2015 SKODA OCTAVIA tow

Clean wheels, door sills and similar parts last. Use a second sponge for such
areas.
Give the vehicle a good rinse after washing it and dry it off using a chamois
leather.WARNINGProtect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when cleaning
the underfloor or the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims – risk
of cuts!
CAUTION
■ Only apply slight pressure when cleaning the vehicle's paintwork.■Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight – risk of paint damage.
Automatic car wash systems
Read and observe
and on page 181 first.
The usual precautionary measures must be taken before washing the vehicle
in an automatic car wash system (e.g. closing the windows and the sliding/tilt-
ing roof etc.).
If your vehicle is fitted with any particular attached parts, such as a spoiler,
roof rack system, two-way radio aerial etc., it is best to consult the operator of
the car wash system beforehand.
After an automatic wash with wax treatment, the lips of the wipers should be
cleaned with cleaning agents specially designed for the purpose, and then de-
greased.
CAUTION
Before driving through a car wash fold in the exterior mirrors - there is a risk of
damage.
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
Read and observe
and on page 181 first.
When washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, the instructions for
use of the equipment must be observed. This applies in particular to the pres-
sure used and to the spraying distance .
Maintain a sufficiently large distance to the parking aid sensors and soft mate-
rials such as rubber hoses or insulation material.
CAUTION
■ The films should not be washed with any high-pressure cleaners - there is a
risk of damage » page 183.■
Do not aim the water jet directly at the lock cylinders or the door or opening
joints when washing the vehicle in the winter – there is a risk of freezing.
■
The sensors of the parking aid can be sprayed only for a short time and there
must be a minimum distance of 10 cm - there is a risk of damage.
Cleaning vehicle exterior
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Vehicle paint work
183
Films
183
Plastic parts
184
Rubber seals
184
Chrome and anodized parts
184
Windows and external mirrors
184
Headlight glasses
185
Camera lens
185
Door closing cylinder
185
Cavity protection
185
Jack
185
Wheels
185
Towing hitch and mounting recess
186
Under-body protection
186
Wiper blades
186
We recommend using vehicle care products from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
These are available from ŠKODA Partners. The usage instructions on the pack-
age must be observed. 
182General Maintenance

Regularly remove salt and brake abrasion, otherwise the rim material will be
corroded.
Light alloy wheels
After washing thoroughly and treat the wheel rims with a protective product
for light alloy wheels.
For the treatment of wheel rims do not use products which may cause damage
to the paint on the rims.
CAUTION
■ Damage to the paint layer on the wheel rims must be touched up immediate-
ly.■
Severe layers of dirt on the wheels can also result in wheel imbalance. This
may show itself in the form of a wheel vibration which is transmitted to the
steering wheel which, in certain circumstances, can cause premature wear of
the steering. This means it is necessary to remove the dirt.
Towing hitch and mounting recess
Read and observe
and on page 183 first.
Seal the mounting recess with the cap to prevent any ingress of dirt.
In the event of dirt, clean the interior surfaces of the mounting recess and
treat with a suitable preservative.
Always check the ball head before attaching a trailer. Apply suitable grease
where necessary.
Include the protective cap when stowing away the ball rod to protect the boot
from getting contaminated.
CAUTION
Apply grease to the inner part of the mounting recess. Make sure you do not
remove any grease.
Under-body protection
Read and observe
and on page 183 first.
The underside of your vehicle is already permanently protected by the factory
against chemical and mechanical influences.
It is not possible to guarantee that the protective coating will not suffer any
damage as the vehicle is driven.
We recommend having the protective coating underneath the vehicle and the
chassis checked — preferably before the beginning of winter and at the end of winter.WARNINGNever use additional underbody protection or anti-corrosion agents for ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converters, diesel particle filters or heat shields.
When the engine reaches its operating temperature, these substances
might ignite - risk of fire!
Wiper blades
Read and observe
and on page 183 first.
Clean the wiper blades regularly with a glass cleaner. The wiper blades should
be cleaned with a sponge or cloth if they are heavily soiled by insect residues,
for example.
The wiper blades can become soiled with wax residues after washing in auto-
matic vehicle wash systems for example.
Interior care
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Natural leather
187
Artificial leather, materials and Alcantara ®
187
Seat covers
188
Safety belts
188
We recommend using vehicle care products from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
These are available from ŠKODA Partners. The usage instructions on the pack-
age must be observed. 
186General Maintenance

