2013 SKODA OCTAVIA headlights

›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

If a driving mode other than Normal is selected, then the symbol lights up on the
button  or  » Fig. 146 .
Normal Mode
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 161.
The relevant systems are set for a general type of vehicle use.
This mode is suitable for common everyday use.

Sportmode
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 161.
This mode is suitable for a sporty driving style.
Selecting this mode primarily affects the function of the following systems.
Engine (drive)
The accelerator pedal is more responsive to depressing the pedal, and the accel-
eration is more dynamic than in mode Normal.
The automatic gearbox is set automatically to mode S » page 126 .
The engine noise is noticeable in the interior more intensely than in
normalmode 1)
.
Steering
The power steering is reduced slightly, i.e., the driver needs to exert more force for steering » page 119.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
The acceleration is quicker than normal mode with distance control » page 148.
Adaptive headlights (AHL)
The headlights adapt to the driving style more dynamically than in mode
Normal » page 57 .
ProActive passenger protection
The first level of protection is deactivated » page 163.
Ecomode
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 161.
This mode is suitable for a relaxed style of driving and helps to save fuel.
Selecting this mode primarily affects the function of the following systems.
Engine (drive)
The accelerator pedal is less responsive to depressing the pedal, and the acceler-
ation is more relaxed than in mode Normal.
After pressing the button, the acceleration occurs more relaxed than in mode
Normal » page 146 , Cruise Control System .
The recommended gear is controlled such to achieve the lowest possible fuel consumption » page 27.
When the START-STOP system was deactivated manually » page 158, it is auto-
matically activated.
The automatic gearbox is set automatically to mode E » page 126 .
The engine noise is felt less intensely in the interior less than in normalmode 1)
.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
The acceleration occurs more relaxed than in Normal » page 148mode with dis-
tance control.
Adaptive headlights (AHL)
The system is automatically deactivated » page 57.
Air conditioning (Climatronic)
The air conditioning is controlled so as to save energy. For this reason, for exam-
ple, it may take longer to reach the desired interior temperature in mode Normal. 

1)
Applies to Octavia RS, Octavia RS.
162Driving

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

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

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

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.

Engine oil
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Specifications and capacity
219
Checking the oil level
220
Replenishing
221
Changing
221
The engine has been factory-filled with a high-grade oil that can be use through-
out the year - except in extreme climate zones.
The engine oils are undergoing continuous further development. Thus the infor-
mation stated in this Owner's Manual is only correct at the time of publication.
ŠKODA Service Partners are informed about the latest changes by the manufac-
turer. We therefore recommend that the oil change be completed by a ŠKODA
Service Partner.
The specifications (VW standards) stated in the following can be indicated sepa-
rately or together with other specifications on the bottle.
The oil capacities include oil filter change. Check the oil level when filling; do not
over fill. The oil level must be between the markings » page 220.
WARNING■
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. The following
warning instructions must be followed at all times when working in the en-
gine compartment » page 215.■
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible  to top
up the engine oil! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist
garage.
■
If the oil level is above level
A
» Fig. 184 on page 220,  do not cointinue to
drive! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
CAUTION
Do not pour any additives into the engine oil – risk of serious damage to the en-
gine parts!
Note
■ Before a long drive we recommend that you purchase and carry with you engine
oil which complies with the specification for your vehicle.■
We recommend that you use oils from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
■
If your skin has come into contact with oil, it must be washed thoroughly.

Specifications and capacity
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 219.
Specifications and capacity (in l) for vehicles with flexible service intervals
Petrol enginesSpecificationFilling level1.2 l/63, 77 kW TSI
VW 504 00
4.01.4 litres/103 kW TSI1.8 ltr./132 kW TSI5.22.0 ltr./162 kW TSI5.7Diesel enginesSpecificationFilling level1.6 l/66, 77, 81 kW TDIVW 507 00 a)4.62.0 l/110, 135 kW TDI CRa)
Engine oil VW 505 01 can optionally be used in diesel engines without a
DPF.

