2015 SKODA OCTAVIA brake

The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 41.
Switching to manual shifting›
Push the gear selector from position D/S towards the right, or left in a right-
hand drive vehicle.
When switching to the manual shifting while driving, the current gear is main-
tained.
Shifting up gears
›
Push the selector lever forwards
+
» Fig. 151 .
›
Pull the paddle +
» Fig. 151 briefly towards the steering wheel.
Shifting down gears
›
Push the selector lever backwards
-
» Fig. 151 .
›
Pull the paddle -
» Fig. 151 briefly towards the steering wheel.
Temporarily switching to manual shifting in position D/S
›
Pull one of the -/+ paddles
» Fig. 151 briefly towards the steering wheel .
If you do not pull one of the rocker switches -
/+ for more than 1 Minute, man-
ual shifting of gears is deactivated. The temporary switch to manual gear shift-
ing can also be deactivated by pulling the +
paddle towards the steering
wheel for more than 1 second.
Note
■ It may be beneficial, for example, when travelling downhill, to use manual
shifting of gears. Shifting to a lower gear reduces the load on the brakes and
hence the wear of the brakes » page 126.■
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear
just before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.
■
If a lower gear is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no
risk of the engine overrevving.
Starting-off and driving
Read and observe
and on page 129 first.
Starting off
›
Start the engine.
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
›
Press the lock button in the direction of
1
» Fig. 150 on page 130 and hold.
›Move the selector lever into the desired position
» page 129 and then release
the lock button.›
Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stopping (while the car is moving)
›
Depress the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Keep holding the brake pedal until driving is resumed.
The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping for a
short time, such as at a cross roads.
Kickdown
The kickdown function allows you to achieve the maximum acceleration of
your vehicle while driving.
When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the kickdown function is activa-
ted in any forward driving mode.
The gearbox shifts down one or more gears depending on the vehicle speed
and engine speed, and the vehicle accelerates.
The gearbox does not shift up into the highest gear until the engine has
reached its maximum revolutions for this gear range.
Driving in neutral position in mode E (free-wheel)
›
Move the selector lever into the position D/S.
›
Select the driving mode Eco or Individual (Drive - Eco) » page 157, Selection
of the driving mode (Driving Mode Selection) .
›
Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal (the speed is higher than 20
km/h).
The vehicle moves without the braking effect of the engine.
The gear is selected again automatically, when you briefly depress the acceler- ator brake pedal or pull the left rocker switch -
towards the steering wheel
» page 130 , Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic) .
This function is not available when towing a trailer or when another accessory
is connected to the trailer socket.
Launch control 1)
The launch control function allows the vehicle in mode S or Tiptronic to reach
its maximum acceleration when starting off.
›
Disable the TCS » page 135, Braking and stabilisation systems .
1)
This function is only valid for some engines.
131Starting-off and Driving

