2013 SKODA OCTAVIA Owner's Manual

›Have
all of the occupants get out of the vehicle. While changing a tyre, the oc-
cupants of the vehicle should not stand on the road (they should instead remain
behind a crash barrier).›
Switch off the engine.
›
Move the gearshift lever into Neutral or move the selector lever for the auto-
matic gearbox into position P.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Uncouple any trailers.
›
Remove the vehicle tool kit » page 236 and the spare wheel » page 232 from
the luggage compartment.

Changing a wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 237.
›
Remove the full wheel trim » page 233 or caps » page 233 .
›
First of all slacken the anti-theft wheel bolt and then the other wheel
bolts » page 239 .
›
Jack up the vehicle until the wheel that needs changing is clear of the
ground » page 239 .
›
Unscrew the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface (cloth, paper, etc.).
›
Remove the wheel carefully.
›
Attach the spare wheel and slightly screw on the wheel bolts.
›
Lower the vehicle.
›
Tighten the wheel bolts opposite each other using the wheel wrench (alternat-
ing crosswise). Tighten the anti-theft wheel bolt last » page 239.
›
Replace the wheel trim or the caps.
Note
■
All bolts must be clean and must turn easily.■Under no circumstances grease or oil the wheel bolts!■
When fitting unidirectional tyres, ensure that the direction of rotation is cor-
rect » page 228 .

Follow-up tasks
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 237.
The following steps must also be performed after changing the wheel.
›
Stow and attach the replaced wheel in the spare wheel well using a special bolt » page 232 .
›
Stow the tool kit in the space provided and secure using the band.
›
Check the tyre pressure on the installed spare wheel as soon as possible.
›
Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked with a torque wrench
as soon as possible.
›
Replace the damaged wheel or consult a specialist garage about repair options.
Note
■ If it is determined that the wheel bolts are corroded and difficult to turn when
changing the wheel, the bolts must be replaced before checking the tightening
torque.■
Drive cautiously and only at a moderate speed until the tightening torque has
been checked.

238Do-it-yourself

Loosening/tightening wheel boltsFig. 198
Changing a wheel: Loosening
the wheel bolts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 237.
Release
›
Push the wheel wrench onto the wheel bolt to the stop 1)
.
›
Grasp the end of the wrench and turn the bolt about one turn in the direction of
the arrow » Fig. 198.
Tightening
›
Push the wheel wrench onto the wheel bolt to the stop 1 )
.
›
Grasp the end of the wrench and turn the bolt against the direction of the ar-
row » Fig. 198 , until it is tight.
WARNINGUndo the wheel bolts only a little (about one turn) as long as the vehicle has
not yet been jacked up. Otherwise the wheel could come off and fall down –
risk of injury!
Note
If it proves difficult to undo the bolts, carefully apply pressure to the end of the
wrench with your foot. Keep hold of the vehicle when doing so, and make sure
you keep your footing.
Raising the vehicleFig. 199
Jacking points for positioning
lifting jack
Fig. 200
Attach lifting jack
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 237.
Position the lifting jack below the jacking point closest to the faulty wheel » Fig. 199 . The jacking point is located directly below the engraving in the
lower sill.
›
Insert the crank into the mount on the car jack » page 236.
›
Position the lifting jack below the jacking point with the crank and move it up
until its claw is positioned below the vertical web of the lower sill.
›
Align the lifting jack so that its claw grasps the web » Fig. 200 -
 .
›
Support the base plate of the lifting jack with its entire surface resting on level
ground and ensure that the lever is positioned vertically to the point at which
the claw grasps the web » Fig. 200 -
 . 

1)
Use the appropriate adapter for undoing and tightening the anti-theft wheel bolts
» page 240.
239Emergency equipment, and self-help

›Continue turning up the jack until the wheel is just about lifted off the ground.WARNING■
Only raise the vehicle at the attachment points.■Choose a flat and firm surface for jacking the vehicle.

Securing wheels against theft
Fig. 201
Principle sketch: Anti-theft
wheel bolt with adapter
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 237.
The anti-theft wheel bolts can only be removed/tightended with the aid of theadapter » page 236 , Vehicle tool kit .
›
Remove the cover from the anti-theft wheel bolt.
›
Insert the adapter
B
» Fig. 201 with its toothed side fully into the inner tooth-
ing of the anti-theft wheel bolt
A
until the stop so that only the outer hexagon
is jutting out.
›
Push the wheel wrench onto the adapter
B
up to the stop.
›
Loosen or tighten the wheel bolt » page 239
.
›
After removing the adapter, replace the cap on the anti-theft wheel bolt.
›
Have the tightening torque checked with a torque wrench as soon as possible.
Note■
Make a note of the code number hammered into the rear side of the adapter or
the rear side of the anti-theft wheel bolt. This number can be used to purchase a
replacement adapter from ŠKODA Genuine Parts if required.■
We recommend that you always carry the adapter for the wheel bolts with you
in the vehicle. It should be stowed in the vehicle tool kit.
■
The anti-theft wheel bolt set and adapter can be purchased from a ŠKODA Part-
ner.

