signals of the parking aid. £20
Instruments and warning lights

–
For vehicles with petrol engine only refuel with unleaded petrol ⇒  page 176,
Unleaded petrol.
– Never run the fuel tank completely empty.
– Do not switch off the ignition while you are driving the vehicle.
– Do not pour too much oil into the engine ⇒
 page 183, Replenishing engine oil.
If you drive your vehicle in a country in which unleaded petrol is not available, you
must have the catalytic converter replaced later when driving the vehicle into a
country in which use of a catalytic converter is mandatory. WARNING
● In view of the high temperatures which may be produced in the catalytic
converter, one should always park a vehicle in such a way that the catalytic
converter cannot come into contact with easily flammable materials below the
vehicle - a risk of fire!
● Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection agents
for the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters or heat shields. Such substances
might ignite when driving - risk of fire! CAUTION
● On vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter, never let the fuel tank run com-
pletely empty. An irregular fuel supply can result in poor ignition or misfiring. Un-
burnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and damage the catalytic converter.
● Filling the tank even only once with leaded petrol will result in the catalytic
converter being destroyed.
● If you detect misfiring, a drop in performance or irregular engine running when
driving, reduce your speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected by the
nearest specialist garage. The symptoms described may be caused by a fault in
the ignition system. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and damage
the catalytic converter. For the sake of the environment
Even if the exhaust system is operating properly, a sulphur-like exhaust odour
may be produced under certain operating conditions of the engine. This depends
on the sulphur content of the fuel. It is often sufficient to refuel with unleaded
premium-grade petrol of a different brand or at a different filling station. Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner
General Your personal style of driving is a major factor.
Your fuel consumption, any pollution of the environmental and the wear-and-tear
to the engine, brakes and tyres, depend essentially on three factors:
● your personal style of driving,
● the conditions under which your vehicle is operated,
● technical aspects.
You can easily improve your fuel economy by 10 - 15 percent by driving in an eco-
nomical way with foresight. This section is intended to provide you with a number
of tips on how to protect the environment and at the same time save money.
The fuel consumption can naturally also be influenced by factors which are be-
yond the driver's control. It is, for example, normal for the fuel consumption to in-
crease in winter and under worsened conditions such as poor road conditions,
towing a trailer, etc.
The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the ve-
hicle have already been built into the vehicle at the works. Special attention has
been given to minimising negative effects on the environment. It is necessary to
take note of the guidelines given in this chapter in order to make best use of
these characteristics and to maintain their effectiveness.
The optimal engine speed should be obtained when accelerating, in order to avoid
a high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle. 
Looking ahead when driving A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs it accelerates.
Avoid accelerating and braking unnecessarily. If you drive with foresight you will
not need to brake so often and will also then not have to accelerate so much. Let
your vehicle coast to a stop, for example, if this is possible, when you see that the
next set of traffic lights is at red. 162
Driving and the Environment

Regular servicing
A poorly tuned engine uses an unnecessarily high amount of fuel.
Having your vehicle serviced regularly at a specialist garage enables you to satisfy
one of the requirements for economical motoring even before you set off on your
journey. Keeping your vehicle properly serviced not only has a positive effect on
the safety of your vehicle and maintaining its value, but also saves on fuel.
A poorly tuned engine can result in a fuel consumption which is 10 % higher than
normal.
The foreseen maintenance work should be undertaken exactly according to the
Service schedule by a specialist garage.
Also check the oil level after refuelling. Oil consumption is dependent to a consid-
erable extent on the load and speed of the engine. Oil consumption could be as
high as 0.5 litres/1 000 km depending on your style of driving.
It is quite normal that a new engine has a higher oil consumption at first, and rea-
ches its lowest level only after a certain running in time. It is therefore not possi-
ble to correctly assess the oil consumption of a new vehicle until after you have
driven about 5 000 km. For the sake of the environment
● You can achieve additional improvements in your fuel economy by using high-
lubricity oils.
● Check the ground below your car at regular intervals to detect any leakages in
good time. Please have your vehicle inspected by a specialist garage if you find
any stains caused by oil or other fluids on the floor. Avoid driving short distances Short distances result in an above-average high fuel consumption.
Fig. 144 Fuel consumption in litres/100
km at different temperatures
– Avoid driving a distance of no more than 4 km if the engine is cold.
The engine and catalytic converter must first have reached their optimal operat-
ing temperature in order to effectively reduce fuel consumption and pollutant
emissions.
The cold engine vehicle consumes approx. 15 - 20 litres/100 km of fuel immediate-
ly after starting. Fuel consumption drops to 10 litres/100 km after just 1 kilometre.
The engine reaches its operating temperature (outside temperature and engine
dependent) only after about 4 to 10 kilometres and the fuel consumption then
stabilizes. You should therefore avoid driving short distances whenever possible.
An important factor in this connection is also the ambient temperature. The
⇒  fig. 144 shows the different fuel consumptions for the same distance, on the
one hand at +20 °C and on the other hand at -10
°C. Your vehicle has a higher fuel
consumption in winter than in summer. 
Checking tyre inflation pressures Tyres which are correctly inflated save fuel.
Always ensure that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure at all times. The
rolling resistance will be increased if the tyre filling pressure is too low. This will
not only increase fuel consumption but also tyre wear and the driving behaviour
will worsen.
Always check the inflation pressure of the tyres when cold. £164
Driving and the Environment

