2012 SKODA OCTAVIA light

Leather care
Treat the leather roughly every six months with a suitable leather care product.
Apply only a small amount of the cleaning and care product.
Dry off the leather with a soft, dry cloth.
Use a care cream with light blocker and impregnation effect on a regular basis and each time after cleaning. The cream nourishes the leather, allows it to
breathe and keeps it supple and also provides moisture. It also creates surface
protection.
Clean the leather every 2 to 3 months, remove any fresh stains as they occur. Also look after the leather dye. Refresh any areas with a special coloured leather cream as required.
The leather is a natural material with specific properties. During the use of the ve- hicle, minor visible changes can occur on the leather parts of the covers (e. g wrin- kles or creases as a result of the stress of the covers).
CAUTION
■ Avoid leaving the vehicle for lengthy periods in bright sunlight to avoid the
leather from bleaching. If the vehicle is parked in the open for lengthy periods,
protect the leather from direct sunlight by covering it.■
Sharp-edged objects on items of clothing such as zip fasteners, rivets, sharp-
edged belts, jewellery and pendants may leave permanent scratches or signs of
rubbing on the surface.
■
The use of a mechanical steering wheel lock may damage the leather surface of
the steering wheel.

Seat belts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 159.
Keep the seat belts clean!
Clean dirty seat belts using a mild soapy solution and remove coarse dirt with a soft brush!
Check the condition of all the seat belts on a regular basis. Belt webbing which has become severely soiled may prevent the inertia reel from
reeling up the belt properly.
WARNING■ The seat belts must not be removed for cleaning.■Never clean the seat belts chemically as chemical cleaning products could
destroy the fabric. The seat belts must also not be allowed to come into con-
tact with corrosive liquids (such as acids etc.).■
Seat belts which have damage to the webbing, connections, inertia reel or
lock should be replaced by a ŠKODA specialist garage.
■
Inertia reel belts must be completely dried before being reeled up.

Accessories, changes and replacement of parts
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Repairs and technical modifications
166
Changes and impairments of the airbag system
166
If you want to retrofit your vehicle with accessories, if a vehicle part is to be re-
placed with a new one, or when needing to make technical changes, the follow-
ing instructions must be observed.
› Always seek advice from a ŠKODA Partner
before purchasing any accessories or
parts and before making any technical changes »
.
› Technical modifications must satisfy the latest guidelines and advice issued by
ŠKODA.
› We recommend you have any modifications and adjustments on the vehicle car-
ried out by a ŠKODA Partner. Partners can provide more detailed information
and also carry out all the necessary work professionally and correctly.
› Only install such parts whose version and properties meet factory-installed
parts on the vehicle.
Adhering to the advice given will prevent any kind of damage to the vehicle, and
its travelling and operating safety will be maintained. The vehicle also complies
with German road transport regulations (StVZO). 
165Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle

›Hold the fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube with one hand and lock it by turn-
ing the vehicle key to the right and remove the key.›
Close the fuel filler flap until it clicks into place.
›
Check that the fuel filler flap is closed properly.
Incorrect refuelling guard on vehicles with diesel engines The fuel filler tube on vehicles with diesel engines has been fitted with a incor-
rect refuelling guard » Fig. 145. This guard means it is only possible to refuel with
the diesel pump nozzle.
If the diesel pump nozzle does not sit directly in the fuel filler tube, move it to and fro with slight pressure to insert it correctly.
CAUTION
■ The fuel tank is full just as soon as the pump nozzle switches off for the first
time, provided the nozzle has been operated properly. Do not continue filling the fuel tank otherwise the expansion volume is filled up.■
Before refuelling, switch off the auxiliary heating system (auxiliary heating and
ventilation).
■
Be careful when filling diesel fuel from the spare canister - danger of contami-
nating the body.
Note
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 50 litres, containing a reserve of approx.
7 litres .
Unleaded petrol
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 167.
Your vehicle can only be operated with unleaded fuel that complies with the
standard EN 228 (in Germany: standard DIN 51626-1 or E10 for unleaded fuel with
an octane rating of 95 RON and 91 RON or DIN 51626-2 or E5 for unleaded fuel
with the octane rating 95 RON and 98 RON).
Prescribed fuel – unleaded fuel 95/91 RON Use unleaded fuel with the octane rating 95 RON. Unleaded petrol 91 RON can al-
so be used but results in a slight loss in performance.
Prescribed fuel – unleaded petrol min. 95 RONUse unleaded fuel with the octane rating 95 RON.
In case of necessity, you can refuel with petrol with the octane rating 91 RON if
petrol with the octane rating 95 RON is not available.
Even in the event of an emergency, petrol of a lower octane number than 91 RON
must not be used, otherwise the engine can be severely damaged!
Unleaded petrol with higher octane number
Unleaded petrol that has a higher octane number than that required by the en-
gine can be used without limitations.
On vehicles with prescribed unleaded petrol 95/91 RON, the use of petrol with a
higher octane number than 95 RON does not result in a noticeable power in-
crease or a lower fuel consumption.
On vehicles using prescribed unleaded petrol of min. 95 RON, the use of petrol
with a higher octane number than 95 RON can increase the power and reduce
fuel consumption.
Prescribed fuel – unleaded petrol 98/(95) RON
Use unleaded fuel with the octane rating 98 RON. Unleaded petrol 95 RON can
also be used but results in a slight loss in performance.
In case of necessity, you can refuel with petrol with the octane rating 91 RON of
unleaded fuel with octane rating 98 RON or 95 RON is not available.
Even in the event of an emergency, petrol of a lower octane number than 91 RON
must not be used, otherwise the engine can be severely damaged!
Fuel additives
Only use unleaded petrol, which complies with the standard EN 228 (in Germany:
standard DIN 51626-1 or E10 for unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 95 RON and 91 RON or DIN 51626-2 or E5 for unleaded fuel with an octane rating of
95 RON and 98 RON), as these meet all of the requirements for fault-free engine operation. We therefore recommend that no fuel additives are used.
CAUTION
■ All ŠKODA vehicles with petrol engines must only be operated with unleaded
petrol. Just filling the tank with leaded petrol once will damage the exhaust sys-
tem!■
If, in an emergency, the vehicle has to be refuelled with petrol of a lower octane
number than the one prescribed, the journey must only be continued at medium
engine speeds and a low engine load. Driving at high engine revs or a high engine
load can severely damage the engine! Refuel using petrol of the prescribed oc-
tane number as soon as possible. 
168General Maintenance

Note■If there is anything you are not sure about concerning fluids, please consult a
ŠKODA Partner.■
Fluids with the correct specifications can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Ac-
cessories.

Opening and closing the bonnet
Fig. 146
Bonnet/radiator grille release lever: Release lever
Fig. 147
Securing the bonnet
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 169.
When the front door is closed, the bonnet cannot be unlocked with lever
1
.
Opening
›
Open the front left door.
› Pull the release lever under the dash panel in the direction of the arrow1
» Fig. 146 .
Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers are
correctly in place against the windscreen otherwise the paintwork could be dam- aged.›
Press the release lever in the direction of the arrow
2
and the bonnet is un-
locked.
›
Grab hold of the bonnet and lift.
›
Take the bonnet support out of its holder
3
in the direction of the arrow and
secure the opened bonnet by inserting the end of the support in the opening
4
designed for it.
Closing
›
Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Insert the bonnet sup-
port into the holder
3
designed to hold it.
›
Let the bonnet drop into the lock carrier lock from a height of around 20 cm – do not push it in!
Check whether the bonnet has been closed properly. Also make sure a vehicle
with an opened bonnet does not appear in the instrument cluster dis-
play » page 21 .