Tyre repair
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Breakdown kit
241
Preparations for using the breakdown kit
241
Sealing and inflating the tyre
242
Check after 10 minutes' driving
242
Use the breakdown kit to reliably repair tyre damage caused by foreign bodies or
a puncture with diameters up to approx. 4 mm.
Performing a repair with the breakdown kit not at all intended to replace a per-
manent repair on the tyre. Its purpose is to get you to the nearest specialist ga-
rage.
The wheel must not be removed during repair.
Do not remove foreign bodies , e.g. screws or nails, from the tyre.
The breakdown kit must not be used under the following circumstances. › There is damage to the rim.
› The outside temperature is less than -20 °C.
› The tears or punctures are greater than 4 mm in size.
› There is damage to the tyre wall.
› Driving with very low tyre pressure or with a completely flat tyre.
› If the use-by-date (see inflation bottle) has passed.

240Do-it-yourself

WARNING■A tyre filled with sealant has the same driving characteristics as a standard
tyre.■
Do not travel faster than 80 km/h.
■
Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
■
Check the tyre inflation pressure after driving for 10 minutes.
■
The sealant is hazardous to heath. Remove immediately if it comes into con-
tact with the skin.
For the sake of the environment
Used sealant or sealant whose expiry date has passed must be disposed of in ac- cordance with environmental protection regulations.
Note
■ Observe the manufacturer's usage instructions for the breakdown kit.■A new bottle of sealant can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Parts.■
Immediately replace the tyre that was repaired using the breakdown kit, or con-
sult a specialist garage about repair options.

Breakdown kit
Fig. 202
Components of the breakdown kit
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 240.
The kit is located in a box under the floor covering in the luggage compartment.
Components of the breakdown kit » Fig. 202 .
Valve remover
Sticker with speed designation “max. 80 km/h”/“max. 50 mph” Inflation hose with plug
Air compressor
Tyre inflation hose
Tyre inflation pressure indicator
Air release valve
ON and OFF switch
12 volt cable connector
Tyre inflator bottle with sealing agent
Replacement valve core
The valve remover
1
has a slot at its lower end which fits into the valve core.
This is the only way in which you can remove and re-install the valve core from
the tyre valve. The same also applies to the replacement valve core
11
.

Preparations for using the breakdown kit
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 240.
The following preparatory work must be carried out before using the breakdown
kit.
›
Park the vehicle as far away as possible from the flow of traffic. Park on as flat and firm a surface as possible.
›
If you are in flowing traffic, switch on the hazard warning light system and setup the warning triangle at the prescribed distance! The national legal require-ments must be observed.
›
Have all of the occupants get out of the vehicle. While changing a tyre, the oc-
cupants of the vehicle should not stand on the road (they should instead remain
behind a crash barrier).
›
Switch off the engine and move the gearshift lever into Neutral or move the se-
lector lever on the automatic gearbox into position P.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake. 

1234567891011
241Emergency equipment, and self-help

›Check that you can carry out the repairs with the breakdown kit
» page 240.›Uncouple any trailers.›
Remove the breakdown kit from the luggage compartment.
›
Stick the sticker
2
» Fig. 202 on page 241 onto the dash panel in the driver's
line of vision.
›
Do not remove the foreign body, e.g. screw or nail, from the tyre.
›
Unscrew the valve cap.
›
Use the valve remover
1
to unscrew the valve core and place it on a clean sur-
face (rag, paper, etc.).

