2013 SKODA OCTAVIA winter tyres

General Maintenance
Vehicle care198
Service intervals
198
Service work, adjustments and technical alterations
200
Washing your car
203
Taking care of your vehicle exterior
205
Taking care of the interior
208
Inspecting and replenishing
212
Fuel
212
Engine compartment
215
Engine oil
219
Coolant
221
Brake fluid
223
Vehicle battery
224
Wheels
228
Tyres and wheel rims
228
Winter operation
234
Do-it-yourself
Emergency equipment, and self-help
235
Emergency equipment
235
Changing a wheel
237
Tyre repair
240
Jump-starting
243
Towing the vehicle
244
Remote control
246
Emergency unlocking/locking
248
Replacing windscreen wiper blades
249
Fuses and light bulbs
251
Fuses
251
Bulbs
255Technical data
Technical data263
Vehicle data
263
Index
4Table of Contents

New brake padsFirst read and observe the introductory information given on page 130.
New brake pads initially do not provide optimal braking performance. They firstneed to be “run in”. Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or so.

Economical driving and environmental sustainability
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Looking ahead
131
Economical gear changing
132
Avoiding full throttle
132
Reducing idling
132
Avoiding short distances
133
Convenience consumers
133
Checking tyre inflation pressure
133
Avoiding unnecessary ballast
134
Regular maintenance
134
Saving electrical energy
134
Environmental compatibility
134
The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the ve-
hicle have already been built into the vehicle at the works. ŠKODA places a partic-
ular emphasis on minimising negative effects on the environment.
It is necessary to take note of the guidelines given in this chapter in order tomake best use of these characteristics and to maintain their effectiveness.
Fuel consumption, environmental pollution and the wear to the engine, brakes
and tyres depend essentially on the following three factors:
› your personal style of driving.
› the conditions under which your vehicle is use,
› technical requirements.
The fuel economy by can be improved by 10 -15 % by always looking ahead and
driving in an economical way.
Fuel consumption is also be influenced by external factors which are beyond the
driver's control. Consumption increases during the winter or under difficult condi-
tions, on poor roads, etc.
Fuel consumption can vary considerably from the manufacturer's data, as a result
of outside temperatures, the weather and driving style.
The optimal engine speed should be obtained when accelerating, in order to
avoid a high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle.
CAUTION
All the speed and engine revolution figures apply only when the engine is at its
normal operating temperature.
Looking ahead
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 131.
A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs when accelerating, therefore unnec-
essary accelerating and braking should be avoided. If looking ahead when driving, less braking and consequently less accelerating are required.
If possible, let your vehicle coast to a stop, or use the engine brake, if you can see that the next set of traffic lights is on red, for example.

131Starting-off and Driving

If an engine is only idling it takes much longer for it to reach its normal operating
temperature. Wear-and-tear and pollutant emissions, though, are particularly
high in the warming-up phase. Therefore, start driving as soon as the engine has
started. though high engine speeds should be avoided.
Avoiding short distances
Fig. 125
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in l/100 km at different tem-
peratures
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 131.
Short distances result in an above-average high fuel consumption. We therefore recommend avoiding distances of less than 4 km if the engine is cold.
A cold engine consumes the most fuel immediately after the start. Fuel consump-tion drops to 10 litres/100 km after just 1 kilometre. The consumption stabilises
once the engine and catalytic converter have reached their operating tempera-
ture.
An important factor in this connection is also the ambient temperature. The im-
age » Fig. 125 shows the different levels of fuel consumption after driving a cer-
tain distance at a temperature of +20 °C and at a temperature of -10 °C.
The vehicle has a higher fuel consumption in winter than in summer.

Convenience consumers
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 131.
The convenience consumers have a share in fuel consumption.
We recommend you keep these consumers on only for as long as necessary. The convenience consumers include:
› The air conditioning system;
› Rear window heater;
› Windscreen heater;
› Heating of the external mirror;
› Rear fog light;
› Fog lights;
› Heated front seats;
› Auxiliary heating (parking heating).
Information about convenience consumers and the amount of fuel con- sumed » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR
button) .
Up to three convenience consumers are displayed in the Infotainment display-
the top 3 in terms of energy consumption 1)
.

Checking tyre inflation pressure
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 131.
Tyres which are correctly inflated save fuel.
Always ensure the tyre inflation pressure is correct. If the inflation pressure is too
low, the tyres must overcome a higher rolling resistance. This will not only in-
crease fuel consumption but also tyre wear and the driving behaviour will worsen.
Always check the tyre inflation pressure when the tyres are cold.


