2013 SKODA OCTAVIA Service

The load of the occupants is cushioned when plunging into the fully inflated air-
bag and the risk of injury to the entire upper body (chest, stomach and pelvis) is
reduced on the side facing the door.WARNINGObserve the following instructions for the proper seated position.■Your head should never be positioned in the deployment area of the side
airbag. You might suffer severe injuries in the event of an accident. This ap- plies in particular to children who are transported without using a suitable
child safety seat » page 195, Child safety and side airbag .■
There must not be any further persons, animals as well as objects posi-
tioned between the occupants and the deployment area of the airbag. No ac-
cessories, such as cup holders, should be attached to the doors.
■
If children adopt an incorrect seated position when travelling, they may be
exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. This can re-
sult in serious injuries » page 193, Child seat .
WARNINGThe airbag control unit operates using pressure sensors located in the front
doors. For this reason, no adjustments may be carried out to the doors or door
panels (e.g. installation of additional loudspeakers). Resulting damage can have a negative impact on the function of the airbag system. Any work on thefront doors and door panels must be carried out by a specialist garage. The
following guidelines must be observed.■
Never drive with inner door panels removed.
■
Never drive if parts of the inner door panel have been removed and the re-
sulting openings have not been properly sealed.
■
Never drive if the loudspeakers in the doors have been removed, unless the
loudspeaker openings have been properly sealed.
■
Always make sure that the openings are covered or filled if additional loud-
speakers or other equipment parts have been installed in the inner door pan-
els.
■
Always have work carried out by a ŠKODA service partner or a professional
specialist garage.
WARNING■ Only hang light items of clothing on the hooks fitted in the vehicle. Never
leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets of the items of cloth-
ing.■
Ensure that there are no excessive forces, such as violent knocks, kicks etc.,
impact on the backrests of the seats otherwise the system may be damaged.
The side airbags would not be deployed in such a case!
■
Any seat or protective covers which you fit to the driver or front passenger
seats must only be of the type expressly authorized by ŠKODA. In view of the
fact that the airbag inflates out of the backrest of the seat, use of non-ap-
proved seat or protective covers would considerably impair the protective
function of the side airbag.
■
Any damage to the original seat covers in the area of the side airbag module
must be repaired immediately by a specialist garage.
■
The airbag modules in the front seats must not display any damage, cracks
or deep scratches. It is not permissible to use force in order to open the mod-
ules.

Head airbags
Fig. 169
Location of the head airbag/gas-filled head airbag
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 186.
In the event of a severe side collision, the head airbag system offers additional
protection for the head and neck area of passengers.
The head airbags are positioned above the doors on both sides of the vehicle in-terior » Fig. 169 - 
. 
189Airbag system

In the event of a side collision the head airbag is deployed together with the rele-
vant side airbag and the front seat belt tensioner on the side of the car on which
the accident occurs.
When deployed, the airbag covers the window area of the front and rear doors, as well as the area of the door pillar » Fig. 169 -  .
Head impact with interior parts is reduced by the inflated head airbag. The reduc- tion in any impact to the head and the resultant minimizing of any movements of
the head additionally reduce the risk of injuries to the neck area.
The head airbag also offers additional protection in the case of an offset impact by covering the front door pillar.WARNINGGeneral■There must not be any objects in the deployment area of the head airbags
which might prevent the airbags from inflating properly.■
Only hang light items of clothing on the hooks fitted in the vehicle. Never
leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets of the items of cloth-
ing. Additionally, clothes hangers must not be used to hang up items of cloth-
ing.
■
The installation of impermissible accessories in the vicinity of the head air-
bags can considerably impair the protection offered by the head airbag in the
event of it being deployed. When the deployed head airbag is inflated, parts of
the accessories fitted could, conditions permitting, be thrown into the interior
of the car and injure the occupants » page 200.
■
The sun visors must not be swivelled towards the side windows in the de-
ployment area of the head airbags if any objects, such as ball-point pens, etc.
are attached to them. This might result in injuries to the occupants if the head
airbag is deployed.
■
There must no other persons (e.g. children) or animals between the passen-
ger and the deployment area of the head airbag. In addition, none of the occu-
pants should lean their head out of the window when driving, or extend their
arms and hands out of the window.
WARNINGThe airbag control unit operates using pressure sensors located in the front
doors. For this reason, no adjustments may be carried out to the doors or door
panels (e.g. installation of additional loudspeakers). Resulting damage can have a negative impact on the function of the airbag system. Any work on thefront doors and door panels must be carried out by a specialist garage. The
following guidelines must be observed.■
Never drive with inner door panels removed.
■
Never drive if parts of the inner door panel have been removed and the re-
sulting openings have not been properly sealed.
■
Never drive if the loudspeakers in the doors have been removed, unless the
loudspeaker openings have been properly sealed.
■
Always make sure that the openings are covered or filled if additional loud-
speakers or other equipment parts have been installed in the inner door pan-
els.
■
Always have work carried out by a ŠKODA service partner or a professional
specialist garage.
Note
In vehicles with head airbags, the word AIRBAG can be seen on the B column
cladding.
Deactivating airbags
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Deactivating airbags
191
Deactivating the front passenger airbag
191
190Safety

