2013 SKODA OCTAVIA warning

WARNING■Do not depress the accelerator if changing the forward driving mode – risk
of accident!■
Never move the selector lever to mode R or P when driving – risk of an acci-
dent!
■
When the vehicle is stationery and the engine is running, you need to hold
the vehicle with the brake pedal in mode D, S or R. Even when the engine is
idling, the power transmission is never completely interrupted – the vehicle
creeps.
■
When leaving the vehicle the selector lever must always be set to P . Other-
wise the vehicle could then start to move and potentially cause an accident.
CAUTION
■ If you moved the selector lever to mode N while driving, you need to release the
accelerator pedal and wait until the engine has reached its idling speed, before
you can move the selector lever to a forward driving mode again.■
At temperatures below -10 °C the engine can only be started in the selector lev-
er position P.
■
When trying to stop on a slope, never try to hold the vehicle using the accelera-
tor pedal – this may lead to gear damage.
Note
After the ignition is switched off, the ignition key can only be withdrawn if the se-
lector lever is in the position P.
Modes and use of selector leverFig. 120
Selector lever/display
Fig. 121
Shiftlock button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 126.
When the ignition is switched on, the gearbox mode and the currently selected
gear are indicated in the display » Fig. 120.
The following modes can be selected with the selector lever » Fig. 120.
P
– Parking mode
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this mode.
The parking mode must only be selected when the vehicle is stationary.
R
– Reverse gear
Reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the engine
is at idling speed. 
127Starting-off and Driving

The gearbox does not shift up into the highest gear until the engine has reached
its maximum revolutions for this gear range.WARNINGRapid acceleration, particularly on slippery roads, can lead to loss of control of
the vehicle – risk of accident!

Running in
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
New engine
130
New tyres
130
New brake pads
131
New engine
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 130.
The engine has to be run in during the first 1500 kilometres.Up to 1000 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 1000 up to 1500 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.
The red scale of the rev counter indicates the range in which the system beginsto limit the engine speed.
During the first operating hours the engine has higher internal friction than later until all of the moving parts have harmonized. The driving style which you adopt
during the first approx.1500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the success of run-
ning in your car.
Never drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds, even after the running-in period is complete.
On vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox, at the very latest shift up into the next
gear when the red area is reached. Observe the recommended gear » page 27.
Very high engine speeds when accelerating (accelerator) are automatically re-
stricted »
.
With vehicles with a manual gearbox, do not drive at unnecessarily low engine
speeds. Shift down a gear when the engine is no longer running smoothly. Ob-
serve the recommended gear » page 27.
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.
For the sake of the environment
Do not drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds. Shifting up sooner helps save
on fuel, reduces engine noises and protects the environment.
New tyres
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 130.
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.

130Driving

›Never stop in the water, do not reverse and do not switch the engine off.›Deactivate the START-STOP system before driving through water
» page 158.WARNING■
Driving through water, mud, sludge etc. can reduce the braking power and
extend the braking distance – risk of accident!■
Avoid abrupt and sudden braking immediately after water crossings.
■
After driving through bodies of water, the brakes must be cleaned and dried
as soon as possible by intermittent braking. Only apply the brakes for the pur-
pose of drying and cleaning the brake discs if the traffic conditions permit this.
Do not place any other road users in jeopardy.
CAUTION
■ When driving through bodies of water, some parts of the vehicle such as the
engine, gearbox, chassis or electrics can be severely damaged.■
Oncoming vehicles can generate water waves which can exceed the permissible
water level for your vehicle.
■
Potholes, mud or rocks can be hidden under the water making it difficult or im-
possible to drive through the body of water.
■
Do not drive through salt water. The salt can lead to corrosion. Any vehicle parts
that have come into contact with salt water must be rinsed immediately with
fresh water.
Note
After driving through water, we recommend having the vehicle checked by a spe-
cialist garage.
Driving abroad
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Unleaded petrol
136
Headlights
136In certain countries it is also possible that the ŠKODA Partner network is limited
or has not been established yet. This is the reason why procuring certain spare
parts may be somewhat complicated and specialist garages may only be able to
make limited repairs.
Unleaded petrol
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 136.
A vehicle fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded pet-rol » page 213 . Information regarding the locations of filling stations that offer
unleaded petrol is, for example, provided by the automobile associations.

