2013 SKODA OCTAVIA ESP

WARNING (Continued)■Make sure that the strap A holds the skis in front of the binding (also refer
to imprint on the removable through-loading bag).■
The total weight of the skis which are transported must not exceed 24 kg.
Note
■ The through-loading bag is foreseen for four pairs of skis.■Place the skis with the tips facing to the front and the sticks with the tips facing
to the rear. into the removable through-loading bag.■
If there are several pairs of skis in the removable through-loading bag, ensure
that the bindings are positioned at the same height.
■
The removable through-loading bag must never be folded together or stowed
when moist.

Luggage compartment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Class N1 vehicles
92
Fastening elements
92
Fixing nets
93
Folding double hooks
93
Foldable hooks (Octavia Estate)
94
Floor covering
94
Double sided floor covering
94
Luggage net
95
Luggage compartment cover
95
Roll-up luggage compartment cover (Octavia Estate)
96
Stowing roll-up luggage compartment cover and roof racks
97
Storage compartment in the luggage compartment
98
Storage compartments under the floor covering
98
Multifunction box (Octavia Estate)
99
Please observe the following for the purpose of maintaining good handling char-
acteristics of your vehicle:
› Distribute loads as evenly as possible.›Place heavy objects as far forward as possible.›
Attach the items of luggage to the lashing eyes or using the nets
» page 92.
In the event of an accident, even small and light objects gain so much kinetic en-
ergy that they can cause severe injuries.
The magnitude of the kinetic energy is dependent on the speed at which the ve-
hicle is travelling and the weight of the object.
Example: In the event of a frontal collision at a speed of 50 km/h, an object with a
weight of 4.5 kg produces an energy, which corresponds to 20 times its own
weight. This means that it results in a weight of approx. 90 kg “ ”.
Luggage compartment light
The light switches on/off when the boot lid is opened or closed.
If the boot lid is open and the ignition switched off, the light will extinguish auto-
matically after around 10 minutes.
WARNING■ Store the objects in the luggage compartment and attach them to the lash-
ing eyes.■
Loose objects can be thrown forward during a sudden manoeuvre or in case
of an accident and can injure the occupants or other road users.
■
Loose objects could hit a deployed airbag and injure occupants – danger of
death!
■
Please note that the handling properties of the vehicle may be affected
when transporting heavy objects as the centre of gravity can be displaced –
risk of accident! The speed and style of driving must be adjusted accordingly.
■
If the items of luggage or objects are attached to the lashing eyes with un-
suitable or damaged lashing straps, injuries can occur in the event of braking
manoeuvres or accidents. To prevent items of luggage from moving around,
always use suitable lashing straps which must be firmly attached to the lash-
ing eyes.
■
The items carried in the luggage compartment must be stored in such a way
that no objects are able to slip forward if any sudden driving or braking ma-
noeuvres are undertaken – risk of injury! 
91Seats and useful equipment

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

Switching the windscreen heater on/off » page 64
Climatronic set in the Infotainment » Operating instructions for Infotain-
ment
Switch the temperature setting in Dual mode on/off » page 113
Switching automatic mode on » page 113
Switching the cooling system on/off » page 113
Note
Do not stick anything onto or cover the interior temperature sensor 11 » Fig. 110
as this could impair the functioning of the Climatronic.
Automatic mode
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 112.
Automatic mode works in three modes - moderate, medium, and intensive.Setting the individual operating modes » Operating instructions for Infotainment ,
chapter Vehicle settings .
Climatronic is set to the medium setting at the factory.
Recommended setting for all periods of the year
›
Set the desired temperature, we recommend 22 °C.
›
Press the button 
» Fig. 110 on page 112.
›
Set the air outlet vents 3 and 4 » Fig. 106 on page 107 so that the air flow is
directed slightly upwards.
After the automatic mode is switched on, Climatronic works in the last selected
mode.
The currently selected mode is displayed in the Infotainment display. Automatic mode can be switched off by pressing one of the buttons for the air
distribution or by increasing/decreasing the blower speed.

Switching the cooling system on/off
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 112.
›
Press the symbol button 
.

The warning light in the button lights up.›
Press the symbol button
 again.
The warning light in the button goes out.
After the cooling system is switched off, only the ventilation function remains ac-
tive whereby the minimum temperature that can be reached is the outside tem-
perature.

Setting temperature
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 112.
The interior temperature for the left and right side can be set separately or to-
gether.
For both sides
›
Turn the control dial
A
» Fig. 110 on page 112 to the left or right to increase or
decrease the temperature.
The warning light in the symbol button 
does not light up.
For the right side
›
Turn the control dial
D
» Fig. 110 on page 112 to the left or right to increase or
decrease the temperature.
The warning light in the symbol button 
lights up.
If the warning light in the symbol button 
is lit, the temperature for both sides
cannot be set with the control dial
A
. This function can be resumed by pressing
the symbol button 
. The warning light in the button goes out.
The interior temperature can be set between +16 ℃ and +29 ℃. The interior tem-
perature is regulated automatically within this range.
If a temperature lower than +16 ℃ is selected, a blue symbol lights up on the cor-
responding control dial.
If a temperature higher than +29 ℃ is selected, a red symbol lights up on the cor-
responding control dial.
At both end positions, Climatronic runs at maximum cooling/heating output and
the temperature is automatically not regulated. 
113Heating and air-conditioning

CAUTIONLengthy 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.
Automatic recirculation mode
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 112.
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from getting into
the vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or when standing in a
traffic jam.
If a considerable increase in concentration of pollutants is recognised by the air
quality sensor, recirculated air mode will temporarily be switched off.
If the concentration of pollutants decreases to the normal level, the air distribu-
tion control is automatically switched off so that fresh air can be guided into the
vehicle interior.
In recirculated air mode air is sucked out of the interior of the vehicle and then
fed back into the interior. When the automatic air distribution control is switched on, an air quality sensor measures the concentration of pollutants in the drawn in
air.
If the air quality sensor does not switch on automatic recirculated air mode when
there is an unpleasant smell, you can switch in on manually.
Switching on/off
›
Press the symbol button 
.
The warning light below the button lights up.
›
Press the symbol button 
again; the warning light below the button goes out;
if necessary, press the symbol button 
again.
Switching on and off is also possible in the Infotainment » Operating instructions
for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle settings .
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.
Note
■ If the windscreen mists up, press the symbol button . Press the symbol
button  when the windscreen is demisted.■
The automatic air distribution control operates only if the outside temperature
is higher than approx. 2 °C.

Controlling blower
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 112.
The blower stage can be manually adapted to suit your particular needs.
›
Turn the control dial
C
» Fig. 110 on page 112 to the left or right to increase or
decrease the temperature.
If the blower speed is reduced to a minimum, Climatronic is switched off.
The set blower speed is displayed in the control dial
C
when the respective num-
ber of warning lights illuminate.
WARNING■ “Stale air” may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, reduce attention
levels and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident
increases.■
Do not switch off the Climatronic system for longer than necessary.
■
Switch on the Climatronic system as soon as the windows mist up.

114Using the system

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

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

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