2012 SKODA OCTAVIA Owner's Manual

Always check the inflation pressure when the tyres are cold. Do not reduce the
higher pressure of warm tyres.
With greater payload, adjust the tyre inflation pressure accordingly.
Driving style
Fast cornering, sharp acceleration and braking increase the wear of your tyres.
Balancing wheels
The wheels of a new vehicle are balanced. When driving, there are a wide range
of influences which may result in an imbalance. This may make itself felt by a vi-
bration in the steering.
Have the wheels rebalanced after replacing the tyres.
Wheel alignment errors
An incorrect wheel alignment at the front or rear leads to excess wear on the tyres.
Tyre damage
Drive over curbs and other such obstacles slowly and, where possible, at a right
angle in order to avoid damage to tyres and wheel trims.
We recommend checking your tyres and wheel rims for damage (punctures, cuts,
splits and bulges, etc.) on a regular basis. Remove foreign bodies (e.g. small
stones) from the tyre profile immediately.
Changing wheels around
If significantly greater wear is present on the front tyres, we recommend chang-
ing the front wheels around with the rear wheels as shown in the dia- gram » Fig. 156 . You will then obtain approximately the same life for all the tyres.
We recommend that you change the tyres around every 10 000 km in order to
achieve even wear on all tyres and to obtain optimal tyre life.
Storing tyres
Mark them previously used tyres so that you are able to fit them on again to run in the same direction.
Always store wheels or tyres in a cool, dry and, where possible, dark place. Tyres which are not fixed to a wheel trim should be stored upright.
Wear indicators
The base of the tread of the tyres has 1.6 mm high wear indicators installed.
These wear indicators are located multiple times depending on the make and are evenly spaced around the circumference of the tyre » Fig. 155 – 
. Markings on
the walls of the tyres through the letters “TWI”, triangular symbols or other sym-
bols identify the position of the wear indicators.
New tyres and wheels
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 181.
Only fit radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference) and the same
tread pattern on one axle on all 4 wheels.
The tyre/wheel combinations which are approved for your vehicle are indicated in
your vehicle documents.
Where possible replace tyres by axle. Always fit the tyres with the deeper tread
depth to the front wheels.
Explanation of tyre markings 195/65 R 15 91 T
What this means is:
195Tyre width in mm » Fig. 155 on page 182 - 65Height/width ratio in % » Fig. 155 on page 182 - RCode letter for the type of tyre – Radial » Fig. 155 on page 182 - 15Diameter of wheel in inches » Fig. 155 on page 182 - 91Load index » TSpeed symbol »
The date of manufacture is stated on the tyre wall (possibly only on the inside of
wheel ). e.g.
DOT ... 20 12...
means, for example, that the tyre was manufactured in the 20th week of 2012.
Speed symbol
This indicates the maximum permissible vehicle speed with mounted tyres for the respective category.
160 km/h
170 km/h
180 km/h
190 km/h
200 km/h
210 km/h 
QRSTUH183Wheels

240 km/h
270 km/h
Load index
This indicates the maximum permisible load on each indvidua tyre.
615 kg
630 kg
650 kg
690 kg
730 kg
775 kg
CAUTION
The information about the speed symbol and load index are listed for your vehicle in your vehicle documents.
Unidirectional tyres
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 181.
The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of the tyre.
The so specified running direction must absolutely be complied with. Only then
are the tyres able to provide the optimal properties in terms of grip, low noise,
wear-and-tear and aquaplaning.

