2012 SKODA OCTAVIA seats

Deactivating airbags
Deactivating airbags
Deactivation of airbags is envisaged only for particular instances, such as if:
› using a child seat on the front passenger seat, in which the child has its back to
the vehicle's direction of travel (in some countries this must be in the direction
of travel due to different legal regulations applying) » page 154, Transporting
children safely ;
› not being able to maintain a distance of at least 25 cm between the middle of
the steering wheel and chest, despite the driver's seat being correctly adjusted;
› special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because of a
physical disability;
› other seats have been installed (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side airbags).
The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated
switch » page 151 , Deactivating the front passenger airbag .
We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA Partner to switch off any other airbags.
Monitoring the airbag system
The functionality of the airbag system is monitored electronically even if one of
the airbags is switched off.
If the airbag was switched off using diagnostic equipment:
› The warning light

lights up for approx. 4 seconds after switching on the igni-
tion and then flashes again for approx. 12 seconds.
The following applies if the front passenger airbag has been switched off using the key switch in the storage compartment:
› The indicator light

comes on for around 4 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on;
› The warning light


3
» Fig. 137 on page 151 comes on after the ignition has
been switched on.
Note
■ The national regulations for switching off airbags must be observed.■A ŠKODA Partner will be able to inform you which airbags in your vehicle can/
must be deactivated.

Deactivating the front passenger airbagFig. 137
Key-operated switch for the front passenger airbag/warning light
for front seat passenger airbag deactivation
Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch.
Switching off
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch into position
2
» Fig. 137 OFF .
›
Check whether the airbag indicator light
3

in the display 


 in the middle of the dash panel remains lit when the ignition is turned on.
Switching on
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch into position
1
» Fig. 137 ON .
›
Close the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Check whether the airbag indicator light
3

in the display 



in the middle of the dash panel remains lit when the ignition is turned on.
The warning light 
goes out 65 seconds after the key switch status has changed
or after the ignition is switched on. 
151Airbag system

Transporting children safely
Child seat
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Use of a child seat on the front passenger seat
155
Child safety and side airbag
156
Classification of child seats
156
Use of child seats fastened with a seat belt
156
Locking eyes of the ISOFIX system
157
Using child seats with the ISOFIX system
157
Locking eyes of the TOP TETHER system
158
Children are generally safer on the rear seats than on the front passenger seat.
In contrast to adults, the muscles and bone structure of children are not yet fully developed. Thus children are exposed to increased risk of injury.
Children should be transported in accordance with the relevant statutory provi-sions.
Child seats that comply with the ECE-R 44 standard must be used. The ECE-R Norm stands for: Economic Commission for Europe – Regulation.
Child seats that comply with the ECE-R 44 standard have a test seal that cannotbe removed: a large E within a circle with the test number below.
WARNING■ The national legal requirements must be observed when using child seats.■One should never carry children, and also not babies! - on one's lap.■
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. Certain outside climatic con-
ditions can cause life-threatening temperatures in the vehicle.
■
Under no circumstances allow children to be transported without the use of
a suitable restraint system. In the event of an accident the child will be thrown through the vehicle and may as a result suffer fatal injuries, and also
injure other occupants.
WARNING (Continued)■ Children are exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of an acci-
dent if they lean forward or adopt an incorrect seated position when the vehi-
cle is moving. This particularly applies to children who are transported on the
front passenger seat as they can suffer severe, or even fatal injuries if the air-
bag system is deployed!■
Pay particular attention to the information provided by the manufacturer of
the child safety seat regarding the correct routing of the belt. Seat belts which are not correctly adjusted can themselves cause injuries even in minor
accidents.
■
Safety belts must be checked to ensure that they are running properly. One
should also ensure that the belt is not damaged by sharp-edged fittings.
■
It is essential to switch off the front passenger airbag if using a child seat in
which the child is carried with its back facing the direction of travel on the front passenger seat. Further information » page 155, Use of a child seat on
the front passenger seat .
CAUTION
When installing a child seat in which the child faces forward, adjust the head re-
straints so that they are as high as possible. If the head restraints still prevent the
child seat from being installed, even in the highest position, you will need to re-
move them » page 63. After removing the child seat, re-install the head re-
straints.
Note
We recommend that you use child seats from ŠKODA Original Accessories. These child seats were developed and also tested for use in ŠKODA vehicles. They fulfil
the ECE-R 44 standard.
154Safety