Sealing and inflating the tyre
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 240.
Sealing
›
Forcefully shake the tyre inflater bottle
10
» Fig. 202 on page 241 back and forth
several times.
›
Firmly screw the inflation hose
3
onto the tyre inflator bottle
10
clockwise.
The film on the cap is pierced automatically.
›
Remove the plug from the inflation hose
3
and plug the open end fully onto
the tyre valve.
›
Hold the bottle
10
with the bottom facing upwards and fill all of the sealing
agent from the tyre inflator bottle into the tyre.
›
Remove the empty tyre inflator bottle from the valve.
›
Screw the valve core back into the tyre valve using the valve remover
1
.
Inflating
›
Screw the air compressor tyre inflation hose
5
» Fig. 202 on page 241 firmly on-
to the tyre valve.
›
Check that the air release valve
7
is closed.
›
Start the engine and run it in idle.
›
Plug the connector
9
into 12 Volt socket » page 84.
›
Switch on the air compressor with the ON and OFF switch
8
.
›
Allow the air compressor to run until a pressure of 2.0 - 2.5 bar is achieved. Max-
imum run time of 8 minutes » !
›
Switch off the air compressor.
›
If you cannot reach an air pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar, unscrew the tyre inflation
hose
5
from the tyre valve.
›
Drive the vehicle 10 metres forwards or backwards to allow the sealing agent to
“distribute” in the tyre.
› Firmly screw the tyre inflation hose 5 back onto the tyre valve and repeat the
inflation process.›
If you cannot reach the required tyre inflation pressure here either, this means
the tyre has sustained too much damage. You cannot seal with tyre with the breakdown kit »
.
›
Switch off the air compressor.
›
Remove the tyre inflation hose
5
from the tyre valve.
Once a tyre inflation pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar is achieved, continue the journey at
a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
Check the tyre inflation pressure after driving for 10 minutes » page 242.
WARNING■
During inflation, the tyre inflation hose and air compressor may get hot –
risk of injury!■
Do not place the hot tyre inflation hose or hot air compressor on flammable
materials – risk of fire!
■
If you cannot inflate the tyre to at least 2.0 bar, this means the damage sus-
tained was too serious. The sealing agent cannot be used to seal the tyre. 
Do not drive the vehicle. Seek help from a specialist garage.
CAUTION
Switch off the air compressor after running 8 minutes at the latest – risk of over-
heating! Allow the air compressor to cool a few minutes before switching it on
again.
Check after 10 minutes' driving
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 240.
Check the tyre inflation pressure after driving for 10 minutes!
If the tyre inflation pressure is 1.3 bar or less
›
 Do not drive the vehicle! You cannot properly seal with tyre with the break-
down kit.
If the tyre inflation pressure is 1.3 bar or more
›
Adjust the tyre inflation pressure to the correct value (see inside of fuel filler cap). 
242Do-it-yourself

›Continue driving carefully to the nearest specialist garage at a maximum speed
of 80 km/h (50 mph).

Jump-starting
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Jump-starting using the battery from another vehicle
243
Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP system
244WARNING■ A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures just below
0 °C. If the battery is frozen, do not carry out a jump start with the battery of
another vehicle – risk of explosion!■
Pay attention to the warning instructions relating to working in the engine
compartment » page 215.
■
The non-insulated parts of the terminal clamps must never touch each other
– risk of short circuit!
■
The jump-start cable connected to the positive terminal of the battery must
not come into contact with electrically conducting parts of the vehicle – risk of
short circuit!
■
Do not clamp the jump-start cable to the negative terminal of the dis-
charged battery. There is the risk of detonating gas seeping out the battery being ignited by the strong spark which results from the engine being started.
■
Route the jump-start cables so that they cannot be caught by any rotating
parts in the engine compartment.
■
Do not bend over the battery – risk of caustic burns!
■
The vent screws of the battery cells must be tightened firmly.
■
Keep any sources of ignition (naked flame, smouldering cigarettes, etc.)
away from the battery – risk of explosion!
■
Never jump-start vehicle batteries with an electrolyte level that is too low –
risk of explosion and caustic burns.
CAUTION■ There must not be any contact between the two vehicles otherwise current
may flow as soon as the negative terminals are connected.■
The discharged battery must be properly connected to the system of the vehi-
cle.
■
We recommend you buy jump-start cables from a car battery specialist.

Jump-starting using the battery from another vehicle
Fig. 203
Jump-starting: A – flat battery, B
– battery providing current
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 243.
The battery of another vehicle can be used to jump-start your vehicle if the en-
gine will not start because the battery is flat. Jump-start cables are required for
this purpose.
The jump-start cables must be attached in the following sequence.
›
Attach clamp
1
to the positive terminal of the discharged battery
A
» Fig. 203 .
›
Attach clamp
2
to the positive terminal of the battery supplying power
B
.
›
Attach clamp
3
to the negative terminal of the battery supplying power
B
.
›
Attach the clamp
4
to a solid metal part which is connected firmly to the en-
gine block or to the engine block itself.
Starting engine
›
Start the engine on the vehicle providing the power and allow it to idle.
›
Start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery.
›
If the engine does not start, terminate the attempt to start the engine after 10 seconds and wait for 30 seconds before repeating the process.
›
Disconnect the cables in exactly the reverse order to the one described above. 
243Emergency equipment, and self-help

Both batteries must have a rated voltage of 12 V. The capacity (Ah) of the battery
supplying the power must not be significantly less than the capacity of the dis-
charged battery in your vehicle.
Jump-start cables
Only use jump-start cables which have an adequately large cross-section and in-
sulated terminal clamps. Observe the instructions of the jumper lead manufactur-
er.
Positive cable – colour coding in the majority of cases is red.
Negative cable – colour coding in the majority of cases is black.
Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP system
Fig. 204
Engine earth: START-STOP sys-
tem
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 243.
On vehicles with the START-STOP system, the jump-start cable of the charger
must never be connected directly to the negative pole of the vehicle battery, but
only to the engine earth » Fig. 204.