Spare wheel
Fig. 157
Luggage compartment: Spare
wheel
VW919293959799First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 181.
The spare wheel is located in a well under the floor covering in the luggage com-
partment and is fixed in place with a special bolt » Fig. 157.
Before removing the spare wheel, the box containing the vehicle tool kit must be removed.
If the dimensions or design of the spare wheel differ from the tyres fitted to the
vehicle (e.g. winter tyres or low-profile tyres), it must only be used briefly in the
event of a puncture and if an appropriately cautious style of driving is adop-
ted »
.
Install a wheel having the appropriate version and dimensions as soon as possi-
ble.
Spare wheel
A warning label is displayed on the rim of the spare wheel.
Please note the following if you intend to use this wheel.
› The warning label must not be covered after installing the wheel.
› Be specially attentive when driving.
› The inflation pressure for the spare wheel is identical to the maximum inflation
pressure of the standard tyres. The spare wheel R 18 must have an inflation
pressure of 420 kPa!
› Only use this temporary spare wheel to reach the nearest ŠKODA specialist ga-
rage as it is not intended for continuous use.
› No other summer or winter tyres must be mounted on the rim of the spare
wheel R 18.
WARNING■ Never use the temporary spare wheel if it is damaged.■If the dimensions or design of the temporary spare wheel differ from the fit-
ted tyres, never drive faster than 80 km/h (or 50 mph).■
Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
CAUTION
Observe the instructions on the warning label on the spare wheel.
184General Maintenance

Full wheel trimFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 181.
Pulling off
›
Hook the clamp found in the vehicle tool kit into the reinforced edge of the wheel trim.
›
Push the wheel wrench through the clamp, support on the tyre and pull off the
wheel trim.
Install
›
Press the wheel trim onto the wheel rim at the valve opening provided.
›
Then press the trim into the wheel rim until its entire circumference locks cor- rectly in place.
CAUTION
■ Use the pressure of your hand, do not knock the full wheel trim! Avoid heavy
knocks when the trim is not yet inserted in the wheel rim. This could cause dam-
age to the guide and centring elements of the trim.■
Ensure that the anti-theft wheel bolt has been installed correctly » page 192,
Securing wheels against theft .
■
If wheel trims are retrofitted it must be ensured that an adequate flow of air is
assured to cool the brake system.

Wheel bolts
Fig. 158
Remove the cap
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 181.
Pulling off›Push the plastic clip sufficiently far onto the cap until the inner catches of the
clip are positioned at the collar of the cap » Fig. 158.›
Remove the cap.
Install
›
Push the caps onto the wheel bolts up to the stop.
The wheel bolt caps are housed in a plastic box in the spare wheel or in the stor-
age space for the spare wheel.

Tyre control display
Fig. 159
Button for setting the tyre infla-
tion pressure control value
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 181.
Calibration
After changing the tyre inflation pressure » page 182, in section Introduction ,
after changing one or several wheels, the position of a wheel on the vehicle or
when the warning light lights up while driving, a calibration of the system must
be carried out as follows:
›
Inflate all of the tyres to the specified inflation pressure » page 182.
›
Switch on the ignition.
›
Start the system calibration.
On vehicles with Infortainment » operating instructions for Infotainment , chap-
ter Setting vehicle systems (CAR button) .
On vehicles with the radio preinstallation .
›
Press and hold the button 

» Fig. 159 for longer than 2 seconds. 
185Wheels

While pressing the button, the warning light  lights up. At the same time the
system memory is erased and the new calibration is started, which is confirmed
with an audible signal and then the warning light  goes out.
If the warning light  does not go out after the calibration, this indicates a sys-
tem fault. Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
The rolling circumference of the tyre can change if: › the tyre inflation pressure is too low;
› the structure of the tyre is damaged;
› the vehicle is loaded on one side;
› the wheels of an axle are loaded heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or when
driving uphill or downhill);
› snow chains are mounted;
› the spare wheel is mounted;
› one wheel per axle was changed.WARNING■
When the warning light  illuminates, immediately reduce the speed and
avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. Stop the vehicle as soon as
possible and inspect the tyres and their inflation pressure.■
Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved
roads) the warning light  can be delayed or does not light up at all.

Wheel bolts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 181.
Wheels and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. Each time
you fit other wheels, e.g. light alloy wheels or wheels with winter tyres, you must
also use the matching wheel bolts of the correct length and shape of spherical cap. This is essential to ensure that the wheels are tightly fitted and that the
brake system operates properly.