1)
The exterior mirror heater will only be shown in the infotainment display when outside temperatures
are below about 20 ° C.
133Starting-off and Driving

Always check the inflation pressure when the tyres are cold. Do not reduce the
higher pressure of warm tyres.
With greater payload, adjust the tyre inflation pressure accordingly.
Driving style
Fast cornering, sharp acceleration and braking increase the wear of your tyres.
Balancing wheels
The wheels of a new vehicle are balanced. When driving, there are a wide range
of influences which may result in an imbalance. This may become apparent by a
“vibration” in the steering.
Have the wheels rebalanced after replacing the tyres.
Wheel alignment errors
An incorrect wheel alignment at the front or rear leads to excess wear on the tyres.
Tyre damage
Drive over kerbs and other such obstacles slowly and perpendicularly wherever possible in order to avoid damage to tyres and wheel trims.
We recommend checking your tyres and wheel rims for damage (punctures, cuts,
splits and bulges, etc.) on a regular basis. Remove foreign bodies (e.g. small
stones) from the tyre profile immediately.
Changing wheels around
If significantly greater wear is present on the front tyres, we recommend replac-
ing the front wheels with the rear wheels as shown in the diagram » Fig. 190 .
You will then obtain approximately the same life for all the tyres.
We recommend that you change the tyres around every 10000 km in order to
achieve even wear on all tyres and to obtain optimal tyre life.
Storing tyres
Mark them previously used tyres so that you are able to fit them on again to run in the same direction.
Always store wheels or tyres in a cool, dry and, where possible, dark place. Tyres which are not fixed to a wheel trim should be stored upright.
Wear indicators
The base of the tread of the tyres has 1.6 mm high wear indicators installed.
These wear indicators are evenly spaced around the circumference of the tyre,
depending on the make » Fig. 189 - 
. Markings on the walls of the tyres through
the letters “TWI”, triangular symbols or other symbols identify the position of the
wear indicators.Tyre age
Tyres age losing their original characteristics, even if they are not used. There-
fore, we recommend not to use summer or winter tyres that are older than 6 years or 4 years respectively.
New tyres
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 228.
Only fit radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference) and the same
tread pattern on one axle on all 4 wheels.
The tyre/wheel combinations which are approved for your vehicle are indicated in
your vehicle documents.
Where possible replace tyres by axle. Always fit the tyres with the deeper tread
depth to the front wheels.
Explanation of tyre markings
195/65 R 15 91 T
What this means is:
195Tyre width in mm » Fig. 189 on page 229 - 65Height/width ratio in % » Fig. 189 on page 229 - RCode letter for the type of tyre – Radial » Fig. 189 on page 229 - 15Diameter of wheel in inches » Fig. 189 on page 229 - 91Load index » TSpeed symbol »
The date of manufacture is stated on the tyre wall (possibly on the inside). e.g.
DOT ... 10 13...
means, for example, that the tyre was manufactured in the 10th week of 2013.
Load index
This indicates the maximum permisible load on each indvidua tyre. 615 kg
630 kg
650 kg
670 kg 
91929394230General Maintenance

›The wheels of one axle are loaded more heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or
when driving uphill or downhill).
› Snow chains are mounted.
› The spare wheel is mounted.
› One wheel per axle was changed.
For vehicles with Infotainment 1)
it can be determined which tyres should be
checked » Manual Infotainment , chapter Vehicle settings (key CAR) .WARNING■
When the warning light  illuminates, immediately reduce the speed and
avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. Stop the vehicle as soon as
possible and inspect the tyres and their inflation pressure.■
Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved
roads) the  may light up after a delay, or not at all.
CAUTION
■
The tyre control display does therefore not replace the regular tyre inflation
pressure control, as the system cannot detect an even loss of pressure.■
The system cannot warn in case of very rapid tyre inflation pressure loss, e.g. in
case of sudden tyre damage. In this case carefully bring the vehicle to a standstill
without sudden steering movements or sharp braking.
■
To ensure a proper functioning of the tyre control display, it is necessary to re-
peat the basic setting every 10000 km or once a year.

