2012 SKODA OCTAVIA ECO mode

Lights and visibility
Lights
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Side lights and the low beam
44
Daylight driving light function (DAY LIGHT)
44
Turn signal and main beam light
45
Automatic driving lamp control
45
Adaptive headlights (AHL)
46
Headlight assist
47
Fog lights
48
Fog lights with the function CORNER
48
Rear fog light
48
COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function
49
Hazard warning light system
49
The light only operates if the ignition is switched on.
On models fitted with right-hand steering the position of certain switches differs
from that shown in » Fig. 25 on page 44. The symbols which mark the switch
positions are identical, however.
The low beam continues to shine while the ignition is switched on and the light
switch is in the position 
or 
. After switching off the ignition, the low beam
is switched off automatically and only the side lights come on. The side light goes
out after the ignition key is removed.
Keep the headlights lenses clean. The following guidelines must be ob- served » page 162 , Headlight lenses .
WARNING■
The activation of the lights should only be undertaken in accordance with
national legal requirements.■
The driver is always responsible for the correct settings and use of the
lights.
■
The automatic driving lamp control  only operates as a support and does
not release the driver from his responsibility to check the light and, if necessa-
ry, to switch on the light depending on the light conditions. The light sensor
cannot, for example, detect rain or snow. Under these conditions we recom- mend switching on the low beam or fog lights!
Note
■ If there is a fault in the light switch, the low beam comes on automatically.■The headlights may mist up temporarily. When the driving lights are switched
on, the light outlet surfaces are free from mist after a short period, although the
headlight lenses may still be misted up in the peripheral areas. This mist has no
influence on the life of the lighting system.■
The instruments are also illuminated when the side light, low or high beam light
is switched on. The brightness of the instrument lighting can be activated/deacti- vated in the Infotainment » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Set-
ting vehicle systems (CAR button) .

43Lights and visibility

Deactivating›Turn the light switch to position 0,  or  » Fig. 27 .
If the light switch is in position , the symbol  lights up next to the light
switch. If the light is switched on automatically, the symbol  next to the light
switch also lights up.
Automatic headlight control in rain
If the light switch is in position  and if automatic wiping in rain or wiping (posi-
tion 2 or 3) is switched on for longer than 30 seconds » page 54, the side lights
and low beam will switch on automatically.
The light switches off when automatic wiping/wiping (position 2 or 3) is not
switched on for longer than approx. 4 seconds.
The automatic headlight control in rain can be activated/deactivated in the Info-tainment » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehicle sys-
tems (CAR button) .
CAUTION
Do not affix any stickers or similar objects in front of the light sensor on the wind-
screen, so that its functionality is not impaired or disabled.
Adaptive headlights (AHL)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 43.
The AFS system works in tandem with automatic driving lamp control 
, please
read the following » page 45.
The AFS system makes sure the street remains lit up depending on the traffic and weather situation.
The system automatically adjusts the cone of light in front of the vehicle based
on the vehicle speed, whether the windscreen wipers are in use, the rear fog lights, and data from Infotainment Navigation.
Activating
›
Turn the light switch into position 
» Fig. 27 on page 45.
Deactivating
›
Turn the light switch to position 0, 
or 
» Fig. 27 on page 45.
The AHL system operates in the following modes.
Out of town mode
The cone of light in front of the vehicle is similar to the low beam. The mode is
active if none of the following modes are active.
City mode
The cone of light in front of the vehicle is adjusted so that it illuminates the adja- cent pavement, crossings, etc. The mode is active at speeds of 15-50 km/h.
Motorway mode
The cone of light in front of the vehicle is adjusted so that the driver can respond
in time to an obstruction or other hazard in time. The mode is active at speeds
above 110 km/h.
Rain mode
The cone of light in front of the vehicle is adjusted so that the driver can reduce the glare from oncoming traffic in rain. The mode is active at speeds of 50 –
90 km/h and if the windscreen wipers continuously operate for a period of time
longer than 2 minutes. The mode is deactivated when the windscreen wipers are switched off for longer than 8 minutes.
Fog mode
The cone of light in front of the vehicle is adjusted so that the driver is not daz-
zled by the reflection of the cone of light by fog in front of the vehicle. The mode
is active at speeds of 15 – 70 km/h and if the rear fog light is switched on for a
period of time longer than 10 seconds. The mode is deactivated when the rear fig
light is switched off for longer than 5 seconds.
Dynamic cornering lights
The cone of light in front of the vehicle is adjusted to the steering angle so that
the road in the curve is illuminated. This function is active at speeds greater than
10 km.h and in all AFS modes.
Tourist light
This mode makes it possible to drive in countries with opposing traffic system, driving on the left/right, without dazzling the oncoming vehicles. When the “tou- rist light” mode is active, the above-mentioned modes and the side swivel of the
headlights is deactivated.
The "Tourist light" mode can be configured in the Infotainment » operating in-
structions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehicle systems (CAR button) .46Using the system

