2014 SKODA OCTAVIA maintenance

CAUTION■Even filling the tank with petrol that does not meet the standards once can
lead to serious damage to parts of the exhaust system!■
If a fuel other than unleaded fuel which complies to the above mentioned
standards (e.g. leaded petrol) is used by mistake, do not start the engine or
switch on the ignition! Extensive damage to engine parts can occur!
CAUTION
■ If, in an emergency, the vehicle has to be refuelled with petrol of a lower oc-
tane number than the one prescribed, the journey must only be continued at
medium engine speeds and a low engine load. Driving at high engine revs or a
high engine load can severely damage the engine! Refuel using petrol of the
prescribed octane number as soon as possible.■
Engine parts can be damaged if petrol with a lower octane number than the
one prescribed is used.
■
Even in the event of an emergency, petrol of a lower octane number than 91
RON must not be used, otherwise the engine can be severely damaged!
CAUTION
Under no circumstances may fuel additives with metal components be used,
and especially not those with manganese and iron content. Risk of consider-
able damage to parts of the engine or exhaust system!
CAUTION
Do not use fuels with metal components, such as LRP (lead replacement
petrol) . Risk of considerable damage to parts of the engine or exhaust sys-
tem!
Note
■ Unleaded petrol that has a higher octane number than that required by the
engine can be used without limitations.■
On vehicles with prescribed unleaded petrol 95/91, 92 or 93 RON, the use of
petrol with a higher octane number than 95 RON does not result in a noticea-
ble power increase or a lower fuel consumption.
■
On vehicles using prescribed unleaded petrol of min. 95 RON, the use of pet-
rol with a higher octane number than 95 RON can increase the power and re-
duce fuel consumption.
Diesel fuel
Read and observe
and on page 188 first.
The vehicle can only be operated with diesel fuel that meets the EN 5901)
standard.
All diesel engines can be operated using diesel fuel with at most 7% biodiesel
(B7) 2)
.
On the Indian market, your vehicle will only be able to run on diesel fuel com-
pliant with standard IS 1460/Bharat IV. If diesel fuel which complies with this
standard is not available, you can refuel with diesel fuel according to standard
IS 1460/Bharat III in case of emergency.
Operation in winter – Winter-grade diesel fuel
In the cold season, only use “winter-grade diesel fuel” which will still operate properly even at a temperature of -20 °C.
It is often the case in countries with different climatic conditions that diesel
fuels available have a different temperature characteristic. The ŠKODA Part-
ners and filling stations in the relevant country will be able to provide you with
information regarding the diesel fuels available.
Preheating fuel
The vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter preheating system. This secures opera-
tion of a vehicle using diesel fuel down to an environmental temperature of
-24 °C.
Diesel fuel additives
The diesel fuel in accordance with the prescribed standards meets all the con-
ditions for a smooth running engine. We therefore recommend that no fuel ad-
ditives are used. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the engine
or the exhaust system. 
1)
In Germany also DIN 51628, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in Russia GOST R 52368-2005 / EN 590:2004.
2)
In Germany according to the DIN 52638 standard, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in France EN 590.
190General Maintenance

WARNING■When refuelling, never get into the vehicle. If you have to get into your
vehicle in exceptional cases, touch a metal surface before you touch the
filling coupling again. This will avoid electrostatic discharges, which may
generate sparks. Sparks can cause a fire during refuelling.■
Natural gas is highly explosive and highly flammable.
Note
During the filling process sounds are heard which are harmless. If you are un-
sure which service station staff to use, ask the petrol station staff.
CNG
Fig. 183
Position of the CNG label(s).
Read and observe
and on page 188 first.
A G-TEC-vehicle may be operated with CNG and petrol.
In some countries, national legislation requires that vehicles with CNG opera-
tion be identified by one of the listed labels » Fig. 183.
Position of the CNG label » Fig. 183.
Natural gas quality and consumption
Depending on the natural gas supplier, the natural gas quality (heating value)
may vary. The engine control unit adjusts automatically to the natural gas
quality.
Automatically switching over from natural gas mode to petrol mode
The vehicle automatically switches from natural gas to petrol, for example, if
one of the following cases occurs.
› With an empty gas tank or not enough pressure in the tank.
› After refuelling with natural gas.
› At very low surrounding temperatures.
Gas smell
If you smell gas, proceed as follows.
› Stop the vehicle.
› Put out cigarettes.
› Switch off the ignition.
› Open the doors and the boot lid to ventilate the vehicle sufficiently.
› Remove any spark-producing or incendiary items from the vehicle and switch
off immediately.
› Do not continue to drive if the odour persists.
Seek help from a specialist garage to correct the gas system fault.
Regular gas system checks must be carried out at a specialist workshop on natural gas-powered vehicles.WARNINGWhen operating a CNG-powered vehicle, the national legal requirements
must be observed.WARNINGDo not underestimate the smell of gas in the car or when refuelling - risk of
fire, explosion and injury.
Engine compartment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
194
Engine compartment overview
194
Radiator fan
195
Windscreen washer system
195