219Inspecting and replenishing

No.Power consumer20Alarm21Windscreen heater - left22Engine control unit23Starter24Electrical auxiliary heating system31Not assigned32Not assigned33Not assigned34Windscreen heater - right35Not assigned36Not assigned37Control unit for auxiliary heating38Not assigned

Bulbs
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Bulb arrangement in the headlights
256
Replacing the low beam bulb
256
Replacing bulb for main beam and daytime running lights
256
Replacing bulb for daytime running lights and parking lights
257
Change bulb for additional parking light
257
Replacing the bulb for the fog lights
258
Replacing the bulb for the licence plate light
258
Rear light (Octavia)
259
Replacing bulbs in rear light (Octavia)
260
Rear light (Octavia Estate)
261
Replacing bulbs in rear light (Octavia Estate)
262
Some manual skills are required to change a bulb. For this reason, we recommend
having bulbs replaced by a specialist garage or seeking other expert help in the
event of any uncertainties.
› Switch off the ignition and all of the lights before replacing a bulb.
› Faulty bulbs must only be replaced with the same type of bulbs. The designa-
tion is located on the light socket or the glass bulb.
› A stowage compartment for replacement bulbs is located in a plastic box in the
spare wheel or underneath the floor covering in the luggage compartment.WARNING■ Always read and observe the warnings before completing any work in the
engine compartment » page 215.■
Accidents can be caused if the road in front of the vehicle is not sufficiently
illuminated and the vehicle cannot or can only be seen with difficulty by other
road users.
■
Bulbs H7 H8 and H15 are pressurised and may burst when changing the bulb
- risk of injury! We therefore recommended wearing gloves and safety glasses when changing a bulb.
■
Gas discharge bulbs (xenon bulbs) operate with a high voltage, professional
knowledge is required – risk of death!
■
The relevant lamp must always be switched off before a light bulb is re-
placed.
CAUTION
Do not take hold of the glass bulb with naked fingers (even the smallest amount of dirt reduces the working life of the light bulb). Use a clean cloth, napkin, or sim-
ilar.
Note
■ This Owner's Manual only describes the replacement of bulbs where it is possi-
ble to replace the bulbs on your own without any complications arising. Other bulbs must be replaced by a specialist garage.■
We recommend that a box of replacement bulbs always be carried in the vehi-
cle. Replacement bulbs can be purchased from ŠKODAOriginal Accessories.
■
We recommend having the headlight settings checked by a specialist garage af-
ter replacing a bulb in the main beam, low beam or fog lights.
■
In case of failure of a xenon gas discharge lamp or an LED diode, visit a special-
ist garage.

255Fuses and light bulbs

Bulb arrangement in the headlightsFig. 220
Principle sketch: Headlight with halogen bulb/with Xenon bulb
Fig. 221
Principle sketch: Headlights with
Xenon headlights and LED day-
time running lights
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 255.
Headlight with halogen bulb
Low beam
Main beam, separate daytime running lights, and parking light
Headlights with Xenon light
Xenon gas discharge bulbs
Daytime running and parking light
Headlights with Xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights Xenon gas discharge bulbs
additional parking light

123456Replacing the low beam bulbFig. 222
Headlight with halogen bulb:
Bulb for low beam
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 255.
›
Remove the rubber cover
1
» Fig. 220 on page 256.
›
Turn the connector with the bulb in downwards in the direction of the arrow
A
» Fig. 222 and remove it in the direction of the arrow
B
.
›
Remove the connector.
›
Insert a new light bulb in such a way that the fixing lugs of the bulb fit in the
recesses of the reflector.
›
Attach the connector.
›
Insert the rubber cover
1
.

Replacing bulb for main beam and daytime running lights
Fig. 223
Headlight with halogen bulb: Re-
placing the bulb for main beam
and separate daytime running
lights
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 255.
›
Remove the rubber cover
2
» Fig. 220 on page 256. 
256Do-it-yourself