2012 SKODA OCTAVIA cooling

›The engine is also preheated when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is
not running;
› It warms up the coolant by burning fuel from the vehicle tank. The coolant
warms up the air, which (if the blower speed is not set to zero) flows into the passenger compartment.
Auxiliary ventilation
The auxiliary ventilation enables fresh air to flow into the vehicle interior by
switching off the engine, whereby the interior temperature is effectively de-
creased (e.g. with the vehicle parked in the sun).WARNING■ The auxiliary heating must never be operated in closed rooms - risk of poi-
soning!■
The auxiliary heating must not be running during refuelling - risk of fire.
■
The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating is located on the underside of the
vehicle. Therefore, if you wish to operate the auxiliary heating, do not park the vehicle in such a way that the exhaust gases can come into contact with high-
ly flammable materials (e.g. dry grass) or easily inflammable substances (e.g.
spilt fuel).
CAUTION
■ The running auxiliary heater consumes fuel from the vehicle tank and automati-
cally controls the filling level. If only a low quantity of fuel is present in the fuel
tank, the function of the auxiliary heating is blocked.■
The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating, which is located on the underside of
the vehicle, must not be clogged and the exhaust flow must not be blocked.
■
If the auxiliary heating and ventilation is running, the vehicle battery discharges.
If the auxiliary heating and ventilation has been operated several times over a
longer period, the vehicle must be driven a few kilometres in order to recharge
the vehicle battery.
Note
■ The auxiliary heating only switches the blower on, if it has achieved a coolant
temperature of approx. 50 °C.■
At low outside temperatures, this can result in a formation of water vapour in
the area of the engine compartment. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
■
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of e.g. ice, snow or leaves
to ensure that the auxiliary heating and cooling system operates properly.

Switching on/offFig. 87
Button for switching on/off the system directly on the operating
part of the air conditioning/Climatronic
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 88.
Switching on
Manually using the button on the operating part of
the air conditioning/Climatronic. The warning light in the button lights up.» Fig. 87Manually using the radio remote control.» page 90 Automatically through the configured and activated
departure time.» page 90
Switching off
Manually using the button on the operating part of
the air conditioning/Climatronic. The warning light in the button goes out.» Fig. 87Manually using the radio remote control.» page 90 Automatically when the pre-set departure time is
reached or when the pre-set run time has elapsed.» page 90 Automatically when the indicator light lights up .» page 10 Automatically when the charge state of the vehicle
battery dropped too far.» page 176
After switching the system off, the auxiliary heating will continue running a little
while longer in order to burn the remaining fuel in the auxiliary heater. Exhaust
fumes from the system will thus be directed outside. 
89Heating and air conditioning system

WARNINGWhen working in the engine compartment, injuries, scolding, accident or fire
hazards may arise. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the warning
instructions stated below and with the general applicable rules of safety. The
engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area!■
Before beginning work in the engine compartment, please read the follow-
ing advice. ■ Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.
■ Firmly apply the handbrake.
■ If the vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever into
Neutral, or if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox, move the se- lector lever into position P.
■ Allow the engine to cool.
■ Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant flowing out of the
engine compartment – risk of scalding! Wait until the steam or coolant has stopped escaping.
■
While working in the engine compartment, please read the following advice.
■ Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
■ Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is still warm. The fan might
suddenly start running!
■ Do not touch any hot engine parts – risk of burns!
■ The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.
■ Avoid contact with the coolant.
■ Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
■ Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the en-
gine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
■ When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot coolant. ■ If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes
with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
■ Always safely store the coolant additive in its original container out of the
reach of children – risk of poisoning!
■ If coolant is swallowed - consult a doctor immediately.
■ Do not leave any items such as cloths or tools in the engine compartment.
■ Never spill fluids on the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the antifreeze con-
tained in the coolant) may ignite!
WARNING (Continued)■ Whenever working in the engine compartment while the engine is running,
you must pay heed to the following warning instructions. ■Pay particular attention to moving engine parts (e.g. V-ribbed belt, alterna-
tor, radiator fan) and the high-voltage ignition unit - danger to life! ■ Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
■ Avoid short circuits in the electrical system – particularly on the vehicle's
battery. ■ Always make sure that no jewellery, loose clothing or long hair can get
caught in rotating engine parts – hazard! Always remove any jewellery, tie back long hair and wear tight fitting clothing before completing any work.■
The following warning instructions must be observed if work has to be car-
ried out on the fuel or electrical system. ■ Always disconnect the vehicle battery from the electrical system.
■ Do not smoke.
■ Never work near open flames.
■ Always have a functioning fire extinguisher nearby.
■
Read the information and warning instructions on the fluid containers.
■
Keep fluids in their original containers and keep out of reach of children!
■
If you wish to work under the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle from roll-
ing away and support it with suitable supporting blocks: the car jack is not
sufficient for this – risk of injury!
■
The bonnet must always be properly closed when driving. This is why after
closing the bonnet, the lock must always be checked to ensure it has engaged
properly.
■
If you notice that the lock is not properly engaged while driving, stop the ve-
hicle immediately and close the bonnet – risk of an accident!
CAUTION
■ Always top up using the correct specification of fluids. This may result in major
operating problems and also vehicle damage!■
Never open the bonnet using the locking lever.
For the sake of the environment
In view of the environmentally friendly disposal of fluids, the specials tools and
knowledge required for such work, we recommend that fluids are changed by a
Škoda Partner as part of the inspection service. 170General 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

Index
A
ABS Function
113
Warning light17
Accessories165
Active driver-steering recommendation (DSR)112
Adjusting Exterior mirror
58
Interior mirror57
Adjusting seats139
Adjustment Seat
60
Aerial160
see Radio reception162
Airbag146
Deployment146
Front airbag147
Head airbag150
Knee airbag148
Side airbag149
Airbag system146
Air conditioning system Air outlets
82
Climatronic86
Manual air conditioning system84
Air outlets82
Alarm35
Anti-theft alarm system35
Antilock brake system113
Armrest Front
76
rear64
Ashtray70
Assist systems ABS
17, 113
Cruise control systems (CCS)119
EDL114
ESC17, 112
Headlight assist47
Lane Assist126
Park Assist116
Parking aid114
ProActive passenger protection125
Select driving mode124
START/STOP121
TCS16, 113
Auto Check Control12
Automatic driving lamp control45
Automatic gearbox Dynamic shift programme
132
Emergency programme132
Kickdown132
Selector lever-emergency unlocking133
Selector lever lock131
Selector lever positions130
Starting-off and driving130
Tiptronic131
Automatic load deactivation180
Automatic transmission129
Auxiliary heating and cooling system Switching on/off
89
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventila- tion)
88
setting90
B
Ball rod Check attachment
108
installing107
Ready position107
removing108
Battery Replacing the battery in the remote control(aux-
iliary heating)
91
Before setting off138
Belt tensioners145
Bonnet Closing171
Opening171
Boot Cover
67
Fastening elements65
Fixing of the floor covering66
Light65
see Boot lid37
Boot lid37
Automatic locking38
Brake booster97
Brake fluid Checking
175
Brake pads Indicator light
20
Brakes Brake assist systems
112
Brake booster97
Handbrake98
Running in100
Warning light14
Braking Brake fluid
175
Information for braking97
Breakdown kit192
Break recommendation see Fatigue detection
27
Bulbs Replacing
202
Button in the driver's door Electrical power windows
38
C
Car computer see Multifunction display
22
Car jack188
Carrier68
Catalytic converter100
Central locking button32
212Index