
Contents
4
Driving Tips
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electromechanical power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . . . . .
Driving and the Environment
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards .
Catalytic converter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in an economical and environmentally 
conscious manner  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avoiding damage to your vehicle  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving through bodies of water on roads  . . . . . .
Towing a trailer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the 
vehicle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the exterior of vehicle  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and replenishing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Battery  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tyres
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changing and replacing parts
. .
Accessories and replacement parts . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicles of category N1  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance
 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-aid box* and Warning triangle* (Octavia) . .
First-aid box* and warning triangle* (Estate car)
Fire extinguisher*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare wheel*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre repair kit*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing vehicle  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and light bulbs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel consumption based on ECE regulations and EC 
guidelines  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil specifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4 ltr./59 kW - EU5  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.6 ltr./75 kW - EU4, EU2  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
2.0 l/81 kW TDI CR EU4  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Index
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
105105105107108108109109109111111111112115116116116118118121121121121125127127127128130130132133135
136140141141146146146146147147147147147147148148149153154156156159165165165165165165165166166166168
170172175
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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 

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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Inspecting and replenishing133
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
– Pour in a suitable grade of oil in portions of 0.5 litres 
page 166, “Engine oil 
specifications”.
– Inspect the oil level  page 132.
– 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 131, “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    page 132. Oil will 
otherwise be drawn in through the crankc ase ventilation and may pass through the 
exhaust system to atmosphere. The oil ma y combust in the catalytic converter and 
damage it.Changing engine oilThe engine oil must be changed at the intervals stated in the Service schedule or 
according to the service interval indicator  page 17, “Service Interval Display”.
WARNING
•
Only carry out the engine oil change,  if you have the required professional 
knowledge!
•
Read and observe the warning notes  page 131, “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! 
Damage, which results from such produc t, 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 Partner.Note
After your skin has come in contact with  the oil, you must thoroughly wash your 
skin.Cooling systemCoolant
The job of the coolant is to cool the engine.The cooling system does not require any maintenance under normal operating 
conditions. The coolant consists of water  with a concentration of coolant additive 
of 40 %. This mixture not  only provides antifreeze prot ection down to -25 °C but 
also protects the cooling and heating system from corrosion. It also prevents the 
formation of scale and significantly increases the boiling point of the coolant.
You must therefore not reduce the concentration of antifreeze agent in the coolant 
by adding water, also not during the summer months or in countries with a warm 
climate.  The concentration of coolant additive in the coolant must be at least 40 
%.
You can increase the amount of antifreeze in the coolant if a higher concentration 
of antifreeze is necessary for climatic reasons but only up to 60 % (antifreeze 
protection down to approx. -40 °C). The antifreeze protection tails off above that 
concentration.
Vehicles exported to countries with a co ld climate (e.g. Sweden, Norway, Finland) 
are already factory-filled with a coolant wh ich offers antifreeze protection down to 
about -35 °C. In these countries the concentr ation of coolant additive should be at 
least 50 %.
Coolant
The cooling system is factory-filled with  coolant (purple in colour), which complies 
with the specification TL-VW 774 G.
We recommend that you use the same cool ant additive - G12 PLUS-PLUS (purple in 
colour) for topping up the system.
Please contact an authorised Škoda Serv ice Partner if you have any questions 
regarding the coolant or if you wish  to fill up with a different coolant.
AA
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Technical Data
166
Sticker on inside of fuel filler flap
The stickers are affixed to the inside of the fuel filler flap and contain the following 
information:•
The prescribed types of fuel,
•
Tyre size,
•
Tyre pressure.
Fuel consumption based on  ECE regulations and EC guidelinesDepending on the range of the special equipment, style of driving, traffic situation, 
weather influences and vehicle condition, the consumption values which in practice 
result when using the vehicle can deviate from the indicated values.
Urban traffic
The consumption measurement in urban traffic begins with starting of the cold 
engine. Afterwards the normal urban traffic is simulated.
Non-urban traffic
For the consumption measurement in non-ur ban traffic the vehicle, as in daily 
motoring, is accelerated and braked several times in all gears. The vehicle speed 
changes within the range from 0 to 120 km/h.
Combined traffic
The consumption value in the combined traffic consists of 37 % from the value for 
the urban traffic and of 63 % from  the value for the non-urban traffic.DimensionsDimensions (mm)
Engine oil specificationsThe grade of engine oil should be selected in accordance with 
precise specifications.The engine of your vehicle has been factory-filled with a high-grade oil which you 
can use throughout the year - except in extreme climatic regions.
You can mix various oils together with each  other when refilling with oil. This does 
not, however, apply for models with flexible service intervals (QG1).
Engine oils are, of course , undergoing continuous further development. Thus the 
information stated in this Owner's Manual is only correct at the time of publication.
Authorised Škoda Service Partners are informed by Škoda Auto about current 
changes. This why you should always have  engine oil changed by an authorised 
Škoda Service Partner.
The specifications (VW standards) stated in the following must be indicated sepa-
rately or together with other specifications on the bottle.
Engine oil specifications for models with flexible service intervals (QG1)
OCTAVIA
COMBI
Length
4572
4572
Width
1769
1769
Width including exterior mirror
2018
2018
Height
1462
1485
a)
1468
1490
a)
Clearance
140
164a)
140
164a)
Wheel base
2578
2578
Track gauge front/rear
1541/1514
1541/1514
a)The value corresponds to the status with rough road package.Petrol engines
Specification
Filling level
a)
a)Oil capacity with oil filter change. Inspect oil le vel when filling; do not fill up too much. The oil 
level must be between the markings  page 132.1.4 ltr./59 kW - EU5
VW 503 00, VW 504 00
3,2
1.6 ltr./75 kW - EU4, EU2
VW 503 00, VW 504 00
4,5
Diesel engine
Specification
Filling level
a)
2.0 l/81 kW TDI CR EU4
VW 507 00
4,3
OCTAVIA
COMBI
s2lk.2.book  Page 166  Monday, April 18, 2011  7:41 AM 

Technical Data167
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Engine oil specifications for vehicles with fixed service intervals (QG2)
If the oils specified above are not available,
 oils according to ACEA A2 or ACEA A3 
can be used once for refilling. ACEA A3.
If the oils specified above are not available, oils according to ACEA B3 or ACEA B4 
can be used once for refilling.
Caution
Only the previously-mentioned oils may be  used on vehicles with flexible service 
intervals (QG1). We recommend always refi lling with oil of the same specification 
since this will maintain the properties of th e oil. In exceptional cases, you must top 
up only once engine oil co mplying with Specification VW 502 00 (only for petrol 
engines) or Specification VW 505 01 (only for diesel engines) to maximum 0.5 litres. 
You must not use other engine oils - risk of engine damage!
Note
•
Before a long drive we recommend that you purchase and carry with you engine 
oil which complies with the specification for your vehicle. Consequently, you will 
always have the correct engine oil for refilling.
•
We recommend using a preservative from the Škoda original accessories offered 
by your Škoda dealer.
•
For further information - see Service schedule.Petrol engines
Specification
Filling level
a)
a)Oil capacity with oil filter change. Inspect oil le vel when filling; do not fill up too much. The oil 
level must be between the markings  page 132.1.4 ltr./59 kW - EU5
VW 501 01, VW 502 00
3,2
1.6 ltr./75 kW - EU4, EU2
VW 501 01, VW 502 00
4,5
Diesel engine
Specification
Filling level
a)
2.0 l/81 kW TDI CR EU4
VW 507 00
4,3
s2lk.2.book  Page 167  Monday, April 18, 2011  7:41 AM