2013 SKODA OCTAVIA maintenance

WARNINGThe following warning instructions must be followed at all times when work-
ing in the engine compartment while the engine is running.■
Pay particular attention to moving engine parts (e.g. V-ribbed belt, alterna-
tor, radiator fan) and the high-voltage ignition unit – risk of death!
■
Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
■
Avoid short circuits in the electrical system – particularly on the vehicle's
battery.
■
Always make sure that no jewellery, loose clothing or long hair can get
caught in rotating engine parts – risk of death! Always remove any jewellery,
tie back long hair and wear tight fitting clothing before completing any work.
WARNINGThe following warning instructions must be observed if work has to be carried
out on the fuel or electrical systems.■
Always disconnect the vehicle battery from the electrical system.
■
Do not smoke.
■
Never work near open flames.
■
Always have a functioning fire extinguisher nearby.
WARNING■ Read the information and warning instructions on the fluid containers.■Keep fluids in their original containers and keep out of reach of children!■
If you wish to work under the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle from roll-
ing away and support it with suitable supporting blocks: the car jack is not
sufficient for this – risk of injury!
■
Never cover the engine with additional insulation material (e.g. with a blan-
ket) – risk of fire!
■
The bonnet must always be properly closed when driving. This is why after
closing the bonnet, the lock must always be checked to ensure it has engaged
properly.
■
If you notice that the lock is not properly engaged while driving, stop the ve-
hicle immediately and close the bonnet – risk of accident!
CAUTION
Always top up using the correct specification of fluids. This may result in major
operating problems and also vehicle damage!For the sake of the environmentIn view of the requirements for the environmentally friendly disposal of fluids and
the special tools and knowledge required for such work, we recommend that flu-
ids be changed by a specialist garage.
Note
■ Please consult a specialist garage for any questions relating to fluids.■Fluids with the correct specifications can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Ac-
cessories.

216General Maintenance

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

Specifications and capacity (in l) for vehicles with fixed service intervalsPetrol enginesSpecificationFilling level1.2 l/63, 77 kW TSI
VW 502 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 00a)4.62.0 l/105, 110, 135 kW TDIa)
Engine oil VW 505 01 can optionally be used in diesel engines without a
DPF.
CAUTION
■
If the above engine oils are not available, a different engine oil can be used in
an emergency. To prevent damage to the engine, a max. 0.5 l only of the follow-
ing engine oils may be used until the next oil change: ■ For petrol engine models: ACEA A3/ACEA B4 or API SN/API SM;
■ For diesel engine models: ACEA C3 or API CJ-4.
Checking the oil level
Fig. 184
Dipstick
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 219.
The dipstick indicates the engine oil level » Fig. 184.
Checking the oil level
Ensure that the vehicle is positioned on a level surface and the engine has
reached its operating temperature.›
Switch off the engine.
Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the oil trough.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Pull out the dipstick.
›
Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again to the stop.
›
Pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level.
Oil level within range
A
No oil must be refilled.
Oil level within range
B
Oil can be refilled. Afterwards, the oil level can lie in the range
A
.
Oil level within range
C
Oil must be replenished if the oil level is in the range
B
or lower.
The engine consumes a little oil. The oil consumption may be as much as 0.5 l/
1000 km depending on your style of driving and the conditions under which you
operate your vehicle. Consumption may be slightly higher than this during the
first 5000 kilometres.
The oil level must be checked at regular intervals. We recommend after each time
you refuel or prior to making a long journey.
We recommend maintaining the oil level within the range
A
, but not above , if
the engine has been operating at high loads, for example, during a lengthy motor-
way trip during the summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a high moun-
tain pass.
The warning icon 
is displayed in the instrument cluster if the oil level is too
low » page 23 . Check the oil level using the dipstick as soon as possible. Add oil
accordingly.
CAUTION
The oil level must not exceed level A » Fig. 184 - risk of damaging the exhaust
system!
220General Maintenance

CapacityFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 221.
Coolant capacity (in litres) 1)
Petrol enginesFilling level1.2 l/63, 77 kW TSI8.91.4 litres/103 kW TSI10.21.8 ltr./132 kW TSI7.82.0 ltr./162 kW TSI8.6Diesel enginesFilling level1.6 l/66, 77, 81 kW TDI CR8.42.0 l/105, 110, 135 kW TDI CR - MG / DSG11.6 / 11.9

Checking the coolant level
Fig. 185
Engine compartment: Coolant
expansion reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 221.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
Inspecting the coolant level
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
› Check the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank
» Fig. 185.
Coolant level above mark A
No coolant must be refilled.
The level may also rise slightly above the
A
marking when the engine is warm.
Coolant level between markings
A
and
B
Coolant can be refilled.
When the engine is cold, the coolant level must lie between the
A
and
B
mark-
ings.
Coolant level below mark
B
Coolant must be refilled.
When the engine is cold, refill the coolant between the markings
A
and
B
.
If the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank is too low, this is indicated by
the warning icon 
lighting up in the instrument cluster » page 22, 
Coolant .
We still recommend inspecting the coolant level directly at the reservoir from
time to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the system. Do
not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a specialist
garage.