›START STOP deactivate
» page 126, Manually deactivating/activating the
system .›
Fully depress and hold the brake pedal with your left foot.
›
Fully depress the accelerator pedal with your right foot.
›
Release the brake pedal.
The vehicle starts off with maximum acceleration.
›
Reactivate the TCS and START-STOP when the desired speed has been
reached.
WARNINGRapid acceleration, particularly on slippery roads, can lead to loss of control
of the vehicle – risk of accident!
Running-in and economical driving
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Running-in
132
Tips for economical driving
132
DriveGreen function
133
The fuel consumption, degree of pollution and vehicle wear depend on driving
style, road condition, weather conditions and the like.
Running-in
Driving in the engine
The engine has to be run in during the first 1500 kilometres. During this period,
the driving style decides on the quality of the driving-in process.
During the first 1 000 km we recommend not driving faster than 3/4 of the
maximum permissible engine speed, not to drive at full throttle and to dis-
pense with the trailer.
In the area of 1,000 to 1,500 kilometres the engine load can be increased up
to the maximum permitted engine speed.
New tyres
New tyres have to be “run in” since they do not offer optimal grip at first.
Drive especially carefully for the first 500 km or so.
New brake pads
New brake pads have to first “grind in” because these do not initially have the
best possible braking effect.
Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or so.
Tips for economical driving
To achieve the lowest possible fuel consumption, the following instructions
must be observed.
Looking ahead when driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
Switch in an energy saving and timely manner Observe the recommended gear » page 41.
Avoid full throttle and high speeds
Fuel consumption can be reduced by half if only three-quarters of the possible
top speed of your vehicle is used.
Reducing idling
If the vehicle is fitted with the START STOP system there is an automatic re-
duction of the idling. If the engine is stopped on vehicles without START-STOP
system, such as when waiting in a traffic jam, the fuel economy is already
greater after 30 - 40 s than the fuel quantity which is required for engine re-
start.
Avoid short distances
When driving a short distance of less than about 4 km, the engine cannot
reach its operating temperature. As long as the engine has not reached oper-
ating temperature, the fuel consumption is significantly higher than with the
engine hot.
Pay attention to the correct tyre inflation pressure being maintained
Further information » page 205.
Avoid unnecessary ballast
Per 100 kg of weight, consumption increases by about 0.3 l/100 km. At a speed
of 100 - 120 km/h, a vehicle fitted with a roof rack cross member without a load
will use about 10 % more fuel than normal due to the increased aerodynamic
drag.
Saving electricity
Only turn on electrical consumers (e.g. seat, window and mirror heating and
the like) for as long as necessary. 
132Driving

Avoiding damage to your vehicle
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Driving Tips
134
Driving through water
134
This section of the manual contains important information on preventing dam-
age to the vehicle while driving.
Driving Tips
Only drive on such roads and in such terrain, which match the vehicle parame-
ters » page 236 , Technical data as well as your driving skills.
The driver is always responsible for deciding whether the vehicle can handle
travelling in the given terrain.
When travelling off paved roads, we recommend activating the OFF ROAD
mode » page 138 .
WARNING■
Always adjust your driving to the current terrain and weather conditions.
Excessive speed or incorrect driving manoeuvres can cause damage to the
vehicle and lead to serious injuries.■
Combustible objects such as dry leaves or twigs caught under the base of
the vehicle could ignite on hot vehicle parts - risk of fire!
CAUTION
■ Pay attention to the ground clearance of the vehicle! When driving over ob-
jects which are larger than the ground clearance, the vehicle can get damaged.■
Any objects that get trapped under the vehicle floor must be removed as
soon as possible. These objects can damage the fuel lines, the brake system,
seals and other parts of the vehicle.
■
Drive slowly in unknown terrain and watch out for unexpected obstacles,
such as potholes, rocks, stumps, etc.
■
Check up on confusing sections of unpaved roads before travelling on them
and consider whether such travelling is possible without risk.
Driving through waterFig. 153
Maximum permissible water lev-
el when driving through water
The following must be observed to avoid damage to the vehicle when driving
through bodies of water (e.g. flooded roads).
›
Therefore determine the depth of the water before driving through bodies of
water.
The water level must not reach above the web of the lower beam » Fig. 153.
›
Do not drive any faster than at a walking speed.
At a higher speed, a water wave can form in front of the vehicle which can
cause water to penetrate into the air induction system of the engine or into
other parts of the vehicle.
›
Never stop in the water, do not reverse and do not switch the engine off.
CAUTION
■ If water penetrates into the intake system of the engine, there is a risk of se-
rious damage to the engine parts!■
When driving through water, some vehicle parts such as the chassis, the
electrics or the transmission can be severely damaged.
■
Oncoming vehicles can generate water waves which can exceed the permis-
sible water level for your vehicle.
■
Potholes, mud or rocks can be hidden under the water, making it difficult or
impossible to drive through the body of water.
■
Do not drive through salt water, as the salt can cause corrosion. An vehicle
coming into contact with salt water is to be thoroughly rinsed with fresh wa-
ter.
134Driving