Fire extinguisherFig. 215
Fire extinguisher
The fire extinguisher is attached by two straps in a holder underneath the driv-
er's seat.
Removing/attaching
›
Loosen the two straps by pulling the buckles in the direction of the arrow
» Fig. 215 .
›
Remove the fire extinguisher.
›
To fit in place, insert the fire extinguisher back into the bracket and secure
with straps.
Please read the instructions which are attached to the fire extinguisher.
Pay attention to the expiration date of the fire extinguisher. If the fire extin- guisher is used after the expiration date, its proper function is not assured.
WARNINGThe fire extinguisher must always be secured safely so that they do not
come loose when making an emergency braking or in a vehicle collision
which could cause injuries to occupants.
Note
The fire extinguisher is part of the scope of delivery in certain countries only.Vehicle tool kitFig. 216
Vehicle tool kit
The tool kit is housed in a box in the spare or emergency wheel compartment
or in this storage space.
Depending on the equipment variant, the vehicle tool kit may not contain all
of the following components.
Screwdriver
Key for removing and installing the tail light
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts
Towing eye
Clamps for removing the wheel trims
Jack with sign
Crank for the jack
Wheel wrench
Extraction pliers for wheel bolt caps
Breakdown kit
WARNINGThe factory-supplied lifting jack is only intended for your model of vehicle.
Under no circumstances attempt to lift heavier vehicles or other loads. 12345678910212Do-it-yourself

CAUTION■Screw the jack back into the starting position before storing in the box with
the vehicle tool kit.■
Ensure that the vehicle tool kit is safely secured in the luggage compart-
ment.
■
Ensure that the box is always secured with the strap.
Note
The declaration of conformity is included with the jack or the log folder.
Changing a wheel
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Preparation
213
Removing/stowing the wheel
213
Full wheel trim
213
Wheel bolts
214
Anti-theft wheel bolts
214
Loosening/tightening wheel bolts
215
Raising the vehicle
215
Remove the wheel / fix
216
Follow-up tasks
216
For your own safety and the safety of your passengers, the following instruc-
tions must be observed before carrying out a wheel change on the road.
Switch on the hazard warning light.
Place the warning triangle at the prescribed distance.
Park the vehicle as far away as possible from flowing traffic.
Choose a location with a flat, solid surface.
Have all the occupants get out. The passengers should not stand on the
road (instead they should remain behind a crash barrier, for instance) while
the wheel is being changed.
Preparation
Before changing the wheel, the following work must be carried out.
›
Switch off the engine.
› For vehicles with
manual transmission select 1st gear.›On vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in the P
position.›
The parking brake switch.
›
Uncouple any trailers.
Removing/stowing the wheel
Fig. 217
Take out the wheel
The wheel is located in a well under the floor covering in the boot and is fixed
in place with special bolt
B
» Fig. 217 .
Take out the wheel
›
Open the boot lid.
›
Raise the floor covering in the boot » page 103.
›
Loosen the retaining belt and take out the box with the tool kit.
›
Remove locking
A
in the direction of arrow
1
» Fig. 217 .
›
Unscrew nut
B
in the direction of arrow
2
.
›
Remove the wheel.
Store wheel away
›
Place the wheel into the wheel well with the wheel rim pointing downward.
›
Pull the fixing band through the opposite holes in the wheel rim.
›
Screw in nut
B
in the opposite direction to arrow
2
» Fig. 217 .
›
Insert locking
A
in the opposite direction to which arrow
1
is pointing.
›
Replace the box with the tool kit into the emergency or spare wheel and se-
cure it with the tape.
›
Fold back the floor covering in the boot » page 107.
›
Shut the boot lid.
Full wheel trim
Before removing the wheel bolts, remove the full wheel trim. 
213Emergency equipment, and self-help

Extracting›Hook the clamp found in the vehicle tool kit » page 212 into the reinforced
edge of the wheel trim.›
Push the wheel wrench through the clamp, support on the tyre and pull off
the wheel trim.
Installing
›
Press the wheel trim onto the wheel rim at the designated valve opening.
›
Then press the trim into the wheel rim until its entire circumference locks
correctly in place.
Notes on wheel trims supplied at the factory or from ŠKODAOriginal Accesso-
ries. ▶ When using an anti-theft wheel bolt, make sure that this has been fitted ac-
cording to the position marked on the back of the wheel cover position.
▶ On the back of the wheel cover, the position for the anti-theft wheel bolt is
marked by means of a symbol. If the wheel cover is set outside the position
marked for the anti-theft wheel bolt, there is a risk of damaging the wheel
cover.
If wheel trims are fitted, an adequate flow of air must be assured in order to
cool the brake system.
CAUTION
Use the pressure of your hand only, do not strike the full wheel trim. The cover
could be damaged.
Note
We recommend that you use hub caps from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Wheel bolts
Fig. 218
Remove the cap
Before removing the wheel bolts, remove the caps.
Extracting›Push the extraction pliers » page 212 sufficiently far onto the cap until the
inner catches of the pliers are positioned at the collar of the cap.›
Remove the cap in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 218.
Fitting
›
Push the cap onto the wheel bolt up to the stop.
Anti-theft wheel bolts
Fig. 219
Principle sketch: Anti-theft
wheel bolt with adapter
The anti-theft wheel bolts protect the wheels from theft. These can only be
loosened or tightened with the use of adapter
B
» Fig. 219 .
›
Remove the full wheel trim or the caps of the wheel bolts.
›
Insert adapter
B
» Fig. 219 with the toothed side all the way into the inner
teeth in the head of the anti-theft wheel bolts
A
.
›
Push the wheel wrench onto the adapter
B
up to the stop.
›
Loosen or tighten the wheel bolt » page 215.
›
Remove the adapter.
›
Replace the wheel trim and the caps.
The adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolts must always be kept in the vehicle
in preparation for a possible wheel change. The adapter is stowed in the tool
kit.
With wheel trims supplied at the factory or from ŠKODA Original Accessories,
the position of the anti-theft wheel bolt is marked on the back of the wheel
trim.
When using an anti-theft wheel bolt, make sure that this has been fitted ac-
cording to the position marked on the back of the wheel cover position. 
214Do-it-yourself