171Inspecting and replenishing

Engine compartment overviewFig. 148
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 169.
Coolant expansion reservoir
174
Engine oil dipstick
172
Engine oil filler opening
173
Brake fluid reservoir
175
Battery (below a cover)
176
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
176
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
123456Checking the engine oil levelFig. 149
Dipstick
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 169.
The dipstick indicates the level of oil in the engine » Fig. 149.
Checking the oil level
›
Ensure that the vehicle is positioned on a level surface and the engine has reached its operating temperature.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the oil sump and remove
the dipstick.
›
Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again to the stop.
›
Pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level.
Oil level within range
A›
No oil must be refilled.
Oil level within range
B›
Oil can be refilled. Afterwards, the oil level can lie in the range
A
.
Oil level within range
C›
Oil must be replenished if the oil level is in the range
B
or lower.
The engine consumes a little 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. Consumption may be slightly higher than this during the
first 5 000 kilometres.
The oil level must be checked at regular intervals. We recommend after each time
you refuel or prior to making a long journey. 
172General Maintenance

We recommend maintaining the oil level within the range A, but not above , if
the engine has been operating at high loads, for example, during a lengthy motor-
way trip during the summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a high moun- tain pass.
The warning light in the instrument cluster will indicate whether the oil level is too low » page 15 . Check the oil level using the dipstick as soon as possible. Add
oil accordingly.WARNINGDo not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible  to top up
the engine oil under the prevailing conditions! Switch off the engine and seek
assistance from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
CAUTION
The oil level must on no account extend beyond the range A » Fig. 149 - Risk of
damaging the exhaust system!
Replenishing the engine oil
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 169.
›
Check the engine oil level » page 172.
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening » Fig. 148 on page 172.
›
Replenish the oil in portions of 0.5 litres in accordance with the correct specifi-
cations » page 209 .
›
Check the oil level » page 172.
›
Carefully screw on the oil filler opening cap and push the dipstick in fully.

Changing engine oil
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 169.
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals stated in the Service schedule or
according to the service interval indicator » page 11.
CAUTION
Do not pour any additives into the engine oil - Risk of serious engine damage!
Damage, which results from such product, are excluded from the warranty.
Note
If your skin has come into contact with oil, it must be washed thoroughly.
Coolant
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 169.
The coolant consists of water with a concentration of coolant additive. This mix-
ture guarantees antifreeze protection, protects the cooling/heater system
against corrosion and prevents the formation of scale.
Vehicles exported to countries with a mild climate are already factory-filled with
a coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to about -25 ℃. In these coun-
tries the concentration of coolant additive should be at least 40 %.
Vehicles exported to countries with a cold climate are already factory-filled with a
coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to about -35 °C. In these coun-
tries the concentration of coolant additive should be at least 50 %.
If a higher concentration of antifreeze is required for climatic reasons, the amount
of coolant additive can only be increased up to a maximum of 60 % (antifreeze
protection down to approx. -40 °C).
When refilling, only use the same antifreeze written on the antifreeze expansion tank » Fig. 150 on page 174. 
173Inspecting and replenishing

Coolant capacity1)Petrol enginesCapacities (in litres)1.2 ltr./63 kW TSI8.91.4 ltr./103 kW TSI10.21.8 ltr./132 kW TSI7.8Diesel enginesCapacities (in litres)1.6 ltr./77 kW TDI CR8.42.0 l/110 kW TDI CR - MG/DSG11,6 / 11,9
CAUTION
■
The amount of coolant additive in the coolant must never be allowed to be less
than 40 %.■
Over 60 % of coolant additive in the coolant reduces the antifreeze protection
and coolant effectiveness.
■
Other coolant additives that do not comply with the correct specifications can
above all significantly reduce the anticorrosion effect.
■
Any faults resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and can conse-
quently result in major engine damage!