Winter tyres
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 181.
The handling of your vehicle will be significantly improved when driving on wintry roads if you fit winter tyres. Summer tyres on ice, snee and at temperatures be-
low 7 °C have less grip. This is especially true of low-profile tyres or high-speed
tyres .
To achieve the best possible handling properties, winter tyres must be fitted on
all 4 wheels, the minimum tread depth must be 4 mm and tyres must be no older than 4 years.
Winter tyres of a lower speed category can be used provided that the permissible
maximum speed of these tyres is not exceeded even if the possible maximum
speed of the vehicle is higher.
The winter tyres speed limit is set in the menu » operating instructions for Info-
tainment , chapter Setting vehicle systems (CAR button) .
For the sake of the environment
Fit the summer tyres on again in good time as they provide better handling prop-
erties, a shorter braking distance, less tyre noise, and reduced tyre wear on roadswhich are free of snow and ice as well as at temperatures above 7 °C. The fuelconsumption is also lower.
Snow chains
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 181.
When driving on wintry roads, snow chains improve not only traction, but also the
braking performance.
Snow chains must only be mounted on the front wheels.
For technical reasons, it is only permissible to fit snow chains with the following wheel/tyre combinations.
Wheel sizeDepth (D)Tyre size6J x 15 a)43 mm195/65 R156J x 16 b)48 mm205/55 R166J x 17b)48 mm205/50 R17a)
Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than 13 mm.
b)
Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than 12 mm.
Remove the full wheel trims before installing the snow chains. 
186General Maintenance

Observe the national legal regulations relating to the use of snow chains and the
maximum vehicle speed with snow chains.
CAUTION
The chains must be removed when driving on roads which are free of snow. They adversely affect the handling of your vehicle, damage the tyres and are rapidly
destroyed.
187Wheels

Do-it-yourself
Do-it-yourself
First-aid kit and warning triangle
Fig. 160
Installation location: First-aid kit/warning triangle
The first aid kit
A
» Fig. 160 is attached by a strap in the right-hand storage com-
partment in the luggage compartment.
The warning triangle
B
can be attached to the rear wall trim panel with rubber
straps.
WARNINGThe first-aid kit and warning triangle must always be secured safely so that
they do not come loose when making an emergency braking or in a vehicle
collision which could cause injuries to occupants.
Note
■ Pay attention to the expiration date of the first-aid kit.■We recommend using a first-aid box from ŠKODA Original Accessories available
from a ŠKODA Partner.

Fire extinguisher
The fire extinguisher is attached with straps in a holder under the driver seat.
Please read carefully the instructions which are attached to the fire extinguish-
er.
The fire extinguisher must be checked by an authorised person on an annual ba-
sis (the national legal provisions must be observed).WARNINGThe fire extinguisher must always be secured safely so that they do not come loose when making an emergency braking or in a vehicle collision which could
cause injuries to occupants.
Note
■ The fire extinguisher must comply with the relevant applicable national legal re-
quirements.■
Pay attention to the expiration date of the fire extinguisher. If the fire extin-
guisher is used after the expiration date, its proper function is not assured.
■
The fire extinguisher is part of the scope of delivery in certain countries only.

