Engine compartment overviewFig. 182
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 215.
Coolant expansion reservoir
222
Engine oil dipstick
220
Engine oil filler opening
221
Brake fluid reservoir
223
Battery (below a cover)
224
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
218
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
Radiator fan
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 215.
The radiator fan is powered by an electric motor. Operation is controlled accord-
ing to the temperature of the coolant.
123456WARNINGAfter switching off the ignition, the fan can intermittently continue to operate
for approx. 10 minutes.
Windscreen washer system
Fig. 183
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 215.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and
contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen or rear window and for the head-
lights.
The capacity of the reservoir is about 3 litres or about 4.7 litres on vehicles that
have a headlight cleaning system.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and headlights.
We recommend using clean washing water together with the screen cleaner from
the range of ŠKODA Original Accessories (in winter additionally with antifreeze)
which is capable of removing stubborn dirt.
In Winter, the washing water should always be mixed with antifreeze even if the
vehicle has heated windscreen washer nozzles.
Under exceptional circumstances, methylated spirits can also be used if no screen
cleaner with antifreeze is available. The concentration of methylated spirits must
not be more than 15 %. The freeze protection at this concentration is sufficient
only to -5 °C.
218General Maintenance
Checking the battery electrolyte levelFig. 188
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 224.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, the so-called
magic eye » Fig. 188, the electrolyte level can be determined by looking at the
change in colour.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
› Black colour – electrolyte level is correct.
› Colourless or light yellow colour – electrolyte level too low, the battery must be
replaced.
Vehicles with a START-STOP system are fitted with a battery control unit for checking the energy level for the recurring engine start.
We recommend that you have the acid level checked regularly by a specialist ga-
rage, especially in the following cases.
› High external temperatures.
› Longer day trips.
› After each charge.
Winter time
The vehicle battery only has a proportion of the starting power in lower tempera-
tures. A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures just be-
low 0 °C .
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked and, if necessary, re-
charged by a specialist garage before the start of the winter.
CAUTIONFor technical reasons, on vehicles with the description “AGM”, the electrolyte lev- el cannot be checked.
Note
The battery acid level is also checked regularly by a specialist garage as part of
the inspection service.
Charging
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 224.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.
›
Switch off the ignition and all of the electrical components.
›
Only when performing a “quick-charge”, disconnect both battery cables (first of
all “negative”, then “positive”).
›
Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red = “posi- tive”, black = “negative”).
›
Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch on the
device.
›
After charging has been successful: Switch off the charger and remove themains cable from the power socket.
›
Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
›
Reconnect the cables to the battery (first of all “positive”, then “negative”).
It is not necessary to disconnect the cables of the battery if you recharge the ve- hicle battery using low amperages (for example from a mini-charger). Refer to the
instructions of the charger manufacturer .
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or lower) must be used until full charging is achieved.
It is necessary to disconnect both cables before charging the battery with high
amperages, so-called “ quick-charging”.
The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging.
226General Maintenance
WARNING“Quick-charging” the vehicle battery is dangerous and requires a special
charger and specialist knowledge.
CAUTION
On vehicles with the START/STOP system, the pole terminal of the charger must
not be connected directly to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery, but only
to the engine earth » page 244, Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP
system .
Note
We therefore recommend that vehicle batteries be rapid charged by a specialist
garage.
Replacing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 224.
When replacing a battery, the new vehicle battery must have the same capacity,
voltage, amperage and be the same size. Suitable vehicle battery types can be
purchased from a specialist garage.
We recommend having the battery replaced by a specialist garage, where the
new vehicle battery will be installed properly and the original battery will be dis-
posed of in accordance with national regulations.
Disconnecting and reconnecting
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 224.
On disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery, the following functions
are initially deactivated or are no longer able to operate fault-free:
OperationOperating measureElectrical power window (operational faults)» page 49Enter the radio/navigation system code num-
ber» Operating instructions for Info-
tainment Radio or » Operating
instructions for Infotainment
NavigationSetting the clock» page 14Data in the multifunction display are deleted» page 29
Note
We recommend having the vehicle checked by a specialist garage in order to en-
sure full functionality of all electrical systems.
Automatic load deactivation
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 224.
The vehicle voltage control unit automatically prevents the battery from discharg-
ing when the bettery is subjected to heavy loads. This manifests itself by the fol-
lowing.
› The idling speed is raised to allow the generator to deliver more electricity to
the electrical system.
› Where appropriate large convenience consumers, e.g. seat heaters, rear win-
dow heaters, have their power limited or in case of emergency shut off com-
pletely.
CAUTION
■ Despite such intervention by the vehicle electric system management, the vehi-
cle battery may be drained. For example, when the ignition is switched on a long
time with the engine turned off or the side or parking lights are turned on during longer parking.■
Consumers which are supplied via a 12 V socket can cause the vehicle battery to
discharge when the ignition is switched off.
