2013 SKODA OCTAVIA service indicator

Bar with warning lights » page 15
Button for:
› Set hours/minutes
» page 14
› Displaying the distance and days until the next service interval
» page 33
› Resetting Service Interval Display
» page 33
› Reset daily trip counter
» page 14
› Charge level indicator
» page 14
Fuel gauge » page 13
Revolutions counter
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 11.
The red scale of the revolution counter
1
» Fig. 2 on page 11 indicates the range
in which the system begins to limit the engine speed. The system automatically
restricts the engine speed to a steady limit.
You should shift into the next highest gear before the red scale of the revolution
counter is reached, or select mode D on the automatic gearbox.
Follow the recommended gear to prevent engine speeds that are too high or too
low » page 27 .

Display
Fig. 3
Display types
567First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 11.
The instrument cluster can have one of the following types of display » Fig. 3.
Segment display
MAXI DOT display.
Note
Depending on vehicle equipment, the MAXI DOT display can be either monochro- matic “(black and white)” or color.
Speedometer
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 11.
Warning against excessive speeds
An audible warning signal will sound when the vehicle speed exceeds 120 km/h 1)
.
The audible warning signal is switched off when the vehicle speed falls below
120 km/h.


1)
This function only applies to certain countries.
12Using the system

■Abort lap - Cancel the timer (the aborted lap time is not stored)
■ Hang up - End timing (the aborted lap time is stored)
Evaluate recorded times
› Select the menu item
Lap timer - Statistics .
The following information is displayed. › Fastest:
- The fastest lap
› Slowest:
- The slowest lap
› Average:
- The average lap time
› Overall time:
- The total of all the lap times
Reset measured times
› Select the menu item
Lap timer - Statistics - Reset .WARNING■
Concentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver, you are fully re-
sponsible for the operation of your vehicle.■
Only use the Lap timer system when you are in any traffic situation where
you have full control over the vehicle.
Note
■ The system allows the measurement of up to 11 lap times.■The measurement of single lap time is stopped after 99 h, 59 min and 59 sec.
After this time has been reached, measuring the new lap starts automatically.■
The measured times cannot be reset individually.
■
If the measured times are not reset, then these are stored even after turning
off the ignition.

Service interval display
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Service messages
33
Resetting Service Interval Display
34
The service due date is automatically displayed on the display and this informa- tion can be displayed manually at any time if necessary.
Note■ Information is retained in the Service Interval Display even after the vehicle bat-
tery is disconnected.■
If the instrument cluster is exchanged after a repair, the correct values must be
entered in the counter for the Service Interval Display. This work is carried out by a specialist garage.
■
In some national versions the displays appear in the Imperial system of meas-
urement.
■
For more information on the service intervals, see » page 198, Service intervals .

Service messages
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 33.
Messages before reaching the scheduled service dateBefore reaching the service date, the icon 
appears in the display after the igni-
tion is switched on, as well as the following message for example.
Oil change in ... days
OIL CHANGE IN ... DAYS
or
Inspection in ... days
INSPECT_ IN ...DAYS
The kilometre indicator or the days indicator reduces in steps of 100 km or, where
applicable, days until the service due date is reached.
Messages upon reaching scheduled service date
Once the service interval is reached, the icon 
appears in the display after the
ignition is switched on, as well as the following message for example.
Oil change now!
OIL CHANGE NOW
or Inspection now!
INSPECTION NOW
or 
33Information system

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

Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available in anemergency. In this case, use just water and have the correct mixing ratio of waterand coolant additive restored by a specialist garage as soon as possible.
Brake fluid
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking the brake fluid level
223
Changing
223WARNING■ The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. The following
warning instructions must be followed at all times when working in the en-
gine compartment » page 215.■
If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking » Fig. 186 on page 223,
 do not continue your journey - risk of accident! Seek help from a specialist
garage.
■
Do not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired – risk of accident!
CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
Note
The brake fluid is changed as part of a prescribed inspection services.
Checking the brake fluid levelFig. 186
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 223.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir » Fig. 186.
The level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
A slight drop in the fluid level results when driving due to normal wear-and-tear and automatic adjustment of the brake pads.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid lev-
el drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” marking.
If the brake fluid level is too low, this is indicated by the indicator light  » page 16 , 
Brake system lighting up in the instrument cluster.

Changing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 223.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Over time it therefore absorbs moisture from the
environment.
Excessive water in the brake fluid may be the cause of corrosion in the brake sys-
tem.
The water content lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid. 
223Inspecting and replenishing

