2015 SKODA OCTAVIA maintenance

Every 2 years
▶ Check the filler cap.
▶ Check the condition of fuel filler tubes and the sealing ring in the fuel filler
tubes, and clean the sealing ring if necessary.
▶ Check the gas system for leaks.
Every 4 years
▶ Inspect the gas tank.
Every 20 years ▶ Replace the gas tank.WARNING■ Do not underestimate the smell of gas in the car or when refuelling - risk
of fire, explosion and injury.■
The natural gas tanks in the vehicle must not be exposed to unwanted
heat sources.
Engine compartment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
195
Engine compartment overview
196
Radiator fan
196
Windscreen washer system
196WARNINGWhen working in the engine compartment, injuries, scolding, accident or
fire hazards may arise. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the
warning instructions stated below and with the general applicable rules of
safety. The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area!WARNINGInstructions before beginning work in the engine compartment■Turn off the engine and remove the ignition key.■
Firmly apply the handbrake.
■
For vehicles with manual transmission the lever into the neutral position.
WARNING (Continued)■ On vehicles with automatic transmission, shift the selector lever into the
P position.■
Allow the engine to cool.
■
Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant flowing out of the
engine compartment – risk of scalding! Wait until the steam or coolant has
stopped escaping.
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine compartment■Keep all people, especially children, away from the engine compartment.■
Never touch the radiator fan. The fan might suddenly start running!
■
Do not touch any hot engine parts – risk of burns!
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine compartment with the engine run-
ning■
Pay particular attention to moving engine parts, e.g. V-ribbed belt, gener-
ator, radiator fan - danger to life!
■
Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
■
Avoid short circuits in the electrical system, particularly on the vehicle's
battery.
■
Always make sure that no jewellery, loose clothing or long hair can get
caught in rotating engine parts – risk of death! Always remove any jewel-
lery, tie back long hair and wear tight fitting clothing before completing any
work.
WARNINGInformation for working on the fuel system or the electrical system■Always disconnect the vehicle battery from the electrical system.■
Do not smoke.
■
Never work near open flames.
■
Always have a functioning fire extinguisher nearby.
WARNING■ Read the information and warning instructions on the fluid containers.■Keep the working fluids in sealed original containers and safe from peo-
ple who are not completely independent, e.g. children. 194General Maintenance

Engine compartment overviewFig. 204
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
Read and observe
and on page 194 first.
Layout of the engine compartment » Fig. 204
Coolant expansion reservoir
199
Engine oil dipstick
198
Engine oil filler opening
198
Brake fluid reservoir
200
Battery (below a cover)
201
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
196
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
Radiator fan
Read and observe
and on page 194 first.
The radiator fan is powered by an electric motor. Operation is controlled ac-
cording to the temperature of the coolant.
ABCDEFWARNINGAfter switching off the ignition, the fan can intermittently continue to oper-
ate for approx. 10 minutes.
Windscreen washer system
Fig. 205
Windscreen washer fluid reser-
voir
Read and observe and on page 194 first.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir
A
is located in the engine compart-
ment » Fig. 205 .
The cleaning fluid is provided for the cleaning of the front and rear window as
well as the headlight.
The capacity of the reservoir is about 3 litres or about 4.7 litres on vehicles that
have a headlight cleaning system 1)
.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and head-
lights. We recommend using clean washing water together with the screen
cleaner from the range of ŠKODA Original Accessories (in winter additionally
with antifreeze) which is capable of removing stubborn dirt.
In Winter, the washing water should always be mixed with antifreeze even if
the vehicle has heated windscreen washer nozzles.
Under exceptional circumstances, methylated spirits can also be used if no
screen cleaner with antifreeze is available. The concentration of methylated
spirits must not be more than 15 %. The freeze protection at this concentration
is sufficient only to -5 °C. 
1)
In some countries, 4.7 ltr. applies for both variants.
196General Maintenance

CAUTION■In an emergency, another engine oil to be refilled. 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 engine models: ACEA C3 or API CJ-4.
Checking the oil level
Fig. 206
Principle sketch: Dipstick
Read and observe
and on page 197 first.
The dipstick indicates the engine oil level .
Dipstick » Fig. 206
The oil level must be within this range.
The oil can be checked and topped up, if the following conditions are satisfied. The vehicle is on a horizontal surface.
The engine operating temperature is reached.
The engine is turned off.
The bonnet is open.
Checking the level
›
Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the oil trough.
›
Pull out the dipstick.
›
Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again to the stop.
›
Pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level.
›
Re-insert the dipstick.
AThe engine consumes a little oil. The oil consumption may be as much as 0.5
l/1000 km depending on your style of driving and the conditions under which
you operate your vehicle. Consumption may be slightly higher than this during
the first 5 000 km.
The oil level must be checked at regular intervals.
In case of low oil level, the instrument cluster display shows a warning light 
as well as the relevant notification » page 38. Check the oil level using the dip-
stick as soon as possible. Add oil accordingly.
CAUTION
■ The oil level must never be above the range A » Fig. 206 - risk of damage to
the motor as well as the exhaust system.■
If for some reason it is not possible to top up the engine oil under the current
circumstances, 
do not continue driving! Switch off the engine and seek as-
sistance from a specialist garage.
■
If the oil level is above level
A
, 
do not continue to drive! Switch off the
engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
Replenishing
Read and observe
and on page 197 first.
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening » Fig. 204 on page 196 .
›
Replenish the oil in portions of 0.5 litres in accordance with the correct speci-
fications » page 197 .
›
Check the oil level » page 198.
›
Screw the lid of the engine oil filler closed carefully.
›
Pull the dipstick out as far as the stop.
Coolant
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking the coolant level
199
Replenishing
200
The coolant provides cooling for the motor.
It consists of water and coolant additive with additives that protect the cooling
system against corrosion and prevents furring. 
198General Maintenance