WARNINGIf the AFS system is defective, the headlights are automatically lowered to the
emergency position, which prevents a possible dazzling of oncoming traffic. This reduces the cone of light in front of the vehicle. Drive carefully and visit aŠKODA specialist garage as soon as possible.
Note
■ When the “tourist light” mode is active, the warning light  flashes for 10 sec-
onds each time the ignition is switched on.■
If the Eco driving mode is selected, dynamic cornering lights are deactiva-
ted » page 124 .

Headlight assist
Fig. 28
Operating lever: Headlight assist
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 43.
The Headlight assist switches the headlights on/off automatically depending on
the environmental conditions.
The headlight is regulated based on data gathered by the camera attached be-
tween the windscreen and interior mirror.
The headlight can switch off automatically at speeds above 60 km/h. The head-light switches off automatically when the speed falls below 30 km/h.
When the Assistant switches on the headlight automatically, the indicator light 
lights up in the dash panel insert.
Activating›Turn the light switch into position  » Fig. 27 on page 45.›
Place the lever in position
A
(spring-tensioned position) » Fig. 28.
In the instrument cluster display, the indicator light  appears for the activated
Headlight assist.
Deactivating
›
If the headlight is currently switched on automatically, move the lever into posi-
tion
B
(spring-tensioned position) » Fig. 28.
›
If the headlight is not currently switched on automatically, move the lever into
position
A
(the headlight switches on) followed by position
B
.
If you want to reactivate the Assist, put the lever back into position
A
.
The Assist can also be switched off when the light switch is turned from position  to another position.
If the system cannot function correctly, the following message will appear in the
instrument cluster display:
Fault: Light Assist
or LIGHT ASSIST FAULT
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Light Assist: clean the windscreen!
or
WINDSCREEN PLEASE CLEAN
Check for any obstacles on the windscreen in the viewing area of the camera.
The function of Headlight assist can be activated/deactivated in the Infotain-
ment » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehicle systems
(CAR button) .
Manually switching on the headlights
If the headlight is not switched on automatically, it can be switched on manually -
put the lever into position
A
. The Assist is deactivated; the indicator light 
goes out.
Manually switching off the headlights
If the headlight is switched on automatically, it can be switched off manually - put the lever into position
B
. The Assist is deactivated; the indicator light 
goes
out. 
47Lights and visibility

If the vehicle is not fitted with fog lights, the rear fog light is switched on by pull-
ing out the light switch directly to the position 2. This switch only has one posi-
tion.
The warning light  lights up in the instrument cluster when the rear fog light is
switched on » page 12.
When the rear fig light is switched on in towing mode, only the rear fog light of the trailer will light up. This is only the case when the trailer is coupled to a facto-
ry-fitted towing device/a towing device from ŠKODA Original accessories.

COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 43.
In poor visibility conditions, this function makes it possible to automatically
switch on the lights for a short time after leaving the vehicle or when approach-
ing the vehicle.
The intensity of the surrounding light for switching on the lights is controlled
with the light sensor in the interior mirror holder.
Switching on the COMING HOME function
›
Turn the light switch into position 
» Fig. 27 on page 45.
›
Switch off the ignition.
The light switches on after opening the driver's door.
Switching off the COMING HOME function
›
Close all doors and the luggage compartment lid.
The light switches off after the pre-set time has passed.
If a door or the boot lid remains open, the light goes out after 60 seconds.
Switching on the LEAVING HOME function
›
Before leaving the vehicle, turn the light switch into position 
» Fig. 27 on
page 45.
The light switches on after unlocking the vehicle with the remote control.
Switching off the LEAVING HOME function
The light switches off after the pre-set time has passed or before the pre-set
time has lapsed after the ignition is switched on or the vehicle is locked.
The COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function can be configured in the Infotain-
ment » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehicle systems
(CAR button) .
Depending on the equipment fitted the COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function switches on the following lights:
› Parking lights;
› Low beam;
› Entry lighting in the exterior mirrors;
› Licence plate light.
CAUTION
Do not affix any stickers or similar objects in front of the light sensor on the wind-
screen, so as not to impair or disable the COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function.
Note
If the COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function is switched on continuously, the
battery will be heavily discharged particularly over short distances.
Hazard warning light system
Fig. 30
Dash panel: Button for hazard
warning light system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 43.
Switching on/off
›
Press the button 
» Fig. 30 . 
49Lights and visibility