192General Maintenance

Opening and closing the bonnetFig. 184
Open the bonnet
Read and observe
and on page 193 first.
Open flap
›
Open the front door.
›
Pull the release lever underneath the dash panel in the direction of the ar-
row
1
» Fig. 184 .
Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers
are correctly in place against the windscreen, otherwise the paintwork on the
flap could be damaged.
›
Push the release lever in the direction of arrow
2
.
The bonnet is then unlocked.
›
Grasp the bonnet catch and lift in the direction of arrow
3
.
›
Remove the lid prop in the direction of arrow
4
from the holder.
›
Secure the open flap inserting the end of the post into the opening in the di-
rection of arrow
5
.
Close the flap
›
Lift the bonnet.
›
Decouple the bonnet support and press into the holder designed to hold it.
›
Let the bonnet drop into the lock carrier lock from a height of around 20 cm – do not push it in!
WARNING■
Check whether the bonnet has been closed properly. Also make sure that
a vehicle with an opened bonnet does not appear in the instrument cluster
display » page 47 .■
If you notice that the lock is not properly engaged while driving, stop the
vehicle immediately and close the bonnet – risk of accident!
■
Make sure that when closing the boot lid, no body parts are crushed -
there is danger of injury!
CAUTION
Never open the bonnet by the locking lever » Fig. 184.
Engine compartment overview
Fig. 185
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
Read and observe
and on page 193 first.
Arrangement in the engine compartment » Fig. 185
Coolant expansion reservoir
198
Engine oil dipstick
196
Engine oil filler opening
197
Brake fluid reservoir
199
Battery (below a cover)
200
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
195

ABCDEF194General Maintenance

ŠKODA Service Partners are informed about the latest changes by the manu-
facturer. We therefore recommend that the oil change be completed by a
ŠKODA Service Partner.
The specifications (VW standards) stated in the following can be indicated sep-
arately or together with other specifications on the bottle.
The engine oil should be changed after specified service intervals » page 53.WARNINGThe 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 192.
CAUTION
Do not pour any additives into the engine oil – risk of serious damage to the
engine parts!
Note
■ Before a long drive we recommend that you purchase and carry with you en-
gine oil which complies with the specification for your vehicle.■
We recommend that you use oils from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
■
If your skin has come into contact with oil, it must be washed thoroughly.
Specification
Read and observe
and on page 196 first.
Vehicles with variable service intervals
Petrol enginesSpecification1.2 l/63, 77 kW TSI
VW 504 00
1.4 l/103 kW TSI1,8 l/132 kW TSI2,0 l/162 kW TSIDiesel engines a)Specification1.6 l/66, 77, 81 kW TDIVW 507 002.0 l/110, 135 kW TDI CRa)
Engine oil VW 505 01 can optionally be used in diesel engines without a
DPF.
Vehicles with fixed service intervalsPetrol enginesSpecification1.2 l/63, 77 kW TSI
VW 502 00
1.4 l/81 kW TSI G-TEC1.4 l/103 kW TSI1.6 l/81 kW MPI1.8 l/132 kW TSI2.0 l/162 kW TSIDiesel engines a)Specification1.6 l/66, 77, 81 kW TDIVW 507 002.0 l/105, 110, 135 kW TDIa)
Engine oil VW 505 01 can optionally be used in diesel engines without a
DPF.
CAUTION
■
If the above engine oils are not available, a different engine oil can be used in
an emergency. To prevent damage to the engine, a maximum of 0.5 litres only
of the following engine oils may be used: ■ For petrol engine models: ACEA A3/ACEA B4 or API SN, (API SM);
■ for diesel engines: ACEA C3 or API CJ-4.
Checking the oil level
Fig. 187
Principle sketch: Dipstick
Read and observe
and on page 196 first.
The dipstick indicates the engine oil level . 
196General Maintenance