Deactivating airbagsFirst read and observe the introductory information given on page 190.
Deactivating an airbag should be considered in cases such as the ones outlined
below.
› If using a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat (due to different le-
gal regulations, the airbag must be deactivated if using a forward-facing child
seat in some countries) » page 193, Transporting children safely .
› If not being able to maintain a distance of at least 25 cm between the middle of
the steering wheel and chest, despite the driver's seat being correctly adjusted.
› If special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because of
a physical disability.
› If other seats have been installed (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side airbags).
The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated
switch » page 191 , Deactivating the front passenger airbag .
We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA service partner to deactivate any other air-
bags as appropriate.
Monitoring the airbag system
The functionality of the airbag system is monitored electronically even if one of
the airbags is switched off.
Airbag was switched off using diagnostic equipment › The warning light

lights up for approx. 4 seconds after switching on the igni-
tion and then flashes again for approx. 12 seconds.
Front passenger airbag switched off with the key switch in the storage com-
partment
› The warning light

comes on for about 4 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on.
› The indicator light



3
» Fig. 170 on page 191 lights up after the ignition is
switched on.
Note
■ The national regulations for switching off airbags must be observed.■A ŠKODA service partner will be able to inform you which, if any, of your vehi-
cle's airbags can or must be deactivated.

Deactivating the front passenger airbagFig. 170
Key-operated switch for the front passenger airbag/warning light
for front seat passenger airbag deactivation
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 190.
Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch.
Switching off
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch into position
2
» Fig. 170 OFF .
›
Close the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Check that the 

warning light in the 




text
3
lights up
after the ignition is switched on.
Switching on
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch into position
1
» Fig. 170 ON .
›
Close the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Check that the 

warning light in the 




text
3
lights up
after the ignition is switched on.
The 

warning light goes out 65 seconds after the key switch status has
changed or after the ignition is switched on. 
191Airbag system

General Maintenance
Vehicle care
Service intervals
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Overview of service intervals
198
Fixed service intervals QI1 - QI4
199
Variable service interval QI6
199
Information about the ŠKODA service
199
The service interval display in the instrument cluster will remind you to carry out every service stipulated by the manufacturer at the right time in order to prevent you from forgetting any.
Timely and proper performance of servicing works is one of the requirements for the settlement of potential warranty claims.
The completion of services can be verified by the validated service certificate and the corresponding receipts.
The specified service intervals are tailored to normal operating conditions.
In the case of difficult operating conditions, it is necessary to have some service
work performed before the date of the next service or between the specified
service intervals. This applies mainly to the cleaning or the replacement of the air
filter insert in regions with heavy dust pollution as well as checking and replacing
the toothed belt, but also to vehicles with diesel particle filters, which can put
greater strain on the engine oil.
These difficult conditions are: › Fuel with sulphur content;
› Frequent short trips;
› Longer periods of engine idling (e.g. taxis);
› Operation in areas with heavy dust pollution;
› Frequent trailer operation;
›
Predominantly stop-and-go traffic as is often the case in city driving, for exam-
ple;
› Operation predominantly during winter.
A service consultant at the specialist garage will tell you whether the operating conditions of your vehicle may make it necessary for service work to be carried
out between the normal service intervals.
Different service charges may apply from the particular scope of work required,
depending on the vehicle type and equipment and the status of your vehicle.
Note
■ The customer is responsible for covering the cost of all services including
changing or replenishing the oil, even during the warranty period, unless stated otherwise in the ŠKODA AUTO a.s. warranty terms or other agreements.■
You will be informed about the current service scopes for the particular service
work by the specialist garage.