Replenishing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 221.
Only refill with new coolant.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Allow the engine to cool.
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir and unscrew the cap carefully .
›
Replenish the coolant.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place. 

1)
On vehicles that are fitted with an auxiliary heater (auxiliary heating and ventilation), the coolant ca-
pacity is approx. 1 l larger.
222General Maintenance

The brake fluid must comply with the following standards or specifications:› VW 50114;
› FMVSS 116 DOT4.
Vehicle battery

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening the cover
225
Checking the battery electrolyte level
226
Charging
226
Replacing
227
Disconnecting and reconnecting
227
Automatic load deactivation
227
Warning symbols on the vehicle battery
SymbolMeaningAlways wear eye protection!Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye protec- tion!Keep fire, sparks, open flames and lit cigarettes well clear of the ve-
hicle battery!When charging the vehicle battery, a highly explosive gas mixture is produced!Keep children away from the vehicle battery!WARNINGThere is a risk of injuries, poisoning, chemical burns, explosions or fire when
carrying out any work on the battery and on the electrical system. The general
applicable safety rules and the following warnings must be observed without
exception.■
Keep children away from the vehicle battery.
■
Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the bat-
tery vent openings. Protect your eyes by safety glasses or a face shield – risk
of blindness!
■
Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin protection when handling the
vehicle battery.
■
The battery acid is strongly corrosive and must, therefore, be handled with
the greatest of care.
■
Corrosive fumes in the air irritate the air passages and lead to conjunctivitis
and inflammation of the air passages in the lungs.
■
Battery acid corrodes dental enamel and creates deep wounds after contact
with the skin which take a long time to heal. Repeated contact with diluted
acids causes skin diseases (inflammations, ulcers, skin cracks).
■
If any battery electrolyte comes into contact with your eyes, rinse the rele-
vant eye immediately with clear water for several minutes - consult a doctor
immediately!
■
Splashes of acid on your skin or clothes should be neutralised as soon as
possible using soap suds and then rinsed with plenty of water. If you swallow
battery acid, seek immediate medical assistance!
WARNING■ It is prohibited to work with a naked flame and light.■Smoking or to carrying out any activities which produce sparks are prohibi-
ted.■
Never use a damaged vehicle battery – risk of explosion!
■
Never charge a frozen or thawed vehicle battery – risk of explosion and
caustic burns!
■
Replace a frozen vehicle battery.
■
Never jump-start vehicle batteries with an electrolyte level that is too low –
risk of explosion and caustic burns. 
224General Maintenance

Checking the battery electrolyte levelFig. 188
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 224.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, the so-called
magic eye » Fig. 188, the electrolyte level can be determined by looking at the
change in colour.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
› Black colour – electrolyte level is correct.
› Colourless or light yellow colour – electrolyte level too low, the battery must be
replaced.
Vehicles with a START-STOP system are fitted with a battery control unit for checking the energy level for the recurring engine start.
We recommend that you have the acid level checked regularly by a specialist ga-
rage, especially in the following cases.
› High external temperatures.
› Longer day trips.
› After each charge.
Winter time
The vehicle battery only has a proportion of the starting power in lower tempera-
tures. A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures just be-
low 0 °C .
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked and, if necessary, re-
charged by a specialist garage before the start of the winter.
CAUTIONFor technical reasons, on vehicles with the description “AGM”, the electrolyte lev- el cannot be checked.
Note
The battery acid level is also checked regularly by a specialist garage as part of
the inspection service.
Charging
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 224.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.
›
Switch off the ignition and all of the electrical components.
›
Only when performing a “quick-charge”, disconnect both battery cables (first of
all “negative”, then “positive”).
›
Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red = “posi- tive”, black = “negative”).
›
Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch on the
device.
›
After charging has been successful: Switch off the charger and remove themains cable from the power socket.
›
Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
›
Reconnect the cables to the battery (first of all “positive”, then “negative”).
It is not necessary to disconnect the cables of the battery if you recharge the ve- hicle battery using low amperages (for example from a mini-charger). Refer to the
instructions of the charger manufacturer .
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or lower) must be used until full charging is achieved.
It is necessary to disconnect both cables before charging the battery with high
amperages, so-called “ quick-charging”.
The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging. 
226General Maintenance

