2012 SKODA OCTAVIA maintenance

Seat belts142Seat belts142
Airbag system
146
Description of the airbag system
146
Front airbags
147
Driver’s knee airbag
148
Side airbags
149
Head airbags
150
Deactivating airbags
151
Passenger protection system
153
Introductory information
153
Activating the system
153
Transporting children safely
154
Child seat
154
General Maintenance
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle
159
Taking care of your vehicle
159
Accessories, changes and replacement of
parts
165
Inspecting and replenishing
167
Fuel
167
Engine compartment
169
Vehicle battery
176
Wheels
181
Tyres and wheel rims
181
Do-it-yourself
Do-it-yourself
188
First-aid kit and warning triangle
188
Fire extinguisher
188
Vehicle tool kit
188
Changing a wheel
189
Tyre repair
192Jump-starting195Towing the vehicle196
Fuses and light bulbs
199
Fuses
199
Bulbs
202
Technical data
Technical data
207
Introductory information
207
Vehicle identification data
207
Dimensions
208
Specifications and engine oil capacity
209
Vehicle-specific information depending on engine type
210
Index
4Table of Contents

Information about convenience consumers and the amount of fuel con-sumed » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehicle systems
(CAR button) .
A maximum of three convenience consumers are displayed in the Infotainment
display- the top 3 in terms of energy consumption.
You can decide to switch off the consumers or to set them to a lower level to re-duce the level of fuel consumption.
Checking tyre inflation pressures
Tyres which are correctly inflated save fuel.
Always ensure the tyre inflation pressure is correct. If the inflation pressure is too
low, the tyres must overcome a higher rolling resistance. This will not only in-
crease fuel consumption but also tyre wear and the driving behaviour will worsen.
Always check the tyre inflation pressure when the tyres are cold.

Avoid unnecessary ballast
Transporting ballast costs fuel.
Every additional kilogram in weight increases the fuel consumption. We there-
fore recommend you do not travel with any unnecessary weight.
It is particularly in town traffic, when one is accelerating quite often, that the ve-
hicle 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.
At a speed of 100 - 120 km/h, a vehicle fitted with a roof rack cross member with-
out a load will use about 10 % more fuel than normal due to the increased aero- dynamic drag.

Regular servicing
A poorly tuned engine uses an unnecessarily high amount of fuel.
By having your vehicle regularly maintained by a ŠKODA specialist garage, you
create the conditions needed for driving economically. The maintenance state of your vehicle has a positive effect on traffic safety and value retention.
A poorly tuned engine can result in a fuel consumption which is 10 % higher than normal!
Check the oil at regular intervals, e.g. when filling up. Oil consumption is depend-
ent to a considerable extent on the load and speed of the engine. Oil consump-
tion 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. The oil consumption of anew vehicle can therefore only be correctly assessed after driving about5 000 km.
For the sake of the environment
■ Additional improvements to the fuel economy can be made by using synthetic
high-lubricity oils.■
Regularly check the ground under the vehicle. Have your vehicle inspected by a
ŠKODA specialist garage if you find any stains caused by oil or other fluids on the
floor.
Note
We recommend that your vehicle is serviced on a regular basis by a ŠKODA Part-
ner.
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 placed
on the following points:
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.

103Driving and the Environment

›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.
Trade-in and recycling of old cars
ŠKODA meets the requirements of the brand and its products with regard to pro-
tecting the environment and the preserving resources. 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 confir-
mation stating the recycling in accordance with environmental regulations.
Note
Detailed information about the trade-in and recycling of old cars is available from
a ŠKODA Partner.
Driving abroad
Introductory information
In certain countries it is also possible that the ŠKODA Partner network is limited
or has not been established yet. This is the reason why procuring certain spare
parts may be somewhat complicated and specialist garages may only be able to
make limited repairs.
ŠKODA in the Czech Republic and its importers are happy to provide information
about technical aspects of the vehicle, required maintenance work and possibili- ties for getting repairs done.

Unleaded petrol
A vehicle fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded pet- rol » page 168 . Information regarding the locations of filling stations that offer
unleaded petrol is, for example, provided by the automobile associations.