Overview of service intervals
Fig. 176
Vehicle data sticker: Service in-
terval
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 198.
The service interval specified by the manufacturer is indicated on the vehicle data sticker » Fig. 176 under the floor covering in the boot.
One of the following service intervals applies for your vehicle: › Fixed service interval QI1;
› Fixed service interval QI2;
› Fixed service interval QI3;
› Fixed service interval QI4;
› Variable service interval QI6.

198General Maintenance

In order to operate a vehicle with a variable service interval, it must only be fil-
led and topped up with the prescribed engine oil.
If this engine oil is not available, the oil change is subject to a fixed service inter-
val. In this case, the vehicle must be changed to the fixed service interval.
Note
■
The corresponding motor oil specifications » page 219.■A specialist garage can perform the changeover from the variable service inter-
val to the fixed service interval, or from the fixed service interval to the variable
service interval.

Fixed service intervals QI1 - QI4
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 198.
InspectionQI1 - QI4
After the first 30,000 km or 2 years a)
, then every
30,000 km or every 1 year a)
.Every 15,000 km or every 1 year a)
(applies to Rus-
sia).
Oil change service
QI1Every 5,000 km or every 1 year a)
.QI2Every 7,500 km or every 1 year a)
.QI3Every 10,000 km or every 1 year a)
.QI4Every 15,000 km or every 1 year a)
.Brake fluid
change First change after 3 years, then every 2 yearsa)
(whichever comes first).
WARNINGThe brake fluid must always be changed after the first 3 years and then every
2 years. Longer intervals between changing the brake fluid can cause vapour
bubbles to form in the brake system on sharp braking. This can impair the effi- ciency of the brakes – risk of accident!NoteFor diesel operation with a high sulphur content, the oil must be changed every
7500 km. Ask your specialist garage for information on the countries where diesel fuel has a high sulphur content.
Variable service interval QI6
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 198.
The service intervals depend on the intensity at which the vehicle is driven and
the local conditions in which the vehicle is used. For example, your vehicle is sub-
jected to different loads when driven over short distances than when driven over
long distances. The service intervals are therefore variable.
InspectionAfter the first 30,000 km or 2 years a)
, then every 30,000 km
or every 1 year a)
.Oil change serviceAccording to the service interval display (at the latest after
30,000 km or 2 years a)
).Brake fluid
changeFirst change after 3 years, then every 2 yearsa)
(whichever comes first).
WARNINGThe brake fluid must always be changed after the first 3 years and then every
2 years. Longer intervals between changing the brake fluid can cause vapour
bubbles to form in the brake system on sharp braking. This can impair the effi- ciency of the brakes – risk of accident!

Information about the ŠKODA service
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 198.
You have access to an extensive servicing network of ŠKODA Service Partners for
the maintenance of your vehicle. 
199Vehicle care

