2013 SKODA OCTAVIA light

Deactivating airbagsFirst read and observe the introductory information given on page 190.
Deactivating an airbag should be considered in cases such as the ones outlined
below.
› If using a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat (due to different le-
gal regulations, the airbag must be deactivated if using a forward-facing child
seat in some countries) » page 193, Transporting children safely .
› If not being able to maintain a distance of at least 25 cm between the middle of
the steering wheel and chest, despite the driver's seat being correctly adjusted.
› If special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because of
a physical disability.
› If other seats have been installed (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side airbags).
The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated
switch » page 191 , Deactivating the front passenger airbag .
We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA service partner to deactivate any other air-
bags as appropriate.
Monitoring the airbag system
The functionality of the airbag system is monitored electronically even if one of
the airbags is switched off.
Airbag was switched off using 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.
Front passenger airbag switched off with the key switch in the storage com-
partment
› The warning light

comes on for about 4 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on.
› The indicator light



3
» Fig. 170 on page 191 lights up after the ignition is
switched on.
Note
■ The national regulations for switching off airbags must be observed.■A ŠKODA service partner will be able to inform you which, if any, of your vehi-
cle's airbags can or must be deactivated.

Deactivating the front passenger airbagFig. 170
Key-operated switch for the front passenger airbag/warning light
for front seat passenger airbag deactivation
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 190.
Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch.
Switching off
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch into position
2
» Fig. 170 OFF .
›
Close the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Check that the 

warning light in the 




text
3
lights up
after the ignition is switched on.
Switching on
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch into position
1
» Fig. 170 ON .
›
Close the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Check that the 

warning light in the 




text
3
lights up
after the ignition is switched on.
The 

warning light goes out 65 seconds after the key switch status has
changed or after the ignition is switched on. 
191Airbag system

WARNING■The driver is responsible for whether the airbag is switched on or switched
off.■
Only switch off the airbag when the ignition is switched off! Otherwise a
fault can occur in the system for deactivating the airbag.
■
If the   warning light is flashing, the front passenger airbag will not be
deployed in an accident. Have the airbag system checked by a specialist ga- rage immediately.

192Safety

The longer insect residues, bird droppings, tree sap, road and industrial dust, tar,
soot particles, road salt and other aggressive deposits remain adhering to the
paintwork of your vehicle, the more detrimental their destructive effect can be.
High temperatures, such as those caused by intensive sun's rays, accentuate this
caustic effect.
It is essential to also thoroughly clean the underside of the vehicle at the end of
the winter.WARNING■ When washing your vehicle in the winter: Water and ice in the braking sys-
tem can affect the braking efficiency – risk of accident!■
Only wash the vehicle when the ignition is switched off – risk of accident!
CAUTION
Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight – risk of paint damage.
For the sake of the environment
Only wash the vehicle at washing bays intended for this purpose.
Washing by hand
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 203.
Soak the dirt with plenty of water and rinse as well as possible.
Clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a washing glove or a washing brush . Work
from the top to the bottom – starting with the roof.
Only use a car shampoo for stubborn dirt.
Wash out the sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.
Clean wheels, door sills and similar parts last. Use a second sponge for such
areas.
Give the vehicle a good rinse after washing it and dry it off using a chamois leath- er.
CAUTION■ When washing the car by hand, protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged
metal parts (e.g. when cleaning the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings
or the wheel trims, etc.) - There is a risk of cuts!■
Only apply slight pressure when cleaning the vehicle's paintwork.

Automatic car wash systems
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 203.
The usual precautionary measures must be taken before washing the vehicle in
an automatic car wash system (e.g. closing the windows and the sliding/tilting
roof etc.).
If your vehicle is fitted with any particular attached parts, such as a spoiler, roof
rack system, two-way radio aerial etc., it is best to consult the operator of the car
wash system beforehand.
After an automatic wash with wax treatment, the lips of the wipers should be cleaned with cleaning agents specially designed for the purpose, and then de-
greased.
WARNINGFold in the exterior mirrors to prevent damage before washing the vehicle in
an automatic car wash system. Never manually fold in electric exterior mirrors
- always use the electric controls.

Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 203.
When washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, the instructions for use
of the equipment must be observed. This applies in particular to the pressure
used and to the spraying distance .
Maintain a sufficiently large distance to the parking aid sensors and soft materials
such as rubber hoses or insulation material. 
204General Maintenance

WARNINGNever use circular spray nozzles or dirt cutters!
CAUTION
■If washing the vehicle in the winter using a hose or high-pressure cleaner, en-
sure that the jet of water is not aimed directly at the locking cylinders or the
door/panel joints – risk of freezing!■
To avoid damaging the parking aid sensors while cleaning with high-pressure
cleaners or steam jets, the sensors must only be directly sprayed for short periods
while a minimum distance of 10 cm must be observed.
■
The temperature of the water used for cleaning must not exceed 60 °C – risk of
damaging the vehicle.
■
See also Washing cars with decorative films using a high-pressure clean-
er » page 206 .

Taking care of your vehicle exterior

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Taking care of your vehicle's paintwork
205
Plastic parts
206
Rubber seals
206
Chrome parts
206
Decorative films
206
De-icing windows and exterior mirrors
207
Headlight lenses
207
Door lock cylinders
207
Cavity protection
208
Wheels
208
Underbody protection
208
Regular and proper care help to retain the efficiency and value of your vehicle. It
may also be one of the requirements for the acceptance of warranty claims relat- ing to corrosion damage and paint defects on the bodywork.
We recommend using care products from ŠKODA Original Accessories that areavailable from ŠKODA Partners. The instructions for use on the package must be
observed.WARNING■ Care products may be harmful to your health if not used according to the in-
structions.■
Always store vehicle care products safely, in particular out of the reach of
children – risk of poisoning!
■
Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when cleaning
the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims – risk of cuts!
CAUTION
■ Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar cleaning prod-
ucts – risk of damaging the paintwork surface.■
Cleaner that contain solvents can damage the material being cleaned.
For the sake of the environment
Used vehicle care product cans represent hazardous waste that is harmful to the
environment. These must be disposed of in accordance with national legal regula- tions.
Note
Due to the special tools and knowledge required, and to avoid any potential prob-
lems with the cleaning and care of your vehicle's exterior, we recommend that
the cleaning and care of your vehicle be carried out by a ŠKODA Service Partner.
Taking care of your vehicle's paintwork
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 205.
Minor paint damage such as scratches, scuffs or stone chips should be treated im-
mediately if possible, using touch-up pens or sprays . 
205Vehicle care

The following instructions must be followed when washing the vehicle with a
high-pressure cleaner:
› The minimum distance between the nozzle and the vehicle body should be 50
cm.
› Keep jet perpendicular to the film surface.
› The maximum water temperature is 50 °C.
› The maximum water pressure is 80 bar.
CAUTION
In the winter months, do not use an ice scraper to remove ice and snow from the
areas with films. Do not use any other objects to remove frozen layers of snow or
ice – risk of film damage.
De-icing windows and exterior mirrors
Fig. 177
Fuel filler flap: Ice scraper
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 205.
Use a plastic ice scraper for removing snow and ice from the windows and mir-
rors.
The ice scraper can be found on the inside of the fuel filler flap.
›
Open the fuel filler flap.
›
Slide out the ice scraper in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 177.
Regularly clean windows from the inside with clean water. Dry the glass surfaces with a clean chamois leather or a cloth intended for this
purpose.
When drying the windows after washing the vehicle, do not use window leathers
that have been used to polish the bodywork. Residues of preservatives in the
window leather can dirty the window and reduce visibility.
CAUTION
■ The ice scraper should not be moved forward and backward but in one direction
to avoid any damage to the surface of the glass.■
Snow or ice that is contaminated with coarse dirt such as fine gravel, sand or
salt must not be removed from the windows and mirrors – there is a risk of dam-
age to the surface of the windows and mirrors.
■
Do not remove snow or ice from glass parts using warm or hot water – risk of
cracks forming in the glass.
■
When removing snow or ice from windows and mirror lenses ensure that the
paintwork of the vehicle is not to damage.
■
Do not clean the inside of the windows with sharp-edged objects or corrosive
and acidic cleaning agents – there is a risk of damaging the heating elements or
window aerial.