The rear window is wiped once automatically if the windscreen wipers are onwhen reverse gear is selected.
Automatic rear window wiping can be activated/deactivated in the Infotain-
ment » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehicle systems
(CAR button) .
Top up with windscreen wiper fluid » page 176.WARNING■
Properly maintained windscreen wiper blades are essential for clear visibility
and safe driving » page 56.■
Do not use the windscreen washer system at low temperatures, without
heating the windscreen beforehand. Otherwise the window cleaner could
freeze on the windscreen and restrict the view to the front.
■
Automatic wiping in rain only operates as a support. The driver is not re-
leased from the responsibility to set the function of the windscreen wipers
manually depending on the visibility conditions.
■
Replace the windscreen wiper blades once or twice a year for safety rea-
sons. These can be purchased from a ŠKODA Partner.
CAUTION
■ In cold temperatures and during the winter, check before the journey or before
switching on the ignition that the wiper blades are not frozen to the windscreen. If the windscreen wipers are switched on when the blades are frozen to the
windscreen, this may damage both the blades and windscreen wiper motor!■
If the ignition is switched off while the windscreen wipers are switched on, the
windscreen wipers will continue wiping in the same mode after the ignition is
turned back on. The windscreen wipers could freeze up in cold temperatures be- tween the time the ignition was turned off and when it was turned back on again.
■
Carefully detach frozen wiper blades from the front or rear window.
■
Remove snow and ice from the windscreen wipers before driving.
■
If the windscreen wipers are handled carelessly, there is a risk of damage to the
windscreen.
■
The ignition must not be switched on if the front windscreen wiper arms are fol-
ded out. The wiper blades would move back into their rest position and while do-
ing so damage the paintwork of the bonnet.
Note■ The windscreen wiper switches off each time the ignition switches off for the
third time. This counteracts an early fatigue of the wiper rubbers.■
If there is an obstacle on the windscreen, the wiper will try to push away the
obstacle. The wiper stops automatically after 5 attempts to eliminate the obsta-
cle, in order to avoid a damage to the wiper. Remove the the obstacle and switch
the wiper on again.
■
The rear window wiper only operates if the boot lid is closed.
■
The windscreen washer nozzles for the windscreen are heated when the en-
gine is running and the outside temperature is less than approx. +10 °C.
■
Keep the wiper blades clean. The wiper blades can become soiled with wax resi-
dues after washing in automatic vehicle wash systems for example » page 160.

Windscreen wipers and washers
Fig. 38
Operating lever: Function of the
the windscreen wipers and
washers
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 53.
Function of the windscreen wipers and washers in the individual posi-
tions » Fig. 38
Wipers off
Periodic windscreen wiping/automatic wiping in rain slow windscreen wipingrapid windscreen wiping
Flick windscreen wiping (spring-tensioned position)
Automatic wipe/wash for windscreen (spring-tensioned position) Wiping the rear window pane (the windscreen wiper wipes every 6 seconds) 
012345654Using the system

WARNING■Do not place anything on the dash panel. These objects might slide or fall
down when driving (when accelerating or cornering) and may distract you
from concentrating on the traffic - risk of accident!■
When driving, ensure that no objects from the centre console or from other
storage compartments can get into the driver's footwell. You would then no
longer be able to apply the brakes, operate the clutch or accelerator – risk of accident!

Storage compartment on the front passenger side
Fig. 65
Dash panel: Open storage compartment/control cooling of storage
compartment
A pen and credit card holder is provided in the stowage compartment. Open/close
›
Pull the handle of the flap in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 65 – 
and fold
down the flap.
›
Lift the lid upwards until it clicks into place.
Cooling
›
Use the rotary switch » Fig. 65 – 
to open/close the air supply.
Opening the air supply when the air conditioning system is switched on allows
cooled air to flow into the storage compartment.
Opening the air inlet when the air conditioning system is on causes fresh or inte-rior air to flow into the storage compartment.
We recommend closing the air supply if it is operated in heating mode or the cool-ing system for the storage compartment is not being used.WARNINGThe storage compartment must always be closed when driving for safety rea-
sons.
Note
When the stowage compartment is opened, a light lights up.
Storage compartment on the driver's side
Fig. 66
Dash panel: Storage compart-
ment on the driver's side
Open/close
›
Raise the handle
A
» Fig. 66 and open out the compartment in the direction of
the arrow.
›
Swivel the lid against the direction of the arrow until it clicks into place.
WARNINGThe storage compartment must always be closed when driving for safety rea-
sons.

