2013 SKODA OCTAVIA trailer

The emergency brake function is automatically activated or deactivated togetherwith the Front Assist system.
If the emergency brake function triggers an automatic brake action, the display of
the instrument cluster shows the symbol » Fig. 142 on page 156 - .WARNINGThe emergency brake function can slow down the vehicle to a complete
standstill. If the vehicle continues to roll forward after stopping, then it should
be stopped with the footbrake.
CAUTION
Automatic braking interventions by the emergency brake function can be termi-
nated by pressing the clutch or the accelerator, or by moving the steering wheel.
Note
If an automatic brake intervention is triggered by the emergency brake function,
the pressure in the brake system increases and the brake pedal cannot be oper-
ated with the normal pedal stroke.
Information messages
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 154.
The messages and information are indicated in the instrument cluster display.
Front Assist: no sensor view.
The sensor is dirty or has no “visibility”. Stop the car, switch off the engine and clean the sensor or remove the obstacle causing the lack of “visibility” » Fig. 135
on page 149 . If the message appears again after starting the engine, the system
should be disabled » page 157. Seek help from a specialist garage.
Front Assist not available.
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and then start it again. If the message ap-
pears again after starting the engine, the system should be disabled » page 157.
Seek help from a specialist garage.

START-STOP
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Starting/shutting down the engine
159
Operating conditions of the system
160
Manually activating/deactivating the system
160
Information messages
161
The START-STOP system helps you to save fuel while at the same time reducing
harmful exhaust emissions and CO 2 emissions.
The function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
In the start-stop mode, the engine automatically switches to the vehicle's idle phase, e.g. when stopped at traffic lights. The engine restarts automatically
where necessary.
Information about the current status of the system can be displayed in the Info-
tainment display » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle set-
tings (CAR button) .
The system can work only if the following basic conditions are met. The driver's door is closed.
The driver has fastened the seat belt. The bonnet is closed.
The driving speed was higher than 4 km.h after the last stop.
No trailer is coupled.
WARNING■ The brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the engine is run-
ning.■
Never let the vehicle roll with the engine switched off.
CAUTION
Always deactivate the START-STOPsystem before driving through wa-
ter » page 135 . 158Driving

Note■The Eco driving mode is not available when towing a trailer. When the vehicle is
connected electrically to a trailer and is in the Eco driving mode, the Normal driv-
ing mode is configured automatically.■
The maximum vehicle acceleration (kickdown function) is possible also in driving
mode Eco.

Individualmode
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 161.
In mode Individual you can select between Normal, Sport and Eco for each system
separately » Operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle settings .

ProActive passenger protection

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Function
163WARNINGAdjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety by ProActive passenger protection must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise – risk of accident!
Note
■ If the front passenger front airbag is deactivated » page 191 the belt tension-
ing function for the front passenger seat is switched off.■
The system component service life is monitored electronically. Further informa-
tion » page 19 ,  Security Systems .

Function
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 163.
ProActive passenger protection (From here on referred to only as system) increa-
ses passenger protection in the front seats in situations that could lead to vehicle
impact or overturning.
The system is ready to intervene automatically in the following conditions. The ignition is switched on.
The vehicle moves at a speed of more than 30 km/h.
In critical driving situations (e.g. during emergency braking or a sudden change in
direction), the following steps can be taken separately or combined in order to re-
duce the risk of serious injury.
› The front passenger's and driver's seatbelts, if worn, are automatically
ten-
sioned closely over the body.
› The windows in the side doors (if open) are automatically closed up to a gap of
about 5 cm from the edge.
› The sliding/tilting roof is closed.
Once the critical driving situation has passed, the tension on the seatbelts will be
released again.
The system operates at two levels of protection.
The first level of protection
The system already intervenes in situations that may occur during dynamic driv-
ing. As a result, this primarily helps to keep the driver and the passenger in the
correct seated position.
The first level of protection can be deactivated by one of the following measures. › Deactivation of the system in Infotainment
» Operating instructions for Info-
tainment , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR button) .
› Deactivation of TCS
» page 138.
› Selecting the driving mode Sport
» page 161.
The second level of protection
The system intervenes only if the situation is evaluated as critical, such as in pan-
ic braking at high speeds.
This level of protection cannot be deactivated.

