2013 SKODA OCTAVIA tow

Driving
Starting-off and Driving
Steering
Introduction
Fig. 113
Correct seated position for the
driver
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Adjusting the steering wheel position
118
Power steering
119WARNING■ When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer
edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position. Never hold the steering wheel in
the 12 o'clock position or in any other way (e.g. in the middle or inner edge of
the steering wheel). In such cases, you could severely injure the arms, hands
and head when the driver airbag is deployed.■
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving only when the
vehicle is stationary!
WARNING (Continued)■ Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance A » Fig. 113 between the
steering wheel and your chest is at least 25 cm. Adjust the distance between the legs and the dash panel in the knee airbag area so that there is a distance
of at least 10 cm B
. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that
the airbag system will not be able to properly protect you – hazard!
■
If the steering wheel is adjusted further towards the head, the protection
provided by the driver airbag in the event of an accident is reduced. Check that the steering wheel is aligned to the chest.

Adjusting the steering wheel position
Fig. 114
Adjustable steering wheel: Lever
below steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 118.
The height and forward/back position of the steering wheel can be adjusted.
›
First of all adjust the driver's seat » page 71.
›
Swivel the lever underneath the steering wheel downwards » Fig. 114.
›
Adjust the steering wheel to the desired position (with regard to the height and
forward/back position).
›
Push the lever upwards to the stop.
WARNINGThe lever for adjusting the steering wheel must be locked whilst driving so
that the position of the steering wheel cannot accidently change during the
journey – risk of accident!

118Driving

Power steeringFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 118.
The power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
The power steering only works when the engine is running. It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the en-gine is not running (e.g. vehicle being towed in). However, greater physical effort is required to turn the steering wheel.
Steering force assistance can be influenced by the selection of driving mode » page 161 .

Starting and stopping the engine using the key

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic immobiliser
120
Ignition switch
120
Starting the engine
120
Stopping the engine
121
Starting and stopping the engine on vehicles with the KESSY system » page 121.
The engine can only be started with an appropriate original key.
The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
WARNING■ When driving without the engine running, the ignition key must always be in
the position 2 » Fig. 115 on page 120 (ignition switched on). This position is
indicated by the illumination of certain indicator lights in the instrument clus-
ter. ■ If the key is not in position 2
, this could lead to unexpected the steering
locking - risk of accident!
■
Only pull the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has come
to a complete stop (by applying the handbrake). Otherwise the steering wheel
could block – risk of accident!
■
When leaving the vehicle, the ignition must always be removed. This is par-
ticularly important if children are left in the vehicle. Otherwise the children
could, for example, start the engine – risk of accident or injury!
■
Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
■
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent!
WARNING■ Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases from the engine contain substances such as odourless and col-
ourless carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas) – risk to life! ■ Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.
CAUTION
■The starter must only be operated when the engine is not running and the vehi-
cle is at a standstill. The starter or engine may be damaged if the starter is activa- ted when the engine is running 3
» Fig. 115 on page 120.
■
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 using the battery from another vehicle .
CAUTION
■
Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads before the en-
gine has reached its operating temperature – risk of damaging the engine!■
Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumulation
of heat when the engine is switched off. 
119Starting-off and Driving

WARNING■Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases from the engine contain substances such as odourless and col-
ourless carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas) – risk to life! ■ Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.
CAUTION
■The system can recognize the valid key, even if it has been forgotten, for exam-
ple, in the front of the vehicle roof D » Fig. 14 on page 38 - There is danger of
loss or damage to the key! It is therefore not always necessary to know where
the key is.■
The starter must only be operated when the engine is not running and the vehi-
cle is at a standstill. The starter or engine may be damaged if the starter is activa- ted when the engine is running.
■
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 using the battery from another vehicle .
CAUTION
■
Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads before the en-
gine has reached its operating temperature – risk of damaging the engine!■
Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumulation
of heat when the engine is switched off.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start your
journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this the engine reaches its operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower.
Note
■ The vehicle can not be locked if the ignition has not been turned off.■The system is protected against inadvertently switching off the engine while
driving, this means that the engine can only be switched off in an emergen- cy » page 124 .■
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan may intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10 minutes.■
Under certain circumstances (e.g. after switching off the ignition and opening
the driver's door), the steering is enabled only when the ignition is switched on or the engine is started.

Steering lock / unlock
Fig. 116
Starter button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 121.
The steering lock (steering lock) deters attempted theft of your vehicle.
Locking
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
Switch off the engine or the ignition by pressing the starter button » Fig. 116.
›
Open the driver door.
The steering is locked automatically.
If the driver's door is opened and the ignition is switched off afterwards, the
steering is only locked after the vehicle is locked.
Unlocking
›
Open the driver's door and get into the vehicle.
›
Close the driver's door.
The steering is unlocked within 2 seconds.
If the system does not unlock the steering at the first time (for example when the
front wheels are in contact with an obstacle), then two more unlocking attempts
are performed automatically. 
122Driving

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

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

Avoiding unnecessary ballastFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 131.
Transporting ballast costs fuel.
Each kilogramme of weight increases the fuel consumption. Therefore, we rec-
ommend to carry no unnecessary weight.
It is particularly in town traffic, when one is accelerating quite often, that the ve-
hicle weight will have a significant effect upon the fuel consumption. A rule of
thumb here is that an increase in weight of 100 kilograms will cause an increase
in fuel consumption of about 1 litre/100 kilometres.
At a speed of 100 - 120 km/h, a vehicle fitted with a roof rack cross member with-
out a load will use about 10 % more fuel than normal due to the increased aero-
dynamic drag.

Regular maintenance
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 131.
A poorly tuned engine uses an unnecessarily high amount of fuel.
By having your vehicle regularly maintained by a specialist garage, you create the conditions needed for economical driving. The maintenance state of your vehicle has a positive effect on traffic safety and value retention.
A poorly tuned engine can result in a fuel consumption which is 10 % higher thannormal!
Check the oil at regular intervals, e.g. when filling up. Oil consumption is depend-
ent to a considerable extent on the load and speed of the engine. Oil consump-
tion could be as high as 0.5 litres/1000 km depending on your style of driving.
It is quite normal that a new engine has a higher oil consumption at first, and rea- ches its lowest level only after a certain running in time. The oil consumption of anew vehicle can therefore only be correctly assessed after driving about 5000 km.
For the sake of the environment■ Additional improvements to the fuel economy can be made by using synthetic
high-lubricity oils.■
Regularly check the ground under the vehicle. Have your vehicle inspected by a
specialist garage if you find any stains caused by oil or other fluids on the ground.
Note
We recommend that your vehicle be serviced on a regular basis by a ŠKODA serv- ice partner.
Saving electrical energy
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 131.
When the engine is running, the alternator generates and supplies electrical pow- er. If more electrical components of the electrical system are switched on, more
fuel is needed to operate the alternator. We therefore recommend switching off
electrical components if these are no longer required.

Environmental compatibility
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 131.
Environmental protection has played a major role in the design, selection of mate-
rials, and manufacture of your new ŠKODA. Particular emphasis has been placed
on the following points.
Design measures › Joints designed to be easily detached.
› Simplified disassembly due to the modular structure system.
› Improved purity of different classes of materials.
› Identification of all plastic parts in accordance with VDA Recommendation 260.
› Reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission CO
2.
› Minimum fuel leakage during accidents.
› Reduced noise.

134Driving