ŠKODA Service Partners feature modern, specially developed tools and equip-
ment. Here, trained specialists have a comprehensive range of ŠKODA Genuine Parts and ŠKODA Genuine Accessories at their disposal.
All ŠKODA Service Partners operate in accordance with the latest manufacturerguidelines and instructions. All service work is therefore carried out on time and
in accordance with the quality standards. Adhering to these instructions and
guidelines helps ensure road safety and helps keep your vehicle in a good techni-
cal condition.
The ŠKODA Service Partners also offer a wide range of other services. ŠKODA Service Partners are therefore properly prepared to service your vehicleand to provide quality work. We therefore recommend that you have your vehicle
maintained by a ŠKODA Service Partner.
Service work, adjustments and technical alterations
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Tests required by law
201
ŠKODA Service Partners
201
ŠKODA Genuine Parts
201
ŠKODA Genuine Accessories
202
Spoiler
202
Component protection
202
Airbags
203
The instructions and guidelines from ŠKODA AUTO a.s. must be observed when
carrying out any modifications, repairs or technical alterations to your vehicle.
Adhering to these instructions and guidelines helps ensure road safety and helps
keep your vehicle in a good technical condition. After carrying out modifications,
repairs or technical alterations, the vehicle will comply with German road trans-
port regulations (StVZO)
Always consult a ŠKODA Partner » page 201before buying accessories or parts,
or before carrying out any modifications, repairs or technical alterations to your
vehicle.
WARNING■ If work on your vehicle is not carried out properly, this can lead to operation-
al faults - risk of accident and serious injuries.■
We recommend only having these modifications and technical alterations
carried out by a specialist garage.
■
Interference on the electronic components and their software can lead to
operational faults. This interference can also impair not directly affected sys-
tems because of the networking of the electronic components. The operation- al safety of the vehicle may be at significant risk and can lead to increased
wear of parts.
■
The ŠKODA Partner accepts no liability for products that have not been ap-
proved by ŠKODA AUTO a.s. even though these may be products with an op-
erational approval or that have been approved by a government testing insti-
tute.
WARNING■ We advise you only to use ŠKODA Original Accessories and ŠKODA Original
Parts which have been expressly approved for use on your vehicle. Reliability,
safety and suitability for your vehicle are guaranteed with these.■
ŠKODA Original Accessories and ŠKODA Original Parts can be purchased
from ŠKODA Partners, who will also perform the professional assembly of the purchased parts.
For the sake of the environment
Technical documents regarding changes carried out on the vehicle must be kept
by the vehicle user, in order to be handed over to the recyclers later. This ensures
that vehicle recycling is in accordance with environmental regulations.
Note
Any damage caused by technical alterations made without the approval of the
manufacturer is excluded from the warranty.
200General Maintenance

Tests required by lawFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 200.
Many countries have legislation requiring the operational reliability and roadwor- thiness and/or exhaust gas properties of a vehicle to be tested at specific inter-
vals. These tests can be carried out by workshops or testing stations that have
been legally authorized for this purpose.
The ŠKODA Service Partners are up-to-date on the legally required tests and will
prepare the vehicle for the tests as part of a service operation if required, or will
be responsible for carrying out these tests. The specialist garages can carry out
the specified tests directly if required by the customer if they are authorised to do
so. This saves you time and money.
Even if you want to take your vehicle to an officially approved test centre for prior checking in preparation of a legally required test, we recommend that you consult
the service consultant of your ŠKODA Service Partner beforehand.
Based on their appraisal, the service consultant will tell you which areas you
should focus on in order to ensure that your vehicle will pass the technical test
without any problems. This allows you to avoid additional expenses resulting
from a possible subsequent test.