163Assist systems

The system works on the basis of the data captured by the camera and is only
able to show traffic signs which are in the camera's “viewing range” » Fig. 150.
Data from the camera can be supplemented by information from the Infotainment
Navigation. This is the reason why traffic signs with maximum speeds can also be shown on sections of roads which do not have any traffic signs.
The system may not be available or may only be available to a limited extent in the following situations.
› Poor visibility conditions, e.g. fog, heavy rain, thick snowfall.
› The camera is blinded by the sun.
› The camera is blinded by the oncoming traffic.
› The camera “viewing range” is obstructed by an obstacle.
› Travelling at high speed.
› The traffic signs are fully or partially obscured (e.g. by trees, snow, dirt or other
vehicles).
› The traffic signs are not standard (round with a red border).
› The traffic signs are damaged or bent.
› The traffic signs are attached to flashing neon signs.
› The traffic signs were changed (the navigation data are out of date).
Notifications and settings
Fig. 151
Instrument cluster display: Example of the traffic sign recognition
notifications / additional notification (monochromatic display) / additional
notification (colour display)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 166.
The detected traffic signs are indicated in the display of the instrument clus- ter » page 29 , Driving data (Multifunction display) .
■
Driving data
■ Traffic sign
Additional display
If the menu item Traffic sign is currently not shown » Fig. 151 -  , the road sign
with the speed limit will appear in the upper display area of the instrument clus-
ter » Fig. 151 -  ,  .
If several traffic signs are detected simultaneously, the next traffic sign will also
in some cases be displayed in the colour display - . All detected traffic signs can
be displayed in the menu item Traffic sign -  .
The additional display traffic sign detection can be activated/deactivated in the
Infotainment » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle settings
(CAR button) .
Traffic sign display when towing a trailer
When towing a trailer, displaying the traffic signs which apply when towing a
trailer can be activated.
The traffic sign detection display when towing a trailer can be activated/deactiva-
ted in the Infotainment » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle
settings (CAR button) .
Information messages
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 166.
The messages and information are indicated in the instrument cluster display.
No restriction at present.
No maximum speeds were recognised (e.g. on German motorways where there is
no speed limit).
Error: traffic sign recognition
A system error is present. Seek help from a specialist garage. Traffic sign recognition: clean windscreen!
The windscreen is dirty, iced over or misted up in the camera viewing range. Clean the windscreen or remove the obstacles.
Traffic sign recognition: restricted. 
167Assist systems

Towing a trailer
Towing device
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Description
169
Setting the ready position
170
Installing the ball rod
170
Check proper fitting
171
Removing the ball rod
171
Use and care
172
If your vehicle has already been factory-fitted with a towing device or is fitted
with a towing device from ŠKODA Original Accessories, then it meets all of the
technical requirements and national legal provisions for towing a trailer.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection be-tween the vehicle and trailer. If the trailer that is to be towed has a 7-pin connec-
tor , you can use a suitable adapter from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Maximum Trailer drawbar load weight is 75 kg, or 80 kg for the Octavia Estate
4x4 vehicles.
WARNING■ Before each time you make a journey when using the ball rod, check that it
is seated correctly and is secured in the mounting recess.■
Do not operate the ball rod if it is not correctly inserted in the mounting re-
cess.
■
Do not operate the towing device if it is damaged or incomplete.
■
Do not perform any modifications or changes to the towing device.
■
Never release the ball rod while the trailer is still coupled.
CAUTION
Handle the ball rod carefully to avoid damaging the paintwork on the bumper.
DescriptionFig. 152
Carrier of the towing device/ball rod
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 169.
The ball rod can be removed and can be found in the spare wheel well or in a
compartment for the spare wheel in the boot » page 236.
Explanation of graphic 13-pin power socket
Safety eye
Mounting recess
Cap
Dust cap
Ball rod
Operating lever
Lock cap
Trigger pin
Keys
Locking ball
Note
If you lose the key, please get in touch with a specialist garage.
1234567891011169Towing a trailer

CAUTION■After removing the key, always replace the cap on the lock of the operating lev-
er – there is a risk of dirt getting into the lock.■
Keep the mounting recess of the towing device clean at all times. Such dirt pre-
vents the ball rod from being attached securely!
■
After removing the ball rod, always place the cap on the mounting recess.

Check proper fitting
Fig. 155
Check the proper attachment of
the ball rod
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
Before each use of the ball rod, check that it is attached properly.
Check the following points.
Lever
1
is up as far as it goes » Fig. 155.
The trigger pin
2
is completely exposed (both its red and green part is visi-
ble).
The key is removed.
the cap
3
is on top of the lock of the operating lever.
The ball rod does not come off the mounting recess even after strong “shak- ing”.
WARNINGDo not use the towing device unless the ball rod was properly locked!