Traction control (TCS)136Electronic differential lock (EDL and XDS)137
Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
137
Brake Assist (HBA)
137
Hill Start Assist (HHC)
137
Multi collision brake (MCB)
138
Trailer stabilization system (TSA)
138
This chapter describes the functions of the brake and stabilization systems.
The error display is in Chapter » page 31, Warning lights .
The brake and stabilization systems are automatically activated each time the
ignition is switched on, unless otherwise indicated.
WARNINGThe general information relating to the use of assistance systems must be
observed » page 135, in section Introduction .
Stability Control (ESC)
Read and observe
on page 136 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
The activation of the ESC sports allows a sportier driving style. With a slight
over or under steering of the vehicle take no ESC interventions take place and
the TCS is restricted so that the spinning of the wheels of the driven axle can
occur.
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. 155 on page 136 .
▶ Infotainment » Owner´s Manual Infotainment , chapter CAR - vehicle set-
tings .
Upon activation, in the instrument cluster the indicator light  comes on and
the display shows the following message.ESC sport: directional stabil. restricted.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
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Read and observe
on page 136 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.
Traction control (TCS)
Fig. 155
System button: Vehicle with ESC / vehicle without ESC
Read and observe
on page 136 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. 
136Driving

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. ▶ Infotainment » Owner´s Manual Infotainment , chapter CAR - vehicle set-
tings .
▶ By briefly pressing the symbol key 
» Fig. 155 .
▶ By briefly pressing the symbol key 
» Fig. 155 .
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 TCS 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 136 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. Once the brakes have cooled down, there is
an automatic re-activation of EDL.
XDS
XDS is an extension to the electronic differential lock. XDS 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 136 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.
Brake Assist (HBA)
Read and observe
on page 136 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 Start Assist (HHC)
Read and observe
on page 136 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 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.
137Assist systems

Multi collision brake (MCB)Read and observe
on page 136 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 ESC and other required electrical systems remain function-
al after impact.
The accelerator pedal is not actuated.
Trailer stabilization system (TSA)
Read and observe
on page 136 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.
Further information » page 167, Hitch and trailer .
OFF ROAD-mode
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Operation
139
Hill Descent Assistant
139
ESC OFF ROAD
140
TCSOFF ROAD
140
EDS OFF ROAD
140
ABS OFF ROAD
140
The OFF ROAD mode includes several features that help to overcome difficult
navigable routes when travelling on non-paved roads.
But even with OFF ROAD mode activated, your vehicle is never a true SUV.
WARNING■ The general information relating to the use of assistance systems must
be observed » page 135, in section Introduction .■
A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to
shut down. This would lead the OFF ROAD mode to lose its effectiveness -
risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ The OFF ROAD mode is not designed for the use on common roads.■All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufac-
turer to ensure theOFF ROAD mode operates correctly.138Driving

OperationFig. 156
Button for selecting the driving mode / function key in Infotain-
ment display
Read and observe
and on page 138 first.
We recommend that you activate the OFF ROAD mode for every trip on non-paved roads.
Activation
›
Press the symbol button 
» Fig. 156 .
In the Infotainment display a running mode menu » Fig. 156 appears.
›
Press the function key
Off-road
in the Infotainment display.
Deactivation
›
Press the symbol button 
» Fig. 156 .
›
In the Infotainment display select a driving mode other than
Off-road
.
So that an engagement of the OFF ROAD mode can take place, the following
conditions must be met.
The OFF ROAD mode is enabled.
The vehicle is moving at a speed of less than 30 km/h. The warning light  illuminates in the instrument cluster.
The following functions are integrated in the OFF ROAD mode.
▶ Downhill Drive Support » page 139.
▶ ESC OFF ROAD » page 140.
▶ TCS OFF ROAD » page 140.
▶ EDL OFF ROAD » page 140.
▶ ABS OFF ROAD » page 140.
NoteIf the engine stalls while driving and is started again within 30 seconds, then
OFF ROAD mode will be automatically activated.
Hill Descent Assistant
Read and observe
and on page 138 first.
The hill descent assistant (hereinafter referred to as assist system), with its
automatic braking action on all wheels, ensures a constant speed is main-
tained on a steep slope when driving forwards and reversing.
During an intervention of the assistant, the warning light  flashes in the in-
strument cluster.
The assistant is automatically engaged under the following conditions. The engine is running.
For vehicles with Manual transmission the shift lever is in the neutral po-
sition and or the 1st, 2nd, 3rd gear, or reverse gear is engaged.
On vehicles with an automatic transmission , the selector lever is in the R,
N, D/S position or in the Tiptronic position.
The downhill gradient is at least 10 % (when driving over sleepers, the lim-
it can briefly drop to 8 %).
Neither the accelerator nor the brake pedal is operated.
Driving speed
Initiate the downhill decent at a reasonable speed up to 30 km / h the hill de-
scent assist maintains this speed when driving downhill constant.
The assistant can maintain constant speed of about 2 - 30 km / h.
If a forwards or reverse gear is engaged for vehicles with Manual transmis-
sion , the speed must be high enough to avoid stalling the engine.
By pressing the accelerator or brake pedal, the speed can be increased or re-
duced. This is true even if the shift lever is in the neutral position and the se-
lector lever in the N position. The engagement of the assistant is resumed af-
ter the pedal is released.
WARNINGFor the correct operation of the assistant the road surface must be suffi-
ciently adherent. The assistant cannot properly fulfil its function on slushy
soil due to physical reasons (e.g. ice or mud). - there is a risk of an accident! 139Assist systems