Use of a child seat on the front passenger seat
Never use a rearward-facing child restraint system on a seat which is protected by an active airbag installed in front of it. This could cause serious injury to the child, even death.Fig. 139
Sticker on the B column on the front passenger side/warning label
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 154.
For safety reasons, we recommend that you install child seats on the rear seats whenever possible.
The following advice must be heeded when using a child seat in which the child is
carried on the front passenger seat.
› It is essential to switch off the front passenger airbag if using a child seat in
which the child is carried with its back facing the direction of travel »
.
› Slide the front passenger seat all the way back.
› If the model of child seat allows it, bring the front passenger seat rest into the
vertical position.
› Set the height-adjustable front passenger seat as high up as possible.
› Set the front passenger seat belt as high up as possible.
› Place and fasten the child seat on the seat and the child in the child seat ac-
cording to the specifications in the manufacturer's user manual of the childseat .
WARNING■ It is essential to switch off the front passenger airbag if using a child seat in
which the child is carried with its back facing the direction of travel on the
front passenger seat » page 151, Deactivating airbags .■
Never use a child safety seat in which the child is seated with its back facing
the direction of travel on the front passenger seat if the airbag is switched on.
This child safety seat is positioned in the deployment area of the front pas-
senger airbag. The airbag may cause the child severe, or even fatal injuries, in
the event of it being deployed.
■
This is also clearly stated on the sticker which is located on the B column on
the front passenger side » Fig. 139. The sticker is visible upon opening the
front passenger door. For some countries, the sticker is also affixed to the sun
visor of the front passenger.
■
If a child safety seat in which the child faces in the direction of travel is used
on the front passenger seat, the front passenger seat must be moved back
and to the top fully. Move the backrest into the vertical position. Set the front
passenger seat belt as high up as possible.
■
The front passenger airbag must be reactivated as soon as you no longer
use a child seat on the front passenger seat.

155Transporting children safely

Child safety and side airbagFig. 140
Incorrect seated position of a child who is not properly secured –
risk from the side airbag/Child properly protected by safety seat
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 154.
The child must not be positioned in the deployment area of the side air- bag » Fig. 140 – 
. There must be sufficient room between the child and the de-
ployment area of the side airbag so that the airbag can provide as much protec-
tion as possible » Fig. 140 – 
.
WARNING■
Children must never be seated with their head in the deployment area of
the side airbag – risk of injury!■
Do not place any objects within the deployment area of the side airbags –
risk of injury!

Classification of child seats
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 154.
Classification of the child seats according to ECE-R 44.
GroupWeight of the childApproximate age0up to 10 kgup to 9 months0+up to 13 kgup to 18 monthsGroupWeight of the childApproximate age19-18 kgup to 4 years215-25 kgup to 7 years322-36 kgover 7 years

Use of child seats fastened with a seat belt
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 154.
Overview of the usefulness of child seats fastened with a seat belt on each of the seats in accordance with the ECE-R 16 standard.
GroupFront passenger
seatRear seatsoutsideRear seatmiddle0
up to 10 kgUUU0+
up to 13 kgUUU1
9-18 kgUUU2
15-25 kgUUU3
22-36 kgUUU
Child seat category “Universal” - a child seat designed for fastening on the
seat with the seat belt.