Headlights
The low beam of your headlights is set asymmetrically. It illuminates the side of the road on which the vehicle is being driven to a greater extent.
When driving in countries in which the traffic drives on the other side of the roadthan in your home country, the asymmetrical low beam may dazzle oncoming
drivers. To prevent oncoming traffic from being dazzled, the headlights must be
adjusted by a ŠKODA Partner.
Headlights with Xenon lights are adjusted in the menu of the information dis-
play » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehicle systems
(CAR button) .
Note
Further information on adjusting the headlights is available from a ŠKODA Part-
ner.
Driving through water on the street
Fig. 98
Driving through water 
1)
Subject to fulfilment of the national legal requirements.
104Using the system

Towing a trailer
Towing device
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Description
106
Setting the ready position
107
Installing the ball rod
107
Check proper attachment
108
Removing the ball rod
108
Operation and maintenance
109
If your vehicle has already been factory-fitted with a towing device or is fitted
with a towing device from ŠKODA Original Accessories, then it meets all of the
technical requirements and national legal provisions for towing a trailer.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection be-tween the vehicle and trailer. If the trailer that is to be towed has a 7-pin connec-
tor , you can use a suitable adapter from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
The maximum trailer drawbar load is 75 kg/h.
WARNING■
Before each time you make a journey when using the ball rod, check that it
is seated correctly and is secured in the mounting recess.■
Do not operate the ball rod if it is not correctly inserted in the mounting re-
cess.
■
Do not operate the towing device if it is damaged or incomplete.
■
Do not perform any modifications or changes to the towing device.
■
Never release the ball rod while the trailer is still coupled.
CAUTION
■ If there is an error in the trailer lighting system, check the fuses in the fuse box
in the dashboard. » page 200■
Handle the ball rod carefully to avoid damaging the paintwork on the bumper.
Note■
After coupling the trailer and connecting up the power socket, check the rear
lights on the trailer to ensure they work.■
If you have any questions, please contact a ŠKODA Partner.

Description
Fig. 99
Carrier of the towing device/ball rod
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 106.
The ball rod can be removed and can be found in the spare wheel well or in a
compartment for the spare wheel in the boot » page 188.
Explanation of graphic
13-pin power socket
Safety eye
Mounting recess
Cap
Dust cap
Ball rod
Operating lever
Lock cap
Trigger pin
Keys
Locking ball 
1234567891011106Using the system

CAUTION■If the lever is held firm and not pushed downwards as far as it can go, it will go
back up after the ball rod is removed and will not latch into the ready position.
The ball rod then needs to be brought into this position before the next time it is installed.■
Stow the ball rod in the ready position with the key inserted in the box. When
doing so, make the side opposite to the inserted key face downwards - risk of damaging the key!
■
Do not use excessive force when handling the operating lever (e.g. do not climb
on it)!
Note
Remove any dirt from the ball rod before stowing it away in the box with the ve-
hicle tool kit.
Operation and maintenance
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 106.
Seal the mounting recess with the cap to prevent any ingress of dirt.
Always check the ball head before hitching a trailer. Use a suitable lubricating grease where necessary.
Include the protective cap when stowing away the ball rod to protect the boot
from getting contaminated.
In the event of dirt, clean the surfaces of the mounting recess and treat with a
suitable preservative.
CAUTION
Apply lubricating grease to the upper part of the mounting recess. Make sure you
do not remove any grease.
Loading a trailer
The vehicle/trailer combination must be balanced. whereby the maximum permis- sible drawbar load must be utilised. If the drawbar load is too low, it jeopardisesthe performance of the vehicle/trailer combination.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that heavy items are located as
close to the axle as possible. Secure the items from slipping.
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trail-
er is laden. Drive at a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this
combination.
Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for a “full load” » page 182,
Tyre life .
Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan-
ces » page 207 , Technical data .
The trailer loads specified apply only to altitudes up to 1 000 metres above mean
sea level.
The engine output falls as the height increases, as does the ability to climb.
Therefore, for every additional 1 000 m in height (every one begun), the maximum
permissible towed weight must be reduced by 10 %.
The towed weight comprises the actual weight of the (loaded) towing vehicle and the (loaded) trailer.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing device are merely test data for the towing device. The vehicle-specific values are de-tailed in the vehicle documents.WARNING■ Do not exceed the maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and the
maximum permissible total or towed weight of the vehicle and the trailer -
risk of accident and serious injuries!■
Always drive particularly carefully with the trailer.
■
Slipping loads can significantly affect the stability and safety of the vehicle/
trailer combination - risk of accident and serious injuries!

