2011 SKODA OCTAVIA TOUR towing

Towing a trailer
118
Towing a trailerTowing a trailerTechnical requirementsYour vehicle is designed primarily for tr ansporting persons and luggage. It can,
however, also be used for towing a trailer - provided certain technical equipment is
fitted.
If your vehicle has already been supplied with a factory-fitted towing device then
everything that is necessary for towing a tr ailer in technical terms, and in terms of
the law, has already been taken into account.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection
between the vehicle and trailer. If th e trailer which you wish to tow has a 7-pin
connector , you can use a suitable adapter
6) from Škoda original accessories.
This work must be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications
if a towing device is retrofitted.
Authorised Škoda Service Partners can pr ovide information about retrofitting a
towing device and for any necessary modifications to the cooling system.
WARNING
We recommend that you have the towing de vice from Škoda original accessories
installed by an authorised Škoda Service Partner. He is familiar with all the rele-
vant details relating to retrofitting such equipment. There is a risk of an accident
if the towing device is not properly fitted!General MaintenanceTrailer 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 1 000 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 th e ability to climb, means that the towed w e i g h t m u s t b e r e d u c e d b y 1 0 % f o r e v e r y f u r t h e r i n c r e a s e o f 1 0 0 0 m e t r e s i n h e i g h t
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 docu-
ments.
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 inflation pressure
Select the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for that of “fully laden”,
 page 141. The inflation pressure of the tyre s fitted to the trailer adjust in accord-
ance with the manufacturer's recommendation.
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirr ors 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 th e aid of the headlight beam adjuster
 page 41.
Detachable ball head
The ball rod is detachable on vehicles wh ich feature a factory-fitted towing device.
Further information on the towing device page 119.
Note
•
We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between service
intervals if you tow a trailer frequently.
•
The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and decou-
pling the trailer.
6)In some countries the adapter is supplied with the towing device.s2lk.2.book Page 118 Monday, April 18, 2011 7:41 AM

Towing a trailer119
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Driving Tips
Particular caution is required when towing a trailer.– Do not, as far as possible, drive with your vehicle unladen and the trailer laden.
– Do not make full use of the legal maximum speeds. This applies in particular to downhill sections.
– Apply the brakes in good time.
– Keep a check on the coolant temperatur e gauge if the outside temperature is
high.
Distribution of weight
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trailer
is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this
combination.
Driving speed
Do not drive faster than 80 km/hour for sa fety reasons. This also applies for coun-
tries in which higher speeds are allowed.
The fact that the driving stability of the vehicle + trailer combination reduces with
increasing speed means that the legally allowed speed should not be used when
there are unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions, particularly near accident
black spots.
You must always reduce your speed immedi ately as soon as you detect even just
the slightest swaying of the trailer. On no account attempt to stop the trailer from
“swaying” by accelerating.
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the
brakes gently at first and then brake firmly . This will avoid brake jolts resulting from
the trailer wheels locking. Shift down gears in good time before negotiating a
downhill section to allow the engine to also act as a brake.
Engine overheating
Please keep a check on the coolant temper ature gauge if you have to negotiate a
lengthy slope in a low gear at a high engine speed when the outside temperature is
very high page 16, “Engine coolant temperature Display”.
If the needle of the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area or
even the red area of the scale, reduce yo ur speed immediately. Stop and switch off
the engine if the warning light
 in the instrument cluster begins flashing. Wait a
few minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle
 page 134, “Inspecting the coolant level”. Please refer to the following guidelines 
page 25, “Coolant temperature/coolant
level ”.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.
Any increase in the cooling effect of the coolant fan through shifting down a gear
and increasing the engine speed is not possible since the fan speed is independent
of the engine speed. One should also not drop a gear for this reason when towing a
trailer as long as the engine can manage the slope without any drop in speed.
Detachable towing device*The ball head of the towing device is stow ed together with separate fitting instruc-
tions in the spare wheel well in the luggage compartment of the vehicle.
Inspect the ball head to ensure that it is properly locked each time before setting
off. The inspection is performed by turning the closed locking lever downwards. If
the locking lever can only be turned around a small angle (approx. 5°), the locking
mechanism is O.K. After the inspection pull the locking lever back again to its stop.
The towing device must not be used, if it does not wish to close or the locking lever
turns slightly in the closed position.
WARNING
Do not use any aids or tools for installing or removing the ball head. This might
result in damage to the locking mechanism to the extent that the safety of the
towing device is no longer assured - risk of an accident.
Note
•
Do not carry out any modifications or re pairs to the ball head or to any other
components on the towing device.
Fig. 118 Detachable ball head
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Towing a trailer
120
•
Contact a specialist garage if you encounter any problems using the device.
•
Never unlock the ball head with a trailer coupled to it.
•
You should take off the ball head if yo u drive without towing a trailer. Inspect
whether the end cover properly seals off the mounting shaft.
•
Remove the ball head beforehand if you wish to clean your vehicle using a steam
jet. Ensure that the end cover properly seals the mounting shaft.
