2013 SKODA OCTAVIA tow bar

WARNINGNo objects should be placed on the luggage compartment cover, the vehicle
occupants could be endangered if there is sudden braking or the vehicle col-
lides with something.
CAUTION
■ Please ensure that the heating elements for the rear window heater are not
damaged as a result of objects placed in this area.■
When closing the boot lid, jamming and damage to the luggage compartment
cover or the side trim panel can occur if handled in an unprofessional way. The following guidelines must be observed. ■ The recesses in the cover
3
» Fig. 87 must lock in the holders in the side trim
panel
2
.
■ The items which are transported must not exceed the height of the luggage
compartment cover. ■ The cover must not be jammed in the surrounding seal of the luggage com-
partment lid when it is in the opened position. ■ There must be no object in the gap between the opened cover and the rear
backrest.
Note
Opening the boot lid also lifts up the boot cover.
Roll-up luggage compartment cover (Octavia Estate)
Fig. 89
Pull out and remove the roll-up luggage compartment cover/roll up
roll-up luggage compartment cover
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 91.
Extending
›
Grasp the cover on the handle
A
» Fig. 89 and pull it out in the direction of the
arrow
1
until it clicks.
Retracting
›
Push the cover in the area of the handle
A
» Fig. 89 in the direction of the ar-
row
2
.
The cover rolls up automatically.
Removing/inserting
The fully rolled-up luggage compartment cover can be removed (e.g. for the
transport of bulky objects).
›
Push on the side of the crossbar in the direction of the arrow
3
» Fig. 89 and
remove the cover in the direction of the arrow
4
.
Insertion takes place in reverse order.
The removed luggage compartment cover can be stowed in the storage compart- ment under the variable loading floor » page 97, Stowing roll-up luggage com-
partment cover and roof racks .
WARNINGNo objects should be placed on the foldable boot cover.

96Using the system

Multifunction box (Octavia Estate)Fig. 94
Multifunctional pocket: withdrawing / sliding in
Fig. 95
Remove multifunction box
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 91.
The multifunction box under the roll-up luggage compartment cover is provided
for the storage of clothing and light objects with no sharp edges.
Extending
›
Fold down the front hooks on both sides of the luggage compart- ment » page 94 .
›
Grasp the rear bar
A
» Fig. 94 with both hands and withdraw the complete
pocket in the direction of the arrow
1
.
›
Place the rear bar onto the two hooks that are folded forward in the direction of
the arrow
2
all the way to the stop.
Pushing in
›
Remove the rear bar from the hook in the direction of the arrow
3
» Fig. 94 .
›
Push in the complete multifunction box in the direction of the arrow
4
.
›Place the rear bar against the front bar and press them together at both endsB.›
Fold back the front hooks on both sides of the luggage compartment.
Removing/inserting
›
Remove the roll-up luggage compartment cover » page 96.
›
Remove the multifunction box from the receptacle in the direction of the ar-
row » Fig. 95 .
Insertion takes place in reverse order.
›
When inserting, push the end of the bar marked   into the right receptacle and
the end of the bar marked   into the left receptacle. The arrows should be
pointing forward » Fig. 95.
CAUTION
The maximum permissible load of the multifunction box is 3 kg.
Variable loading floor in the luggage compartment
(Estate)
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Positions of the variable loading floor
100
Fold up variable loading floor
101
Dividing the luggage compartment
101
The variable loading floor makes handling of bulky items of luggage easier.
CAUTION
The maximum permissible load of the variable loading floor is 75 kg. For the trans- port of heavy loads, adjust the variable loading floor in the lower posi-
tion » page 100 .
Note
The space below the variable loading floor can be used for stowing objects, for
example, the removed roll-up luggage compartment cover, roof cross bars,
etc. » page 97 .
99Seats and useful equipment

WARNING■The items which you transport on the roof rack must be reliably attached –
risk of accident!■
Always secure the load with appropriate and undamaged lashing straps or
tensioning straps.
■
Distribute the load evenly over the roof rack system.
■
When transporting heavy objects or objects which take up a large area on
the roof rack system, the handling of the car may change as a result of the displacement of the centre of gravity. The style of driving and speed musttherefore be adapted to the current circumstances.
■
Avoid abrupt and sudden driving/braking manoeuvres.
■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
■
The permissible roof load, permissible axle loads and gross permissible
weight of the vehicle must not be exceeded under any circumstances – risk of
accident!
CAUTION
■ Only use roof rack systems approved by ŠKODA AUTO a.s.■When dealing with roof rack systems, the installation instructions supplied with
the roof luggage rack system must be observed.■
On models fitted with a sliding/tilting roof, ensure that the sliding/tilting roof
does not strike any items of luggage transported on the roof.
■
Ensure that the luggage compartment lid does not hit the roof load when
opened.
■
The height of the vehicle changes after mounting a roof luggage rack system
and the load that is secured to it. Compare the vehicle height with available clear-
ances, such as underpasses and garage doors.
■
Always remove the roof luggage rack system before entering an automated car
wash.
■
Ensure the roof aerial is not impaired by the secured load.
For the sake of the environment
The increased aerodynamic drag results in a higher fuel consumption.NoteThe removed roof rack for the Octavia Estate can be stowed in the stowage com-
partment under the variable loading floor » page 97, Stowing roll-up luggage
compartment cover and roof racks .
Attachment points
Does not apply to the Octavia Estate.
Fig. 105
Attachment points for roof bars
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 103.
Installation position of the attachment points for roof bars » Fig. 105:
Front attachment points
Rear attachment points
Perform the assembly and disassembly according to the enclosed instructions.
CAUTION
Observe the information regarding the assembly and disassembly in the enclosed
instructions.
AB104Using the system