Note
Driving comfort is not disrupted by any shutting off of consumers. Often the driv-
er is not aware of it having taken place.
227Inspecting and replenishing
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
246Vehicles 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
Hazard warning light system61
Jump-starting243
Locking the driver's door248
Start engine - KESSY124
Switching off the ignition –KESSY124
Towing the using the tow hitch246
Towing the vehicle244
Tyre repair240
Unlocking the driver's door248
Unlocking the tailgate249
Emergency equipment Fire extinguisher
236
First aid kit235
Jack236
Vehicle tool kit236
Warning triangle235
Emissions263
Engine Running in
130
Engine compartment215
Brake fluid223
Coolant222
Overview218
Vehicle battery224
Engine oil219
Capacity219
Changing221
Checking220
indicator symbol23
Replenishing221
Specifications219
Warning icon23
Environment131
Environmental compatibility134
Environmentally friendly driving131
EPC Warning light
19
ESC Function
137
Warning light18
Exhaust inspection system Warning light19
F
Fastening elements
92
Fatigue detection168
Function168
Information messages168
Films206
Fire extinguisher236
First aid kit235
Floor covering Fixing
94
Fog lights59
Warning light21
Fog lights with CORNER function59
Footmats126
see footmats126
Force limit Power windows
49
Force limiter electric luggage compartment lid (Octavia Estate) 44sliding/tilting roof (Octavia Estate)
52
sliding/tilting roof (Octavia)50
Front airbag187
Front Assist154
Activating/deactivating157
City emergency braking157
Information messages158
Instructions and Information155
Operation156
Radar sensor155
Front door warning light63
Fuel212
Diesel214
Fuel gauge13
refer to Fuel212
Refuelling212
Unleaded petrol213
Warning icon25
Fuel consumption131
fuel filter warning messages
25
Fuses Assignment
251
Assignment of fuses in the dash panel253
Colour coding251
Fuse assignment in the engine compartment254
Plastic clip254
Replacing251
G
Gear change Gear recommendation
27
Information on the selected gear27
Gear changing Gear stick
126
General view Cockpit
9
Glasses storage box86
Glow plug system Warning light
19
H
Handbrake
125
Warning light16
Hazard warning light system61
HBA139
Head airbag189
Headlight assist58
Warning icon25
Headlight cleaning system Headlight cleaning system
67
Headlights Bulb arrangement
256
Driving abroad136
Headlight cleaning system67
Head restraint73
275Index
Cleaning the wheels208
Decorative films206
Door lock cylinders207
Headlight lenses207
High-pressure cleaner204
Plastic parts206
Polishing the paintwork205
Rubber seals206
Taking care of the interior208
Taking care of your vehicle exterior205
Washing203
Washing by hand204
Wash system204
Wax treatment205
Taking care of your vehicles Fabric covers
210
TCS Operation
138
Warning light18
Technical data263
Temporary spare wheel232
Tiptronic128
Tools236
TOP TETHER197
Towing244
Towing a trailer169
Towing device Description
169
Drawbar load169
Use and care172
Towing eye front
245
Rear245
Towing protection43
Traction Control System (TCS)138
Traffic sign recognition166
Function166
Information messages167
Traffic Sign Recognition Notifications and settings
167
Traffic signssee Traffic sign recognition166
Trailer169, 172
13-pin power socket173
driving with a trailer173
loading172
Safety eye173
Trailer stabilisation174
Transmission warning messages
16
Transport Luggage compartment
91
Roof rack system103
Transporting children safely193
Turn signal56
Turn signal system Warning light
20
Type plate263
Tyre control display Calibration
231
Tyre inflation pressure Warning light
20
Tyre load-bearing capacity see Wheels
230
Tyre repair Check pressure
242
Preparations241
Sealing and inflating the tyre242
Tyres228
Inflation pressure229
New230
See Wheels230
Sizes229
Tyre wear indicator229
U
Underbody protection
208
Unleaded petrol136
Unlocking Individual settings39
KESSY38
Key36
Remote control37
Vehicle key36
Unlocking and locking35
Useful equipment 12-volt power outlet
84
230-volt power socket89
Ashtray83
Car park ticket holder80
Cigarette lighter83
Clothes hook88
Cup holders82
Glasses storage box86
Holder for reflective vest81
Multimedia holder85
Removable ski bag90
Seat backrest with long-cargo channel90
Storage compartment in the front centre console 82
Storage compartment on the driver's side
80
Storage compartments in the doors81
Storage compartment under the front armrest86
Using the information system26
Using the selector lever127
V
Variable loading floor
99
Dividing the luggage compartment101
Folding up101
Position change100
Vehicle battery Automatic load deactivation
227
Charge level indicator14
charging226
Checking the battery electrolyte level226
Cover225
Operation in winter226
Replacing227
280Index