Checking the coolant level
Fig. 150
Engine compartment: Coolant
expansion reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
Inspecting the coolant level›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle » Fig. 150.
Coolant level within range
A
The level may also rise slightly above the
A
marking when the engine is warm.
›
No coolant must be refilled.
Coolant level within range
A
and
B
When the engine is cold, the coolant level must lie between the
A
and
B
mark-
ings.
›
Coolant can be refilled.
Coolant level within range under
B›
Coolant must be refilled.
When the engine is cold, refill the coolant between the markings
A
and
B
.
If the coolant level in the expansion tank is too low, this will be signalised by the warning light 
illuminating in the instrument cluster » page 15, Coolant temper-
ature/coolant level 
, however we recommend you regularly check the coolant
level in the container directly.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the system. Do
not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a ŠKODA spe- cialist garage.
WARNING Do not continue your journey, if for some reason it is not possible to top up
the coolant under the prevailing conditions! Switch off the engine and seek
assistance from a ŠKODA specialist garage. 1)
On vehicles that are fitted with an auxiliary heater (auxiliary heating and ventilation), the coolant ca-
pacity is approx. 1 l larger.
174General Maintenance

CAUTION■Do not fill the coolant above the mark A » Fig. 150 .■If a fault causes the engine to overheat, we recommend visiting a ŠKODA Part-
ner, otherwise serious engine damage may occur.

Replenishing the coolant
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 169.
Only refill with new coolant.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Allow the engine to cool.
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir and unscrew the
cap carefully .
›
Replenish the coolant.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available in an emergency. In this case, just use water and have the correct mixing ratio of water
and the coolant additive restored by a ŠKODA specialist garage as soon as possi-
ble.

Radiator fan
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 169.
After switching off the ignition, the fan can intermittently continue to operate for
approx. 10 minutes.
The radiator fan is powered by an electric motor. Operation is controlled accord-
ing to the temperature of the coolant.

Checking the brake fluidFig. 151
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir » Fig. 151. The level must be be-
tween the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
A slight drop in the fluid level results when driving due to normal wear-and-tear and automatic adjustment of the brake pads.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid lev-
el drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” marking.
If the brake fluid level is too low, this is indicated by the warning light 
lighting
up in the instrument cluster » page 14, Brake system 
.
WARNINGIf the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking,  do not continue your
journey - risk of accident! Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.

175Inspecting and replenishing

Brake fluid changeFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 169.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Over time it therefore absorbs moisture from the
environment.
Excessive water in the brake fluid may be the cause of corrosion in the brake sys-
tem.
The water content lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid.
The brake fluid must comply with the following standards or specifications: › VW 50114;
› FMVSS 116 DOT4.
WARNINGDo not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired - risk of accident!
CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
Note
The brake fluid is replaced as part of a proscribed Inspection service carried out by
a ŠKODA Partner.
Windscreen washer system
Fig. 152
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoirFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and
contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen or rear window and for the head-
light cleaning system.
The capacity of the reservoir is about 3 litres or about 4.7 litres on vehicles that
have a headlight cleaning system.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and headlights.
We recommend using clean washing water together with the screen cleaner from
the range of ŠKODA Original Accessories (in winter additionally with antifreeze)
which is capable of removing stubborn dirt.
In Winter, the washing water should always be mixed with antifreeze even if the
vehicle has heated windscreen washer nozzles.
Under exceptional circumstances, methylated spirits can also be used if no screen
cleaner with antifreeze is available. The concentration of methylated spirits must
not be more than 15 %. The freeze protection at this concentration is sufficient
only to -5 °C.
CAUTION
■ Under no circumstances must radiator antifreeze or other additives be added to
the windscreen washer fluid.■
If the vehicle is fitted with a headlight cleaning system, only cleaning products
which do not attack the polycarbonate coating of the headlights must be added
to the windscreen washer fluid.
■
Do not remove the filter from the windscreen washer fluid reservoir when re-
plenishing it with liquid otherwise the liquid transportation system can be conta-
minated, which can cause the windscreen washer system to malfunction.

Vehicle battery
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Battery cover
178
Checking the battery electrolyte level
179
Charging a vehicle battery
179


176General Maintenance