2013 SKODA OCTAVIA Owner's Manual

WARNINGPlease 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!

Manual shifting of gears and pedals
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
126
Pedals
126
Manual gear changing
Fig. 119
Gearshift pattern of 5 gear or
6 gear manual gearbox
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 126.
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear on the clutch.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 27.
Only engage reverse gear when the vehicle is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal
and hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before reverse gear is engaged to
avoid any shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the igni- tion is on.
WARNINGNever engage reverse gear when driving – risk of accident!
CAUTION
If not in the process of changing gear, do not leave your hand on the gearshift
lever while driving. The pressure from the hand can cause the gearshift mecha-nism to wear excessively.
Pedals
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 126.
The operation of the pedals must not be hindered under any circumstances!
In the driver's footwell, only a footmat, which is attached to the two correspond- ing attachment points, may be used.
Only use factory-supplied foot mats or formats from the range of ŠKODA Original
Accessories, which are fitted to two attachment points.
WARNINGNo objects may be placed in the driver's footwell – risk due to obstruction or
limitation of pedal operation.

Automatic transmission
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Modes and use of selector lever
127
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
128
Starting-off and driving
129

126Driving

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

Before moving into mode R from mode P or N, depress the brake pedal while si-
multaneously pressing the lock button » Fig. 121.N
– Neutral
The power transmission to the drive wheels is interrupted in this mode.
D
/
S
- mode for driving forward (Normal program) / mode for driving forward
(Sport program)
Switch between the modes by moving the selector lever to the sprung position
 » Fig. 120 if necessary, by selecting the driving mode » page 161.
In mode D or S, the forward gears are shifted automatically depending on the en-
gine load, the operation of the accelerator pedal, the vehicle speed, and the se-
lected driving mode » page 161.
If you select the driving mode Sport or Normal, and move the selector lever to the
position D/S, the transmission is set automatically to mode S or D.
In mode S , the forward gears are shifted automatically up and down at higher
engine speeds than in mode D.
E
– Economical driving mode
If you select the driving mode Eco » page 161, and move the selector lever to the
position D/S, the transmission is set automatically to mode E. This mode cannot
be selected with the selector lever.
In mode E , the forward gears are shifted automatically up and down at lower
engine speeds than in mode D.
Releasing selector lever from mode P or N (selector lever lock) The selector lever is locked in mode P and N to prevent that the forward driving is
selected accidentally, thereby setting the vehicle in motion. The indicator
light 
» page 21 illuminates in the instrument cluster.
The selector lever is released by depressing the brake pedal while while simulta-
neously pressing the lock button » Fig. 121.
The selector lever is not locked when quickly moving across the position N (e.g.
from R to D/S ). This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck, e.g. in a
bank of snow. The selector lever lock will click into place if the lever is in the posi-
tion N for more than approx. 2 seconds without the brake pedal being depressed.
The selector lever is locked only when the vehicle is stationary and at speeds up
to 5 km/h.
Defective selector lever lock
If the selector lever lock is defective or its power supply is interrupted (e.g. dis-
charged vehicle battery, blown fuse), the selector lever can no longer be moved
out of position P in the normal manner, and the vehicle can no longer be moved.
The selector lever must be unlocked specially » page 249.
Note
If you want to move the selector lever from mode P to mode D/S or vice versa,
move the selector lever quickly. This prevents that you accidentally select mode R
or N.
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
Fig. 122
Selector lever/multi-function steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 126.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears with the selector lever or
multifunction steering wheel. This mode can be selected both while stopping and
while driving.
The currently selected gear is indicated in the display » Fig. 120 on page 127 .
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 27.
Switching to manual shifting
›
Push the gear selector from position D/S towards the right, or left in a right-
hand drive vehicle.
Shifting up gears
›
Push the selector lever forwards
+
» Fig. 122 . 
128Driving