Towing the vehicle

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Front towing eye
245
Rear towing eye
245
Vehicles with a tow hitch
246Vehicles with manual transmission may be towed in with a tow bar or a tow rope
or with the front or rear wheels raised.
Vehicles with automatic transmission may be towed in with a tow bar or a tow
rope or with the front wheels raised. If the vehicle is raised at rear, the automatic
gearbox is damaged!
A tow bar is the safest way of towing a vehicle and also minimises any shocks.
Only use a tow rope if a suitable tow bar is not available.
When towing, the following guidelines must be observed.
Driver of the tow vehicle›
Release the clutch particularly gently when starting off or depress the accelera-
tor particularly gently if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
›
On vehicles with a manual transmission, only push down on the accelerator
pedal once the rope is taught.
The maximum towing speed is 50 km/h.
Driver of the towed vehicle
›
Switch on the ignition so that the steering wheel is not blocked and so that the
turn signal lights, horn, windscreen wipers and windscreen washer system can be used.
›
Take the vehicle out of gear or move the selector lever into position N if the ve-
hicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
Please note that the brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the en-
gine is running. If the engine is not running, significantly more physical force is re- quired to depress the brake pedal and steer the vehicle.
If using a tow rope, ensure that it is always kept taught.
CAUTION
■ Do not tow start the engine – there is a risk of damaging the engine and the
catalytic converter. The battery from another vehicle can be used as a jump-start
aid » page 243 , Jump-starting .■
If the gearbox no longer contains any oil because of a defect, your vehicle must
only be towed with the driven wheels raised clear of the ground or on a special
breakdown vehicle or trailer.
■
The vehicle must be transported on a special breakdown vehicle or trailer if it is
not possible to tow in the vehicle in the way described or if the towing distance is
greater than 50 km.
■
To protect both vehicles when tow-starting or towing, the tow rope should be
elastic. Thus one should only use plastic fibre rope or a rope made out of a simi-
larly elastic material. 
244Do-it-yourself

■While towing, take care to avoid impermissibly high tensile forces or jerky loads.
There is always a risk of excessive stresses and damage resulting at the points to which you attach the tow rope or tow bar when you attempt to tow a vehicle
which is not standing on a paved road.■
Attach the tow rope or the tow bar to the towing eyes » page 245 , Front tow-
ing eye or » page 245 , Rear towing eye to the detachable ball head of the tow-
ing device » page 169 .
Note
■
We recommend using a tow rope from ŠKODA Original Accessories available
from a ŠKODA Partner.■
Towing another vehicle requires a certain amount of practice. Both drivers
should be familiar with the particular points about towing a vehicle. Unskilled
drivers should not attempt to tow in another vehicle or to be towed in.
■
When towing, respect the national legal provisions, especially those which re-
late to the identification of the towing vehicle and the vehicle being towed.
■
The tow rope must not be twisted as it may in certain circumstances result in
the front towing eye being unscrewed out of your vehicle.

Front towing eye
Fig. 205
Front bumper: Removing the cap/installing the towing eye
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 244.
Removing/installing the cap
›
Press on the cap in the area
A
» Fig. 205 .
›
Remove the cap in the direction of the arrow
1
.
›After unscrewing the towing eye, insert the area B of the cap under the right-
hand side of the hole in the front bumper and then press on the opposite side
of the cap.
The cap must engage firmly.
Removing/installing the towing eye›
Manually screw the towing eye as far as it will go in the direction of the arrow
2
» Fig. 205 » .
For tightening purposes, we recommend, for example, using the wheel wrench,
towing eye from another vehicle or a similar object that can be pushed through
the eye.
›
Unscrew the towing eye against the direction of the arrow
2
.
CAUTION
The towing eye must always be screwed in fully and firmly tightened, otherwise
the towing eye can tear when towing in or tow-starting.
Rear towing eye
Fig. 206
Rear bumper: Removing the cap/installing the towing eye
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 244.
Removing/installing the cap
›
Press on the cover in area
A
» Fig. 206 (for vehicles Octavia RS, Octavia Estate
RS on the right edge of the cap press).
›
Remove the cap in the direction of the arrow
1
. 
245Emergency equipment, and self-help