73Seats and Stowage

Loading›Open the luggage compartment lid.›
Fold the rear armrest and the cover in the seat backrest downwards » page 77.
›
Place the empty, removable through-loading bag in such a way that the end of
the bag with the zip is in the boot.
›
Push the skis into the removable through-loading bag from the boot » .
›
Close the through-loading bag.
Securing
›
Tighten the strap
A
on the free end around the skis in front of the bind-
ings » Fig. 77 .
›
Fold the seat backrest a little forward.
›
Guide the securing strap
B
through the opening in the seat backrest around
the upper part of the seat backrest.
›
Then push the seat backrest back into the upright position until the unlocking button clicks into place - check by pulling on the seat backrest.
›
Insert the securing strap
B
into the lock
C
until it clicks into place.
WARNING■ After placing skis into the through-loading bag, you must secure the bag
with the securing strap B » Fig. 77 .■
The strap
A
must hold the skis tight.
■
Make sure that the strap
A
holds the skis in front of the binding (also refer
to imprint on the removable through-loading bag).
■
The total weight of the skis which are transported must not exceed 17 kg.
Note
■ The through-loading bag is foreseen for four pairs of skis.■Place the skis and sticks in the removable through-loading bag with the tips
facing to the rear.■
If there are several pairs of skis in the removable through-loading bag, ensure
that the bindings are positioned at the same height.
■
The removable through-loading bag must never be folded together or stowed
when moist.

Storage compartment in the bootFig. 78
Luggage compartment: Stowage compartment/example of attach-
ing an item of luggage using the cargo element
Increasing the size of the boot
›
Remove the cover of the stowage compartment
1
in the direction of the ar-
row » Fig. 78 .
Securing items of luggage
›
Remove the cargo element (a part of the cover of the stowage compartment)
2
» Fig. 78 and attach to the floor covering of the luggage compartment with
the Velcro fastener.
The stowage compartment can be located on either of the two sides of the lug-
gage compartment, according to the model.
CAUTION
■ The storage compartment is designed for storing small objects of up to 2.5 kg.
in weight in total.■
The cargo element is designed for attaching objects with a maximum gross
weight of 8 kg.
■
When using the storage compartment, take care not to damage it or the lug-
gage compartment lining.
Note
We recommend you use the cargo element to secure items of luggage behind the
rear seats.
78Using the system

Heating and air conditioning system
Heating and air conditioning system
Introductory information
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full heat output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
If the cooling system is switched on, the temperature and air humidity drops in
the vehicle. The well-being of the occupants of the car is enhanced as a result of
this particularly at high outside temperatures and a high air humidity. The system
prevents the windows misting up during the cold season of the year.
It is possible to briefly activate recirculated air mode to enhance the cooling ef-fect.
Please refer to the information regarding recirculated air mode for the air-condi- tioning system » page 85 or for Climatronic » page 87.
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of e.g. ice, snow or leaves to ensure that the heating and cooling system operates properly.
After switching on the cooling Condensation from the evaporator of the air condi-
tioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This is not a leak!
WARNINGFor your own safety and that of other road users, ensure that all the windows
are free of ice, snow and misting. Please familiarize yourself about how to cor-
rectly operate the heating and ventilation systems, how to demist and defrost
the windows, as well as with the cooling mode.
Note
■ The used air streams out through the vents in the luggage compartment.■We recommend that you do not smoke in the vehicle when the recirculating air
mode is operating since the smoke which is drawn at the evaporator from the in-
terior of the vehicle forms deposits in the evaporator of the air conditioning sys- tem. This produces a permanent odour when the air conditioning system is oper-ating which can only be eliminated through considerable effort and expense (re-
placement of compressor).

Using the air conditioning system economically
The compressor on the air conditioning system uses power from the engine when in cooling mode which will effect the fuel consumption.
It recommended to open the windows or the doors of a vehicle for which the inte- rior has been strongly heated through the effect of direct sunlight in order to al-low the heated air to escape.
The cooling system should not be switched on while travelling when the window is open.
For the sake of the environment
Pollutant emissions are also reduced when fuel is saved » page 101, Economical
and environmentally friendly driving .
Operational problems
If the cooling system does not operate at outside temperatures higher than +5 °C,
there is a problem in the system. The reasons for this may be.
› One of the fuses has blown. Check the fuse and replace if necessa-
ry » page 200 .
› The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because the
coolant temperature of the engine is too hot » page 10.
If you are not able to resolve the operational fault yourself, or if the cooler output has reduced, switch off the cooling system and get assistance from a ŠKODA Spe- cialist garage.

81Heating and air conditioning system