WARNING (Continued)■If coolant is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.■Never spill operating fluids over the hot engine - risk of fire.
CAUTION
■If for some reason it is not possible to top up the coolant under the current
circumstances,  do not continue driving! Switch off the engine and seek as-
sistance from a specialist garage.■
If the expansion tank is empty, do not top up with coolant. The system could
aerate - risk of engine damage, 
do not continue driving! Switch off the en-
gine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
■
The amount of coolant additive in the coolant must never be allowed to be
less than 40 %.
■
Over 60 % of coolant additive in the coolant reduces the antifreeze protec-
tion and coolant effectiveness.
■
A coolant additive that does not comply with the correct specification can
significantly reduce the corrosion protection of the cooling system.
■
Any faults resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and can con-
sequently result in major engine damage!
■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
» Fig. 188 on page 198 .
■
If an error occurs, leading to the engine overheating, the help of a professio-
nal garage is to be sought - there is a risk of serious engine damage occurring.
■
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the air inlet
impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant.
■
Never cover the radiator - there is a risk of the engine overheating.
Note
On vehicles that are fitted with an auxiliary heater (auxiliary heating and venti-
lation), the coolant capacity is approx. 1 l larger.
Checking the coolant level
Fig. 188
Coolant expansion reservoir
Read and observe and on page 197 first.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
Coolant expansion tank » Fig. 188
Mark for the maximum permissible coolant level
Mark for the lowest permissible coolant level
The coolant level should be kept between the marks
A
and
B
.
The coolant can be checked and topped up, if the following conditions are sat-
isfied.
The vehicle is standing on a horizontal surface.
The engine is turned off.
The engine is not heated.
The bonnet is open.
Checking the level
›
Check the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank » Fig. 188.
If the engine is warm, the test result may be inaccurate. The level can also be
above the mark
A
» Fig. 188 .
In the event of an insufficient coolant level, the control symbol  is displayed
in the instrument cluster as well as the relevant notification » page 41. We still
recommend inspecting the coolant level directly at the expansion tank from
time to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the cooling sys-
tem. Do not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a
specialist garage.
Replenishing
Read and observe
and on page 197 first.
The coolant expansion tank must always contain a small amount of cool-
ant » page 198, in section Introduction .
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir and unscrew
the cap carefully .
›
Replenish the coolant.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place. 

AB198General Maintenance

Vehicle battery
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening the cover
201
Checking the battery electrolyte level
201
Charging
202
Replacing
202
Disconnecting and reconnecting
202
Automatic load deactivation
203
The vehicle battery represents a power source for the motor to start and for
the supply of electrical consumers in the car.
Warning symbols on the vehicle battery
SymbolMeaningAlways wear eye protection!Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye pro-
tection!Keep fire, sparks, open flames and lit cigarettes well clear of the
vehicle battery!When charging the vehicle battery, a highly explosive gas mixture
is produced!Keep children away from the vehicle battery!WARNINGThere is a risk of injuries, poisoning, chemical burns, explosions or fire
when carrying out any work on the battery and on the electrical system.
The general applicable safety rules and the following warnings must be ob-
served without exception.■
Keep the vehicle battery away from people who are not completely inde-
pendent, especially children.
WARNING (Continued)■ Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the
battery vent openings. Protect your eyes by safety glasses or a face shield
– risk of blindness!■
Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin protection when handling
the vehicle battery.
■
The battery acid is strongly corrosive and must, therefore, be handled
with the greatest of care.
■
Corrosive fumes in the air irritate the air passages and lead to conjunctivi-
tis and inflammation of the air passages in the lungs.
■
Battery acid corrodes dental enamel and creates deep wounds after con-
tact with the skin which take a long time to heal.
■
If any battery electrolyte comes into contact with your eyes, rinse the rel-
evant eye immediately with clear water for several minutes - consult a doc-
tor immediately!
■
Splashes of acid on your skin or clothes should be neutralised as soon as
possible using soap suds and then rinsed with plenty of water.
■
If you swallow battery acid, seek immediate medical assistance!
WARNING■ The use of open flames and light should be avoided.■Smoking and radio triggering activities should be avoided.■
Never use a damaged vehicle battery – risk of explosion!
■
Never charge a frozen or thawed vehicle battery – risk of explosion and
caustic burns!
■
Replace a frozen vehicle battery.
■
Never jump-start vehicle batteries with an electrolyte level that is too low
– risk of explosion and caustic burns.
CAUTION
■ Improper handling of the vehicle battery may cause damage.■Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the bodywork – risk
of damage to the paintwork.■
If the vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will
discharge. Prevent the battery from discharging by disconnecting the battery's
negative terminal 
or continuously charging the battery with a very low
charging current. 
200General Maintenance