Wheels
Tyres and wheel rims
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Service life of tyres
229
New tyres
230
Unidirectional tyres
231
Tyre control display
231
Spare wheel
232
Full wheel trim
233
Wheel bolts
233
Wheel bolts
233WARNING■ The national legal requirements must be observed for the use of tyres.■Observe the national legal regulations relating to the use of snow chains
and the maximum vehicle speed with snow chains.WARNINGThe following instructions for the use of tyres must be observed.■During the first 500 km, new tyres do not offer optimum grip and appropri-
ate care should therefore be taken when driving – risk of accident!■
On all four wheels, use only radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling cir-
cumference) and the same tread pattern.
■
For safety reasons, do no replace tyres individually.
■
Never exceed the maximum permissible load bearing capacity for fitted
tyres – risk of accident!
■
Never exceed the maximum permissible speed for fitted tyres – risk of acci-
dent!
■
An incorrect wheel alignment at the front or rear impairs handling – risk of
accident!
WARNING (Continued)■ Unusual vibrations or pulling of the vehicle to one side could be a sign of
tyre damage. If there is any doubt that a wheel is damaged, immediately re-
duce your speed and stop! If no external damage is evident, drive slowly and
carefully to the nearest specialist garage to have the vehicle checked.■
Only use those tyres or wheel rims which have been approved by ŠKODA for
your model of vehicle. Failure to observe this instruction will adversely affect
the road safety of your vehicle – risk of accident!
WARNINGObserve the following information regarding damage and wear of tyres.■Never use tyres if you do not know anything about the condition and age.■
Never drive with damaged tyres – risk of accident!
■
Immediately replace damaged wheel rims or tyres.
■
You must have your tyres replaced with new ones at the latest when the
wear indicators have been worn down.
■
Worn tyres do not provide the necessary adhesion to the road surface par-
ticularly at high speeds on wet roads. One could experience “aquaplaning” (uncontrolled movements of the vehicle – “swimming” on a wet road surface).
WARNINGObserve the following information regarding the tyre inflation pressure.■The tyre control display does not absolve the driver of the responsibility to
ensure the correct tyre inflation pressure. Check the tyre inflation pressure at
regular intervals.■
Too low or too high inflation pressure impairs handling – risk of an accident!
■
If the inflation pressure is too low, the tyre must perform a greater rolling
resistance. At higher speeds the tyre will warm up as a result of this. This can
result in tread separation and a tyre blowout.
WARNINGObserve the following information regarding the wheel bolts.■The wheel bolts must be clean and must turn easily. Never treat them with
grease or oil. 228General Maintenance

Always check the inflation pressure when the tyres are cold. Do not reduce the
higher pressure of warm tyres.
With greater payload, adjust the tyre inflation pressure accordingly.
Driving style
Fast cornering, sharp acceleration and braking increase the wear of your tyres.
Balancing wheels
The wheels of a new vehicle are balanced. When driving, there are a wide range
of influences which may result in an imbalance. This may become apparent by a
“vibration” in the steering.
Have the wheels rebalanced after replacing the tyres.
Wheel alignment errors
An incorrect wheel alignment at the front or rear leads to excess wear on the tyres.
Tyre damage
Drive over kerbs and other such obstacles slowly and perpendicularly wherever possible in order to avoid damage to tyres and wheel trims.
We recommend checking your tyres and wheel rims for damage (punctures, cuts,
splits and bulges, etc.) on a regular basis. Remove foreign bodies (e.g. small
stones) from the tyre profile immediately.
Changing wheels around
If significantly greater wear is present on the front tyres, we recommend replac-
ing the front wheels with the rear wheels as shown in the diagram » Fig. 190 .
You will then obtain approximately the same life for all the tyres.
We recommend that you change the tyres around every 10000 km in order to
achieve even wear on all tyres and to obtain optimal tyre life.
Storing tyres
Mark them previously used tyres so that you are able to fit them on again to run in the same direction.
Always store wheels or tyres in a cool, dry and, where possible, dark place. Tyres which are not fixed to a wheel trim should be stored upright.
Wear indicators
The base of the tread of the tyres has 1.6 mm high wear indicators installed.
These wear indicators are evenly spaced around the circumference of the tyre,
depending on the make » Fig. 189 - 
. Markings on the walls of the tyres through
the letters “TWI”, triangular symbols or other symbols identify the position of the
wear indicators.Tyre age
Tyres age losing their original characteristics, even if they are not used. There-
fore, we recommend not to use summer or winter tyres that are older than 6 years or 4 years respectively.
New tyres
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 228.
Only fit radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference) and the same
tread pattern on one axle on all 4 wheels.
The tyre/wheel combinations which are approved for your vehicle are indicated in
your vehicle documents.
Where possible replace tyres by axle. Always fit the tyres with the deeper tread
depth to the front wheels.
Explanation of tyre markings
195/65 R 15 91 T
What this means is:
195Tyre width in mm » Fig. 189 on page 229 - 65Height/width ratio in % » Fig. 189 on page 229 - RCode letter for the type of tyre – Radial » Fig. 189 on page 229 - 15Diameter of wheel in inches » Fig. 189 on page 229 - 91Load index » TSpeed symbol »
The date of manufacture is stated on the tyre wall (possibly on the inside). e.g.
DOT ... 10 13...
means, for example, that the tyre was manufactured in the 10th week of 2013.
Load index
This indicates the maximum permisible load on each indvidua tyre. 615 kg
630 kg
650 kg
670 kg 
91929394230General Maintenance