2012 SKODA OCTAVIA Owner's Manual

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

WARNINGHeadlight assist only functions as a support and does not relieve the driver of
his responsibility to check the headlights and light beam and, if necessary, to
switch on the lights depending on the light conditions. Manual operation may be required in the following situations:■
in poor visibility conditions, e.g. fog, heavy rain, thick snowfall;
■
on A roads or motorways when oncoming traffic is partially obscured;
■
when passing poorly lit traffic, e.g. cyclists;
■
around sharp curves;
■
on sharp slopes up/down;
■
while driving through poorly-lit villages;
■
while driving over highly reflective surfaces;
■
when the windscreen around the camera is dirty, iced up, misted up, or cov-
ered up by stickers;
■
when an external navigation system is attached to the windscreen.
CAUTION
■ Do not attach any stickers or similar objects to the windscreen to avoid impair-
ing the functions of the Assist system.
Fog lights
Fig. 29
Dash panel: Light switch
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 43.
Switching on/off›Turn the light switch into position  or   » Fig. 29 .›
Pull the light switch to position
1
.
The rear fog light is switched off in the reverse order.
The warning light  lights up in the instrument cluster when the fog lights are
switched on » page 12.

Fog lights with the function CORNER
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 43.
The fog lights with the function CORNER are designed to improve the illumination
of the surrounding area near the vehicle when turning, parking, etc.
The fog lights with the function CORNER are adjusted according to the steeringangle or after switching on the turn signal light 1)
in the following circumstances:
› the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running or it moves with a speed of
maximum 40 km/h;
› the daytime running lights are not switched on;
› the low beam is switched on or the light switch is in the position

and the
low beam is switched on;
› the fog lights are not switched on.
Note
The two fog lights are switched on when you shift into the reverse gear.
Rear fog light
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 43.
Switching on/off
›
Turn the light switch into position 
or 

» Fig. 29 on page 48.
›
Pull the light switch to position
2
.
The rear fog light is switched off in the reverse order. 

1)
If both switch on versions are conflicting, for example if the steering wheel is turned to the left and
the right turn signal light is switched on, the turn signal light has the higher priority.
48Using the system

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

All the turn signal lights on the vehicle flash at the same time when the hazard
warning light system is switched on. The warning light for the turn signals and
the warning light in the button also flash at the same time. The hazard warning
light system can also be operated if the ignition is switched off.
If one of the airbags is deployed, the hazard warning light system will switch on
automatically.
When the turn signal is switched on while the hazard warning light system is on
(ignition on), only the turn signal light for the selected driving direction will flash
while the turn signal is switched on.
Note
The hazard warning light system must be switched on if, for example:■you encounter a traffic congestion;■
your car breaks down.

50Using the system

Interior light
Interior lights at the front
Fig. 31
Interior lights at the front
Fig. 32
Reading lights
Switching on the light
›
Press the button in the area of the symbol 
» Fig. 31 .
Switching off the light
›
Press the button in the area of the symbol O » Fig. 31 .
Operating with the door contact switch
›
Place the button in the middle position.
On vehicles without an interior monitor, the middle position is marked with the symbol 
» Fig. 31 -
 .
Switching the reading light on/off›Press the button
 or  » Fig. 32 .
If operating lights with the door contact switch is enabled, the light will come on
when:
› the vehicle is unlocked;
› one of the doors is opened;
› or the ignition key is removed.
If operating lights with the door contact switch is enabled, the light will go off
when:
› the vehicle is locked;
› the ignition is switched on;
› about 30 seconds after all the doors have been closed.
Note
■
If the interior light remains switched on when the ignition is switched off or if
one of the doors is open, the light will automatically go out after around 10 mi- nutes.■
Two diffuse lights are integrated in the front interior lighting, that illuminate
the gearshift lever and the middle of the dash panel. These are switched on auto-
matically when the parking light is activated. Also, after switching on the ignition when the parking lights are switched on, the door handle lighting comes on.

Interior lights at the rear
Fig. 33
Interior light/interior light with reading lights
The rear interior light is operated together with the front interior light » Fig. 31 on
page 51. 
51Lights and visibility

Switching the light on/off›Press the button  » Fig. 33 -  .
Switching the reading light on/off›
Press the button  or
 » Fig. 33 -  .

Front door warning light
Fig. 34
Front door: Warning light
The warning light is located in the lower door trim panel » Fig. 34.
The light switches on/off when the front door is opened or closed.
Note
If the door is open and the ignition switched off, the light will extinguish auto-
matically after around 10 minutes.
Entry lighting
The lighting is positioned on the bottom edge of the exterior mirror and illumi- nates the entry area of the front door.
The light comes on after the vehicle has been unlocked or on opening the front
door. The lighting goes out within around 30 seconds after the front door is
closed or the ignition is switched on.
WARNINGIf the entry light is on, do not touch its cover - risk of burns!NoteIf the door is open and the ignition switched off, the light will extinguish auto-
matically after around 10 minutes.
Visibility
Windscreen and rear window heater
Fig. 35
Buttons for the front and rear window heater/manual air-condition-
ing system, heating
Switching the windscreen heater on/off
›
Press the button 
» Fig. 35 .
The indicator light in or underneath the button lights up/goes out.
Switching the rear window heater on/off
›
Press the button 
» Fig. 35 .
The indicator light in or underneath the button lights up/goes out.
The windscreen and rear window heater only operates when the engine is run- ning.
The windscreen and rear window heater automatically switches off after approxi-
mately 10 minutes. 
52Using the system

For the sake of the environmentThe heating should be switched off as soon as the window is de-iced or free from
mist. The reduced current consumption will have a favourable effect on fuel econ-
omy » page 102 , Convenience consumers .
Note
If the on-board voltage drops, the windscreen and rear window heater switches
off automatically, to provide sufficient electrical energy for the engine con-
trol » page 180 , Automatic load deactivation .
Sun visors
Fig. 36
Sun visor: left/right
The sun visor for the driver or front passenger can be pulled out of the fixture and
swivelled towards the door in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 36 .
The sun visors each have a vanity mirror
B
with a cover. Push the cover in the
direction of the arrow
2
.
The purpose of the note holder
B
is to store small, light objects, such as a note-
pad, etc.
WARNINGThe sun visors must not be swivelled towards the side windows in the deploy-
ment area of the head airbags if any objects, such as ball-point pens, etc. are attached to them. These objects might result in injuries to the occupants if
the head airbag is deployed.

Sun screenFig. 37
Sun screen
The sun screen is located in a housing on the luggage compartment cover.
Pulling out
›
Grab the handle
B
» Fig. 37 .
›
Remove the sun screen and hang it from the brackets
A
.
Folding
›
Grab the handle
B
» Fig. 37 .
›
Remove the sun screen from the brackets
A
and slowly roll it up again into the
housing on the luggage compartment cover.

Windscreen wipers and washers
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Windscreen wipers and washers
54
Headlight cleaning system
55
Replacing the windscreen wiper blades
56
Replacing the rear window wiper blade
56
The windscreen wipers and the wash system only operate if the ignition is
switched on and the bonnet is closed.
If the intermittent wipe is switched on, the intervals are also controlled depend-
ing on speed.
When automatic wiping in rain is active, the wiper intervals are regulated based
on the intensity of the rain. 
53Lights 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