2012 SKODA OCTAVIA snow chains

The TCS should normally always be switched on. It may be advisable to switch off
the system only in exceptional circumstances, such as:
› when driving with snow chains;
› when driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface;
› when it is necessary to “rock a vehicle free” when it has got stuck.
The TCR can be deactivated in the Infotainment or with the button 
» Fig. 106 » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehicle
systems (CAR button) .
The warning light  lights up in the instrument cluster when the TCR is deactiva-
ted.
Ensure the TCS is activated again afterwards.

Electronic differential lock (EDL)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 112.
If one of the wheels starts to spin, the EDL system brakes the spinning wheel and transfers the driving force to the other wheels. This ensures the stability of the
vehicle and a quick journey.
The EDL switches off automatically if severe stresses exist in order to avoid ex- cessive heat generation in the disc brake on the wheel which is being braked. The
vehicle can continue to be driven and has the same characteristics as a vehicle
not fitted with EDL. The EDL switches on again automatically as soon as the
brake has cooled down.

Parking aidFig. 107
Parking aid: Range of sensors/parking aid button on vehicles with
front and rear sensors
Fig. 108
road display/compact display
The system supports the driver using acoustic signals/Infotainment display when parking and manoeuvring.
Information about setting acoustic signals/description of the display in the Info-
tainment display » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehi-
cle systems (CAR button) .
The system uses ultrasound waves to calculate the distance between the bumper
and an obstacle. The ultrasound sensors are integrated in the front/rear bumper.
The system only operates if the ignition is switched on. 
114Using the system

CAUTION■If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seconds after activating the system and
there is no obstacle close to your car, this indicates a system fault. The fault is
confirmed additionally when the symbol  flashes in the button 
.
! is displayed
in the error area of the Infotainment display. Have the fault rectified by a ŠKODA
specialist garage.
■
The sensors must be kept clean (free of ice, etc.) to enable the parking aid to
operate properly.
Note
■ The signal tones for front obstacle recognition are factory-set to be higher than
for rear obstacle recognition.■
If not all fields around the vehicle are shown after the system is activated, the
vehicle will need to be moved a few metres forwards or in reverse.
■
If the parking aid is activated and the selector lever of the automatic gearbox is
in the position P (the vehicle cannot move), the warning signal is interrupted and
no obstacles are displayed.
■
Additional mounted modules, such as a bicycle carrier, can impair the function of
the parking aid.

Park Assist
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
finding a parking space
117
Parking the vehicle
117
Manoeuvring out of a parallel parking space
118
Automatic brake assist
118
Information for the driver
119
The parking aid is part of the park assist system, therefore the information and
safety guidelines » page 114, Parking aid must be read and observed.
Park Assist (in the following referred to as the system) helps drivers park in suita- ble parallel and perpendicular parking places and also to manoeuvre out of paral- lel parking spaces.
The system only operates if the ignition is switched on.
During the parking procedure the system only takes over the steering move- ments, the pedals continue to be operated by the driver.
When the system is activated, 
the warning light

» Fig. 109 on page 117 - 
lights up in the button.
The traction control system (TCS) must always be switched on when parking.
The function of the system is based on: › the measurement and evaluation of the size of parking spaces when driving,
› the determination of the correct position of the vehicle for parking,
› the calculation of the line on which the vehicle drives backwards into the park-
ing space or forwards from the parking space;
› the automatic turning of the front wheels when parking in, or manoeuvring out
of the parking space.
WARNING■ The system does not exempt the driver from his/her responsibility for park-
ing in and manoeuvring out of the parking space.■
External sound sources can have a detrimental effect on parking in and ma-
noeuvring out of the parking space. Under unfavourable conditions, objects or
people may not be recognised.
■
When parking in, and manoeuvring out of parking spaces, the system auto-
matically executes quick steering movements. While it is doing so, do not place your hands between the steering wheel - risk of injury!
CAUTION
■ If other vehicles are parked behind or on the kerb, the system guides your vehi-
cle beyond the kerb or onto it. Ensure that the wheels or the wheel rims of your
vehicle are not damaged and if necessary intervene in time.■
Under certain circumstances, surfaces or structures of certain objects such as
wire mesh fences, powder snow, etc., cannot be recognised by the system.
■
The evaluation of the parking space and the parking procedure depends on the
circumference of the wheels. The system only works correctly if the vehicle is fit-
ted with the wheel size approved by the manufacturer. If wheels other than those approved by the manufacturer are mounted, the resulting position of the
vehicle in the parking space can differ slightly. This can be avoided by readjusting
the system at a ŠKODA specialist garage. Under certain circumstances, the sys-
tem may not function correctly, for example, if the vehicle is fitted with snow chains or a temporary spare wheel.

