2012 SKODA OCTAVIA change time

Communication
Introductory information
For more information about controlling hands-free equipment, multimedia, Navi-
gation, etc. see » operating instructions for Infotainment .
ŠKODA permits the operation of mobile phones and two-way radio systems with
a professionally installed external aerial and a maximum transmission power of up to 10 watts.
Please refer to a ŠKODA Partner for information about the possibilities of instal- ling and operating mobile phones and two-way radio systems that have a trans-
mission power of more than 10 W.
Operating mobile phones or two-way radio systems may interfere with the func- tionality of the electronic systems in your vehicle.
The reasons for this are as follows:
› no external aerial;
› external aerial incorrectly installed;
› transmission power greater than 10 watts.
WARNING■
Concentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver you are fully re-
sponsible for the operation of your vehicle. Use the telephone system only to
such an extent that you are in full control of your vehicle at any time.■
The national regulations for using a mobile phone in a vehicle must be ob-
served.
■
If a mobile phone or a two-way radio system is operated in a vehicle without
an external aerial or an external aerial which has been installed incorrectly,
this can increase the strength of the electromagnetic field inside the vehicle.
■
Two-way radio systems, mobile phones or mounts must not be installed on
airbag covers or within the immediate deployment range of the airbags.
■
Never leave a mobile phone on a seat, on the dash panel or in another area,
from which it can be thrown during a sudden braking manoeuvre, an accident
or a collision – risk of injury.
■
In the event of air transport, the Bluetooth ®
function for the hands-free sys-
tem must be switched off by a specialist garage.
CAUTION■ Not all mobile phones that enable Bluetooth ®
communication are compatible
with the universal telephone preinstallation. You can ask an authorised ŠKODA Partner whether your telephone is compatible with the universal telephone pre- installation.■
The range of the Bluetooth ®
connection to the hands-free system is restricted
to the vehicle interior. The range is dependent on local factors, e.g. obstacles be- tween the devices and mutual interferences with other devices. If your mobilephone is in a jacket pocket, for example, this can lead to difficulties when estab-lishing a connection with the hands-free-system or transferring data.
Note
We recommend that the installation of mobile phones and two-way radio sys-
tems in a vehicle be carried out by a ŠKODA Partner.
Declaration of conformity
ŠKODA AUTO a.s. hereby declares that the ŠKODA Infotainment systems meet the basic requirements and additional provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.


Warning statement
Valid for infotainment systems ŠKODA.
FCC § 15.19 Labelling requirements
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules and Industry Canada license-
exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference thatmay cause undesired operation.
FCC § 15.21 Information to user
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. 
134Using the system

INDUSTRY CANADA Statements
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux
appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux
conditions suivantes : (1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2)
l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même
si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.
Phonebox
The vehicle body partially interferes with the telephone signal and makes use of
the mobile telephone somewhat more difficult in regions with a weak signal. The
current consumption and the telephone battery discharges more quickly.
To reduce the effects of these defects, an induction plate is located on the bot-
tom of the stowage compartment in the centre console » Fig. 68 on page 74. The
induction plate generates a induction field for the telephone signal which is direc- ted to the plate on the roof aerial where it is amplified.
The mobile phone kept in the stowage compartment with the underside on the
induction plate can use a signal boosted by around 20 %.
As a result:
› the sending and receiving power of the telephone is improved;
› the discharge of the phone battery is reduced;
› the electromagnetic radiation is reduced in the vehicle interior.
Multimedia
Operating Infotainment from the multifunction steering wheel
Fig. 123
Multifunction steering wheel: Control buttons and dials
Buttons and dials are located on the multifunction steering wheel for operating
some Infotainment functions » Fig. 123.
The buttons and dials operate the functions for the current operating mode of the Infotainment.Button/ adjust- ment
wheel
ActionRadio, traffic report, TVAudio, Video, DVD, DVD menuNavigation
1Press brieflyChange audio source, change frequency range1Press button for a
long period of timeChange the audio source and call up the last context status (e.g. the last radio station that was played or title a)
)2Press brieflySwitch off/on tone b)
135Communication