Checking the level›Check the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank » Fig. 207.
If the engine is warm, the test result may be inaccurate. The level can also be
above the mark A
» Fig. 207 .
In the event of an insufficient coolant level, a warning light 
is displayed in
the instrument cluster, as well as the relevant notification » page 37. We still
recommend inspecting the coolant level directly at the reservoir 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 199 first.
The coolant expansion tank must always contain a small amount of coolant» page 199, 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.
Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available. In
this case, use just water and have the correct mixing ratio of water and cool-
ant additive restored by a specialist garage as soon as possible.
Only refill with new coolant.
Brake fluid
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking the brake fluid level
200
Specification
201
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment » Fig. 208 on
page 200 .
WARNING■
The 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 194.■
Do not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired – risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ Do not continue your journey if the fluid level has dropped below the “MIN”
marking » Fig. 208 on page 200 ,  do not continue driving - there is a risk of
an accident! Seek help from a specialist garage.■
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
Note
■ The brake fluid is changed as part of a prescribed inspection services.■We recommend using brake fluids from the ŠKODA Original Accessories
range.
Checking the brake fluid level
Fig. 208
Brake fluid reservoir
Read and observe and on page 200 first.
The fluid can be checked if the following conditions are met.
The vehicle is on a horizontal surface.
The engine is turned off.
The bonnet is open.
Checking the level
›
Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir » Fig. 208.
The level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings. 
200General Maintenance

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.
■
Do not place the battery in direct daylight in order to protect the vehicle bat-
tery housing from the effects of ultra-violet light.
■
If the vehicle is frequently used for making short trips, the vehicle battery
will not have time to charge up sufficiently and may discharge.
Note
■ We recommend having all work on the vehicle battery carried out by a spe-
cialist garage.■
You should replace batteries older than 5 years.
Opening the cover
Fig. 209
Polyester cover of vehicle bat-
tery
Read and observe and on page 201 first.
The battery is located in the engine compartment. For some equipment var- iants, it is located underneath a polyester cover » Fig. 209.
›
Fold out the cover on the battery in the direction of the arrow.
The battery cover is installed in reverse order.
Checking the battery electrolyte level
Fig. 210
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
Read and observe and on page 201 first.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, the electrolyte
level can be determined by looking at the change in colour of this display.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
Check
Black colour – electrolyte level is correct.
Colourless or light yellow colour – electrolyte level too low, the battery must
be replaced.
For technical reasons, on vehicles with the description “AGM”, the electrolyte
level cannot be checked.
Vehicles with the START STOP system are fitted with a battery control unit for
checking the energy level for recurring engine starts.
We recommend that you have the acid level checked regularly by a specialist
garage, especially in the following cases. ▶ High external temperatures.
▶ Longer day trips.
▶ After each charge. 

202General Maintenance

›Firstly disconnect the battery's negative terminal
, followed by the positive
terminal .
Connecting›
Firstly connect the battery's positive terminal 
, followed by the negative
terminal 
.
After disconnecting and re-connecting the vehicle battery, the following func- tions or devices are partially or completely inoperative.
Function / deviceOperating measureElectrical power windows» page 64Panorama sliding/tilting roof» page 66Sun screen» page 66Time settings» page 31
CAUTION
■ Disconnect the vehicle battery only with the ignition turned off - there is a
risk of damaging the electrical system of the vehicle.■
Under no circumstances must the battery cables be connected incorrectly –
risk of a cable fire.
Note
■ After disconnecting and re-connecting the vehicle battery, we recommend
having the vehicle checked by a specialist to ensure that the full functionality
of all electrical systems is guaranteed.■
The data of the multi-function display will be reset.
Automatic load deactivation
Read and observe
and on page 201 first.
The vehicle's electrical system automatically prevents the battery from dis-
charging when the battery is being heavily used. This manifests itself by the
following. ▶ The idling speed is raised to allow the generator to deliver more electricity to
the electrical system.
▶ Where appropriate large convenience consumers, e.g. seat heaters, rear win-
dow heaters, have their power limited or in case of emergency shut off com-
pletely.
CAUTION■ Despite such intervention by the vehicle electric system management, the
vehicle battery may be drained. For example, when the ignition is switched on
a long time with the engine turned off or the side or parking lights are turned
on during longer parking.■
Consumers which are supplied via a 12 V socket can cause the vehicle battery
to discharge when the ignition is switched off.
Note
Driving comfort is not disrupted by any shutting off of consumers. Often the
driver is not aware of it having taken place.204General Maintenance

