2012 SKODA OCTAVIA brake pads

Brake pad thickness 
If the indicator light  is lit, the brake pads are worn.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display: Check brake wear!
or BRAKE PADS PLEASE CHECK
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.

Lane Assist  
The warning lights 

indicates the state of the Lane Assist system.
Further information » page 126.

Turn signal system  
Either the left 
or right 
indicator light flashes depending on the position of
the control lever.
If a turn signal light fails, the warning light flashes at twice its normal rate. This
does not apply when towing a trailer.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of the
turn signal lights as well as both warning lights to flash.
Further information » page 45, Turn signal and main beam light .

Trailer turn signal lights 
If the indicator light 
flashes, the trailer turn signal lights are activated.
If a trailer is hitched and the warning light 
is not flashing, one of the trailer turn
signal lights has failed.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display: Trailer: check left turn signal!
or TRAILER TURN SIG_ CHECK LEFT
The trailer must be unhitched properly » page 106
, Towing a trailer .
Fog lights
The warning light  comes on when the fog lights are operating » page 48.

Speed regulating system 
The warning light  comes on when the cruise control is operating » page 119.

Selector lever lock 
If the warning light 
lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is necessary, to be
able to move the selector lever from position P or N » page 131 .

Main beam 
The warning light 
comes on when the main beam or headlight flasher are se-
lected » page 45 .

Headlight assist 
The warning light 
comes on when Headlight assist is operating.
Further information » page 47, Headlight assist .

START STOP system  
The warning lights 

indicates the state of the START STOP system.
Further information » page 121.

Ice warning 
The warning light 
draws your attention to the risk of ice.
Further information » page 21.

20Using the system

Emergency start-up of the engineFig. 92
Emergency start-up of engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings on page 95.
If the authorisation check for the key fails,the following message appears in the
instrument cluster display:
Key not detected.
or
NO KEY
The emergency start-up must be completed.
›
Press the starter button » Fig. 92 and then hold the key to the starter button;
or
›
press the starter button directly with the key.
Note
During an emergency start-up of the engine, the key bit must face the starter
button » Fig. 92 .
Switching the engine off
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 95.
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
Switch off the engine by pressing the starter button » Fig. 91 on page 95, doing
so switches off the ignition at the same time.

Brakes
Information for braking
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driving
style.
The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in towns and
over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted. If operated un-
der severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must be checked by a
ŠKODA specialist garage between service appointments as well.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake pads may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter. The
brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty. Visit a
ŠKODA specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriate-
ly as you will not know how great the damage is.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The
level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically » page 14, Brake system 
.
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running. 
97Starting-off and Driving

WARNING■Greater physical effort for braking is required when the engine is switched
off – risk of accident!■
During the braking procedure on a vehicle with manual transmission, when
the vehicle is in gear and at low revs, press the clutch pedal. If you fail to do
so, the functionality of the brake booster can be impaired – risk of accident!
■
If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must be
ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced. The front
brakes may overheat which can have a negative impact on the functioning of
the braking system - risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 100.■Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not neces-
sary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking distance and excessive wear.
Note
■ If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system con-
siders the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light
flashes automatically. After the speed was reduced below around 10 km/h or the vehicle was stopped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light
system switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatical-
ly after accelerating or driving off again.■
Before negotiating a steep downhill section, reduce the speed, shift down into
the next lower gear (manual gearbox) or select a lower drive position (automatic
gearbox). As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used, reducing the
load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be completed intermittently, not continuously.

HandbrakeFig. 93
Centre console: Handbrake
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Loosening
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 93 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light 
lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the hand-
brake applied.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display:
Release the parking brake!
or
PARKING BRAKE ON PLEASE RELEASE
The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more than around 5 km/h for more than 3 seconds.
WARNING■ Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system - risk of accident!■
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for ex-
ample, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
might then move off – risk of accident!

98Using the system

Driving and the Environment
Running in
New engine
The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres.
Up to 1 000 kilometres
›
Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the maximum speed of the gear in use, i.e. 3/4 of
the maximum permissible engine speed.
›
No full throttle.
›
Avoid high engine speeds.
›
Do not tow a trailer.
From 1 000 up to 1 500 kilometres
Gradually increase the power output of the engine up to the full speed of the
gear engaged, i.e. up to the maximum permissible engine speed.
During the first operating hours the engine has higher internal friction than lateruntil all of the moving parts have harmonized. The driving style which you adopt
during the first approx.1 500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the success of running in your car.
Never drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds even after the running-in period
is complete. The maximum permissible engine speed is marked by the start of the red scale area of the revolutions counter.
On vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox, at the very latest shift up into the nextgear when the red area is reached. Very high engine speeds when accelerating
(accelerator) are automatically restricted »
.
If the engine is no longer running smoothly, do not drive with unnecessarily low
engine revs on a vehicle with manual transmission. Shift down. Observe the rec-
ommended gear » page 21.
CAUTION■
The engine is not protected from excessive engine revs caused by shifting
down at the wrong time. This can result in the sudden increase in revs beyond
the permissible maximum rpm and thus cause engine damage.■
Never rev up a cold engine when the vehicle is stationary or when driving in in-
dividual gears.
■
All the speed and engine revolution figures apply only when the engine is at its
normal operating temperature.
For the sake of the environment
Never drive with unnecessarily high engine revs. Shifting up sooner helps save on
fuel, reduces engine noises and protects the environment.
New tyres
New tyres have to be “run in” since they do not offer optimal grip at first. Drive
especially carefully for the first 500 km or so.