Towing a trailer
Towing device
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Description
169
Setting the ready position
170
Installing the ball rod
170
Check proper fitting
171
Removing the ball rod
171
Use and care
172
If your vehicle has already been factory-fitted with a towing device or is fitted
with a towing device from ŠKODA Original Accessories, then it meets all of the
technical requirements and national legal provisions for towing a trailer.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection be-tween the vehicle and trailer. If the trailer that is to be towed has a 7-pin connec-
tor , you can use a suitable adapter from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Maximum Trailer drawbar load weight is 75 kg, or 80 kg for the Octavia Estate
4x4 vehicles.
WARNING■ Before each time you make a journey when using the ball rod, check that it
is seated correctly and is secured in the mounting recess.■
Do not operate the ball rod if it is not correctly inserted in the mounting re-
cess.
■
Do not operate the towing device if it is damaged or incomplete.
■
Do not perform any modifications or changes to the towing device.
■
Never release the ball rod while the trailer is still coupled.
CAUTION
Handle the ball rod carefully to avoid damaging the paintwork on the bumper.
DescriptionFig. 152
Carrier of the towing device/ball rod
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 169.
The ball rod can be removed and can be found in the spare wheel well or in a
compartment for the spare wheel in the boot » page 236.
Explanation of graphic 13-pin power socket
Safety eye
Mounting recess
Cap
Dust cap
Ball rod
Operating lever
Lock cap
Trigger pin
Keys
Locking ball
Note
If you lose the key, please get in touch with a specialist garage.
1234567891011169Towing a trailer

Setting the ready positionFig. 153
Setting the ready position/ready position
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 169.
Before installing always adjust the ball rod in the ready position.
›
Turn the key
1
so that its red marking is visible » Fig. 153.
›
Grab the ball rod underneath the protective cap
2
.
›
Press the trigger pin
3
as far as the stop in the direction of the arrow - at the
same time push the lever
4
downwards as far as it will go in the direction of
the arrow.
The lever remains locked in this position.
CAUTION
In the ready position, the key cannot be removed nor turned into a different posi-
tion.
Installing the ball rodFig. 154
Insert the ball rod/lock up the lock, and put the lock cover on
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 169.
›
Pull cap
4
» Fig. 152 on page 169 downwards.
›
Adjust the ball rod to the ready position » page 170.
›
Grip the tow bar from underneath » Fig. 154 and insert into the mounting recess
until you hear it click into place » .
Lever
1
turns upwards automatically and the release pin
2
pops out (its red
and green parts are visible) » .
If the lever
1
does not turn automatically, or if the trigger pin
2
does not come
out, remove the ball rod from the mounting recess by turning the lever down-
wards as far as it can go. Clean the wedge surfaces on the ball rod and the
mounting recess.
›
Lock the lock on the operating lever by turning the key
3
by 180° to the right
(see green marking is visible) and remove the key in the direction of the arrow.
›
Insert the cap
4
on the lock in the direction of the arrow » .
›
Check the ball rod for proper attachment » page 171.
WARNING■
Keep your hands outside the lever's range of motion when attaching the ball
rod – risk of finger injuries!■
Never attempt to pull the operating lever violently upwards to turn the key.
Doing so would mean the ball rod is not attached correctly! 170Driving

CAUTION■After removing the key, always replace the cap on the lock of the operating lev-
er – there is a risk of dirt getting into the lock.■
Keep the mounting recess of the towing device clean at all times. Such dirt pre-
vents the ball rod from being attached securely!
■
After removing the ball rod, always place the cap on the mounting recess.

Check proper fitting
Fig. 155
Check the proper attachment of
the ball rod
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
Before each use of the ball rod, check that it is attached properly.
Check the following points.
Lever
1
is up as far as it goes » Fig. 155.
The trigger pin
2
is completely exposed (both its red and green part is visi-
ble).
The key is removed.
the cap
3
is on top of the lock of the operating lever.
The ball rod does not come off the mounting recess even after strong “shak- ing”.
WARNINGDo not use the towing device unless the ball rod was properly locked!