Raising the vehicle›Insert the crank 7 into the mount on the jack 6» page 212.›
Support the base plate of the jack with its entire surface resting on level
ground and ensure that the lever is positioned vertically to the jacking point
» Fig. 222 .
›
Use the crank to raise the jack until its claw encloses the bar » Fig. 222.
›
Continue to raise the jack until the wheel is just lifted off the ground.
WARNING■
If the wheel has to be changed on a slope, first of all block the opposite
wheel with a stone or similar object to prevent the vehicle from unexpect-
edly rolling away.■
Secure the base plate of the lifting jack with suitable means to prevent
possible moving. A soft and slippery ground under the base plate may move
the lifting jack, causing the vehicle to fall down. It is therefore always nec-
essary to place the lifting jack on a solid surface or use a wide and stable
base. Use a non-slip base (e.g. a rubber foot mat) if the surface is smooth,
such as cobbled stones, tiled floor, etc.
■
Only attach the lifting jack to the attachment points provided for this pur-
pose.
■
Always raise the vehicle with the doors closed.
■
Never position any body parts, such as arms or legs under the vehicle,
while the vehicle is raised with a lifting jack.
■
When the vehicle is raised, never start the engine.
CAUTION
It is important to ensure that the jack is correctly attached to the bar of the
lower beam, as otherwise there is a risk of damage to the vehicle.
Remove the wheel / fix
When changing a wheel, the following instructions must be followed.
›
Remove the full wheel trim or the caps of the wheel bolts.
›
First of all slacken the anti-theft wheel bolt and then the other wheel bolts.
›
Jack up the vehicle until the wheel that needs changing is clear of the
ground.
›
Unscrew the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface (cloth, paper,
etc.).
›
Remove the wheel carefully.
›
Attach the wheel and slightly screw on the wheel bolts.
›
Lower the vehicle.
› Tighten the wheel bolts opposite each other using the wheel wrench (alter-
nating crosswise). Tighten the anti-theft wheel bolt last.›
Replace the wheel trim and the caps.
When fitting unidirectional tyres, ensure that the direction of rotation is cor-
rect » page 207 .
All bolts must be clean and must turn easily.
If it is established when changing a wheel that the wheel bolts are corroded and difficult to move, then these must be replaced.
Under no circumstances grease or oil the wheel bolts!
WARNINGUndo the wheel bolts only a little (about one turn) as long as the vehicle
has not yet been jacked up. Otherwise the wheel could become loose and
fall off.
Follow-up tasks
After changing the wheel, the following work must be carried out.
›
Stow the replaced wheel in the wheel well and secure it with a special screw.
›
Stow the tool kit in the space provided and secure using the band.
›
Check the tyre pressure on the installed wheel as soon as possible.
›
Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked with a torque wrench
as soon as possible.
After changing the wheel, the tyre pressure must be adjusted. In vehicles with
tyre pressure monitoring, save tyre pressure values » page 165.
Replace the damaged wheel or consult a specialist garage about repair op-
tions.
The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts is 120 Nm.
WARNING■
If the wheel bolts are tightened to a too low tightening torque, the rim
can come loose when the car is moving. A tightening torque which is too
high can damage the bolts and threads and this can result in permanent
deformation of the contact surfaces on the rim.■
Drive cautiously and only at a moderate speed until the tightening torque
has been checked.
216Do-it-yourself

