2014 SKODA OCTAVIA towing

The boundary lines are clearly visible (appropriate longitudinal markings).
The boundary line of at least one side of the lane is detected.
The driver's hands are on the steering wheel.
The lane is more than 2.5 m in width.
If the turn signal is switched on prior to driving over the boundary line (e.g.
when making a turn), no steering intervention takes place when the vehicle
approaches the boundary line. The system regards the situation as an inten-
ded lane change.
Warning lights in the instrument clusterWarning lightMeaningThe system is active, but not ready to intervene.The system is active and ready to intervene or is currently
intervening.
Adaptive lane assist
Adaptive lane assist helps to keep the vehicle in the position between the
boundary lines selected by the driver, by means of steering intervention.
If the system detects only one boundary line, it will help to maintain the selec-
ted proximity from said boundary line.
If the proximity to the detected boundary line is changed, the system quickly
adapts and maintains the newly-selected position.
WARNINGThe function of adaptive lane guidance Assist system may be restricted
when driving e.g. over rutted roads, on a slope, or if there are lateral winds.
Activating/deactivating
Read and observe
and on page 163 first.
The activation or deactivation of the system can be carried out in one of two
ways.
› In the
Assist systems menu item in the instrument cluster display » page 51,
Menu item wizard .
› In Infotainment
» Infotainment operating instructions , chapter Vehicle set-
tings (CAR button) .
Adaptive tracking can also be enabled or disabled In Infotainment.
Information messages
Read and observe
and on page 163 first.
The information messages are shown in the instrument cluster display. Lane Assist not available. No sensor view.
The windscreen is dirty, iced over or misted up in the camera viewing range.
Clean the windscreen or remove the obstacles.
Lane Assist currently not available.
The system has limited functionality due to a temporary error. Try to re-acti-
vate the machine.
Error: Lane Assist
There is a system error. Seek help from a specialist garage. Lane Assist: Take over steering!
The system has detected that there are no hands on the steering wheel. In
this case, the Assist system is not ready to intervene. Place your hands on the
steering wheel.
Traffic sign recognition
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Function
165
Additional display
166
Traffic sign display when towing a trailer
166
Information messages
166
The traffic sign recognition system (hereinafter referred to only as system)
shows certain traffic signs on the display of the instrument cluster.
WARNING■ The system only serves to support and does not relieve the driver of the
responsibility for the vehicle operation.■
Vertical traffic signs must always take precedence over the traffic signs
shown in the display. The driver is always responsible for correctly assess-
ing the traffic situation. 
164Driving

Additional displayRead and observe
on page 164 first.
If the menu item Road sign is currently not shown » Fig. 163 on page 165 - 
,
the road sign with the speed limit will appear in the upper display area of the
instrument cluster » Fig. 163 on page 165 - 
, 
.
If several traffic signs are detected simultaneously, the next traffic sign will al- so in some cases be displayed in the colour display - 
. All detected traffic
signs can be displayed in the menu item Road sign - 
.
The additional display traffic sign detection can be activated/deactivated in
the Infotainment » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle
settings (CAR button) .
Traffic sign display when towing a trailer
Read and observe
on page 164 first.
When towing a trailer, displaying the traffic signs which apply when towing atrailer can be activated.
The traffic sign detection display when towing a trailer can be activated/deac-
tivated in the Infotainment » operating instructions for Infotainment , chap-
ter Vehicle settings (CAR button) .
Information messages
Read and observe
on page 164 first.
The information messages are shown in the instrument cluster display. No road signs available.
No maximum speeds were recognised (e.g. on German motorways where there
is no speed limit).
Error: Dynamic Road Sign Display
There is a system error. Seek help from a specialist garage. Dynamic Road Sign Display clean windscreen!
The windscreen is dirty, iced over or misted up in the camera viewing range.
Clean the windscreen or remove the obstacles.
Dynamic Road Sign Display currently restricted.
Infotainment Navigation is not currently providing any data. Check whether
the maps are up-to-date or the whether the vehicle is currently in a location
for which no navigation data are available.
Fatigue detection (break recommendation)
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Function
166
Information messages
167
The fatigue detection system (hereinafter referred to only as system) recom-
mends the driver taking a break from driving when, because of the driver's
steering behavior, driver fatigue can be detected.
WARNING■ For the driving ability is always the driver's responsibility. Never drive if
you feel tired.■
The system may not detect all cases where a break is needed.
■
Therefore, take regular, sufficient breaks during long trips.
■
There will be no system warning during the so-called micro-sleep.
Note
■ In some situations, the system may evaluate the driving incorrectly and thus
mistakenly recommend a break (e.g. sporty driving, adverse weather condi-
tions or poor road conditions).■
The system is designed primarily for use on motorways.
Function
Read and observe
on page 166 first.
From the start of the journey, the system evaluates steering behavior. If, while
driving, there have been changes in the steering behaviours that are evaluated
by the system as indicating possible fatigue, a break recommendation is is-
sued.
The system evaluates steering behavior and recommends a break at speeds of
65-200 km / h. 
166Driving