Button/adjust- ment
wheel
ActionRadio, traffic report, TVAudio, Video, DVD, DVD menuNavigation
2Turn upwardsIncrease volume2Turn downwardsDecrease volume3
Press brieflyChanging to the next stored radio station
Changing to the next stored traffic information Interrupting the traffic reportChange to the next title a)
Change to the next chapter c)
Change to the first chapter d)Function based on the current audio
source3Press button for a
long period of timeInterruption of the traffic reportFast forward a)4
Press brieflyChanging to the previously stored radio station
Changing to the previously stored traffic information Interrupting the traffic reportChange to previous title a)
Change to previous chapter c)4Press button for a
long period of timeInterruption of the traffic reportFast rewind a)5Press brieflyInterruption of the traffic reportwithout functionRepeats the last navigation announce-
ment5
Turn upwardsDisplay of the stored/accessible stationsScroll upwards
Interruption of the traffic reportChange to previous title a)
Change to previous chapter c)
Displays list of last destinations
5
Turn downwardsDisplay of the stored/accessible stations
Scroll downwards
Interruption of the traffic reportChange to the next title a)
Change to the next chapter c)
Change to the first chapter d)6Press brieflyCall up main menu on information displaya)
Does not apply for AUX.
b)
The tone is switched on again by pressing one of the buttons
1
,
3
or
4
and the adjustment wheel
2
is rotated.
c)
Applies for DVD.
d)
Applies for the DVD menu.
Note■
If the ignition and the side lights are switched on, the buttons and dials on the
multifunction steering wheel are also illuminated.■
The set of loudspeakers in the vehicle is matched to a power output of the Info-
tainment of 4x20 W.
■
Vehicles with the CANTON sound system equipment are fitted with a loud-
speaker set including centre speaker and bass. The loudspeaker set is tuned with
a external 10 channel amp for a total output of 570 W.

136Using the system

What influences the driving safety?First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 138.
The driver is fully responsible for himself and his occupants. If your driving safety is effected, you place yourself and the oncoming traffic at risk.
The following guidelines must therefore be observed. › Do not get distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, e.g. by your
passengers or mobile phone calls.
› Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, e.g. through medication, alco-
hol or drugs.
› Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
› Always adjust the driving speed to the road, traffic and weather conditions.
› Take regular breaks on long journeys – at least every two hours.

Correct seated position

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Correct seated position for the driver
140
Correct seated position for the front passenger
140
Correct seated position for the occupants on the rear seats
140
Examples of an incorrect seated position
140WARNING■ At all times, the front seats and head restraints must be adjusted to match
the person's body size and the seat belt must be attached properly to provide
the most effective levels of protection to passengers.■
Always assume the correct seated position before setting off and do not
change this position while driving. Also advise your passengers to adopt the
correct seated position and not to change this position while the car is mov-
ing.
■
If the occupant adopts an incorrect seated position, he is exposed to life-
threatening injuries, in case he is hit by a deployed airbag.
WARNING (Continued)■ If the occupants on the rear seats are not sitting upright, the risk of injury is
increased due to incorrect routing of the seat belt.■
The driver must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm from the steering
wheel, and a distance of at least 10 cm between the legs and the dash panel at the height of the knee airbag. The front passenger must maintain a dis-
tance of at least 25 cm to the dash panel. Not maintaining this minimum dis-
tance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to properly protect you
– hazard!
■
When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer
edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position. Never hold the steering wheel in
the 12 o'clock position or in any other way (e.g. in the middle or inner edge of
the steering wheel). In such cases, you could severely injure the arms, hands
and head when the driver airbag is deployed.
■
The seat backrests must not be angled too far back when driving otherwise
this will affect proper operation of the seat belts and of the airbag system –
risk of injury!
■
Ensure that there are no objects in the driver's footwell as they may get
caught behind the pedals when driving or applying the braking. You would
then no longer be able to operate the clutch, brake or accelerate.
■
Always keep your feet in the footwell when the car is being driven – never
place your feet on the instrument panel, out of the window or on the surfaces
of the seats. You will be exposed to increased risk of injury if it becomes nec-essary to apply the brake or in the event of an accident. If an airbag is de-
ployed, you may suffer fatal injuries when adopting an incorrect seated posi-
tion!