116Using the system

Wheels
Tyres and wheel rims
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Tyre life
182
New tyres and wheels
183
Unidirectional tyres
184
Spare wheel
184
Full wheel trim
185
Wheel bolts
185
Tyre control display
185
Wheel bolts
186
Winter tyres
186
Snow chains
186WARNING■ During the first 500 km, new tyres do not offer optimum grip and appropri-
ate care should therefore be taken when driving – risk of accident!■
Never drive with damaged tyres – risk of accident!
■
Never exceed the maximum permissible load bearing capacity of mounted
tyres.
■
Immediately replace damaged wheel rims or tyres.
■
On all four wheels, use only radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling cir-
cumference) and the same tread pattern.
■
Only use those tyres or wheel rims which have been approved by ŠKODA for
your model of vehicle. Failure to observe this instruction will adversely affect the road safety of your vehicle – risk of accident!
■
The maximum permissible speed for your tyres must not be exceeded under
any circumstances – risk of an accident resulting from tyre damage and loss of
control of the vehicle.
WARNING (Continued)■ If the inflation pressure is too low, the tyre must perform a greater rolling
resistance. At higher speeds the tyre will warm up as a result of this. This can
result in tread separation and a tyre blowout.■
For safety reasons, do no replace tyres individually.
■
Never use tyres if you do not know anything about the condition and age.
■
You must have your tyres replaced with new ones at the latest when the
wear indicators have been worn down.
■
Worn tyres do not provide the necessary adhesion to the road surface par-
ticularly at high speeds on wet roads. One could experience “aquaplaning” (uncontrolled movements of the vehicle – “swimming” on a wet road surface).
■
Do not use summer or winter tyres that are older than 6 years or 4 years re-
spectively.
■
The wheel bolts must be clean and must turn easily. Never treat them with
grease or oil.
■
If the wheel bolts are tightened to a too low tightening torque, the rim can
come loose when the car is moving – risk of accident! A tightening torque
which is too high can damage the bolts and threads and this can result in per-
manent deformation of the contact surfaces on the rim.
■
In case of incorrect treatment of the wheel bolts, the wheel can loosen
when the car is moving – risk of accident!
■
Never drive with more than one spare wheel mounted.
■
Only use the spare wheel while absolutely necessary.
■
The snow chains cannot be used on the spare wheel.
■
An incorrect wheel alignment at the front or rear impairs handling - risk of
accident!
■
The tyre control display does not absolve the driver of the responsibility to
ensure the correct tyre inflation pressure. Check the tyre inflation pressure at
regular intervals.
■
Unusual vibrations or pulling of the vehicle to one side could be a sign of
tyre damage. If there is any doubt that a wheel is damaged, immediately re-
duce your speed and stop! If no external damage is evident, drive slowly and
carefully to the nearest ŠKODA specialist garage to have the vehicle checked.
■
To low or too high inflation pressure impairs handling - risk of an accident!
■
The national legal requirements must be observed for the use of tyres.
■
Observe the national legal regulations relating to the use of snow chains
and the maximum vehicle speed with snow chains. 
181Wheels