Tyre diameter in inches
These details are intended only as information for the specified tyre pres-
sure and does not list approved tyre sizes for your vehicle.
The approved tyre sizes for your vehicle are listed in the vehicle's technical
documentation (COC document) and this also states the declaration of
conformity.
The approved tyre diameter for your vehicle is also provided with the vehi-
cle data » page 236 .
Tyre pressure value on the front axle
Tyre pressure value on the rear axle
Checking the tyre pressures
Check the tyre pressure, including that of the emergency or spare wheel, at
least once a month and also before setting off on a long journey.
Always check the inflation pressure when the tyres are cold. Do not reduce the
higher pressure on warm tyres.
In vehicles with tyre pressure monitoring, tyre pressure values must be saved
each time the pressures are changed » page 165.WARNING■
Having the correct tyre inflation pressure is always the driver's responsi-
bility.■
Too low or too high inflation pressure impairs handling.
■
If the inflation pressure is too low, the tyre must perform a greater rolling
resistance. At higher speeds the tyre will warm up as a result of this. This
can result in tread separation and a tyre blow-out.
■
In the event of very fast pressure loss, e.g. in the event of sudden tyre
damage, an attempt should be made to bring the vehicle carefully to a stop
without sudden steering movements and without any hard braking.
For the sake of the environment
Tyres which are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption.
Note
The declaration of conformity (COC document) can be obtained from a ŠKODA 1)
partner.EFGTyre wear
Read and observe
on page 205 first.
The tyre wear depends on the tyre pressure, the driving style and other condi-
tions.
Attention to the following notes may affect tyre wear.
Driving style
Fast cornering, sharp acceleration and braking increase the wear of your tyres.
Wheel balance
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 appa-
rent by a “vibration” in the steering. If this is the case, have the wheels
checked by a specialist garage.
Have the wheels rebalanced after replacing or repairing the tyres.
Setting the vehicle geometry
Incorrect wheel alignment at the front or rear leads to excess wear on the
tyres and impairs driving safety. In the event of prominent tyre wear, we rec-
ommend that you have the setting of the vehicle geometry checked at a spe-
cialist garage.
WARNING■ An incorrect wheel alignment at the front or rear impairs handling.■Unusual vibrations or pulling of the vehicle to one side could be a sign of
tyre damage. If there is any doubt that a wheel is damaged, immediately re-
duce your speed and stop! If no external tyre damage is evident, drive slow-
ly and carefully to the nearest specialist garage to have the vehicle
checked.1)
Only valid for some countries and some models.
206General Maintenance

In vehicles with tyre pressure monitoring, save tyre pressure values
» page 165 .WARNING■
If, you get a puncture and a spare tyre has to be mounted with opposite
direction of rotation, then drive carefully. The tyre no longer retains its opti-
mal characteristics in this situation.■
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 adopted.
■
Never use the temporary spare wheel if it is damaged.
Spare wheel
Read and observe
on page 205 first.
A yellow warning label is always 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 emergency spare is inflated to the maximum inflation pressure for the
vehicle » page 205 .
▶ The tyre inflation pressure of the spare wheel R 18 is 4.2 bar.
▶ Only use this emergency spare wheel to reach the nearest specialist garage,
as it is not intended for permanent use.
If you need to use a spare wheel, make sure to fit a standard wheel of the ap-
propriate dimensions and design as soon as possible.
In vehicles with tyre pressure monitoring, save tyre pressure values
» page 165 .
WARNING■
Never drive with more than one temporary spare wheel mounted!■Only use the temporary spare wheel when absolutely necessary.■
Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
■
The snow chains cannot be used on the temporary spare wheel.
■
If the dimensions or design of the temporary spare wheel differ from the
tyres fitted, never drive faster than 80 km/h (or 50 mph).
WARNING (Continued)■ Never use the emergency spare wheel if it is damaged.■Observe instructions on the warning sign of the emergency wheel.
Tyre label
Read and observe
on page 205 first.
Only fit radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference) and the same
tread pattern on one axle on all 4 wheels.
When fitting new tyres, the tyres must be replaced axle by axle.
Explanation of tyre markings
For example, 195/65 R 15 91 T means:
195Tyre width in mm65Height/width ratio in %RCode letter for the type of tyre – Radial15Diameter of wheel in inches91Load indexTSpeed symbol
The date of manufacture is stated on the tyre wall (possibly on the inside).
For example, DOT ... 10 15... means, for example, that the tyre was manufac-
tured in the 10th week of 2015.
Load index
The load index indicates the maximum permissible load for each individual
tyre.
Load index8889909192939495Load
(In kg)560580600615630650670690
Speed symbol
The maximum speed symbol indicates the maximum permissible vehicle speed
with fitted tyres in each category. 
208General Maintenance