ŠKODA Service Partners
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 200.
ŠKODA Service Partners feature modern, specially developed tools and equip-
ment. Here, trained specialists have access to a comprehensive range of ŠKODA
Original Parts and ŠKODA Original Accessories for carrying out modifications, re- pairs and technical alterations.
All ŠKODA service partners operate according to the most recent guidelines and instructions from ŠKODA AUTO a.s. All service and repair work is therefore carried
out on time and at the appropriate quality. Adhering to these instructions and guidelines helps ensure road safety and helps keep your vehicle in a good techni-
cal condition.
ŠKODA Service Partners are therefore properly prepared to service your vehicle
and to provide quality work. We therefore advise you to have all modifications, re-
pairs and technical alterations to your vehicle carried out by a ŠKODA Service
Partner.
ŠKODA Genuine Parts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 200.
We recommend the use of ŠKODA Genuine Parts for your vehicle, as these parts
are approved by ŠKODA AUTO a.s.. They correspond precisely to the ŠKODA AUTO
a.s. regulations with regard to design, dimensional accuracy and material, and are
identical to the components used in series production.
ŠKODA AUTO a.s. is able to vouch for the safety, suitability and long service life ofthese products. We therefore recommend that you only use ŠKODA Genuine
Parts.
ŠKODA AUTO a.s. supplies the market with a complete range of ŠKODA Genuine
Parts - not only while the model is still in production but for at least 15 years after the end of series production for wear parts and at least 10 years after the end of
series production for all other vehicle parts.
ŠKODA Service Partners are liable for any defects of ŠKODA Genuine Parts for a
period of 2 years after sale in accordance with the materials defect liability, unless agreed otherwise in the purchase agreement. You should keep the approved war-ranty certificate and the invoices for these components for this period of time, so
that the commencement of the term can be verified.
Body repairs
ŠKODA vehicles are designed such that if any damage occurs to the body, it is on- ly necessary to replace those parts that are actually damaged.
However, before you decide to have damaged body parts replaced, you shouldfirst of all contact your specialist garage to determine whether or not the parts
can also be repaired. Repairs to body parts are usually cheaper.

201Vehicle care

ŠKODA Genuine AccessoriesFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 200.
If you wish to fit accessories to your vehicle, you should remember the following:
We recommend that you use ŠKODA Genuine Accessories in your vehicle. ŠKODA
AUTO a.s. has selected these accessories to ensure that they are reliable, safe
and suitable for your particular vehicle. Although we constantly monitor the mar- ket, we are not able to assess or vouch for other products even though in some
instances such parts may have operational approval or may have been approved
by a nationally recognised testing laboratory.
All accessory products are subjected to a challenging process in the areas of tech-
nical development (technical testing) and quality inspection (customer testing), and the product only becomes a ŠKODA Genuine Accessory if all tests are passed.
Our ŠKODA Genuine Accessories service also includes expert advice and profes-
sional fitting if required by the customer.
ŠKODA Service Partners are liable for any defects of ŠKODA Genuine Accessories
for a period of 2 years after installation or delivery in accordance with the materi-
als defect liability, unless agreed otherwise in the purchase agreement or any
other agreements. You should keep the approved warranty certificate and the in-
voices for these accessories for this period of time, so that the commencement of
the term can be verified.
ŠKODA Service Partners also stock a range of suitable car care products and all
parts that are subject to natural wear-and-tear, such as tyres, batteries, bulbs
and wiper blades.
Note
The accessories authorized by the company ŠKODA AUTO a.s. will be offered by
the ŠKODA Partners in all countries where the company ŠKODA AUTO a.s. has a
sales and after-sales service network. This will usually be in the form of a printed
catalogue of ŠKODA Genuine Accessories, in the form of separate printed bro-
chures or in the form of ŠKODA Genuine Accessories on the ŠKODA Partner web-
sites.
Spoiler
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 200.
If your new vehicle is fitted with a spoiler on the front bumper in combination
with the spoiler on the luggage compartment lid, the following instructions must
be adhered to.
› For safety reasons, the vehicle must only be fitted with a spoiler on the front
bumper in combination with the associated spoiler on the luggage compart-
ment lid.
› This kind of spoiler cannot be left on the front bumper either on its own, in
combination with another spoiler not on the luggage compartment lid or in combination with an unsuitable spoiler on the luggage compartment lid.
› We recommend that you consult the ŠKODA Service Partner for any repairs to or
replacement, addition or removal of spoilers.
WARNINGIf work on your vehicle's spoilers is not carried out properly, this can lead to
operational faults - risk of accident and serious injuries.

Component protection
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 200.
Some electronic vehicle components (such as the instrument cluster) are factory-
equipped with component protection.
The component protection was developed as a protection mechanism for: › impairment of factory- or garage-fitted electronic components after installation
in another vehicle (for example, after a theft);
› impairment of electronic components used outside the vehicle;
› the possibility of a legitimate installation or change of electronic components
for repairs at a specialist garage.
The activated component protection can be realized by functional limitations of
the specific electronic component. Seek help from a specialist garage.

202General Maintenance