109Towing a trailer

Airbag system
Description of the airbag system
Introductory information
The airbags inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed to offer additional protection in the event of an accident.
The functional status of the airbag system is indicated by the indicator light  in
the instrument cluster » page 19.
The airbag system (according to vehicle equipment) consists of: › an electronic control unit;
› Front airbags for the driver and front seat passenger
» page 147;
› a driver’s knee airbag
» page 148;
› side airbags
» page 149;
› head airbags
» page 150;
› an airbag warning light in the instrument cluster
» page 19;
› a key switch for the front seat passenger airbag
» page 151;
› a warning light in the middle of the dash panel to indicate the front seat pas-
senger airbag is switched off » page 151.
WARNING■
The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but instead forms part of the
complete passive vehicle safety concept. Please note that an airbag can only
offer you optimal protection in combination with a seat belt which is fas- tened .■
To ensure passengers are protected with the greatest possible effect when
the airbag is deployed, the front seats must be correctly adjusted to match
the body size » page 139, Correct seated position .
■
If you do not fasten the seat belts when driving, lean too far forward or
adopt an incorrect seated position, you are exposing yourself to increased risk of injury in the event of an accident.
■
If there is a fault, have the airbag system checked immediately by a ŠKODA
specialist garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in
the event of an accident.
WARNING (Continued)■ No modifications of any kind must be made to parts of the airbag system.
Any work on the airbag system including the installation and removal of sys-
tem components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering wheel)
must only be carried out by a ŠKODA specialist garage.■
Never make any changes to the front bumper or bodywork.
■
It is prohibited to manipulate individual parts of the airbag system as this
might result in the airbag being deployed.
■
The protective function of the airbag system is sufficient for only one acci-
dent. The airbag system must then be replaced if the airbag has been de-
ployed.
■
The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.
■
If you sell your vehicle, provide the complete vehicle documentation to the
new owner. Please note that the information relating to the possibility of de-
activating the front passenger airbag must be included!
■
When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is important to
comply with the national legal requirements.

Airbag deployment
The airbag system is only functional when the ignition is switched on.
When the airbags are deployed they fill with gas and inflate.
A grey white or red, non-harmful gas is released when the airbag is inflated. This
is perfectly normal and is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle.
In certain accident situations, the several airbags may be deployed simultaneous- ly.
The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions, rear-
end collisions, tilting of the vehicle and vehicle rollover.
Deployment factors
It is not possible to generally determine which deployment conditions apply to the airbag system in every situation. An important role is played by factors such as the type of object that the vehicle hits (hard, soft), the impact angle, vehicle
speed, etc.
A decisive factor for the deployment of the airbags is the deceleration which oc- curs. The control unit analyses the nature of the collision and activates the rele-
vant restraint system. If the vehicle deceleration which occurs and is measured 
146Safety