Hitch and trailer
Hitch
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Description
169
Adjusting the ready position
170
Correctly adjusted ready position
170
Assembling the ball rod - 1st step
171
Assembling the ball rod - 2nd step
171
Check proper fitting
172
Removing the ball rod - 1st step
172
Removing the ball rod - 2nd step
173
Accessories
173
The maximum trailer drawbar load is 75 kg.
For vehicles with all-wheel drive, the maximum trailer nose weight is 80 kg.
With G-TEC-vehicles, the maximum trailer drawbar load is 56 kg .
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 use the ball rod if it is not correctly inserted into the mounting re-
cess and secured.
■
Do not use the towing hitch if it is damaged or if there are parts missing.
■
Do not perform any modifications or changes to the towing device.
■
Never release the ball rod while the trailer is still coupled.
■
Keep the mounting recess of the towing device clean at all times. Such
dirt prevents the ball rod from being attached securely!
CAUTION
■ Take care when using the ball rod - there is a risk of paint damage to the
bumper.■
When the ball rod is removed always place the cover onto the mounting re-
cess - there is a danger of soiling the mounting recess.
Note■ Operation and maintenance of the tow hitch » page 185.■The towing vehicle by means of the detachable ball rod » page 223.
Description
Fig. 166
Support for the hitch equipment / ball bar / key (Version 1 and 2)
Read and observe
and on page 169 first.
The ball rod can be removed and is located in the spare wheel well or in a com- partment for the spare wheel in the luggage compartment.
The hitch comes with two key versions. The handling of the hitch is identical
for the two key versions. The difference is only in the key version.
Carrier for the towing device and ball rod » Fig. 166
13-pin power socket
Safety eye
Mounting recess
Cap
Dust cap
Ball rod
Operating lever
Lock cap
Trigger pin
Lock
Locking ball
Key – Version 1
Key – Version 2 
12345678910111213169Hitch and trailer

CAUTIONAfter removing the key, always replace the cap on the lock – risk of lock get-
ting dirty.
Check proper fitting
Fig. 173
Duly fortified ball head
Read and observe and on page 169 first.
Before each use of the ball rod, check that it is attached properly.
Correctly secured ball rod » Fig. 173
The ball rod does not come off the mounting recess even after strong
“shaking”.
Operating lever
A
is as far up as possible.
The release pin
B
is completely exposed (both its red and green parts are
visible).
The key is removed.
The cap
B
is on the hand-wheel.
WARNINGDo not use the towing device unless the ball rod was properly locked!Removing the ball rod - 1st stepFig. 174
Remove the cap from the lock
Fig. 175
Unlock lock: Key Version 1 / version 2 key
Read and observe
and on page 169 first.
Applies to both key variants
›
Remove the cover
A
from the lock in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 174 .
Applies to key version 1
›
Insert key
B
into the lock in the direction of arrow
2
so that the green
marking is pointing upwards.
›
Turn key
B
in the direction of arrow
3
so that the red marking is pointing
upwards » Fig. 175.
Applies to key version 2
›
Insert key
C
into the lock in the direction of arrow
4
so that the eye of the
key is pointing downwards.
›
Turn key
C
in the direction of arrow
5
so that the eye of the key is pointing
upwards » Fig. 175. 
172Driving

WARNINGNever remove the tow bar while the trailer is still coupled.
Note
We recommend putting the protective cover onto the ball head before remov-
ing the tow bar.
Removing the ball rod - 2nd step
Fig. 176
Release ball bar
Read and observe and on page 169 first.
Firstly, carry out the 1st step of ball rod removal » page 172.
Release ball head - applies to both key versions
›
Grasp the ball rod from below » Fig. 176 .
›
Push release pin
A
in the direction of arrow
1
to the stop, and simultane-
ously push operating lever
B
in the direction of arrow
2
to the stop .
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 therefore
ready to be re-fitted »
.
›
Place the cap
4
» Fig. 166 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
occupants at risk.
CAUTION
■ If lever B is held firmly and not pushed downwards to the stop, it will move
back up after the ball rod is removed and will not latch into the ready position.
The ball rod will then need to be brought into this position before the next
time it is fitted » page 170, Adjusting the ready position .■
Store the ball rod in the box in the ready position and with the key facing up-
wards - otherwise there is a risk of damage to the key!
■
Do not use excessive force when handling the operating lever (e.g. do not
climb on it)!
Note
Remove any dirt from the ball rod before stowing it away in the box with the
vehicle tool kit.
Accessories
Fig. 177
Depiction of the maximum per-
missible protrusion of the ball
head of the towing hitch and of
the permissible total weight of
the accessory including the load,
depending on the load centre of
gravity
Read and observe and on page 169 first.
An accessory (e.g. bicycle carrier) can be mounted on the ball head of the tow- ing hitch.
If this accessory is used, the maximum permissible protrusion of the ball head
of the towing hitch and the permissible total weight of the accessory including
the load must be observed.
The maximum permissible protrusion of the ball head of the towing hitch is
70 cm » Fig. 177 . 