Fig. 225
Engine earth: START-STOP sys-
tem
Read and observe on page 219 first.
The starting process using the battery of another vehicle requires the use of
jumper cables.
The jump-start cables must be attached in the following sequence.
›
Attach clamp
1
to the positive terminal of the discharged battery
A
» Fig. 224 .
›
Attach clamp
2
to the positive terminal of the battery supplying power
B
.
›
Attach clamp
3
to the negative terminal of the battery supplying power
B
.
›
Attach the clamp
4
to a solid metal part which is connected firmly to the en-
gine block or to the engine block itself.
On vehicles with the START-STOP system » Fig. 225, connect the jump-start
cable to the engine's earthing point.
Starting engine
›
Start the engine on the vehicle providing the power and allow it to idle.
›
Start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery.
›
If the engine does not start, terminate the attempt to start the engine after
10 seconds and wait for 30 seconds before repeating the process.
›
Remove the jump-start cables exactly in the reverse sequence as for attach-
ing.
Both batteries must have a rated voltage of 12 V. The capacity (Ah) of the bat-
tery supplying the power must not be significantly less than the capacity of
the discharged battery in your vehicle.
Jump-start cables
Only use jump-start cables which have an adequately large cross-section and
insulated terminal clamps. Observe the instructions of the jumper lead manu-
facturer.
Positive cable – colour coding in the majority of cases is red.
Negative cable – colour coding in the majority of cases is black.WARNING■
Do not clamp the jump-start cable to the negative terminal of the dis-
charged battery. There is the risk of detonating gas seeping out the battery
being ignited by the strong spark which results from the engine being star-
ted.■
The non-insulated parts of the terminal clamps must never touch each
other – risk of short circuit!
■
The jump-start cable connected to the positive terminal of the battery
must not come into contact with electrically conducting parts of the vehicle
– risk of short circuit!
■
Route the jump-start cables so that they cannot be caught by any rotat-
ing parts in the engine compartment.
Towing the vehicle
 Introduction
Fig. 226
Braided tow ropes/spiral tow rope
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Front towing eye
221
Rear towing eye
222
Vehicles with a tow hitch
222
A braided tow rope must be used for towing » Fig. 226- 
.
When towing, the following guidelines must be observed.
Vehicles with manual transmission may be towed in with a tow bar or a tow
rope or with the front or rear wheels raised. 
220Do-it-yourself

Vehicles with automatic transmission may be towed in with a tow bar or a tow
rope or with the front wheels raised. If the vehicle is raised at rear, the auto-
matic gearbox is damaged! If possible, the vehicle should be towed with the
engine running or at least with the ignition on.
Driver of the tow vehicle›
Engage the clutch gently when starting off or depress the accelerator partic-
ularly gently if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
›
Only then approach correctly when the rope is taut.
The maximum towing speed is 50 km/h.
Driver of the towed vehicle
›
Switch on the ignition so that the steering wheel is not locked and so that
the turn signal lights, windscreen wipers and windscreen washer system can
be used.
›
Take the vehicle out of gear or move the selector lever into position N if the
vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
Please note that the brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the
engine is running. If the engine is not running, significantly more physical force
is required to depress the brake pedal and steer the vehicle.
If using a tow rope, ensure that it is always kept taught.
General information for the towing process
Both drivers should be familiar with the problems which might possibly occur while a vehicle is being towed. Unskilled drivers should not attempt to tow in
another vehicle or to be towed in.
The vehicle must be transported on a special breakdown vehicle or trailer if it
is not possible to tow in the vehicle in the way described or if the towing dis-
tance is greater than 50 km.
If the gearbox no longer contains any oil, your vehicle must only be towed with
the front axle raised clear of the ground or on a breakdown vehicle or trailer.
To protect both vehicles when tow-starting or towing, the tow rope should be
elastic. Thus one should only use plastic fibre rope or a rope made out of a
similarly elastic material.
Attach the tow rope or the tow bar to the towing eyes » page 221 or
» page 222 to the detachable ball head of the towing equipment » page 167 .
WARNING■
When towing, exercise increased caution.■Spiral tow ropes must not be used for towing » Fig. 226-  , the towing
eye may unscrew out of the vehicle - risk of accident.■
The tow rope should not be twisted - risk of accident.
CAUTION
■ Do not start engine by towing - there is a risk of damaging the engine parts.
The battery from another vehicle can be used as a jump-start aid » page 219,
Jump-starting .■
There is always a risk of excessive stresses and damage resulting at the
points to which you attach the tow rope or tow bar when you attempt to tow a
vehicle which is not standing on a paved road.
Note
We recommend using a tow rope from ŠKODA Original Accessories available
from a ŠKODA Partner.
Front towing eye
Fig. 227
Removing the cap / installing the towing eye
Read and observe
and on page 221 first.
Removing/installing the cap
›
Press on the cap in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 227 .
›
Remove the cap in the direction of arrow
2
.
›
After unscrewing the towing eye, insert the cap in the area of arrow
1
and
then press the opposite side of the cap.
The cap must engage firmly. 
221Emergency equipment, and self-help