2014 SKODA OCTAVIA light

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 »
.
Long or steep slopes
Before travelling a long distance with a steep gradient, reduce speed and shift
into the next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be
used, reducing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be com-
pleted intermittently, not continuously.
Emergency brake display
If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system con-
siders 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 stop-
ped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system
switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically af- ter accelerating or driving off again.
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 appropri-
ately, 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 35,
 Brake sys-
tem .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.WARNINGOnly apply the brakes for the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake
discs if the traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any other road users
in jeopardy.
Handbrake
Fig. 132
Handbrake
Read and observe and on page 130 first.
The hand brake is used when stopping and parking for securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Release
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the lock
button » Fig. 132 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light 
lights up when the handbrake is applied, pro-
vided the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the
handbrake applied.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Release the handbrake!
RELEASE HANDBRAKE 
131Starting-off and Driving

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.WARNINGPlease note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system – risk of acci-
dent!
Parking
Read and observe
and on page 130 first.
When stopping and parking, look for a place with a suitable surface » .
Only carry out the activities while parking in the specified order.
›
Bring the vehicle to a stop and depress the brake pedal.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
On vehicles with automatic transmission place the selector lever in the P po-
sition.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission , select 1st gear or reverse gear
›
Release the brake pedal.
WARNINGThe parts of the exhaust system can become very hot. Therefore, never
stop the vehicle at places where the underside of your vehicle can come in-
to contact with flammable materials such as dry grass, undergrowth,
leaves, spilled fuel or such like. - Risk of fire and serious injury can occur!
Manual shifting of gears and pedals
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
132
Pedals
132Manual gear changingFig. 133
Gearshift pattern of 5 gear or
6 gear manual gearbox
On the shift lever, the individual gear positions are shown » Fig. 133.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 46.
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear
on the clutch.
Reverse gear is engaged
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
The clutch pedal is fully depressed.
›
Move the shift lever to the idle position switch and press down.
›
Move the shift lever fully to the left and then forward into R posi-
tion » Fig. 133 .
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the ignition is on.
WARNINGNever engage reverse gear when driving – risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ If not in the process of changing gear, do not leave your hand on the gear-
shift lever while driving. The pressure from the hand can cause the gearshift
mechanism to wear excessively.■
When stopping on a slope, never try to hold the vehicle using the accelerator
pedal – this may lead to gear damage.
Pedals
The operation of the pedals must not be hindered under any circumstances! 
132Driving

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)
The system switches from one mode to the other by moving the selector lever
into the spring-loaded position 
» Fig. 134 .
In mode D or S, the forward gears are shifted automatically depending on the
engine load, the operation of the accelerator pedal, the vehicle speed, and the
selected driving mode .
In mode S , the forward gears are shifted automatically up and down at high-
er engine speeds than in mode D.
If the Sport driving mode is selected with the engine running » page 160, Se-
lection of travel mode (Driving Mode Selection) , the transmission is automati-
cally set in the S mode.
E – Economical driving mode
If the driving mode Eco or Individual (engine - Eco) » page 160 is selected and
the selection lever is in the setting D/S, transmission is automatically set in
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.
Selector lever lock
Read and observe
and on page 133 first.
The selector lever is locked in mode P and N to prevent that the forward driv-
ing is selected accidentally, thereby setting the vehicle in motion.
The selector lever is locked only when the vehicle is stationary and at speeds
up to 5 km/h.
The selector lever lock is indicated by the illumination of the warning light .
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 engage if the lever is in posi-
tion N for more than approx. 2 seconds without the brake pedal being de-
pressed.
Releasing selector lever from mode P or N (selector lever lock)›Press the brake pedal and the lock button at the same time in the direction
of 1
» Fig. 134 on page 133 .
Just depress the brake pedal, if you would like to change from the mode N to
D/S .
Defective selector lever lock
If the selector lever lock is defective or its power supply is interrupted (e.g. dis-
charged vehicle battery, faulty fuse), the selector lever can no longer be moved
out of position P in the normal manner and the vehicle can no longer be driven.
The selector lever must be unlocked specially » page 226.
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. 135
Selector lever/multi-function
steering wheel
Read and observe and on page 133 first.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears with the selector lev-
er or multifunction steering wheel. This mode can be selected both while stop-
ping and while driving.
The currently selected gear is indicated in the display » Fig. 134 on page 133 .
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 46.
Switching to manual shifting
›
Push the gear selector from position D/S towards the right, or left in a right-
hand drive vehicle. 
134Driving