CAUTION■If a spare wheel is used that is not identical to the fitted tyres, the following
must be observed » page 184, Spare wheel .■
Protect the tyres from contact with oil, grease and fuel.
■
Replace lost dust caps.
■
If, in the event of a puncture, it is necessary to fit a spare wheel with a tyre
without a dedicated running direction or the opposite running direction, drive carefully as the optimum characteristics of the tyre are no longer applicable in
this situation.
■
The tyre control display does therefore not replace the regular tyre inflation
pressure control, as the system cannot detect an even loss of pressure.
■
The system cannot warn in case of very rapid tyre inflation pressure loss, e.g. in
case of sudden tyre damage. In this case carefully bring the vehicle to a standstill
without sudden steering movements or sharp braking.
■
To ensure a proper functioning of the tyre control display, it is necessary to re-
peat the basic setting every 10 000 km or once a year.
For the sake of the environment
Tyres which are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption.
Note
■ We recommend that any work on the wheels or tyres is carried out by a ŠKODA
Partner.■
We recommend that you use wheel rims, tyres, full wheel trims and snow chains
from ŠKODA Original Accessories.

Tyre lifeFig. 155
Tyre tread with wear indicators/Open fuel filler flap with a table de-
tailing the tyre size and tyre inflation pressure
Fig. 156
Changing wheels around
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 181.
The life of tyres depends on the inflation pressure, driving style, and other cir-
cumstances. If you follow the advice below you can extend the life of your tyres.
Tyre pressure
Check the tyre pressure, including that of the spare wheel, at least once a month and also before setting off on a long journey.
The tyre inflation pressures for summer tyres are indicated on the inside of the
fuel filler flap » Fig. 155 –
. The inflation pressures for
winter tyres are 20 kPa
(0.2 bar) higher than those for summer tyres.
The tyre pressure should be at the highest pressure specified for your vehicle at all times. 
182General Maintenance

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

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

Towing196
Towing a trailer106
Towing device Description
106
Drawbar load106
Towing eye front
197
Rear197
Towing protection36
Traction control system (TCS)113
Traffic sign recognition25
Traffic signs see Traffic sign recognition
25
Trailer106
13-pin power socket110
driving with a trailer110
loading109
Safety eye110
Transport Boot
64
Roof rack system68
Transporting children safely154
Two-way radio systems134
Type plate207
Tyre control display Calibration
185
Tyre load-bearing capacity see Wheels
184
Tyre repair192
Tyres see Wheels
183
U
Underbody protection
163
Unlocking Remote control
32
Unlock the vehicle Keys
31
V
Vehicle battery Automatic load deactivation
180
charging179
Checking the electrolyte level179
Operation in winter179
replacing179
Safety instructions176
Vehicle care Alcantara
164
Artificial leather164
Cloths164
Vehicle Condition see Auto Check Control
12
Vehicle data sticker207
Vehicle dimensions208
Vehicle height208
vehicle identification number - VIN (vehicle body number)
207
Vehicle key28
Vehicle length208
Vehicle tool kit188
Vehicle width208
Vest Holder for reflex vest
74
Visors see Sun screen
53
see Sun visors53
W
Warning lights
12
Warning symbols see Warning lights
12
Warning triangle188
Washing159
Automatic car wash system160
by hand160
Chrome parts161
High-pressure cleaner161
Weights207
Wheel bolts Anti-theft wheel bolt
192
Caps185
Loosening and tightening191
Wheel rims181
Wheels Bolts
186
changing189
Full trim185
General information181
Load index184
Low-profile tyres184
new tyres183
replacing wheels182
Snow chains186
Spare wheel184
Speed symbol183
Store wheels182
Tyre inflation pressure182
Tyre life182
Winter tyres186
Window Interior mirror
57
Window convenience operation40
Windows De-icing
162
See Electrical power windows38
Windscreen heating
52
see Radio reception162
Windscreen washer fluid Checking
176
Replenishing176
Warning light19
Winter176
Windscreen washer system176
Windscreen wipers54
217Index