Headlight lenses
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 205.
Clean plastic front headlight lenses using clean, warm water and soap.
CAUTION
■ Never wipe headlights to dry.■Do not use any sharp objects to clean the plastic lenses, as this may damage
the protective paintwork and consequently cause cracks to form on the headlight lenses.■
Do not use any harsh cleaning products or chemical solvents to clean the head-
lights, as this could damage the headlight lenses.

Door lock cylinders
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 205.
Specific products must be used for de-icing door lock cylinders. 
207Vehicle care

CAUTIONWhen washing your vehicle, ensure as little water as possible gets into the lock-
ing cylinders.
Cavity protection
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 205.
All the cavities of your vehicle which are at risk from corrosion are protected for
life by a layer of protective wax applied in the factory.
Wax protection does not require to be inspected or re-treated.
If any small amount of wax flow out of the cavities at high temperatures, these
must be removed with a plastic scraper and the stains cleaned using a petroleum
cleaner.
WARNINGSafety regulations should be observed when using petroleum cleaner to re-
move wax – risk of fire!

Wheels
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 205.
Wheel rims
Also thoroughly wash the wheel rims when washing the vehicle on a regular ba-
sis.
Regularly remove salt and brake abrasion, otherwise the rim material will be cor-
roded.
Damage to the paint layer on the wheel rims must be touched up immediately.
Light alloy wheels
After washing thoroughly and treat the wheel rims with a protective product for
light alloy wheels. Products which cause abrasion must not be used to treat the
wheel rims.
CAUTIONSevere layers of dirt on the wheels can also result in wheel imbalance. This may
show itself in the form of a wheel vibration which is transmitted to the steering
wheel which, in certain circumstances, can cause premature wear of the steering.
This means it is necessary to remove the dirt.
Underbody protection
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 205.
The underside of your vehicle is protected for life against chemical and mechani-
cal influences.
It is not possible to guarantee that the protective coating will not suffer any
damage as the vehicle is driven.
We recommend having the protective coating underneath the vehicle and the
chassis checked — preferably before the beginning of winter and at the end of
winter.
WARNINGNever use additional underbody protection or anti-corrosion agents for ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converters, diesel particle filters or heat shields. When
the engine reaches its operating temperature, these substances might ignite -
risk of fire!

Taking care of the interior
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Natural leather
209
Artificial leather, cloths and Alcantara ®
210
Seat covers
210
Seat belts
211

208General Maintenance

Regular and proper care helps to ensure efficiency and to maintain the value of
your vehicle.
We recommend using vehicle care products from ŠKODA Original Accessories. These are available from ŠKODA Partners. The usage instructions on the package
must be observed.WARNING■ Vehicle care products may be harmful to your health if not used according to
the instructions.■
Always store vehicle care products safely, in particular out of the reach of
children – risk of poisoning!
CAUTION
■ Be sure to check clothing for colourfastness to avoid any damage or visible
stains on the material (leather), panels and textiles.■
Remove fresh stains such as those from ball-point pens, ink, lipstick, shoe pol-
ish, etc., from the material (leather), panels and textiles as quickly as possible.
■
Air fresheners and scents can be hazardous to heath when the temperature in-
side the vehicle is high.
■
Do not attach scents or air fresheners to the dash panel – there is a risk of dam-
age to the dash panel.
■
Do not stick any stickers on the inside of the rear windows, the rear side win-
dows and in the vicinity of the heating elements on the windscreen or near the
window aerial. These may get damaged.
■
Do not clean the roof panelling with a brush – risk of damage to the surface of
the panelling.
■
Cleaner that contain solvents can damage the material being cleaned.
■
Apply only a small amount of the cleaning and care product.
For the sake of the environment
Used vehicle care product cans represent hazardous waste that is harmful to the
environment. These must be disposed of in accordance with national legal regula-
tions.NoteDue to the special tools and knowledge required, and to avoid any potential prob-
lems with the cleaning and care of the interior of your vehicle, we recommend
that cleaning and care of the interior of your vehicle be carried out by a ŠKODA service partner.
Natural leather
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 208.
Leather is a natural material with specific properties, and requires regular clean-
ing and maintenance.
Depending on the amount of wear-and-tear, the leather should be cleaned on a
regular basis.
Dust and dirt in the pores and folds act as abrasive materials. This leads to severe corrosion and the premature brittleness of the leather surface.
We recommend that you remove dust regularly and at short intervals using a
cloth or vacuum cleaner.
Clean soiled leather surfaces with a water-dampened cotton or woollen cloth and
then dry with a clean, dry cloth »
.
Clean severely soiled areas with a cloth soaked in a mild soap solution (2 table-
spoons of neutral soap to 1 litre of water).
To remove stains , use a cleaning agent specially designed for this purpose.
Treat the leather regularly and at suitable intervals using a suitable leather care
product.
CAUTION
■ Ensure that no part of the leather is soaked through during cleaning and that
no water gets into the seams. Otherwise, the leather could become brittle or
cracked.■
Avoid leaving the vehicle for lengthy periods in bright sunlight to avoid the
leather from bleaching. If the vehicle is parked in the open for lengthy periods, protect the leather from direct sunlight by covering it. 
209Vehicle care