Spare wheel
Fig. 192
Luggage compartment: Spare
wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 228.
The spare wheel is located in a well under the floor covering in the boot and is
fixed in place with a special bolt » Fig. 192.
Take out wheel
›
Open the boot lid.
›
Raise the floor covering in the boot » page 99.
›
Remove the box with the tool kit.
›
Pull out safety lock
1
» Fig. 192 in the direction of the arrow.
›
Unscrew the
2
bolt in a counterclockwise direction.
›
Remove the wheel.
Store wheel away
›
Place the replaced wheel into the spare wheel well with the wheel rim pointing
downward.
›
Screw in bolt
2
» Fig. 192 in a clockwise direction, until the wheel is secure.
›
Insert safety lock
1
» Fig. 192 in the opposite direction to which the arrow is
pointing.
›
Place the box with the tool kit back into the spare wheel and secure it with the
tape.
›
Fold back the floor covering in the boot » page 99.
›
Shut the boot lid.
Install a wheel having the appropriate version and dimensions as soon as possi-
ble.
If the dimensions or design of the spare wheel differ from the tyres fitted to the
vehicle (e.g. winter tyres or low-profile tyres), it must only be used briefly in the
event of a puncture and if an appropriately cautious style of driving is adop-
ted »
.
Temporary spare wheel
A yellow warning label is displayed on the rim of the temporary spare wheel.
Please note the following if you intend to use the temporary spare wheel. › The warning label must not be covered after installing the wheel.
› Be specially attentive when driving.
› The inflation pressure for the temporary spare wheel is identical to the maxi-
mum inflation pressure of the standard tyres.
› Only use this temporary spare wheel to reach the nearest specialist garage, as it
is not intended for long-term use. 

1)
Does not apply to vehicles with the Infotainment Blues and Swing system.
232General Maintenance

WARNING■Never use the temporary spare wheel if it is damaged.■If the dimensions or design of the temporary spare wheel differ from the fit-
ted tyres, never drive faster than 80 km/h (or 50 mph).■
Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
CAUTION
Observe instructions on the warning sign of the emergency wheel.
Full wheel trim
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 228.
Extracting
›
Hook the clamp found in the vehicle tool kit into the reinforced edge of the wheel trim.
›
Push the wheel wrench through the clamp, support on the tyre and pull off the
wheel trim.
Installing
›
Press the wheel trim onto the wheel rim at the valve opening provided.
›
Then press the trim into the wheel rim until its entire circumference locks cor- rectly in place.
CAUTION
■ Use the pressure of your hand only, do not strike the full wheel trim. Avoid
heavy knocks when the trim is not yet inserted in the wheel rim. This could cause damage to the guide and centring elements of the trim.■
When using the anti-theft wheel bolt, ensure that it is in the hole in the valve
area » page 240 , Securing wheels against theft .
■
If wheel trims are retrofitted it must be ensured that an adequate flow of air is
assured to cool the brake system.

Wheel boltsFig. 193
Remove the cap
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 228.
Extracting
›
Push the extraction pliers » page 236 sufficiently far onto the cap until the in-
ner catches of the pliers are positioned at the collar of the cap » Fig. 193.
›
Remove the cap.
Installing
›
Push the caps onto the wheel bolts up to the stop.
The wheel bolt caps are housed in a plastic box in the spare wheel or in the stor-
age space for the spare wheel.

Wheel bolts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 228.
Wheels and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. Each time
you fit other wheels, e.g. light alloy wheels or wheels with winter tyres, you must
also use the matching wheel bolts of the correct length and shape of spherical cap. This is a prerequisite for ensuring that wheels are attached correctly.

233Wheels

Winter operation
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Winter tyres
234
Snow chains
234
Winter tyres
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 234.
The handling of your vehicle will be significantly improved when driving on wintry
roads if you fit winter tyres. Summer tyres on ice, snee and at temperatures be-
low 7 °C have less grip. This is especially true of low-profile tyres or high-speed
tyres .
To achieve the best possible handling properties, winter tyres must be fitted on
all 4 wheels, the minimum tread depth must be 4 mm and tyres must be no older than 4 years.
Winter tyres of a lower speed category can be used provided that the permissible
maximum speed of these tyres is not exceeded even if the possible maximum
speed of the vehicle is higher.
The winter tyre speed limit is set in the Infotainment system » Operating instruc-
tions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR button) .
For the sake of the environment
Fit the summer tyres on again in good time as they provide better handling prop-
erties, a shorter braking distance, less tyre noise, and reduced tyre wear on roadswhich are free of snow and ice as well as at temperatures above 7 °C. The fuelconsumption is also lower.
Snow chains
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 234.
When driving on wintry roads, snow chains improve not only traction, but also the
braking performance.
Snow chains must only be mounted on the front wheels.
For technical reasons, it is only permissible to fit snow chains with the following wheel/tyre combinations.
Wheel sizeDepth (D)Tyre size6J x 15 a)43 mm195/65 R156J x 16 b)48 mm205/55 R166J x 17b)48 mm205/50 R17a)
Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than 13 mm.
b)
Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than 12 mm.
CAUTION
■
The chains must be removed when driving on roads which are free of snow.
They adversely affect the handling of your vehicle, damage the tyres and are rap-
idly destroyed.■
Remove the full wheel trims before installing the snow chains.

234General Maintenance

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