2013 SKODA OCTAVIA coolant

Air conditioning system (manual air conditioningsystem)
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects: Control elements
110
adjusting
111
Recirculated air mode
111
The cooling system only operates if the following conditions are met. The cooling system is switched on » page 110, Control elements .
The engine is running.
The outside temperature above approx. +2 °C.
The blower switch is switched on (positions 1-6).
If the desired interior temperature can also be achieved without activating the cooling system, fresh air mode should be selected.
The cooling system is switched off at a high coolant temperature in order to pro-
vide cooling at a high load of the engine.
CAUTION
■ Under certain circumstances, air at a temperature of about 5 °C can flow out of
the vents when the cooling system is switched on.■
Lengthy and uneven distribution of the air flow out of the vents (especially
around the feet) and large differences in temperature, for example, when getting
out of the vehicle, can cause susceptible individuals to catch a cold.
Note
We recommend that you have the air conditioning system cleaned by a specialist
garage once every year.Control elementsFig. 109
Air conditioning: Control elements
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 110.
Functions of the individual controls » Fig. 109 .
Set the temperature (turn to the left to reduce the temperature, turn to the
right to increase the temperature)
Set the blower stage (stage 0: Fan out, stage 6: the highest fan speed)
Set the direction of the air outlet » page 107
Depending on equipment:
› 
Switching the windscreen heater on/off » page 64
› 
Aux. heating on/off » page 116
Control the seat heater on the front left seat » page 76
Switching the cooling system on/off
Switching the rear window heater on/off » page 64
Open/close the fresh air supply (recirculation) » page 111
Control the seat heater on the front right seat » page 76
Note
The warning light in the symbol button 
lights after activation, even if not all of
the conditions for the function of the cooling system are met » page 110. By light-
ing up of the warning light in the button, the operational readiness of the cooling system is signalled.
ABC1110Using the system

WARNINGNever leave recirculated air mode switched on over a longer period of time, as
“stale air” can cause driver and passenger fatigue, reduce attention levels and
also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increases.
Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up.

Climatronic (automatic air conditioning system)
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Control elements
112
Automatic mode
113
Switching the cooling system on/off
113
Setting temperature
113
Automatic recirculation mode
114
Controlling blower
114
Defrosting windscreen
115
The Climatronic in automatic mode ensures the best-possible setting of the tem-
perature of the outflowing air, the blower stage and air distribution.
The system also takes sunlight into account, which eliminates the need to alterthe settings manually.
The cooling system only operates if the following conditions are met. The cooling system is switched on » page 112, Control elements .
The engine is running.
The outside temperature above approx. +2 °C.
The cooling system is switched off at a high coolant temperature in order to pro-
vide cooling at a high load of the engine.
Note
We recommend that you have Climatronic cleaned by a specialist garage once ev-
ery year.Control elementsFig. 110
Climatronic: Control elements
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 112.
Functions of the individual controls » Fig. 110 .
Adjust the temperature for the left side or for both sides » page 113
Interior temperature sensor
Adjust the blower speed » page 114
Adjust the temperature for the right side » page 113
Display the temperature setting for the left side
Display the temperature setting for the right side
Depending on equipment:
› 
Aux. heating on/off » page 116
› 
Switching Climatronic system off
Control the seat heater on the front left seat » page 76
Air flow to the windows
Air flow to the upper body
Air flow in the footwell
Automatic recirculation switch on or off » page 114
Control the seat heater on the front right seat » page 76
Switch the intensive windscreen heater on/off » page 115
Switching the rear window heater on/off » page 64
ABCD123112Using the system

Defrosting windscreenFirst read and observe the introductory information given on page 112.
Switching on/off
›
Press the symbol button  » Fig. 110 on page 112.
›
Press the symbol button  again or press the symbol button .
More air flows out of the air outlet vents 1 » Fig. 106 on page 107. The tempera-
ture control is controlled automatically.

Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation)
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Switching on/off
116
Radio remote control
116
Conditions for the functioning of auxiliary heating (Aux. heating and ventilation),
hereinafter referred to only as auxiliary heating (Aux. heating).
The charge state of the vehicle battery is sufficient.
The fuel supply is adequate (the warning icon 
is not lit in the display of the
instrument cluster).
Auxiliary ventilation
The auxiliary ventilation enables fresh air to flow into the vehicle interior by
switching off the engine, whereby the interior temperature is effectively de-
creased (e.g. with the vehicle parked in the sun).
Auxiliary heating (parking heating)
The auxiliary heating (parking heating) can be used when stationary, when the engine is switched off to preheat the vehicle and while driving (e.g. during the
heating phase of the engine).
The auxiliary heater (parking heater) functions in connection with the air-condi-
tioning system or Climatronic.
The auxiliary heating (parking heating) also warms up the engine.
The auxiliary heating (parking heating) warms up the coolant by combusting fuel
from the vehicle tank. The coolant heats air flowing into the passenger compart- ment (as long as the blower fan speed B
» Fig. 108 on page 108 or
C
» Fig. 110
on page 112 is not set to zero).
WARNING■ The auxiliary heater (independent vehicle heater) must never be operated in
closed rooms (e.g. garages) – risk of poisoning!■
The auxiliary heating (parking heating) must not be running during refuelling
– risk of fire.
■
The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating is located underneath the vehicle.
Therefore, if you wish to operate the auxiliary heating (parking heating), do
not park the vehicle in such a way that the exhaust gases can come into con-
tact with highly flammable materials (e.g. dry grass) or easily inflammable sub-
stances (e.g. spilt fuel) – risk of fire.
CAUTION
■ The running auxiliary heating (parking heating) consumes fuel from the vehicle
tank and automatically controls the filling level. If only a low quantity of fuel is
present in the fuel tank, the auxiliary heater switches itself off.■
The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating, which is located underneath the vehi-
cle, must not be clogged up and the exhaust flow must not be blocked.
■
If the auxiliary heating is running, the vehicle battery discharges. If the auxiliary
heating and ventilation has been operated several times over a longer period, the
vehicle must be driven a few kilometres in order to recharge the vehicle battery.
Note
■ The auxiliary heating (aux. heating) switches on the blower B » Fig. 108 on
page 108 or C » Fig. 110 on page 112 only if it has achieved a coolant temperature
of approx. 50 °C.■
At low outside temperatures, this can result in a formation of water vapour in
the area of the engine compartment. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
■
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of e.g. ice, snow or leaves
to ensure that the auxiliary heating and cooling system operates properly.
■
So that warm air can flow into the vehicle interior after switching on the auxili-
ary heating, you must maintain the comfort temperature normally selected by
you, leave the fan switched on and leave the air outlet vents in an open position.
It is recommended to put the air flow in the position  or .

115Heating and air-conditioning

Switching on/offFig. 111
Button for switching on/off the system directly on the operating
part of the air conditioning/Climatronic
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 115.
The auxiliary heating (parking heating) can be switched on/off as follows.
Manually switching on using the button on the operating part of the manual air conditioning/Clima-
tronic. The indicator light in the button illuminates » Fig. 111.
by using the radio remote control » page 116
Manually switching off
using the button on the operating part of the manual air conditioning/Clima-
tronic. The indicator light in the button goes out » Fig. 111.
by using the radio remote control » page 116
After switching the system off, the auxiliary heating will continue running a little
while longer in order to burn the remaining fuel in the auxiliary heater.
After switching off the auxiliary heating, the coolant pump runs for a short period.
Switching on automatically
The auxiliary heater is switched on according to the Infotainment settings » Info-
tainment manual , chapter Vehicle settings .
When automatic switching on is activated, the indicator light in the symbol button  lights up for about 10 seconds after the ignition is turned off.
Switching off automatically
Turning off the auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) occurs in the following cases. › The set switch-off has been achieved
» Operating instructions for Infotainment ,
chapter Vehicle settings .
› The fuel level has reached the reserve area (the warning icon
 illuminates).
› The charge state of the vehicle battery has reduced too much
» page 224.
Radio remote control
Fig. 112
Auxiliary heating (aux. heating):
Radio remote control
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 115.
Explanation of graphic » Fig. 112
Aerial
Warning light
Switch on the auxiliary heating
Switch off the auxiliary heating
The transmitter and the battery are housed in the housing of the remote control. The receiver is located in the interior of the vehicle.
When the battery is fully charged, the range of the remote control is a few hun-
dred metres. Obstacles between the radio remote control and the vehicle, bad
weather conditions and a weaker battery can clearly reduce the range.
To switch the auxiliary heating (aux. heating) on or off, hold the remote control
vertical, with the aerial
A
pointing upwards. The antenna must not be covered
with the fingers or the palm of the hand during this process.
The auxiliary heating can only be switched on/off safely using the radio remote control, if the distance between the radio remote control and the vehicle is at
least 2 m. 
AB116Using the system

The engine output falls as the height increases, as does the ability to climb.
Therefore, for every additional 1000 m in height (or part), the maximum permissi- ble towed weight must be reduced by 10%.
The towed weight is made up of the actual weights of the loaded towing vehicleand the loaded trailer.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing device are merely test data for the towing device. The vehicle-specific values are de-
tailed in the vehicle documents.WARNING■ Do not exceed the maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and the
maximum permissible total or towed weight of the vehicle and the trailer –
risk of accident and serious injury.■
Slipping loads can significantly impair the stability and safety of the vehicle/
trailer combination – risk of accident and serious injury.