›Pull the right-hand paddle
+
» Fig. 122 briefly towards the steering wheel.
Shifting down gears›
Push the selector lever backwards
-
» Fig. 122 .
›
Pull the left-hand paddle -
» Fig. 122 briefly towards the steering wheel.
Temporarily switching to manual shifting in position D/S
›
Pull one of the -/+ paddles
» Fig. 122 briefly towards the steering wheel .
If you do not pull one of the rocker switches -
/+ for more than 1 Minute, manual
shifting of gears is deactivated. You can also deactivate the temporary switch to
manual shifting by pulling the right rocker switch +
towards the steering wheel
for more than 1 second.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear just
before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.
If a lower gear is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no riskof the engine overrevving.
Note
It may be beneficial, for example, when travelling downhill, to use manual shifting
of gears. Shifting to a lower gear reduces the load on the brakes and hence the
wear of the brakes » page 125.
Starting-off and driving
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 126.
Starting off
›
Start the engine.
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
›
Press and hold the lock button » Fig. 121 on page 127.
›
Move the selector lever into the desired position » page 127 and then release
the lock button.
›
Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stop
›
Depress the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Keep holding the brake pedal until driving is resumed.
The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping for a
short time, such as at a cross roads.
Parking›
Depress the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Press and hold the lock button » Fig. 121 on page 127.
›
Move the selector lever into the position P and then release the lock button.
Driving in neutral position in mode E (freewheel)
›
Move the selector lever into the position D/S.
›
Select the Eco driving mode » page 161, Driving mode .
›
Take the foot off the accelerator pedal.
The vehicle moves without the braking effect of the engine.
The gear is selected again automatically, when you briefly depress the brake ped-
al or pull the left rocker switch -
towards the steering wheel
» page 128, Manual
shifting of gears (Tiptronic) .
Launch control 1)
The launch control function allows the vehicle in mode S or Tiptronic to reach its
maximum acceleration when starting off.
›
Disable the TCS » page 137, Brake assist systems .
›
START STOP deactivate » page 160, Manually activating/deactivating the sys-
tem .
›
Fully depress and hold the brake pedal with your left foot.
›
Fully depress the accelerator pedal with your right foot.
›
Release the brake pedal.
The vehicle starts off with maximum acceleration.
Reactivate the TCS and START-STOP when the desired speed has been reached.
Kickdown
The kickdown function allows you to achieve the maximum acceleration of your
vehicle while driving.
When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the kickdown function is activated
in any forward driving mode.
The gearbox shifts down one or more gears depending on the vehicle speed and engine speed, and the vehicle accelerates. 
1)
This function is only valid for some engines.
129Starting-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

New brake padsFirst read and observe the introductory information given on page 130.
New brake pads initially do not provide optimal braking performance. They firstneed to be “run in”. Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or so.

Economical driving and environmental sustainability
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Looking ahead
131
Economical gear changing
132
Avoiding full throttle
132
Reducing idling
132
Avoiding short distances
133
Convenience consumers
133
Checking tyre inflation pressure
133
Avoiding unnecessary ballast
134
Regular maintenance
134
Saving electrical energy
134
Environmental compatibility
134
The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the ve-
hicle have already been built into the vehicle at the works. ŠKODA places a partic-
ular emphasis on minimising negative effects on the environment.
It is necessary to take note of the guidelines given in this chapter in order tomake best use of these characteristics and to maintain their effectiveness.
Fuel consumption, environmental pollution and the wear to the engine, brakes
and tyres depend essentially on the following three factors:
› your personal style of driving.
› the conditions under which your vehicle is use,
› technical requirements.
The fuel economy by can be improved by 10 -15 % by always looking ahead and
driving in an economical way.
Fuel consumption is also be influenced by external factors which are beyond the
driver's control. Consumption increases during the winter or under difficult condi-
tions, on poor roads, etc.
Fuel consumption can vary considerably from the manufacturer's data, as a result
of outside temperatures, the weather and driving style.
The optimal engine speed should be obtained when accelerating, in order to
avoid a high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle.
CAUTION
All the speed and engine revolution figures apply only when the engine is at its
normal operating temperature.
Looking ahead
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 131.
A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs when accelerating, therefore unnec-
essary accelerating and braking should be avoided. If looking ahead when driving, less braking and consequently less accelerating are required.
If possible, let your vehicle coast to a stop, or use the engine brake, if you can see that the next set of traffic lights is on red, for example.