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

Wheels
Tyres and wheel rims
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Service life of tyres
229
New tyres
230
Unidirectional tyres
231
Tyre control display
231
Spare wheel
232
Full wheel trim
233
Wheel bolts
233
Wheel bolts
233WARNING■ The national legal requirements must be observed for the use of tyres.■Observe the national legal regulations relating to the use of snow chains
and the maximum vehicle speed with snow chains.WARNINGThe following instructions for the use of tyres must be observed.■During the first 500 km, new tyres do not offer optimum grip and appropri-
ate care should therefore be taken when driving – risk of accident!■
On all four wheels, use only radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling cir-
cumference) and the same tread pattern.
■
For safety reasons, do no replace tyres individually.
■
Never exceed the maximum permissible load bearing capacity for fitted
tyres – risk of accident!
■
Never exceed the maximum permissible speed for fitted tyres – risk of acci-
dent!
■
An incorrect wheel alignment at the front or rear impairs handling – risk of
accident!
WARNING (Continued)■ Unusual vibrations or pulling of the vehicle to one side could be a sign of
tyre damage. If there is any doubt that a wheel is damaged, immediately re-
duce your speed and stop! If no external damage is evident, drive slowly and
carefully to the nearest specialist garage to have the vehicle checked.■
Only use those tyres or wheel rims which have been approved by ŠKODA for
your model of vehicle. Failure to observe this instruction will adversely affect
the road safety of your vehicle – risk of accident!
WARNINGObserve the following information regarding damage and wear of tyres.■Never use tyres if you do not know anything about the condition and age.■
Never drive with damaged tyres – risk of accident!
■
Immediately replace damaged wheel rims or tyres.
■
You must have your tyres replaced with new ones at the latest when the
wear indicators have been worn down.
■
Worn tyres do not provide the necessary adhesion to the road surface par-
ticularly at high speeds on wet roads. One could experience “aquaplaning” (uncontrolled movements of the vehicle – “swimming” on a wet road surface).
WARNINGObserve the following information regarding the tyre inflation pressure.■The tyre control display does not absolve the driver of the responsibility to
ensure the correct tyre inflation pressure. Check the tyre inflation pressure at
regular intervals.■
Too low or too high inflation pressure impairs handling – risk of an accident!
■
If the inflation pressure is too low, the tyre must perform a greater rolling
resistance. At higher speeds the tyre will warm up as a result of this. This can
result in tread separation and a tyre blowout.
WARNINGObserve the following information regarding the wheel bolts.■The wheel bolts must be clean and must turn easily. Never treat them with
grease or oil. 228General Maintenance

WARNING (Continued)■The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts for steel and light alloy
wheels is 120 Nm.■
If the wheel bolts are tightened to a too low tightening torque, the rim can
come loose when the car is moving – risk of accident! A tightening torque
which is too high can damage the bolts and threads and this can result in per-
manent deformation of the contact surfaces on the rim.
■
In case of incorrect treatment of the wheel bolts, the wheel can loosen
when the car is moving – risk of accident!
WARNINGObserve the following information regarding the spare wheel.■Only use the spare wheel while absolutely necessary.■
Never drive with more than one spare wheel mounted.
■
The snow chains cannot be used on the spare wheel.
CAUTION
■ If a spare wheel is used that is not identical to the fitted tyres, the following
must be observed » page 232, Spare wheel .■
Protect the tyres from contact with oil, grease and fuel.
■
Replace lost dust caps.
■
If, in the event of a puncture, it is necessary to fit a spare wheel with a tyre
without a dedicated running direction or the opposite running direction, drive
carefully as the optimum characteristics of the tyre are no longer applicable in
this situation.
For the sake of the environment
Tyres which are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption.
Note
■ We recommend that any work on the wheels or tyres be carried out by a spe-
cialist garage.■
We recommend that you use wheel rims, tyres, full wheel trims and snow chains
from ŠKODA Original Accessories.

Service life of tyresFig. 189
Principle sketch: Tyre tread with wear indicators/Open fuel filler
flap with a table detailing the tyre size and tyre inflation pressure
Fig. 190
Changing wheels around
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 228.
The life of tyres depends on the inflation pressure, driving style, and other cir-
cumstances. Following the advice below can extend the service life of your tyres.
Tyre pressure
Check the tyre pressure, including that of the spare wheel, at least once a month and also before setting off on a long journey.
The tyre pressures for tyres are shown on the inside of the fuel filler
flap » Fig. 189 -
 .
The tyre pressure should be at the highest pressure specified for your vehicle at all times. 
229Wheels

Practical equipment79
Storage compartments79
Comfort control window
49
COMING HOME60
Compartments79
Component protection202
Computer see multifunction display
29
Convenience consumers133
Convenience operation sliding / tilting roof (Octavia Estate)
53
sliding / tilting roof (Octavia)51
Coolant221
Checking222
indicator symbol22
Replenishing222
Temperature gauge13
warning messages22
CORNER See Fog lights with CORNER function
59
Correct seated position177
Driver178
Front passenger178
Instructions179
Rear seats178
Counter for distance driven14
Cruise control system Activating/deactivating
147
Changing the stored speed147
Storing and maintaining speed147
Switching off temporarily147
Warning light21
Cruise Control System146
Cup holders82
D
DAY LIGHT see Daylight running lights
55
Daylight running lights55
De-icing the windscreen and rear window64
Deactivating an airbag191
Decorative films206
Delayed locking of the boot lid see Boot lid
44
Diesel refer to Fuel
214
Diesel fuel Operation in winter
214
Diesel particulate filter24
information messages24
Digital Clock Time
14
Dipstick220
Disconnecting and reconnecting vehicle battery
227
Display12
Compass points28
Coolant temperature13
Correct gear changes27
Fuel supply13
Service interval33
Distance driven14
Door Child safety lock
40
Closing40
Emergency locking the driver's door248
Opening40
Door locking Emergency
248
Doors Emergency locking
248
Door warning28
double hooks93
Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)139
Driving Abroad
136
Driving through water on streets135
Emissions263
Fuel consumption263
Driving economically Economical gear changing132
Driving mode161
driving mode select Normal mode
162
Driving through water135
DSR139
E
Economical driving
131
Ballast134
Driving at full throttle132
Idling132
Looking ahead131
Regular maintenance134
Saving energy134
Short distances133
Tyre inflation pressure133
Eco tips28
EDL139
Electrical power windows49
Button in the driver's door47, 48
Button in the rear doors48
Operational faults49
Electric luggage compartment lid Acoustic signals
46
Adjusting the top lid position46
Deleting the top lid position46
Force limiter44
Malfunctions47
manual operation44
Operating45
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)139
Electronic immobiliser120
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)137
Emergency Automatic gearbox
249
Changing a wheel237
Door locking248
274Index