Removing the ball rodFig. 156
Unlock the operating lever of the ball rod/removing the ball rod
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 169.
›
Remove the cap
1
» Fig. 156 from the lock on the tow bar in the direction of
the arrow.
›
Unlock the lock on the operating lever by turning the key
2
180° to the left so
that the red marking becomes visible.
›
Grab hold of the ball rod from underneath.
›
Press the trigger pin
3
as far as the stop in the direction of the arrow - at the
same time push the lever
4
downwards as far as it will go in the direction of
the arrow.
The ball rod is released in this position and falls freely into the hand. If it does not
fall freely into the hand, use your other hand to push it upwards.
At the same time, the ball rod latches into the ready position and is thus ready to
be re-inserted into the mounting recess »
.
›
Place the cap
4
» Fig. 152 on page 169 onto the mounting recess.
WARNINGNever allow the ball rod to remain unsecured in the boot. This could cause
damage to the boot upon sudden braking, and could put the safety of the oc-
cupants at risk. 171Towing a trailer

CAUTION■If the lever is held firm and not pushed downwards as far as it can go, it will go
back up after the ball rod is removed and will not latch into the ready position.
The ball rod then needs to be brought into this position before the next time it is installed.■
Stow the ball head in the ready position with the key inserted in the box. When
doing so, make the side opposite to the inserted key face downwards – there is a
risk of damaging the key.
■
Do not use excessive force when handling the operating lever (e.g. do not climb
on it)!
Note
■ We recommend putting the protective cover onto the ball head before removing
the tow bar.■
Remove any dirt from the ball rod before stowing it away in the box with the
vehicle tool kit.

Use and care
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 169.
Seal the mounting recess with the cap to prevent any ingress of dirt.
Always check the ball head before hitching a trailer. Use a suitable lubricating grease where necessary.
Include the protective cap when stowing away the ball rod to protect the boot
from getting contaminated.
In the event of dirt, clean the surfaces of the mounting recess and treat with a
suitable preservative.
CAUTION
Apply lubricating grease to the upper part of the mounting recess. Make sure you
do not remove any grease.
Trailer
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Loading a trailer
172
Driving with a trailer
173
Trailer stabilisation
174
Anti-theft alarm system
174WARNINGAlways drive particularly carefully with the trailer.

Loading a trailer
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 172.
The vehicle/trailer combination must be balanced. whereby the maximum permis-
sible drawbar load must be utilised. If the drawbar load is too low, it jeopardises the performance of the vehicle/trailer combination.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that heavy items are located as close to the axle as possible. Secure the items from slipping.
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trail-
er is laden. Drive at a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this
combination.
Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for a “full load” » page 229,
Service life of tyres .
Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan-
ces » page 263 , Technical data .
The trailer loads specified apply only to altitudes up to 1000 metres above mean
sea level. 
172Driving

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

WARNING■Never use the safety eye to tow a vehicle!■Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic sit-
uation.■
Improper or incorrectly connected electric cables can energise the trailer and
cause functional faults to the vehicle's entire electrical system as well as acci-
dents and severe injuries.
■
Work on the electrical system must only be carried out by specialist garages.
■
Never directly connect the trailer's electrical system with the electrical con-
nections for the tail lights or other current sources.
Note
■ After coupling the trailer and connecting up the power socket, check the rear
lights on the trailer to ensure they work.■
If there is an error in the trailer lighting system, check the fuses in the fuse box
in the dashboard » page 253.
■
Contact between the breakaway cable and the safety eye can result in mechan-
ical wear on the protective surface of the eye. Such wear does not impair the
functioning of the safety eye and is not a fault. It is excluded from the warranty
coverage.
■
If you tow a trailer frequently, have your car inspected between service inter-
vals too.
■
The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and decou-
pling the trailer.

Trailer stabilisation
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 172.
The trailer stabilisation is an extension of the stabilisation control that works in
conjunction with the counter-steering assistance to reduce the amount the trail-
er "sways".
After turning on the ignition, the ESC warning light 
in the instrument cluster
lights up for about 2 seconds longer than the ABS warning light.
Function requirements for trailer stabilisation.
The trailer was shipped from the factory or purchased from the ŠKODA genu-
ine accessories.
The ESC system is active. (The warning light  is lit up in the instrument clus-
ter or  not ).
The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the
trailer socket.
The speed is higher than approx. 60 km/h.
The trailer has a rigid drawbar.WARNINGThe increased safety offered by the trailer stabilisation must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise.
CAUTION
■ The trailer stabilisation need not be able to correctly detect all of driving situa-
tions.■
Trailers that sway slightly may not always be detected by the trailer stabilisa-
tion and are thus not stabilised accordingly.
■
Release the pressure on the accelerator pedal if the system is being regulated.
■
Avoid abrupt and sudden driving/braking manoeuvres.
Note
The trailer stabilisation works for both braked and unbraked trailers.
Anti-theft alarm system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 172.
If the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated when the electrical connection to
the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is coupled or uncou- pled » page 42 . 
174Driving