General Maintenance
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle
Taking care of your vehicle
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Washing the vehicle
160
Automatic car wash systems
160
Washing by hand
160
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
161
Preserving and polishing the vehicle paintwork
161
Chrome parts
161
Paint damage
161
Plastic parts
162
De-icing windows and exterior mirrors
162
Radio reception and aerial
162
Headlight lenses
162
Rubber seals
163
Door lock cylinders
163
Wheels
163
Underbody protection
163
Protection of hollow spaces
164
Artificial leather, cloths and Alcantara ®
164
Fabric covers on electrically heated seats
164
Natural leather
164
Seat belts
165
Regular and proper care help to retain the efficiency and
value of your vehicle. It
may also be one of the requirements for the acceptance of warranty claims relat- ing to corrosion damage and paint defects on the bodywork.
We recommend using care products from ŠKODA Original Accessories that areavailable from ŠKODA Partners. The instructions for use on the package must be
observed.
WARNING■ Care products may be harmful to your health if not used according to the in-
structions.■
Always store care products in a safe place, out of the reach of children – risk
of poisoning!
■
Water and ice in the brake system when washing the vehicle in winter can
affect the braking efficiency – risk of accident!
■
Only wash the vehicle when the ignition is switched off – risk of accident!
■
When washing the car by hand, protect your hands and arms from sharp-
edged metal parts (e.g. when cleaning the underfloor, the inside of the wheel
housings or the wheel trims, etc) - risk of cuts!
■
Air fresheners and scents can be hazardous to heath when the temperature
inside the vehicle is high.
CAUTION
■ Be sure to check clothing for colourfastness to avoid any damage or visible
stains on the material (leather), panels and textiles.■
Cleaners containing solvents can damage the material being cleaned.
■
Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight – risk of paint damage.
■
If washing the vehicle in the winter using a hose or high-pressure cleaner, en-
sure that the jet of water is not aimed directly at the locking cylinders or the
door/panel joints – risk of freezing!
■
Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar cleaning prod-
ucts – risk of damaging the surface of paintwork.
■
Do not stick any stickers on the inside of the rear windows, the rear side win-
dows and in the vicinity of the heating elements on the windscreen or near the
window aerial. These may get damaged. With regard to the antenna, they may in-terfere with the radio or navigation.
■
Do not clean the inside of the windows with sharp-edged objects or corrosive
and acidic cleaning agents – risk of damaging the heating elements or window
aerial.
■
Do not attach scents and air fresheners to the dashboard – risk of damage to
the dashboard.
■
To avoid damaging the parking aid sensors while cleaning with high-pressure
cleaners or steam jets, the sensors must only be directly sprayed for short periods while a minimum distance of 10 cm must be observed.
■
Do not clean the roof trim with a brush – risk of damage to the trim surface.
■
Fold in the exterior mirrors to prevent damage before washing the vehicle in an
automatic car wash system. Never manually fold in electric exterior mirrors - al-
ways use the electric controls. 
159Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle

■For Alcantara ®
do not use any solvents, floor wax, shoe cream, stain remover,
leather cleaners, or similar agents.■
Remove fresh stains such as those from ball-point pens, ink, lipstick, shoe pol-
ish, etc., from the material (leather), panels and textiles as quickly as possible.
For the sake of the environment
■ Used cans of vehicle care products represent a special type of hazardous waste.
These must be disposed of in accordance with national legal regulations.■
Only wash the vehicle at washing bays intended for this purpose.
Note
Due to potential issues with the cleaning and care of the interior of your vehicle,
the special tools and knowledge required, we recommend that cleaning and care of the interior of your vehicle is completed by a ŠKODA Partner.
Washing the vehicle
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 159.
The best protection for your vehicle against harmful environmental influences is
frequent washing and wax treatment. How often the vehicle should be washed
depends on a wide range of factors, such as:
› Frequency of use;
› The parking situation (garage, below trees etc.);
› Season of the year;
› Weather conditions;
› Environmental influences.
The longer insect residues, bird droppings, tree sap, road and industrial dust, tar,
soot particles, road salt and other aggressive deposits remain adhering to the paintwork of your vehicle, the more detrimental their destructive effect can be.
High temperatures, such as those caused by intensive sun's rays, accentuate this
caustic effect.
It is essential to also thoroughly clean the underside of the vehicle at the end of
the winter.

Automatic car wash systems
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 159.
Your vehicle can be washed in automatic car wash systems.
The usual precautionary measures must be taken before washing the vehicle in
an automatic car wash system (closing the windows including the sliding/tilting
roof, etc.).
If your vehicle is fitted with any particular attached parts, such as a spoiler, roof
luggage rack, two-way radio aerial – it is best to consult the operator of the car
wash system beforehand.
It is important to clean and degrease the lips of the windscreen wiper rubbers af-
ter passing through the automatic vehicle wash system.

Washing by hand
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 159.
When washing by hand, first soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse off as
much as possible.
Clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a washing glove or a washing brush . Work
from the top to the bottom – starting with the roof. Only apply slight pressure when cleaning the vehicle's paintwork. 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.
Give the vehicle a good rinse after washing it and dry it off using a chamois leath- er.

160General Maintenance