139Passive Safety

WARNING (Continued)■It is prohibited to use clamps or other objects to adjust seat belts (e. g. for
shortening the belts for smaller persons).■
The seat belts for the rear seats can only fulfil their function reliably when
the seat backrests are correctly locked into position » page 63, Rear seats .
■
The belt webbing must always be kept clean. Soiled belt webbing may im-
pair proper operation of the inertia reel » page 165, Seat belts .
■
The seat belts must not be removed or changed in any way. Do not attempt
to repair the seat belts yourself.
■
Check the condition of all the seat belts on a regular basis. If any damage to
the seat belts, seat belt connections, inertia reel or the lock is detected, the
relevant seat belt must be replaced by a ŠKODA specialist garage.
■
Damaged seat belts which have been subjected to stress in an accident and
were therefore stretched, must be replaced - this is best done by a ŠKODA specialist garage. The anchorage points for the belts should also be checked.
Note
The national legal requirements must be observed when using seat belts.
The physical principle of a frontal collision
Fig. 127
Driver without a fastened seat belt/rear seat passenger without a
fastened seat belt
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 142.
As soon as the vehicle is moving, so-called kinetic energy (the energy of motion)
is produced both in terms of the car as well as in terms of the occupants. The magnitude of this kinetic energy depends essentially on the speed at which the
vehicle is travelling and on the weight of the vehicle including the occupants. The
greater the speed and weight increase, the greater the amount of energy which
has to be absorbed in the event of an accident.
The speed of the vehicle is the most important factor. Doubling the speed of the
vehicle from 25 km/h up to 50 km/hour increases the kinetic energy four times.
The opinion that it is possible to support your body in a minor accident with your
hands, is incorrect. Even in a collision at only a low speed, the forces acting on the
body are such that it is no longer possible to support your body.
Even if you only drive at a speed of 30 km/h to 50 km/h, the forces that your body
is exposed to in the event of an accident can exceed a metric ton (1 000 kg).
In the event of a frontal collision, occupants of the car not wearing a seat belt, are
thrown forward and strike in an uncontrolled way parts of the interior of the car,
such as steering wheel, dash panel or windscreen » Fig. 127 – 
. In certain circum-
stances you could even be thrown out of the vehicle, which could cause life
threatening or even fatal injuries.
It is also important that rear seat occupants fasten their seat belts as they will otherwise be thrown through the vehicle in an uncontrolled manner in the event
of an accident. A rear seat passenger who has not fastened the seat belt is a dan-
ger not only to himself but also for those seated at the front » Fig. 127 – 
.
143Seat belts

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

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

Checking the battery electrolyte levelFig. 154
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 176.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, the so-called magic eye » Fig. 154, the electrolyte level can be determined by looking at the
change in colour.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
› Black colour – electrolyte level is correct.
› Colourless or light yellow colour – electrolyte level too low, the battery must be
replaced.
For technical reasons, on vehicles with the description “AGM”, the electrolyte lev- el cannot be checked.
Vehicles with a START-STOP system are fitted with a battery control unit for checking the energy level for the recurring engine start.
We recommend you have the electrolyte level checked by a ŠKODA specialist ga-
rage from time to time, especially in the following cases.
› High external temperatures.
› Longer day trips.
› After each charge.
Winter time
The vehicle battery only has a proportion of the starting power in lower tempera- tures. A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures just be-
low 0 °C .
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked and, if necessary, re-
charged by a ŠKODA Partner before the start of the winter.
NoteThe battery electrolyte level is periodically checked by a ŠKODA Partner as part of
the Inspection Service.
Charging a vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 176.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.
›
Switch off the ignition and all of the electrical components.
›
Only when performing a “quick-charge”, disconnect both battery cables (first of
all “negative”, then “positive”).
›
Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red = “posi-
tive”, black = “negative”).
›
Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch on thedevice.
›
After charging has been successful: Switch off the charger and remove themains cable from the power socket.
›
Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
›
Reconnect the cables to the battery (first of all “positive”, then “negative”).
It is not necessary to disconnect the cables of the battery if you recharge the ve- hicle battery using low amperages (for example from a mini-charger). Refer to the
instructions of the charger manufacturer .
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or lower) must be used until full charging is achieved.
It is necessary to disconnect both cables before charging the battery with high
amperages, so-called “ quick-charging”.
The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging.
Replacing the vehicle battery
When replacing a battery, the new vehicle battery must have the same capacity,
voltage, amperage and be the same size. Suitable types of vehicle batteries can
be purchased from a ŠKODA Partner.
We recommend that the battery is replaced by a ŠKODA Partner, where the new
vehicle battery will be installed properly and the original battery will be disposed
of in accordance with national regulations. 
179Inspecting and replenishing