U156Safety

Locking eyes of the ISOFIX systemFig. 141
Rear seat: ISOFIX
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings on page 154.
There are two locking eyes between the seat backrest and the seat cushion of
the outer rear seats and front passenger seat for fixing the ISOFIX system child seat in place » Fig. 141.
First remove the caps to access the locking eyes.
After removing the child seat, replace he caps.WARNING■ Always refer to the instructions from the manufacturer of the child seat
when installing and removing a child seat with the ISOFIX system.■
Never attach other child seats, belts or objects to the locking eyes intended
for the installation of a child seat with the ISOFIX system – hazard!
Note
Child seats with the ISOFIX system can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Acces-
sories.
Using child seats with the ISOFIX system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 154.Overview of the usefulness of child seats fastened with the ISOFIX system on each of the seats in accordance with the ECE-R 16 standard.GroupSize category
of the child seat a)Front passenger seat b)Rear seats outsideRear seat middle0
up to 10 kgEXIL-SUX0+
up to 13 kgE
XIL-SUX
DC 157Transporting children safely

GroupSize category
of the child seat a)Front passenger seat b)Rear seats outsideRear seat middle
1
9-18 kg
D
XIL-SU IUFX
CBB1Aa)
The size category is shown on the label attached to the child seat.
b)
If the front passenger seat is fitted with fixing eyes for the ISOFIX system, this suits installation of an ISOFIX child seat with the “Semi-Universal” approval.
The seat is suited for installation of an ISOFIX child seat with the “Semi-
Universal” approval. The category “Semi-Universal” means that the child
seat with the ISOFIX system is approved for your vehicle. Observe the in-
formation in the list of vehicles which comes with the child seat.
The seat is suitable for the installation of an ISOFIX child seat with the ap- proval “Universal” and attachment with the TOP TETHER belt.
The seat is not fitted with fixing eyes for the ISOFIX system.
Locking eyes of the TOP TETHER system
Fig. 142
Rear seat: TOP TETHER
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings on page 154.
The locking eyes for attaching the belt to a child seat with the TOP TETHER sys-
tem are located on the rear side of the outer rear seat backrests » Fig. 142.
IL-SU
IUFXWARNING■
Always refer to the instructions from the manufacturer of the child seat
when installing and removing a child seat with the TOP TETHER system.■
Only use child seats with the TOP TETHER system on the seats with the
locking eyes.
■
Only ever attach one belt from the child seat to a locking eye.
■
On no account should you equip your vehicle, e.g. mount screws or other an-
chorage points.

158Safety

General Maintenance
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle
Taking care of your vehicle
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Washing the vehicle
160
Automatic car wash systems
160
Washing by hand
160
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
161
Preserving and polishing the vehicle paintwork
161
Chrome parts
161
Paint damage
161
Plastic parts
162
De-icing windows and exterior mirrors
162
Radio reception and aerial
162
Headlight lenses
162
Rubber seals
163
Door lock cylinders
163
Wheels
163
Underbody protection
163
Protection of hollow spaces
164
Artificial leather, cloths and Alcantara ®
164
Fabric covers on electrically heated seats
164
Natural leather
164
Seat belts
165
Regular and proper care help to retain the efficiency and
value of your vehicle. It
may also be one of the requirements for the acceptance of warranty claims relat- ing to corrosion damage and paint defects on the bodywork.
We recommend using care products from ŠKODA Original Accessories that areavailable from ŠKODA Partners. The instructions for use on the package must be
observed.
WARNING■ Care products may be harmful to your health if not used according to the in-
structions.■
Always store care products in a safe place, out of the reach of children – risk
of poisoning!
■
Water and ice in the brake system when washing the vehicle in winter can
affect the braking efficiency – risk of accident!
■
Only wash the vehicle when the ignition is switched off – risk of accident!
■
When washing the car by hand, protect your hands and arms from sharp-
edged metal parts (e.g. when cleaning the underfloor, the inside of the wheel
housings or the wheel trims, etc) - risk of cuts!
■
Air fresheners and scents can be hazardous to heath when the temperature
inside the vehicle is high.
CAUTION
■ Be sure to check clothing for colourfastness to avoid any damage or visible
stains on the material (leather), panels and textiles.■
Cleaners containing solvents can damage the material being cleaned.
■
Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight – risk of paint damage.
■
If washing the vehicle in the winter using a hose or high-pressure cleaner, en-
sure that the jet of water is not aimed directly at the locking cylinders or the
door/panel joints – risk of freezing!
■
Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar cleaning prod-
ucts – risk of damaging the surface of paintwork.
■
Do not stick any stickers on the inside of the rear windows, the rear side win-
dows and in the vicinity of the heating elements on the windscreen or near the
window aerial. These may get damaged. With regard to the antenna, they may in-terfere with the radio or navigation.
■
Do not clean the inside of the windows with sharp-edged objects or corrosive
and acidic cleaning agents – risk of damaging the heating elements or window
aerial.
■
Do not attach scents and air fresheners to the dashboard – risk of damage to
the dashboard.
■
To avoid damaging the parking aid sensors while cleaning with high-pressure
cleaners or steam jets, the sensors must only be directly sprayed for short periods while a minimum distance of 10 cm must be observed.
■
Do not clean the roof trim with a brush – risk of damage to the trim surface.
■
Fold in the exterior mirrors to prevent damage before washing the vehicle in an
automatic car wash system. Never manually fold in electric exterior mirrors - al-
ways use the electric controls. 
159Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle

Protection of hollow spacesFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 159.
All the cavities of your vehicle which are at risk from corrosion are protected for life by a layer of protective wax applied in the factory.
Wax protection does not require to be inspected or re-treated. If any small amount of wax flow out of the cavities at high temperatures, these must be re-
moved with a plastic scraper and the stains cleaned using a petroleum cleaner.
WARNINGSafety regulations should be observed when using petroleum cleaner to re-
move wax – risk of fire!

Artificial leather, cloths and Alcantara ®
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 159.
The artificial leather can be cleaned using a damp cloth. If this does not prove suf-
ficient, only use cleaning agents designed specifically for this purpose.
Dust and fine dirt particles in pores, creases and seams may chafe and damagethe surface. If you leave your vehicle parked in the open for lengthy periods, pro-
tect the Alcantara ®
seat covers from the direct rays of the sun to prevent fading.
Minor changes in colour caused by use are normal.
Clean upholstery cover materials and cloth trims on doors, luggage compartment
cover, etc. using specific cleaning agents, e.g., dry foam. Use a soft sponge, brush,
or commercially available microfibre cloth. Use a cloth and a specific cleaning
agent to clean the roof trim.
Some clothing materials, such as dark denim, do, in part, not have sufficient col-
our fastness. This can cause damage or clearly visible discolouration to seat cov-
ers (fabric or leather) even when used correctly. This particularly applies to light
seat covers (fabric or leather). This is not a defect in the seat cover, but poor col-
our fastness of the clothing textiles.
CAUTIONDo not use any leather cleaners on Alcantara ®
seat covers.
Fabric covers on electrically heated seats
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 159.
Do not clean the seat covers using moisture as this can damage the seat heating
system.
Use a specific cleaning agent such as dry foam or similar to clean the covers.

Natural leather
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 159.
Depending on the amount of wear-and-tear, the leather should be cleaned on a
regular basis.
Normal cleaning
Clean soiled areas of the leather with slightly moistened cotton or woollen cloth.
Severe soiling
Ensure that the leather is not soaked through at any point and that no water gets
into the stitching of the seams.
Dry off the leather with a soft, dry cloth.
Removing stains
Remove fresh water-based stains (e.g., coffee, tea, juices, blood) with an absorb-
ent cloth or household cleaning paper. A specific cleaning agent is required for
dried-on stains.
Remove fresh grease-based stains (e.g. butter, mayonnaise, chocolate, etc.) with
an absorbent cloth, household cleaning paper, or use a suitable cleaner if the
stain has not yet penetrated into the surface.
Use a grease solvent to remove grease stains which have dried in .
Remove specific stains (e.g. ball-point pens, marker pen, nail varnish, dispersion
paint, shoe polish, etc.) with a special stain remover suitable for leather. 
164General Maintenance