131Starting-off and Driving

Economical gear changingFig. 123
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km depending
on the selected gear
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 131.
Shifting up early saves on fuel.
Manual gearbox › Drive no more than about one length of your vehicle in first gear.
› Shift up into the next gear at approx. 2 000 revs/min.
An effective way of achieving good fuel economy is to shift up early. Observe the
recommended gear » page 27.
Sensible gear selection can have an effect on fuel consumption » Fig. 123.
Automatic gearbox › Slowly
apply the accelerator pedal. However, do not depress it to the kick-down
position » page 129 .
› If the accelerator pedal is only depressed slowly, an economic driving pro-
gramme is automatically selected.

Avoiding full throttleFig. 124
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km. and speed
in km/h
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 131.
The slower you drive, the more the fuel savings.
Sensitive use of the accelerator will not only significantly reduce fuel consump- tion but also positively influence environmental pollution and wear of your vehi-
cle.
The maximum speed of your vehicle should, as far possible, never be used. Fuel
consumption, pollutant emissions and vehicle noises increase disproportionally at
high speeds.
The » Fig. 124 shows the ratio of fuel consumption to speed. Fuel consumption
will be halved if only three-quarters of the possible top speed of your vehicle is
used.

Reducing idling
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 131.
Idling also costs fuel.
In vehicles not equipped with the START-STOP system, turn off the engine when in a traffic jam, at a level crossing or traffic lights with longer wait times.
Even after just 30-40 seconds you will have saved more fuel than that is needed
when you start the engine up again. 
132Driving

If an engine is only idling it takes much longer for it to reach its normal operating
temperature. Wear-and-tear and pollutant emissions, though, are particularly
high in the warming-up phase. Therefore, start driving as soon as the engine has
started. though high engine speeds should be avoided.
Avoiding short distances
Fig. 125
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in l/100 km at different tem-
peratures
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 131.
Short distances result in an above-average high fuel consumption. We therefore recommend avoiding distances of less than 4 km if the engine is cold.
A cold engine consumes the most fuel immediately after the start. Fuel consump-tion drops to 10 litres/100 km after just 1 kilometre. The consumption stabilises
once the engine and catalytic converter have reached their operating tempera-
ture.
An important factor in this connection is also the ambient temperature. The im-
age » Fig. 125 shows the different levels of fuel consumption after driving a cer-
tain distance at a temperature of +20 °C and at a temperature of -10 °C.
The vehicle has a higher fuel consumption in winter than in summer.

Convenience consumers
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 131.
The convenience consumers have a share in fuel consumption.
We recommend you keep these consumers on only for as long as necessary. The convenience consumers include:
› The air conditioning system;
› Rear window heater;
› Windscreen heater;
› Heating of the external mirror;
› Rear fog light;
› Fog lights;
› Heated front seats;
› Auxiliary heating (parking heating).
Information about convenience consumers and the amount of fuel con- sumed » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR
button) .
Up to three convenience consumers are displayed in the Infotainment display-
the top 3 in terms of energy consumption 1)
.

Checking tyre inflation pressure
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 131.
Tyres which are correctly inflated save fuel.
Always ensure the tyre inflation pressure is correct. If the inflation pressure is too
low, the tyres must overcome a higher rolling resistance. This will not only in-
crease fuel consumption but also tyre wear and the driving behaviour will worsen.
Always check the tyre inflation pressure when the tyres are cold.


1)
The exterior mirror heater will only be shown in the infotainment display when outside temperatures
are below about 20 ° C.
133Starting-off and Driving