2013 SKODA OCTAVIA brake

If the steering is still not unlocked, then the following message is displayed on
the display of the instrument cluster.
Move the steering wheel!
MOVE STEERING WHEEL
Slightly move the steering wheel and the system will make up to 3 more attempts
to unlock after 2 seconds. At the same time, the indicator light  flashes.
If the steering is still not unlocked, to try to eliminate the possible cause and then
repeat the unlocking attempt.
Switching on the ignition
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 121.
›
Press the starter button » Fig. 116 on page 122 briefly.
The ignition is switched on.
Note
The ignition is switched on when indicated by the lighting up of certain indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster.
Starting the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 121.
Vehicles with a diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. The glow
plug warning light 
illuminates after the ignition has been switched on. Start
the engine after the warning light 
has gone out.
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating pe- riod otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Procedure for starting the engine
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Move the gearshift lever into neutral or move the selector lever into position P
or N.
›
Depress and hold the clutch pedal (vehicles with a manual gearbox) or brake
pedal (vehicles with an automatic gearbox) until the engine starts.
› Press the starter button
» Fig. 116 on page 122 briefly – the engine starts auto-
matically.›
Release the handbrake.
CAUTION
■ If the engine does not start up after a second attempt, one of the following
fuses may be defective. ■Petrol engine - fuse for the fuel pump.
■ Diesel engine - fuse for the glow plug control unit or fuel pump.■
Check the fuse and replace if necessary » page 251, or seek assistance from a
specialist garage.

Switching off the ignition
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 121.
›
Press the starter button » Fig. 116 on page 122 briefly.
The ignition is switched off.
The ignition can be switched off up to a speed of 2 km/h.
On vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox, the clutch pedal must not be de-
pressed after switching off the ignition, otherwise the system would try to start.
For automatic transmission vehicles, the brake pedal must not be depressed,
otherwise the system will try to start.
If the driver's door is opened while the igition is on, an audible signal sounds andthe following message appears in the instrument cluster display.
Ignition on!
IGNITION STILL ON
When leaving the vehicle always switch off the ignition.

Switching off the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 121.
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
Press the starter button » Fig. 116 on page 122 . 
123Starting-off and Driving

The engine and the ignition are switched off simultaneously.
Emergency start-up of the engine
Fig. 117
Emergency start-up of engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings on page 121.
If the authorisation check for the key fails, the following message appears in the instrument cluster display.
Key not found.
NO KEY
The emergency start-up must be completed.
› Press the starter button directly with the key
» Fig. 117.
Or
› Press the starter button and then hold the key to the starter button.
Note
During an emergency start-up of the engine, the key bit must face the starter
button » Fig. 117 .
Emergency ignition shutoff system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 121.
The ignition can be turned off in an emergency even when travelling at a speed of
more than 2 km / hr.
› Press the starter button
» Fig. 116 on page 122 for longer than 1 second or twice
within 1 second.
After emergency stop of the ignition, the steering is unlocked.

Brakes
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
125
Handbrake
125WARNING■ Greater physical effort for braking is required when the engine is switched
off – risk of accident!■
During the braking procedure on a vehicle with manual transmission, when
the vehicle is in gear and at low revs, press the clutch pedal. If you fail to do
so, the functionality of the brake booster can be impaired – risk of accident!
■
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for ex-
ample, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle might then move off – risk of accident!
WARNING■ In the event of damage occurring to the standard fitted front spoiler or the
retrofitting of another front spoiler, wheel hubs etc. » page 200, Service work,
adjustments and technical alterations , It must be ensured that the air supply
to the front brakes is not impaired. The front brakes may overheat which can
have a negative impact on the functioning of the braking system – risk of acci-
dent!
CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 131.■Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not neces-
sary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking
distance and excessive wear.

124Driving

Information on brakingFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 124.
If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system consid-
ers the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light flashes
automatically.
After the speed was reduced below around 10 km/h or the vehicle was stopped,
the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system switches on.
The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically after accelerating
or driving off again.
Before driving a long distance at a steep incline, reduce speed and shift into the
next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used, reduc- ing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be completed intermit-tently, not continuously.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driving style.
The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in towns and over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted.
If operated under severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must be
checked by a specialist garage between service appointments as well.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake pads may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter. The
brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the
brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty.
Visit a specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriate-ly, as you will not know the exact extent of the damage.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically » page 16,  Brake system .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
Handbrake
Fig. 118
Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings on page 124.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Release
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the lock but-
ton » Fig. 118 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light 
lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the hand-
brake applied.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Release the parking brake!
PARKING BRAKE ON PLEASE RELEASE
The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more than around 5 km/h for more than 3 seconds. 
125Starting-off and Driving

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