Assist systems
Braking and stabilisation systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
138
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
138
Traction Control System (TCS)
139
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)
139
Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
139
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
140
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
140
Multi-collision brake (MCB)
140
Trailer stabilisation (TSA)
140
This chapter deals with the functions of the braking and stabilisation systems,
with the error indicator referred to in chapter » page 34, Warning lights .
The braking and stabilisation systems are automatically activated each time
the ignition is switched on.
WARNING■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to
shut down. The brake assist systems would then fail to function – risk of
accident!■
The increased safety provided by the brake assist systems must not
tempt you to take safety risks – risk of accident!
■
Always adjust your speed and driving style to the current visibility, weath-
er, road and traffic conditions.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Read and observe
on page 138 first.
The ESC improves vehicle stability in dynamic driving situations, such as when
the vehicle starts to skid.
The ESC monitors whether the desired direction of the current vehicle motion
is occurring. In case of any deviation (e.g. oversteer), the ESC automatically
brakes individual wheels to maintain the desired direction.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light  flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
Enable/disable ESC Sport
ESC Sport allows for sportier driving style. The activation of the ESC sport
leads to the ASR being deactivated and no ESC interventions will occur in the
event of slight over- or under-steering occurring.
The activation or deactivation of the ESC sports can be done in one of two
ways.
› By pressing the Symbol key

for the activation and briefly pressing the but-
ton for the deactivation » Fig. 137 on page 139 .
› In Infotainment
» Operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle
settings (CAR button) .
Upon activation, in the instrument cluster the indicator light  comes on and
the display shows the following message.
ESC sport: Limited driving stability.
ESC SPORT
Upon deactivation, in the instrument cluster the control indicator  turns off
and the display shows the following message.
Stabilisation control (ESC) activated.
ESC ON
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
Read and observe
on page 138 first.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle.
The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the pulsating movements of
the brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
When the ABS system is active, do not brake periodically or reduce the pres- sure on the brake pedal.
138Driving

Traction Control System (TCS)Fig. 137
System button: Vehicle with ESC / vehicle without ESC
Read and observe
on page 138 first.
TCS prevents the spinning of the wheels of the driven axle. TCS reduces the
drive power transmitted to the wheels in the case of slipping wheels. Thus, for
example, driving on road surfaces with low grip is made easier.
During a TCS intervention, the indicator light  flashes in the instrument clus-
ter.
Activating/deactivating TCS
The activation or deactivation of TCS can be done, depending on equipment, in
one of the following ways.
› In Infotainment
» Operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle
settings (CAR button) .
› By briefly pressing the symbol key

» Fig. 137 .
› By briefly pressing the symbol key

» Fig. 137 .
Upon deactivation, in the instrument cluster the indicator light  lights up and
the display shows the following message.
Traction control (ASR) deactivated.
ASR OFF
Upon activation, in the instrument cluster the indicator turns  and the display
shows the following message.
Traction control (ASR) activated.
ASR ON
The TCS should normally always be enabled. The system should be deactivated
only in the following situations, for example.
› When driving with snow chains.
› When driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface.
› When it is necessary to “rock” a car free when it has become stuck.
Note
On vehicles without the ESC system, the warning light
 does not illuminate
upon deactivation of the ASR system, but a message is only displayed on the
display of the instrument cluster.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)
Read and observe
on page 138 first.
EDL
EDL prevents the turning of the respective wheel of the driven axle. EDL
brakes the spinning wheel, if necessary, and transmits the driving force to the
other driving wheel. Driving becomes easier on road surfaces with different
traction under each wheel of the driven axle.
EDL switches off automatically to avoid excessive heat generation on the
brake of the wheel being braked. The vehicle can continue to be driven and
has the same characteristics as a vehicle not fitted with EDL. Once the brakes
have cooled down, there is an automatic re-activation of EDL.
XDS
XDL is an extension to the electronic differential lock. XDL does not respond to
traction, but to the load relief of the inner front wheel of the driving axle dur-
ing fast cornering.
The automatic brake intervention on the brake of the wheel with reduced load
prevents the wheel from spinning. Thus, the traction is improved and the vehi-
cle can continue to follow the desired track.
Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
Read and observe
on page 138 first.
The DSR indicates to the driver in critical situations a steering recommenda-
tion in order to stabilise the vehicle. The DSR is activated, for example, on the
right and left vehicle side when braking sharply on different road surfaces.
139Assist systems

Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)Read and observe
on page 138 first.
HBA increases the braking effect and helps to shorten the braking distance.
The HBA is activated by the very quick operation of the brake pedal. To ach-
ieve the shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be applied
firmly until the vehicle has come to a complete standstill.
The HBA is automatically switched off when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
Read and observe
on page 138 first.
HHC allows you, when driving on slopes, to move your foot from the brake
pedal to the accelerator pedal without having to use the handbrake.
The system holds the brake pressure produced by the activation of the brake pedal for approx. 2 seconds after the brake pedal is released.
The brake pressure drops gradually the more you operate the accelerator ped-
al. If the vehicle does not start off within 2 seconds, it starts to roll back.
The HHC is active from a 5% slope if the driver's door is closed. HHC is always active on slopes when in forward or reverse start off.
Multi-collision brake (MCB)
Read and observe
on page 138 first.
The MCB helps to decrease speed after a collision through automatic braking
interventions and to stabilize the vehicle. This reduces the risk of a subse-
quent crash due to uncontrolled vehicle movement.
The automatic brake interventions can take place only if the following condi-
tions are met.
A head-on or side collision occurred.
The impact speed was higher than approx. 10 km/h.
The brakes, the ESL and other required electrical systems remain function-
al after impact.
The accelerator pedal is not actuated.
Trailer stabilisation (TSA)
Read and observe
on page 138 first.
The TSA helps the combination stable in situations where the trailer sways
and then the whole trailer combination.
TSA brakes the individual wheels of the towing vehicle in order to damp the
rocking motion of the entire vehicle combination.
The following conditions are required for the correct TSA function. The trailer was shipped from the factory or purchased from the ŠKODA
genuine accessories.
The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the
trailer socket.
The parking aid is activated.
The speed is higher than approx. 60 km/h.
The activated TSA is shown by the fact that after switching on the ignition, the
indicator light  in the instrument cluster lights up for about 2 seconds longer
than the indicator light .
Further information » page 169, Hitch and trailer .
Parking aid

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Function
141
Activation/deactivation
142
Road display
142
Automatic system activation when moving forward
143
The parking aid (hereinafter referred to only as system) draws attention via
acoustic signals or the Infotainment display when manoeuvring around obsta-
cles in the vicinity of the vehicle.
The system uses ultrasound waves to calculate the distance between the
bumper and an obstacle. Depending on the vehicle equipment, the ultrasonic
sensors are located in the back or in the front bumper » Fig. 139 on page 141 .
140Driving