Driving with a trailer
Fig. 157
Swivel out the 13-pin power
socket
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 172.
Before the journey
›
Grip the 13-pin socket at point
A
and swing out in the direction of ar-
row » Fig. 157 .
›
Lift off protective cap
5
» Fig. 152 on page 169 .
After the journey
›
Grip the 13-pin socket at point
A
and swing in the opposite direction to the ar-
row » Fig. 157 .
›Place the protective cover 5
» Fig. 152 on page 169 onto the tow bar.
Safety eye
The purpose of the safety eyelet B
» Fig. 157 is to attach the breakaway cable of
the trailer.
When attaching the breakaway cable to the safety eye, it must sag freely in all
trailer positions (sharp bends, in reverse, etc.).
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the
traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. The national legal requirements must be observed.
Headlights
The front of the vehicle may lift up when a trailer is being towed and the head-
lights may dazzle other road users.
Adjust the headlights using the headlight beam control » page 55, Side lights and
low beam .
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than 80 km/h when hitching a trailer.
Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the trail- er is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by accelerating.
Brakes
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the
brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting from
the trailer wheels locking.
On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to also use the engine as a
brake.
Engine overheating
If the needle for the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area
or the red area of the scale, the speed must be reduced immediately.
Stop and switch off the engine if the warning light 
in the display » page 22 is
lit. Wait a few minutes and check the level of coolant » page 222.
The following guidelines must be observed » page 22, 
Coolant .
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating. 
173Towing a trailer

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!■
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 you
have the fuel system cleaned by a specialist garage.
■
Water which has collected in the fuel filter can cause engine faults.
CAUTION
■ Your vehicle cannot be operated with 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.■
Do not mix any fuel additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and similar
agents) into the diesel. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the en-
gine or the exhaust system.

Engine compartment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
217
Engine compartment overview
218
Radiator fan
218
Windscreen washer system
218WARNINGWhen working in the engine compartment, injuries, scolding, accident or fire
hazards may arise. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the warning
instructions stated below and with the general applicable rules of safety. The
engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area!WARNINGBefore beginning work in the engine compartment, please read the following
advice.■
Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.
■
Firmly apply the handbrake.
■
If the vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever into
Neutral, or if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox, move the selec-
tor lever into position P.
■
Allow the engine to cool.
■
Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant flowing out of the
engine compartment – risk of scalding! Wait until the steam or coolant has
stopped escaping.
WARNINGWhile working in the engine compartment, please read the following advice.■Keep children clear of the engine compartment.■
Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is still warm. The fan might
suddenly start running!
■
Do not touch any hot engine parts – risk of burns!
■
The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.
■
Avoid contact with the coolant.
■
Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the en-
gine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
■
When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot cool-
ant.
■
If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes with
clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
■
Always safely store the coolant additive in its original container out of the
reach of children – risk of poisoning!
■
If coolant is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
■
Do not leave any items (e.g. cloths or tools) in the engine compartment.
■
Never spill fluids on the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the antifreeze con-
tained in the coolant) may ignite! 
215Inspecting and replenishing

Engine compartment overviewFig. 182
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 215.
Coolant expansion reservoir
222
Engine oil dipstick
220
Engine oil filler opening
221
Brake fluid reservoir
223
Battery (below a cover)
224
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
218
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
Radiator fan
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 215.
The radiator fan is powered by an electric motor. Operation is controlled accord-
ing to the temperature of the coolant.
123456WARNINGAfter switching off the ignition, the fan can intermittently continue to operate
for approx. 10 minutes.

Windscreen washer system
Fig. 183
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 215.
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-
lights.
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. 
218General Maintenance

ReplenishingFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 219.
›
Check the oil level » page 220.
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening » Fig. 182 on page 218.
›
Replenish the oil in portions of 0.5 litres in accordance with the correct specifi-
cations » page 219 .
›
Check the oil level » page 220.
›
Carefully screw on the oil filler opening cap and push the dipstick in fully.

Changing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 219.
The engine oil must be changed according to prescribed service inter-vals » page 198 or according to the service interval display » page 33.

Coolant

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Capacity
222
Checking the coolant level
222
Replenishing
222
The coolant consists of water with a concentration of coolant additive. This mix-
ture guarantees antifreeze protection, protects the cooling/heater system
against corrosion and prevents the formation of scale.
Vehicles exported to countries with a mild climate are already factory-filled with
a coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to about -25 ℃. In these coun-
tries the concentration of coolant additive should be at least 40 %.
Vehicles exported to countries with a cold climate are already factory-filled with a
coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to about -35 °C. In these coun-
tries the concentration of coolant additive should be at least 50 %.
If a higher concentration of antifreeze is required for climatic reasons, the amount
of coolant additive can only be increased up to a maximum of 60 % (antifreeze
protection down to approx. -40 °C).
When refilling, only use antifreeze with the name specified on the coolant expan-
sion tank » Fig. 185 on page 222.WARNING■
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. While working in
the engine compartment, be sure to observe the following warn- ings » page 215 .■
Do not continue your journey, if for some reason it is not possible to top
up the coolant under the prevailing conditions! Switch off the engine and seek
assistance from a specialist garage.
CAUTION
■ The amount of coolant additive in the coolant must never be allowed to be less
than 40 %.■
Over 60 % of coolant additive in the coolant reduces the antifreeze protection
and coolant effectiveness.
■
A coolant additive that does not comply with the correct specifications can sig-
nificantly reduce the corrosion protection.
■
Any faults resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and can conse-
quently result in major engine damage!
■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
» Fig. 185 on page 222.
■
If a fault causes the engine to overheat, we recommend visiting a specialist ga-
rage, as otherwise serious engine damage may occur.

221Inspecting and replenishing