Removing the ball rodFig. 156
Unlock the operating lever of the ball rod/removing the ball rod
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 169.
›
Remove the cap
1
» Fig. 156 from the lock on the tow bar in the direction of
the arrow.
›
Unlock the lock on the operating lever by turning the key
2
180° to the left so
that the red marking becomes visible.
›
Grab hold of the ball rod from underneath.
›
Press the trigger pin
3
as far as the stop in the direction of the arrow - at the
same time push the lever
4
downwards as far as it will go in the direction of
the arrow.
The ball rod is released in this position and falls freely into the hand. If it does not
fall freely into the hand, use your other hand to push it upwards.
At the same time, the ball rod latches into the ready position and is thus ready to
be re-inserted into the mounting recess »
.
›
Place the cap
4
» Fig. 152 on page 169 onto the mounting recess.
WARNINGNever allow the ball rod to remain unsecured in the boot. This could cause
damage to the boot upon sudden braking, and could put the safety of the oc-
cupants at risk. 171Towing a trailer

CAUTION■If the lever is held firm and not pushed downwards as far as it can go, it will go
back up after the ball rod is removed and will not latch into the ready position.
The ball rod then needs to be brought into this position before the next time it is installed.■
Stow the ball head in the ready position with the key inserted in the box. When
doing so, make the side opposite to the inserted key face downwards – there is a
risk of damaging the key.
■
Do not use excessive force when handling the operating lever (e.g. do not climb
on it)!
Note
■ We recommend putting the protective cover onto the ball head before removing
the tow bar.■
Remove any dirt from the ball rod before stowing it away in the box with the
vehicle tool kit.

Use and care
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 169.
Seal the mounting recess with the cap to prevent any ingress of dirt.
Always check the ball head before hitching a trailer. Use a suitable lubricating grease where necessary.
Include the protective cap when stowing away the ball rod to protect the boot
from getting contaminated.
In the event of dirt, clean the surfaces of the mounting recess and treat with a
suitable preservative.
CAUTION
Apply lubricating grease to the upper part of the mounting recess. Make sure you
do not remove any grease.
Trailer
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Loading a trailer
172
Driving with a trailer
173
Trailer stabilisation
174
Anti-theft alarm system
174WARNINGAlways drive particularly carefully with the trailer.

Loading a trailer
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 172.
The vehicle/trailer combination must be balanced. whereby the maximum permis-
sible drawbar load must be utilised. If the drawbar load is too low, it jeopardises the performance of the vehicle/trailer combination.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that heavy items are located as close to the axle as possible. Secure the items from slipping.
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trail-
er is laden. Drive at a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this
combination.
Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for a “full load” » page 229,
Service life of tyres .
Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan-
ces » page 263 , Technical data .
The trailer loads specified apply only to altitudes up to 1000 metres above mean
sea level. 
172Driving

The engine output falls as the height increases, as does the ability to climb.
Therefore, for every additional 1000 m in height (or part), the maximum permissi- ble towed weight must be reduced by 10%.
The towed weight is made up of the actual weights of the loaded towing vehicleand the loaded trailer.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing device are merely test data for the towing device. The vehicle-specific values are de-
tailed in the vehicle documents.WARNING■ Do not exceed the maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and the
maximum permissible total or towed weight of the vehicle and the trailer –
risk of accident and serious injury.■
Slipping loads can significantly impair the stability and safety of the vehicle/
trailer combination – risk of accident and serious injury.

Driving with a trailer
Fig. 157
Swivel out the 13-pin power
socket
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 172.
Before the journey
›
Grip the 13-pin socket at point
A
and swing out in the direction of ar-
row » Fig. 157 .
›
Lift off protective cap
5
» Fig. 152 on page 169 .
After the journey
›
Grip the 13-pin socket at point
A
and swing in the opposite direction to the ar-
row » Fig. 157 .
›Place the protective cover 5
» Fig. 152 on page 169 onto the tow bar.
Safety eye
The purpose of the safety eyelet B
» Fig. 157 is to attach the breakaway cable of
the trailer.
When attaching the breakaway cable to the safety eye, it must sag freely in all
trailer positions (sharp bends, in reverse, etc.).
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the
traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. The national legal requirements must be observed.
Headlights
The front of the vehicle may lift up when a trailer is being towed and the head-
lights may dazzle other road users.
Adjust the headlights using the headlight beam control » page 55, Side lights and
low beam .
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than 80 km/h when hitching a trailer.
Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the trail- er is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by accelerating.
Brakes
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the
brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting from
the trailer wheels locking.
On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to also use the engine as a
brake.
Engine overheating
If the needle for the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area
or the red area of the scale, the speed must be reduced immediately.
Stop and switch off the engine if the warning light 
in the display » page 22 is
lit. Wait a few minutes and check the level of coolant » page 222.
The following guidelines must be observed » page 22, 
Coolant .
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating. 
173Towing a trailer