2012 SKODA OCTAVIA washer fluid

SymbolDescriptionReferenceClutches of the automatic gearbox DSG aretoo hot» page 14Handbrake» page 14Brake system» page 14Seat belt warning light, front» page 14
Seat belt warning light, rear» page 15Generator» page 15Coolant temperature/coolant level» page 15
Engine oil» page 15
Power steering» page 16Traction control (TCS)» page 16Traction control (TCS) switched off» page 17Electronic Stability Control (ESC)» page 17Antilock brake system (ABS)» page 17Rear fog light» page 17Bulb failure» page 17Exhaust inspection system» page 17SymbolDescriptionReferenceGlow plug system (diesel engine)» page 18EPC fault light (petrol engine)» page 18Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)» page 18Fuel reserve» page 18Safety systems» page 19Tyre pressure» page 19Windscreen washer fluid level» page 19Brake pad thickness» page 20
Lane Assist» page 20
Turn signal (left/right)» page 20Trailer turn signal lights» page 20Fog lights» page 20Speed regulating system» page 20Selector lever lock» page 20Main beam» page 20Headlight assist» page 20 13Instruments and warning lights

NoteThe text in the information display goes out after refuelling and driving a short
distance.
Safety systems
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the airbag or pedestrian protec-
tion system.
Airbag system
The following message is shown in the information cluster display:
Error: airbag
or AIRBAG ERROR
The functionality of the airbag system is monitored electronically even if one of
the airbags is switched off.
The following applies if one of the airbags or the belt tensioner was switched
off with the 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 message is shown in the information cluster display: Airbag/belt tensioner deactivated.
or AIRBAG/BELT TENSIONER OFF
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

in the display 



in the middle of the dash
panel lights up after switching on the ignition » page 151.
Passenger protection system The following message is shown in the information cluster display:
Error: pedestrian protection
or
PASSENGER PROTECTION SYSTEM ERROR
Further information » page 153.WARNINGIf there is a fault in the safety system, have it checked immediately by a
ŠKODA specialist garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the systems not being
activated in the event of an accident.

Tyre pressure 
The warning light 
lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation pressure in
one of the tyres. Check and adjust the pressure in all tyres » page 181.
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal.
If the warning light 
lights up, there is a fault in the system.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. Further information » page 185, Tyre control display .
Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light
 comes on after switching on the ignition. If the warning light does not go out
after moving a short distance, this means there is an error in the system. Seek
help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Windscreen washer fluid level 
If the windscreen washer fluid level is too low, the warning light 
comes on. Top
up with washer fluid.
Top up with liquid » page 176.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display: Top up washer fluid!
or
WASHER FLUID PLEASE TOP UP

19Instruments and warning lights

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

■Engine parts can be damaged if petrol with a lower octane number than the one
prescribed is used.■
In no case may fuel additives with metal components be used, especially not
with manganese and iron content. Do not use any LRP fuels (lead replacement petrol) with metal parts - risk of serious damage to parts of the engine or exhaust
system!
■
Do not use any fuels with metal parts - risk of serious damage to parts of the
engine or exhaust system!
■
The use of unsuitable fuel additives can cause considerable damage to parts of
the engine or the exhaust system.

Diesel fuel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 167.
Your vehicle can only be operated with diesel fuel, which complies with the
standard EN 590 (standard DIN 51628 in Germany, standard ÖNORM C 1590 in
Austria, GOST R 52368-2005/EN 590:2004 in Russia).
All diesel engines can be operated with diesel fuel with a maximum content of
7 % bio-fuel (B7), which complies with the standard DIN 52638 in Germany (in
Austria C 1590, in France EN 590).
Operation in winter – Winter-grade diesel fuel In the cold season, only use “winter-grade diesel fuel” which will still operateproperly even at a temperature of -20 °C.
It is often the case in countries with different climatic conditions that diesel fuels available have a different temperature characteristic. The ŠKODA Partners and
filling stations in the relevant country will be able to provide you with information
regarding the diesel fuels available.
Preheating fuel
The vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter preheating system. This secures operation of
a vehicle using diesel fuel down to an environmental temperature of -25 °C.
Fuel additives
Fuel additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and similar products) must not
be added to the diesel fuel.
CAUTION■ Just filling the tank once with diesel fuel that does not comply with the stand-
ard, can cause severe damage to parts of the engine, the fuel and exhaust sys-
tem!■
Damage caused by using diesel fuel which does not comply with the standards
are excluded from the warranty.
■
If a different fuel other than diesel fuel, which complies to the above mentioned
standards (e.g. petrol) is used by mistake do not start the engine or switch on the
ignition! Extensive damage to engine parts can occur! We recommend that the
fuel system is cleaned by a ŠKODA Partner.
■
Water which has collected in the fuel filter can cause engine faults.
■
Your vehicle is not adapted for use of biofuel (RME), therefore this fuel must not
be refuelled and driven. The use of biofuel (RME) can cause considerable damage
to parts of the engine or fuel system.
■
Comply with the proscribed oil change intervals.