173Hitch and trailer

The total permitted weight of the accessory including load changes with in-
creasing distance of the load centre of gravity from the ball head of the towing
hitch.Distance of the load
centre of gravity from the ball headPermissible total weight of the accessory, including load» Fig. 177Vehicles with front-wheel driveVehicles with four-wheel driveG-TEC vehicles0 cmA75 kg80 kg56 kg30 cmB75 kg75 kg56 kg60 cmC35 kg35 kg28 kg70 cmD0 kg0 kg0 kgWARNING■Never exceed the permissible total weight of the accessory including load
- there is a risk of damaging the ball head of the towing hitch.■
Never exceed the permissible protrusion of the ball head of the towing
hitch - there is a risk of damaging the ball head of the towing hitch.
Note
We recommend that you use accessories from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Trailer
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Attaching and detaching trailers
174
Loading a trailer
175
Trailer operation
176
Anti-theft alarm system
176
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.
Note
If there is an error in the trailer lighting system, check the fuses in the fuse box
in the dashboard » page 229.Attaching and detaching trailersFig. 178
Swivel out the 13-pin power
socket, safety eyelet
Attaching
›
Fit the ball rod.
›
Grip the 13-pin socket at point
A
and swing out in the direction of the ar-
row » Fig. 178 .
›
Lift off protective cap
5
» Fig. 166 on page 169 .
›
Place the trailer onto the ball head.
›
Plug the trailer cable into 13-pin socket
A
» Fig. 178 .
If the trailer that is to be towed has a 7-pin connector, you can use a suitable
adapter from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
›
Hook the breakaway cable of the trailer to the security eyelet
B
.
When hooked into the safety eyelet, the breakaway cable of the trailer must
sag relative to the vehicle in all trailer positions (sharp curves, reverse driving
etc.). 
174Driving

Detaching›Unhook the breakaway cable of the trailer from the security eyeletB
» Fig. 178.
›
Pull the trailer cable connected out of the 13-pin socket.
›
Remove the trailer from the ball head.
›
Place cap
5
on to the ball head » Fig. 166 on page 169 .
›
Grip the 13-pin socket at point
A
and swivel in the opposite direction to the
arrow » Fig. 178 .
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 71, Operating
the lights 1)
.
Power to the trailer power grid
For the electrical connection between the vehicle and trailer, the trailer's pow-
er supply is provided by the vehicle.
The power supply works with ignition on or off.
WARNING■ Incorrectly or improperly connected electrical installations may cause the
entire vehicle electronics to malfunction, and may lead to accidents and se-
rious injury from electric shock.■
Work on the electrical system must only be carried out by specialist ga-
rages.
■
Never directly connect the trailer's electrical system with the electrical
connections for the tail lights or other current sources.
■
After attaching the trailer and connecting the power socket, check that
the rear lights on the trailer are working correctly.
■
The handbrake on the vehicle must be applied when attaching and dis-
connecting the trailer.
■
Never use the safety eye to tow a vehicle!
Loading a trailer
The vehicle/trailer combination must be balanced. whereby the maximum per-
missible drawbar load must be utilised. If the drawbar load is too low, it jeop-
ardises 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 trailer axle as possible. Secure the items from slipping.
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the
trailer is laden. Drive at a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving
with this combination.
Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on the vehicle for a “full load” » page 204.
Towing capacity and trailer weight
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan-
ces » page 238 , Technical data .
The details given in the vehicle's technical documentation always take prece-
dence over the details in the Owner's Manual.
The trailer loads specified apply only to altitudes up to 1 000 metres above
mean sea level.
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 per-
missible towed weight must be reduced by 10%.
The towed weight is made up of the actual weights of the loaded towing vehi-
cle and the loaded trailer.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing de-
vice are merely test data for the towing device. The vehicle-specific values are
detailed in the vehicle documents.WARNING■ The maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and the permissible
weight of the trailer must not be exceeded - risk of accident!■
Sliding cargo can significantly adversely affect stability and driving safety
- risk of accident!
1)
Applies to vehicles with bi-xenon headlights.
175Hitch and trailer

Trailer operation
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
trailer is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by acceler-
ating.
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 symbol  in the instrument clus-
ter » page 41 lights up.
The following information must be observed » page 41,
 Coolant
.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.WARNING■ Always drive particularly carefully with the trailer.■Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic
situation.
CAUTION
If you tow a trailer frequently, you should also have your vehicle inspected be-
tween service intervals.
Anti-theft alarm system
If the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated when the electrical connection to
the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is coupled or un-
coupled » page 59 .
Conditions for including a trailer in the anti-theft alarm system.
The vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and a towing
device.
The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the
trailer socket.
The electrical system of the vehicle and trailer is functional.
the vehicle is locked with the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm system
is activated.
CAUTION
For technical reasons, trailers with rear LED lights cannot be connected to the
anti-theft alarm system.176Driving