Towing a trailer
On vehicles equipped with a factory-fitted towing device, only the areas A
and
B
» Fig. 138 of the system are active when operating a trailer, there is no
road display.
Note
■ If not all fields around vehicles with Version 3 are shown after the system is
activated, the vehicle will need to be moved a few metres forwards or back-
wards.■
The signal tones for front obstacle recognition are factory-set to be higher
than for rear obstacle recognition.
Activation/deactivation
Read and observe
and on page 141 first.
The system is automatically activated by selecting reverse gear or pressing
the symbol button 
» Fig. 138 on page 141 .
This is confirmed by a short acoustic signal (the symbol  in the button lights
up).
On vehicles with Version 1, the system can be deactivated by moving out of re-
verse gear.
For vehicles with Version 2 and 3, the system is deactivated by pressing the
symbol button or automatically at a speed over 10 km/h (the symbol
 in
the button goes out).
Fault display
If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seconds after activating the system and
there is no obstacle close to your car, this indicates a system fault. The fault is
also indicated by the symbol  flashing in the button. Seek help from a spe-
cialist garage.
Note
■ The system can only be activated via the symbol button  at a speed of be-
low 10 km/hr.■
By means of the key 
in the infotainment display » Fig. 140 on page 142
the display can be switched to the camera image » page 143, Optical Parking
Assistant (rear view camera) .
Road displayFig. 140
Infotainment display: Road dis-
play
Read and observe and on page 141 first.
The display of the upcoming road changes depending on the steering angle
A
» Fig. 140 .
Obstacles that are located on the road are represented by the following col-
ours.
› Red – the distance to the obstacle is less than about 30 cm.
› Yellow – the distance to the obstacle is more than about 30 cm.
Obstacles that are not located on the road are represented by the following
colours.
› Red – the distance to the obstacle is less than about 30 cm.
› White – the distance to the obstacle is more than about 30 cm.
The road ahead is displayed when a forward gear or Neutral is engaged or the
selector lever is in mode D/S or position N is set.
The road behind the vehicle is displayed when reverse gear is engaged or the
selector lever is in mode R.
142Driving

The state in which the steering wheel is operated by the system, is referred to
as parking operation.
The parking aid is part of the park assist system, therefore the information
and safety guidelines » page 140 , Parking aid must also be read and ob-
served.WARNING■ The system only serves to support and does not relieve the driver of the
responsibility for the vehicle operation.■
During the parking process, the system automatically performs rapid
steering movements. While it is doing so, do not place your hands between
the steering wheel – risk of injury!
■
During a parking manoeuvre on loose or slippery surfaces (gravel, snow,
ice, etc.) you may stray from the calculated road because of the surface
conditions. Therefore we suggest that you do not use the system in such
situations.
■
External noise sources may affect the signals of the system sensors. Un-
der adverse conditions, this may cause objects or people to not be recog-
nised by the system.
CAUTION
■ If other vehicles are parked behind the kerb or on it, the system can also
guide your vehicle beyond the kerb or onto it. Ensure that the wheels or the
wheel rims of your vehicle are not damaged and if necessary intervene in time.■
Under certain circumstances, surfaces or structures of certain objects such
as wire mesh fences or powder snow cannot be recognised by the system.
■
Under adverse weather conditions (heavy rain, water vapour, very low or
high temperatures etc.), the system functioning may be limited - “incorrect ob-
stacle detection”.
CAUTION
The correct evaluation of the parking space and the parking procedure de-
pends on the circumference of the wheels on the vehicle.■
The system only works correctly if the vehicle is fitted with the wheel size
approved by the manufacturer.
■
Do without the use of the system if snow chains or a spare wheel is moun-
ted.
■
If wheels other than those approved by the manufacturer are mounted, the
resulting position of the vehicle in the parking space can differ slightly. This
can be avoided by readjusting the system at a specialist garage.
NoteWe recommend performing the parking at a safe speed to about 5 km / h.
Functioning
Read and observe
and on page 145 first.
Basic system operations
› The measurement and evaluation of the size of parking spaces when driving.
› The determination of the correct position of the vehicle for parking.
› The calculation of the line on which the vehicle drives backwards into the
parking space or forwards from the parking space.
› Automatic rotation of the front wheels during the parking.
The display of the instrument cluster (hereinafter only in the display) informa- tion and system messages are displayed.
When the system is activated, the warning light lights up 
» Fig. 144 on
page 145 -
 .
The traction control system (TCS) must always be switched on when parking.
Finding a parking space
Fig. 144
System button / display
Read and observe
and on page 145 first.
Finding a parallel parking space
›
Drive past the parking space at up to 40 km/h and a distance of 0.5 – 1.5 m.
›
Press the symbol button once

» Fig. 144 .
The display shows » Fig. 144 -
 . 
145Assist systems