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

Wheels and Tyres
Wheels
General information ●
New tyres do not offer optimal grip at first. They should therefore be run in for
about 500 km at a moderate speed and an appropriately cautious style of driving.
You will also profit from longer tyre life.
● The tread depth of new tyres may differ because of design features and the
configuration of the tread (depending on the type of tyre and the manufacturer).
● Drive over curbs on the side of the road and other such obstacles slowly and,
where possible, at a right angle in order to avoid damage to tyres and wheel trims.
● We recommend you Inspect your tyres and rims from time to time for damage
(punctures, cuts, splits and bulges). Remove foreign bodies from the tyre profile.
● Damage to tyres is frequently not visible. Unusual vibrations or pulling of the
vehicle to one side could be a sign of tyre damage. Please reduce your speed im-
mediately and stop if you suspect that a wheel is damaged. Inspect the tyres for
signs of damage (bulges, splits, etc.) If no visible damage is present, please drive
at an appropriately slow speed and carefully to the nearest specialist garage in or-
der to have your vehicle inspected.
● Also protect your tyres from contact with oil, grease and fuel.
● Immediately replace any dust caps of the valves which have got lost.
● Mark wheels before removing them so that their previous direction of running
can be maintained when mounted them again.
● Always store wheels or tyres which been removed in a cool, dry and, where
possible, dark place. Tyres which are not fixed to a wheel trim should be stored
upright.
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.
Further information concerning the use of unidirectional tyres ⇒

 page 196. WARNING
● New tyres during the first approximately 500 km do not offer optimal grip
and should therefore be run appropriately - risk of accident!
● Never drive with damaged tyres - risk of accident! Note
Please observe the various differing legal requirements regarding tyres. 
Tyre life Fig. 157 An opened fuel filler flap with a
tyre size and tyre inflation pressure ta-
ble
The life of your tyres very much depends on the following points:
Tyre pressure
The working life of tyres will be shortened considerably if the tyres are insuffi-
ciently or over-inflated and this will have an adverse effect on the handling of
your vehicle.
Correctly inflated tyres are of particular importance when travelling at high
speeds . It is therefore good to check the tyre pressure, including that of the spare
wheel, at least once a month and also before setting off on a long trip.
The tyre inflation pressures for summer tyres are indicated on the inside of the
fuel filler flap ⇒ fig. 157. The inflation pressures for winter tyres are 20

kPa
(0.2 bar) higher than those for summer tyres ⇒ page 195. £192
Wheels and Tyres

Changing wheels around
Fig. 159 Changing wheels around
If significantly greater wear is present on the front tyres, we recommend changing
the front wheels around with the rear wheels as shown in the diagram ⇒
 fig. 159 .
You will then obtain approximately the same life for all the tyres.
It may be advantageous to swap the tyres over “crosswise” when uneven wear
characteristic arise on the running surfaces of the tyres (but not in the case of uni-
directional tyres). We recommend that you contact an authorised ŠKODA Service
Partner. They have extensive knowledge about the possible combinations.
We recommend that you change the wheels around every 10 000 km in order to
achieve even wear on all wheels and to obtain optimal tyre life. 
New tyres and wheels Tyres and wheel rims are important design elements. One should therefore use
the tyres and wheel rims which have been released for use by

ŠKODA. They are
exactly matched to the vehicle type and therefore contribute significantly to good
road holding and safe driving characteristics ⇒  .
Only fit radial tyres of the same type on all 4 wheels, size (rolling circumference)
and, if possible, the same tread pattern on one axle.
Authorised

ŠKODA Service Partners have access to the most current information
about which tyres we have released for use on your vehicle.
We recommend that you have any work relating to tyres or wheels carried out by
an authorised ŠKODA Service Partner. Authorised ŠKODA Service Partners have
all of the necessary special tools and replacement parts available plus the re-
quired specialist knowledge and are also in a position to properly dispose of the
old tyres. A large number of authorised ŠKODA Service Partners also have an at-
tractive range of tyres and wheels available. The tyre/wheel combinations which are approved for your vehicle are indicated in
your vehicle documents. Approval and licensing may differ according to the legis-
lation prevailing in individual countries.
Proper knowledge of the tyre data makes it easier for you to select the correct
type of tyre. Tyres do, for example, have the following inscription on their walls:
195/65 R 15 91 T
What this means is: 195 Tyre width in mm
65 Height/width ratio in %
R Code letter for the type of tyre -
Radial 15 Diameter of wheel in inches
91 Load index
T Speed symbol
The following speed restrictions apply to tyres.
Speed symbol Permissible maximum speed
S 180 km/h
T 190 km/h
U 200 km/h
H 210 km/h
V 240 km/h
W 270 km/h
Y 300 km/h
The date of manufacture
is also stated on the tyre wall (possibly only on the in-
side of wheel):
DOT ... 20 11...
means, for example, that the tyre was manufactured in the 20th week of the year
2011.
Any spare wheel which differs from the tyres fitted to the vehicle (e.g. winter
tyres or low-profile tyres) should only be used only for a short time in the event of
a puncture and when adopting an appropriately cautious style of driving. It should
be replaced as quickly as possible by a normal wheel. £194
Wheels and Tyres