NoteDuring an active intervention of the assistant, the brake lights do not light up.
ESC OFF ROADRead and observe
and on page 138 first.
The ESC OFF ROAD makes driving on a dirt roads easier, as no ESC interven-
tions occur when the vehicle is over or under steered.
TCSOFF ROAD
Read and observe
and on page 138 first.
The TCS OFF ROAD makes starting and driving on an unpaved surface easier as
it partially allows wheel-spin.
Note
When disabled, the TCS » page 136 OFF ROAD mode works without the sup-
port of the TCS OFF ROAD.
EDS OFF ROAD
Read and observe
and on page 138 first.
The EDS supports OFF ROAD vehicle traction when driving on a surface with
different grip under the drive wheels or when driving over bumps.
A spinning wheel or wheels are braked earlier and with more force than with
the intervention of the standard EDS system.
ABS OFF ROAD
Read and observe
and on page 138 first.
The ABS OFF ROAD supports the driver when braking on an unpaved surface
such as gravel, snow, etc.
The system generated by a controlled locking of the wheels braked wheel be-
fore a “wedge” of piled material, which shortens the braking distance.
The system is only available, if the front wheels are in the straight-ahead posi-
tion.
The system operates at speeds of up to 50 km/h.
Parking aid (ParkPilot)
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Function
141
Display in the Infotainment display
142
Activation / deactivation
142
Automatic system activation when moving forward
143
The parking aid (hereinafter referred to as system) draws attention via acous-
tic signals or the Infotainment display when manoeuvring around obstacles in
the vicinity of the vehicle.
WARNING■ The general information relating to the use of assistance systems must
be observed » page 135, in section Introduction .■
Moving persons or objects may not be recognized by the system sensors.
■
Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the system signals. For this reason, such people or
objects may not be recognised by the system sensors.
■
External noise sources may affect the signals of the system sensors. Un-
der adverse conditions, this may cause objects or people not to be recog-
nised by the system.
■
You should satisfy yourself before reversing that there is no small obsta-
cle, such as a rock, thin post, trailer drawbar etc., in front or behind your ve-
hicle. Such obstacles may not be recognised by the system sensors.
CAUTION
■ Keep the system sensors » Fig. 157 on page 141 clean, and free from snow
and ice, and do not cover with any objects of any kind, otherwise the system
functioning may be limited.■
Under adverse weather conditions (heavy rain, water vapour, very low or
high temperatures, etc.), the system function may be limited - “incorrect recog-
nition of obstacle”.
■
Accessories additionally installed on the vehicle rear, such as bicycle carriers,
can impair the system function.
Note
The display of obstacles in the Infotainment black and white display is descri-
bed in the » Owner´s Manual Infotainment , chapter CAR - vehicle settings .140Driving