•
It is recommended to wear gloves when installing and removing.
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Inspecting and replenishing
132Engine oil filler opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery (below a cover) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and diesel
engines is practically identical.Engine oilCheck engine oil level
The dipstick indicates the level of oil in the engine.Checking the oil level– Ensure that the vehicle is positioned on a level surface.
– Switch the engine off.
–Open the bonnet  in “Working in the engine compartment” on page 131.
– Wait a few minutes and pull out the oil dipstick.
– Wipe off the dipstick with a clea n cloth and insert it again fully.
– Then withdraw the dipstick ag ain and read off the oil level.Oil level within range –You must not top up the oil.
Oil level within range –You may top up the oil. It is possible that the oil level may then be within range
after doing this.Oil level within range –You must top up the oil page 132. It is sufficient, once this is done, to keep the
oil level within range .
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 5000 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 - but not above this,
if the engine has been operating at high loads, for example during a lengthy
motorway trip during the summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a high
mountain pass.
The warning light in the instrument cluster* will indicate page 24, “Engine oil
pressure ” whether the oil level is too low. 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 . Danger of
damaging 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 engine
damage.Note
Engine oil specifications  page 165, “Technical Data”.Replenishing engine oil– Inspecting the engine oil level page 132.
– Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening.
3
132
4
132
5
135
6
136
Fig. 123 Dipstick
AA
AB
AA
ACAB
AA
AA
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Breakdown assistance147
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Breakdown assistanceBreakdown assistanceFirst-aid box* and Warning triangle* (Octavia)The first-aid box* is attached by a strap to the right-hand side of the luggage
compartment.
The warning triangle can be attached to the trim panel of the rear wall with rubber
straps.
If you wish to equip your vehicle additional ly with a warning triangle, please contact
a specialist garage.
Note
Pay attention to the use-by-date of the contents of the first-aid box.First-aid box* and warning triangle* (Estate car)For vehicles of the type estate car the first-aid box and the warning triangle are
housed in a compartment on the righ t side in the luggage compartment.
If you wish to equip your vehicle additional ly with a warning triangle, please contact
a specialist garage.
Note
Pay attention to the use-by-date of the contents of the first-aid box.Fire extinguisher*The fire extinguisher is attached with straps in a holder under the driver seat.
Please read carefully the in structions which are attached to the fire extinguisher.
The fire extinguisher must be checked by an authorised person or company annu-
ally (please observe the differing legal requirements).
WARNING
If the fire extinguisher is not correctly attached, in case of sudden manoeuvres
or an accident it can be “thrown” thro ugh the interior compartment and cause
injuries.
Note
•
The fire extinguisher must comply with the relevant and valid legal require-
ments.
•
Pay attention to the expiration date of the fire extinguisher. If the fire extin-
guisher is used after the expiration date, its proper function is no longer assured.
•
The fire extinguisher is only supplied in certain countries within the scope of
delivery.
Vehicle tool kitThe vehicle tool kit and the lift ing jack*, on which a note sticker is affixed, are stored
in a plastic box in the spare wheel* fig. 132 or spare wheel well. There is also
space here for the removable ball head of the trailer towing device*. The box is
attached with a strap on the spare wheel.
The vehicle tool kit contains the following parts (depending on equipment fitted):•
Wire clamps for removing the full wheel trims,
Fig. 132 Luggage compartment: storage
compartment for vehicle tool kit
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Breakdown assistance
148
•
Plastic clip for a wheel bolt cover,
•
Wheel wrench,
•
Towing eye,
•
Adapter for the wheel bolts lock.
•
Tyre repair kit
Before placing the lifting jack* back in its storage area, screw in the arm of the lifting
jack fully.
WARNING
•
The factory-supplied lifting jack* is only intended for your model of vehicle.
On no account attempt to lift a heavier vehicle or other loads - risk of injury!
•
Ensure that the vehicle tool kit is safely attached in the luggage compart-
ment.Note
Ensure that the box is always secured with the strap.Spare wheel*The spare wheel lies in a well under the floor covering of the luggage compartment
and is fixed in place using special screws fig. 133 .
Before removing the spare wheel, you must take out the box with the vehicle tool
kit box page 147, fig. 132. One should check the inflation pressure in the spare wheel (at best when generally
checking the tyre air pressures - see sign on the fuel filler flap
page 141) to ensure
that the spare wheel is always ready to use.
Temporary spare wheel
A warning label displayed on the rim of the temporary spare wheel indicates that
your vehicle is equipped with a temporary spare wheel.
Please observe the following notes when driving with a temporary spare wheel:
•
The warning label must not be covered after installing the wheel.
•
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h with th is spare wheel and pay particular atten-
tion while driving. Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast
cornering.
•
The inflation pressure for this spare wheel is identical to the inflation pressure
of the standard tyres. The temporary spare wheel R 18 must have an inflation pres-
sure of 420 kPa (4.2 bar)!