Engine compartment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
171
Engine compartment overview
172
Checking the engine oil level
172
Replenishing the engine oil
173
Changing engine oil
173
Coolant
173
Checking the coolant level
174
Replenishing the coolant
175
Radiator fan
175
Checking the brake fluid
175
Brake fluid change
176
Windscreen washer system
176

169Inspecting and replenishing

Engine compartment overviewFig. 148
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 169.
Coolant expansion reservoir
174
Engine oil dipstick
172
Engine oil filler opening
173
Brake fluid reservoir
175
Battery (below a cover)
176
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
176
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
123456Checking the engine oil levelFig. 149
Dipstick
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 169.
The dipstick indicates the level of oil in the engine » Fig. 149.
Checking the oil level
›
Ensure that the vehicle is positioned on a level surface and the engine has reached its operating temperature.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the oil sump and remove
the dipstick.
›
Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again to the stop.
›
Pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level.
Oil level within range
A›
No oil must be refilled.
Oil level within range
B›
Oil can be refilled. Afterwards, the oil level can lie in the range
A
.
Oil level within range
C›
Oil must be replenished if the oil level is in the range
B
or lower.
The engine consumes a little oil. The oil consumption may be as much as 0.5 l/ 1 000 km depending on your style of driving and the conditions under which you
operate your vehicle. Consumption may be slightly higher than this during the
first 5 000 kilometres.
The oil level must be checked at regular intervals. We recommend after each time
you refuel or prior to making a long journey. 
172General Maintenance

Brake fluid changeFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 169.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Over time it therefore absorbs moisture from the
environment.
Excessive water in the brake fluid may be the cause of corrosion in the brake sys-
tem.
The water content lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid.
The brake fluid must comply with the following standards or specifications: › VW 50114;
› FMVSS 116 DOT4.
WARNINGDo not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired - risk of accident!
CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
Note
The brake fluid is replaced as part of a proscribed Inspection service carried out by
a ŠKODA Partner.
Windscreen washer system
Fig. 152
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoirFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and
contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen or rear window and for the head-
light cleaning system.
The capacity of the reservoir is about 3 litres or about 4.7 litres on vehicles that
have a headlight cleaning system.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and headlights.
We recommend using clean washing water together with the screen cleaner from
the range of ŠKODA Original Accessories (in winter additionally with antifreeze)
which is capable of removing stubborn dirt.
In Winter, the washing water should always be mixed with antifreeze even if the
vehicle has heated windscreen washer nozzles.
Under exceptional circumstances, methylated spirits can also be used if no screen
cleaner with antifreeze is available. The concentration of methylated spirits must
not be more than 15 %. The freeze protection at this concentration is sufficient
only to -5 °C.
CAUTION
■ Under no circumstances must radiator antifreeze or other additives be added to
the windscreen washer fluid.■
If the vehicle is fitted with a headlight cleaning system, only cleaning products
which do not attack the polycarbonate coating of the headlights must be added
to the windscreen washer fluid.
■
Do not remove the filter from the windscreen washer fluid reservoir when re-
plenishing it with liquid otherwise the liquid transportation system can be conta-
minated, which can cause the windscreen washer system to malfunction.

Vehicle battery
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Battery cover
178
Checking the battery electrolyte level
179
Charging a vehicle battery
179


176General Maintenance

Central locking system29
Changes165
Changing Engine oil
173
Wheels189
Charge level indicator of the vehicle battery
11
Charge level indicator vehicle battery
11
Charging a vehicle battery179
Checking Battery electrolyte level
179
Brake fluid175
Coolant level174
Engine oil172
Oil level172
Windscreen washer fluid176
Children and safety154
Child safety Side airbag
156
Child safety lock29
Child safety seat Use of child safety seats
156
Child seat Classification
156
ISOFIX157
on the front passenger seat155
TOP TETHER158
Use of child seats157
Chrome parts refer to Taking care of your vehicle
161
Cigarette lighter70
Cleaning159
Alcantara164
Artificial leather164
Cloths164
Headlight lenses162
Material coverings164
Natural leather164
Plastic parts162
Wheels163
Climatronic86
Clock11
Clothes hooks79
Cockpit Ashtray
70
Cigarette lighter70
General view7
Light51
Sockets71
Storage compartments72
Compartments72
Computer see Multifunction display
22
Coolant Checking
174
Replenishing175
Coolant temperature gauge display
10
Correct seated position139
Counter for distance driven11
Cruise control system (CCS)119
D
Daylight driving light
44
De-icing the windscreen and rear window52
Deactivating an airbag
151
Deactivating an airbag151
Delayed locking of the boot lid see Boot lid
38
Diesel refer to Fuel
169
Diesel fuel Operation in winter
169
Diesel particulate filter18
Digital clock11
Dipstick172
Display Service interval
11
Distance driven11
Door Child safety lock
29
Door locking Emergency
36
Doors Emergency locking
36
Driving Abroad
104
Driving through water on the street104
Emissions207
Fuel consumption207
Driving mode see Select driving mode
124
E
Economical and environmentally friendly driving
101
EDL114
Electrical power windows Button in the driver's door
38, 39
Button in the rear doors40
Central locking system40
Operational faults41
Electronic differential lock (EDL)114
Electronic immobiliser93
Emergency Automatic gearbox
133
Changing a wheel189
Door locking36
Hazard warning light system49
Jump-starting195
KESSY - start engine97
Locking the driver's door36
Towing the vehicle196
Tyre repair192
Unlocking the driver's door36
Unlocking the luggage compartment lid38
Emissions207
213Index

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