■Sharp-edged objects on items of clothing such as zip fasteners, rivets, sharp-
edged belts, jewellery and pendants may leave permanent scratches or signs of
rubbing on the surface. Such damage cannot be subsequently recognised as a
justified complaint.■
The use of a mechanical steering wheel lock may damage the leather surface of
the steering wheel.
■
Use a care cream with light blocker and impregnation effect on a regular basis
and each time after cleaning. The cream nourishes the leather, allows it to
breathe and keeps it supple and also provides moisture. It also creates surface
protection.
■
Some clothing materials, e.g. dark denim, do not have sufficient colour fastness.
This can cause damage or clearly visible discolouration to seat covers, even when used correctly. This applies particularly to light-coloured seat covers. This does
not relate to a fault in the seat cover, but rather to poor colour fastness of the
clothing textiles.
Note
During the use of the vehicle, minor visible changes can occur on the leather
parts of the covers (e. g wrinkles or creases as a result of the stress of the cov-
ers).
Artificial leather, cloths and Alcantara ®
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 208.
Artificial leather
Clean artificial leather with a damp cloth.
If this method does not completely clean the artificial leather, use a mild soap sol- ution or cleaning products specially designed for this purpose.
Fabric
Clean upholstery cover materials and cloth trims on doors, luggage compartment cover, etc. using specific cleaning agents, e.g., dry foam.
Use a soft sponge, brush, or commercially available microfibre cloth.
Use a cloth and a cleaning agent specifically designed for this purpose to clean
the roof trim.
Remove any lumps on the cover fabric and any fabric residue using a brush.
Remove stubborn hair using a “cleaning glove”.
Alcantara ®
Dust and fine dirt particles in pores, creases and seams may chafe and damage
the surface.
If you leave your vehicle parked in the open for lengthy periods, protect the Al-
cantara ®
seat covers from the direct rays of the sun to prevent fading.
Minor changes in colour caused by use are normal.
CAUTION
■ Do not use any leather cleaners on Alcantara ®
seat covers.■For Alcantara ®
seat covers do not use any solvents, floor wax, shoe cream, stain
remover, or similar agents.■
Avoid leaving the vehicle in bright sunlight for long periods of time in order to
stop the fabric from bleaching. If the vehicle is parked outside for long periods of
time, cover the fabric to protect it from direct sunlight.
■
Some clothing materials, e.g. dark denim, do not have sufficient colour fastness.
This can cause damage or clearly visible discolouration to seat covers, even when used correctly. This applies particularly to light-coloured seat covers. This does
not relate to a fault in the seat cover, but rather to poor colour fastness of the
clothing textiles.

Seat covers
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 208.
Electrically heated seats
Do not clean the covers by moistening, as this can damage the seat heating sys-
tem.
Use a specific cleaning agent such as dry foam or similar to clean the covers.
Seats without seat heating
Thoroughly vacuum the seat covers with a vacuum cleaner before cleaning.
Clean the seat covers with a damp cloth or cleaning products specially designed for this purpose.
Indented points arising on the fabrics by everyday use, can be removed by brush- ing against the direction of hair with a damp brush.
Always clean all parts of the covers, so that there are no visible edges. Then allow the seat to dry completely. 
210General Maintenance