•
Use this spare wheel only to reach the nearest specialist garage as it is not
intended for continuous use.
•
No other summer or winter tyres must be mounted on the rim of the spare
wheel R 18.
Tyre repair kit*General informationThe tyre repair kit is intended fo r the repair of minor tyre defects.
The repair with the tyre repair kit is not at all intended to replace a permanent
repair on the tyre, this repa ir only serves to reach the next specialist garage. The
repair can be undertaken on the vehicle immediately. Please read the attached
instructions carefully before the repair.
The tyre repair kit is located in a textile bag. There is a velcro fastener on the under-
side of the bag, with which the bag is attached to the floor covering of the luggage
compartment in such a way th at the side of the bag rests on the right side of the
luggage compartment and on the seat backrest.
Fig. 133 Luggage compartment: Spare
wheel
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Breakdown assistance
154WARNING
•
The non-insulated parts of the termi nal clamps must never make contact
with each other. Furthermore, the cable connected to the positive terminal of
the battery must not come into contact with electrically conducting parts of the
vehicle - risk of a short circuit!
•
Do not affix the jump starting cables to the negative terminal of the
discharged battery. There is the risk of detonating gas seeping out the battery
being ignited by the strong spark which results from the engine being started.
•
Run the jump-start cables so that they cannot be caught by any rotating
parts in the engine compartment.
•
Do not bend over the batteries - risk of caustic burns!
•
The vent screws of the battery cells must be tightened firmly.
•
Keep any sources of ignition (naked fl ame, smouldering cigarettes etc.) away
from the battery - risk of an explosion!
•
Never jump-start the batteries which have a too low electrolyte level - risk
of explosion and caustic burns!
Tow-starting and towing vehicleGeneralPlease pay attention to the following instru ctions if you are going to use a tow rope:Driver of the towing vehicle– Do not drive off until the tow rope is taught.
– Release the clutch particularly gently when starting off.Driver of the towed vehicle– Switch the ignition on so that the steering wheel is not blocked and you can also
operate the turn signal lights, the headli ght flasher, the windscreen wipers and
windscreen washer system.
–Move the gearshift lever into Neutral.
– Note that the brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the engine is running. You will require significantly greater physical force to depress the brake
pedal and to steer the vehicle if the engine is not running.
– Ensure that the tow rope is always kept taught. Tow rope or tow bar
A tow
bar is safest way of towing a vehicle and also minimizes any shocks. You can
use a tow rope only if a suitable tow bar is not available.
The tow rope must be elastic to protect the vehicle. Thus one should only use
plastic fibre rope or a rope made out of a similarly elastic material.
Only attach the tow rope to the towing eyes provided for this purpose page 155
and page 155.
Driving style
Towing another vehicle requires a certain amount of practice. Both drivers should
be familiar with the particular points about towing a vehicle. Unskilled drivers
should not attempt to tow in another vehicle or to be towed in.
One should be constantly vigilant not to allow impermissibly high towing forces or
jerky loadings. There is always a risk of excessive stresses and damage resulting at
the points to which you attach the tow rope or tow bar when you attempt to tow a
vehicle which is not standing on a paved road.
Caution
If the gearbox of your vehicle no longer contains any oil because of a defect, your
vehicle must only be towed in with the driven wheels raised clear of the ground, or
on a special vehicle tr ansporter or trailer.
Note
•
Please comply with any national legal provisions particularly regarding the
switched on signal systems, when towing in or tow-starting another vehicle.
•
The tow rope must not be twisted as it ma y in certain circumstances result in the
front towing eye being unsc rewed out of your vehicle.
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Breakdown assistance155
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Front towing eye
The towing eye is stored in the box for the vehicle tool kit.Fig. 141 Front bumper: protective grille/installing the towing eyeRemove the protective grille carefully as follows:
– Press on grille with the hand (at the end removed from the licence plate) and
release it in the direction of the arrow fig. 141 - left.
– Screw in the towing eye by hand to the left up to the stop fig. 141 - right. For
tightening, we recommend that you use for example the wheel wrench*, the
towing eye of another vehicle or anothe r, similar object which you can push
through the eye.
– Put the protective grille in place after screwing out the towing eye again and press firmly into place. The protective grille must engage firmly.Rear towing eyeFig. 142 Rear bumper: Removing the cover/installing the towing eye
– Take the cover out of the rear bumper fig. 142 - left.
– Screw in the towing eye by hand to the left up to the stop fig. 142 - right. For
tightening, we recommend that you use for example the wheel wrench*, the
towing eye of another vehicle or anothe r, similar object which you can push
through the eye.
– Put the cover in place after screwing out the towing eye again and press into
place. The cover must engage firmly.
Caution
The towing eye must always be screwed in and tightened up to the stop. Otherwise
there is the risk of it coming loose when towing the vehicle, e.g. when tow-
starting.Towing the vehiclePlease refer to the notes page 154.
The vehicle can be towed in with a tow bar or a tow rope or with the front or rear
wheels raised. The maximum towing speed is 50 km/h.
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