Note■The battery acid level is also checked regularly by a specialist garage as part
of the inspection service.■
For technical reasons, on vehicles with the description “AGM”, the electrolyte
level cannot be checked.
Charging
Read and observe
and on page 200 first.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.
A charging operation can be performed if the following conditions are satis-
fied.
The engine is turned off.
The ignition is switched off.
All consumers are turned off.
The bonnet is open.
“Fast charging” with high currents
›
Disconnect both battery cables (first of all “negative”, then “positive”).
›
Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red =
“positive”, 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 the
mains 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”).
Charging with low voltages
It is not necessary to disconnect the cables from the battery if you recharge
the vehicle battery, 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 low-
er) must be used until full charging is achieved.
The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging.
WARNING■ When you charge a battery, hydrogen is released, and a highly explosive
gas mixture is also produced. An explosion can be caused through sparkling
over during unclamping or loosening of the cable plug while the ignition is
on.■
Creating a bridge between the poles on the battery (e.g. with metal ob-
jects - cables) creates a short circuit - risk of damage to the battery, explo-
sion and burning of the battery, jets of acid spurting out.
■
Avoid creating sparks when working with cables and electrical devices.
Strong sparking represents a risk of injury.
■
Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch off the en-
gine, the ignition and all electrical components and disconnect the negative
terminal 
.
■
“Quick-charging” the vehicle battery is dangerous and requires a special
charger and specialist knowledge.
■
We therefore recommend that vehicle batteries be “rapidly charged” by a
specialist garage.
CAUTION
On vehicles with the START/STOP system or additional heating (auxiliary heat-
ing), do not connect the pole terminal of the charger directly to the negative
terminal of the vehicle battery, but rather only to the engine earth » page 220,
Jump-starting using the battery from another vehicle .
Replacing
Read and observe
and on page 200 first.
The new vehicle battery must have the same capacity, voltage, current and
size as the original battery. 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
disposed of in accordance with national regulations.
Disconnecting and reconnecting
Read and observe
and on page 200 first.
Disconnecting
›
Switch off the ignition. 
202General Maintenance

Wheels
Tyres and wheel rims
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Notes on using wheels
204
Tyre pressure
204
Tyre wear
205
Tyre wear indicator and wheel replacement
206
Tyre damage
206
Unidirectional tyres
206
Only use those tyres or wheel rims which have been approved by ŠKODA for
your model of vehicle.
WARNINGThe national legal requirements must be observed for the use of tyres.WARNINGFor safety reasons, do no replace tyres individually.
For the sake of the environment
Old and unserviceable tyres represent hazardous waste that is harmful to the environment. These must be disposed of in accordance with national legal reg-
ulations.
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.
Notes on using wheels
Read and observe
on page 204 first.
During the first 500 km, new tyres do not offer optimum grip and appropriate
care should therefore be taken when driving.
Always fit the tyres with the deeper tread depth to the front wheels.
Tyre storage
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.
Tyre age
Tyres age losing their original characteristics, even if they are not used. The
service life of the tyres is 6 years. Therefore, we recommend not using tyres
that are more than 6 years old.
Wheel bolts
Wheels and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. We rec-
ommend that you use wheel rims and wheel bolts from ŠKODA Original Acces-
sories.WARNINGNever use tyres if you do not know anything about the condition and age.
Tyre pressure
Fig. 192
Label with a table of tyre sizes and tyre pressures/inflating the
tyres
Read and observe
on page 204 first.
The tyre pressure must always be adjusted to match the load. The specified
tyre pressures can be found on label
A
» Fig. 192 . 
204General Maintenance