Headlights
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 136.
The low beam of your headlights is set asymmetrically. It illuminates the side ofthe road on which the vehicle is being driven to a greater extent.
When driving in countries in which the traffic drives on the other side of the roadthan in your home country, the asymmetrical low beam may dazzle oncoming
drivers. In order to avoid this, the headlights must be adjusted at a specialist ga-
rage.
You can adjust the Xenon headlights yourself by setting the "tourist light" mode
in Infotainment » Operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle set-
tings (button CAR) .
Note
You can find out more information on adjusting the headlights at a specialist ga-
rage.
136Driving

Assist systems
Brake assist systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
137
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
138
Traction Control System (TCS)
138
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)
139
Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
139
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
139
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
139
Multicollision brake
140WARNING■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to shut
down. The brake assist systems would then fail to function – risk of accident!■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety offered by the brake assist systems must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise – risk of accident!
■
In the event of an ABS fault, visit a specialist garage immediately. Adjust
your style of driving according to the damage to the ABS as you will not know
how great the damage is and the limitation it is placing on the braking effi-
ciency.
CAUTION
■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufactur-
er to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly.■
Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis) can influence the
functionality of the brake assist systems » page 200.
■
If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, ASR and EDL also do not work. An
ABS fault is indicated with the warning light  » page 18 .

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Fig. 127
ESC button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 137.
The ESC system helps to maintain control of the vehicle in situations where it is
being operated at its dynamic limits, such as a sudden change to the direction of
travel. The risk of skidding is reduced and your car thus offers greater driving sta-
bility depending on the conditions of the road surface.
The ESC system is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actualbehaviour of the vehicle. If differences exist, such as the car beginning to skid,
the ESC system will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light 
flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
The following systems are integrated into the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
› Antilock Brake System (ABS)
» page 138.
› Traction control (TCS)
» page 138.
› Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)
» page 139.
› Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
» page 139.
› Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
» page 139.
› Hill Hold Control (HHC)
» page 139.
› Multicollision brake
» page 140.
› Trailer stabilisation (TSA)
» page 173, Driving with a trailer .
The ESC system cannot be deactivated. Only some systems with built-in ESC
can be deactivated or activated. 
137Assist systems

Activate/deactivate TCS
Within the ESC system, the TCS can be activated or deactivated in the Infotain-
ment » Infotainment manual , chapter Vehicle settings (key CAR) or with the sym-
bol key  » Fig. 127 .
› Briefly press the symbol button
.
The warning light  lights up in the instrument cluster and the following message
is shown on the display.
Traction control (ASR) deactivated.
ASR OFF
› Press the symbol button
 again.
The warning light 
lights up in the instrument cluster and the following message
is shown on the display.
Traction control (ASR) activated.ASR ON
Enable/disable ESC Sport Within the ESC system, the ESC SPORT can be deactivated or activated in the In-
fotainment » Infotainment manual , chapter Vehicle settings (key CAR) or with the
symbol key 
» Fig. 127 .
ESC Sport is a setting intended for a sporty way of driving. By activating ESC
Sport, the TCS is disabled and the activation of the ESC procedure is delayed so
that the sporty drive will not be compromised if applicable.
› Press and hold the symbol button

.
The warning light 
lights up in the instrument cluster and the following message
is shown on the display.
ESC sport: directional stabil. restricted.
ESC SPORT
› Press the symbol button

again.
The warning light 
lights up in the instrument cluster and the following message
is shown on the display.
Stabilisation control (ESC) activated.
ESC ONCAUTIONBy activating ESC Sport, TCS is automatically deactivated. As a result of this, some
of the other vehicle system functions may be limited.
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 137.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to main-
tain control of the vehicle.
The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the pulsating movements of the
brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
When the ABS system is active, do not brake periodically or reduce the pressure
on the brake pedal.

Traction Control System (TCS)
Fig. 128
TCS button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 137.
If the wheels are slipping, the TCS system adapts the engine speed to the condi-
tions of the road surface. The TCS makes it much easier to start off, accelerate
and climb steep hills even if the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
The TCS function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
If your vehicle is fitted with the ESC system, the ASR is integrated into the ESC
system » page 137 . 
138Driving

During an intervention of the system, the TCS warning light  flashes in the in-
strument cluster.
The TCS should normally always be enabled. The system should be deactivated
only in the following situations, for example.
› When driving with snow chains.
› When driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface.
› When it is necessary to “rock” a car free when it has become stuck.
The TCS can be deactivated in the Infotainment or with the symbol button

» Fig. 128 » Infotainment manual , chapter Vehicle settings (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 and XDS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 137.
EDL
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 itself off automatically, in order to avoid excessive heat genera-
tion in the disc brake of the wheel 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.
XDS
XDL is an extension to the electronic differential lock. XDL does not respond to traction, but to the load relief of the inner front wheel of the driving axle during
fast cornering.
The automatic brake intervention on the brake of the wheel with reduced load prevents the wheel from spinning. Thus, the traction is improved and the vehicle can continue to follow the desired track.

Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 137.
The DSR indicates to the driver in critical situations a steering recommendation in
order to stabilise the vehicle. The DSR is activated, for example, on the right and
left vehicle side when braking sharply on different road surfaces.

Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 137.
HBA increases the braking effect and helps to shorten the braking distance.
The HBA is activated by the very quick operation of the brake pedal. To achieve
the shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be applied firmly un-
til the vehicle has come to a complete standstill.
The HBA is automatically switched off when the brake pedal is released.The ABS is activated faster and more effectively with the intervention of the HBA.

Hill Hold Control (HHC)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 137.
HHC allows you, when driving on slopes, to move your foot from the brake pedal
to the accelerator pedal without having to use the handbrake.
The system holds the brake pressure produced by the activation of the brakepedal for approx. 2 seconds after the brake pedal is released.
The brake pressure drops gradually the more you operate the accelerator pedal. Ifthe vehicle does not start off within 2 seconds, it starts to roll back.
The HHC is active from a 5% slope if the driver's door is closed. HHC is always ac-tive on slopes when in forward or reverse start off. When driving downhill, it is in- active.

139Assist systems

Multicollision brakeFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 137.
The multifunction brake deploys automatic braking after a collision in order to re- duce the risk of further collisions. Automatic braking can only be deployed at
speeds of over 10 km/h in the event of a frontal or side impact.
The vehicle is slowed down automatically by the ESC system as long as the brakes, the ESC and the relevant electrical system remain operational after the impact.
Automatic braking is not applied if the driver presses the accelerator during the
accident.

Parking aid
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Function
141
Automatic system activation when moving forward
142
Road display
142WARNING■ The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper attention and
it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when reversing the vehicle
or carrying out similar manoeuvres. Pay particular attention to small children
and animals as they may not be recognised by the system sensors.■
You should satisfy yourself before reversing that there is no small obstacle,
such as a rock, thin post, trailer drawbar etc., in front or behind your vehicle.
Such obstacles may not be recognised by the system sensors.
■
Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of cloth-
ing cannot reflect the system signals. Thus, these objects or people who wear such clothing are not recognised by the System sensors.
■
External sound sources can have a detrimental effect on the system. Under
adverse conditions, this can cause objects or people to not be recognized by
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
also indicated by the symbol  flashing » Fig. 129 on page 141 in the button. ! or
 appears in the Infotainment display. Seek help from a specialist garage.■
The sensors must be kept clean (free of ice, etc.) to enable the system to oper-
ate properly.
■
The system function may be limited under adverse weather conditions (heavy
rain, water vapour, very low or high temperatures etc.).
■
Additional mounted modules, such as a bicycle carrier, can impair the function of
the parking aid.
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 system is activated and the selector lever of the automatic gearbox is in
position P (the vehicle cannot move), the warning tone is interrupted and no ob-
stacles are displayed.

140Driving

Automatic system activation when moving forwardFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 140.
Automatic activation takes place at a speed below around 10 km/h under the fol-
lowing conditions.
› The distance to the obstacle at the front is less than around 90 cm.
› The distance to the obstacle at the front is less than around 30 cm.
› The distance to the obstacle to the side of the vehicle is less than around
30 cm.
After activation, the following is shown in the left pane of the Infotainment dis-
play » Fig. 130 on page 141 - 
.
Acoustic signals are sounded as of a distance from the obstacle of around 50 cm.
Automatic display can be activated/deactivated in the Infotainment » Infotain-
ment manual , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR button) .

Road display
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 140.
The display of the upcoming road changes depending on the steering angle
A
» Fig. 130 on page 141 - 
.
Obstacles that are located on the road are represented by the following colours.
› Red – the distance to the obstacle is less than about 30 cm.
› Yellow – the distance to the obstacle is more than about 30 cm.
Obstacles that are not located on the road are represented by the following col-
ours.
› Red – the distance to the obstacle is less than about 30 cm.
› White – the distance to the obstacle is more than about 30 cm.
The road ahead is displayed when a forward gear or Neutral is engaged or the se-
lector lever is in position N.
The road behind the vehicle is displayed when reverse gear is engaged or the se-
lector lever is in position R.

Park assist
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Finding a parking space
143
Parking
144
Manoeuvring out of a parallel parking space
145
Automatic brake assist
145
Information messages
145
The parking aid is part of the park assist system, therefore the information and
safety guidelines » page 140 , Parking aid must also 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. The displays, messages and system instructions are displayed in the MAXI DOTdisplay (in the display only below).
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 lights up 
» Fig. 131 on
page 143 - 
.
The traction control system (TCS) must always be switched on when parking.
Basis of the system function› 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. 
142Driving