New brake pads
New brake pads initially do not provide optimal braking performance. They first need to be “run in”. Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or so.

Catalytic converter
Proper operation of the emission control system (catalytic converter) is of major
significance for driving your vehicle in an environmentally conscious way.
› Vehicles fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded
petrol » page 168 .
› Do not pour too much oil into the engine
» page 172, Checking the engine oil
level .
› Do not switch off the ignition while you are driving the vehicle.
If you drive your vehicle in a country in which unleaded petrol is not available, you must have the catalytic converter replaced later when driving the vehicle into a
country in which use of a catalytic converter is mandatory. 
100Using the system

CAUTION■Do not fill the coolant above the mark A » Fig. 150 .■If a fault causes the engine to overheat, we recommend visiting a ŠKODA Part-
ner, otherwise serious engine damage may occur.

Replenishing the coolant
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 169.
Only refill with new coolant.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Allow the engine to cool.
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir and unscrew the
cap carefully .
›
Replenish the coolant.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available in an emergency. In this case, just use water and have the correct mixing ratio of water
and the coolant additive restored by a ŠKODA specialist garage as soon as possi-
ble.

Radiator fan
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 169.
After switching off the ignition, the fan can intermittently continue to operate for
approx. 10 minutes.
The radiator fan is powered by an electric motor. Operation is controlled accord-
ing to the temperature of the coolant.

Checking the brake fluidFig. 151
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir » Fig. 151. The level must be be-
tween the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
A slight drop in the fluid level results when driving due to normal wear-and-tear and automatic adjustment of the brake pads.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid lev-
el drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” marking.
If the brake fluid level is too low, this is indicated by the warning light 
lighting
up in the instrument cluster » page 14, Brake system 
.
WARNINGIf the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking,  do not continue your
journey - risk of accident! Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.

175Inspecting and replenishing

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

ReplenishingCoolant175
Engine oil173
Windscreen washer fluid176
Roof luggage rack Attachment points
69
Roof rack system68
Roof load69
Running-in the first 1 500 km
100
Running in Brake pads
100
Engine100
Tyres100
S
Safe securing system
30
Safety138
Child safety154
Child safety seats154
Head restraints63
ISOFIX157
TOP TETHER158
Save electrical energy101
Seat Adjusting electrically
60
Manually adjusting60
Seat belt Warning light
14, 15
Seat belt height adjuster145
Seat belts Belt tensioners
145
Cleaning165
fastening and unfastening144
Height adjustment145
Seatbelts Inertia reels
145
Seatsfolding forward63
Head restraints63
Heating62
see automatic gearbox Manual shifting of gears on the multifunction steering wheel
131
Select driving mode124
Selector lever see selector lever positions
130
Selector lever positions130
Service display11
setting Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventila- tion)
90
Setting Manual air conditioning system
85
Steering wheel93
Setting the clock11
Shifting Diving economically
101
Gearshift lever99
Side airbag149
Sliding/tilting roof Closing
41
Opening and tilting41
Operating41
Snow chains186
Spare wheel184
Speedometer10
Speed symbol see Wheels
183
Stabilisation Control (ESC)112
START/STOP Function
121
Starting engine Jump-starting
195
Starting the engine92
START STOP Jump-starting
196
Steering force assistance93
Steering wheel93
Stopping off the engine92
Storage72
Storage compartments72
Sun screen53
Sun visors53
Switching lights on and off44
T
Tachometer see Speedometer
10
Taking care of the vehicle Material coverings
164
Natural leather164
Seat belts165
Taking care of your vehicle159
Automatic car wash system160
Chrome parts161
Cleaning the wheels163
Door lock cylinders163
Headlight lenses162
High-pressure cleaner161
Plastic parts162
Polishing the paintwork161
Preservation161
Rubber seals163
Washing160
Washing by hand160
Wash system160
TCS Function
113
Warning light16
Technical data207
Through-loading bag77
Through-loading channel77
Tiptronic131
Tool188
TOP TETHER158
216Index