Vehicle tool kit
Fig. 161
Vehicle tool kit 
188Do-it-yourself

The vehicle tool kit and the lifting jack are housed in a plastic box in the sparewheel or in the storage space for the spare wheel. There is also space here for
the removable ball rod for the trailer towing device. The box is attached with a
strap on the spare wheel.
Tool kit components » Fig. 161:
Screwdriver
Key for removing and installing the tail light
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts
Towing eye
Clamps for removing the wheel trims
Car jack
Crank for the jack
Wheel wrench
Extraction pliers for wheel bolt caps
Replacement bulb set
Screw the jack back into its home position after use to allow you to store it in the
box with the toolkit.WARNING■ The factory-supplied lifting jack is only intended for your model of vehicle.
Under no circumstances attempt to lift heavier vehicles or other loads – risk of
injury!■
Ensure that the vehicle tool kit is safely secured in the luggage compart-
ment.
Note
Ensure that the box is always secured with the strap.
Changing a wheel
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Preliminary work
190
Changing a wheel
19012345678910Subsequent steps190Loosening/tightening wheel bolts191
Raising the vehicle
191
Securing wheels against theft
192WARNING■ If you are in flowing traffic, switch on the hazard warning light system and
set up the warning triangle at the prescribed distance! The national legal re-
quirements must be observed.■
If the wheel is damaged or in the event of a puncture, park the vehicle as far
away as possible from the flow of traffic. Park on as flat and firm a surface as
possible.
■
If the wheel has to be changed on a slope, first of all block the opposite
wheel with a stone or similar object to prevent the vehicle from unexpectedly
rolling away.
■
If the vehicle is subsequently fitted with tyres which are different to those it
was fitted with at the works, follow these guidelines » page 183, New tyres
and wheels .
■
Always raise the vehicle with the doors closed.
■
Never position any body parts, such as arms or legs under the vehicle, while
the vehicle is raised with a lifting jack.
■
Secure the base plate of the lifting jack with suitable means to prevent pos-
sible moving. A soft and slippery ground under the base plate may move the
lifting jack, causing the vehicle to fall down. It is therefore always necessary to
place the lifting jack on a solid surface or use a wide and stable base. Use a
non-slip base (e.g. a rubber foot mat) if the surface is smooth, such as cobbled
stones, tiled floor, etc.
■
Never start the engine with the vehicle sitting on the raised jack – danger of
suffering injury.
■
Only attach the lifting jack to the attachment points provided for this pur-
pose.
CAUTION
■ The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts for steel and light alloy
wheels is 120 Nm.■
If the anti-theft wheel bolt is fastened too tightly, it can cause damage to the
anti-theft wheel bolt and adapter. 
189Do-it-yourself

Note■The anti-theft wheel bolt set and adapter can be purchased from a ŠKODA Part-
ner.■
The national legal requirements must be observed when changing a wheel.

Preliminary work
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 189.
The following steps must be carried out before actually changing the wheel:
›
Park the vehicle as far away as possible from the flow of traffic. The place you choose should be level.
›
Let all of the occupants get out. While changing a tyre, the occupants of the
vehicle should not stand on the road (instead they should remain behind a crash
barrier).
›
Switch off the engine and move the gearshift lever into Neutral or move the se-
lector lever on the automatic gearbox into position P.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
If a trailer is connected, remove it.
›
Remove the vehicle tool kit » page 188 and the spare wheel » page 184 from
the luggage compartment.

Changing a wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 189.
Always change a wheel on a level surface as far as possible.
›
Remove the full wheel trim » page 185 or caps » page 185 .
›
First of all slacken the anti-theft wheel bolt and then the other wheel
bolts » page 191 .
›
Jack up the vehicle until the wheel that needs changing is clear of the
ground » page 191 .
›
Unscrew the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface (cloth, paper, etc.).
›
Remove the wheel.
›
Attach the spare wheel and slightly screw on the wheel bolts.
›
Lower the vehicle.
›Alternately tighten the wheel bolts opposite each other using the wheel
wrench (crosswise) and then tighten the anti-theft wheel bolt » page 191.›
Replace the wheel trim or the caps.
Note
■
All bolts must be clean and must turn easily.■Under no circumstances grease or oil the wheel bolts!■
When fitting unidirectional tyres, ensure that the direction of rotation is cor-
rect » page 181 .

Subsequent steps
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 189.
The following steps must also be performed after changing the wheel.
›
Stow and attach the replaced wheel in the spare wheel well using a special screw » page 184 .
›
Stow the vehicle tool kit in the space provided.
›
Check the tyre pressure on the installed spare wheel as soon as possible.
›
Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked with a torque wrench
as soon as possible.
›
Change the damaged wheel or consult a ŠKODA specialist garage about repair
possibilities.
Note
■ If it is determined that the wheel bolts are corroded and difficult to turn when
changing the wheel, the bolts must be replaced before checking the tightening
torque.■
Drive cautiously and only at a moderate speed until the tightening torque has
been checked.

190Do-it-yourself