2015 SKODA OCTAVIA lights

Exterior mirrors
You should have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the
traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors.
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 68, 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.
With the ignition off, the battery of the towing vehicle is discharged by activa-
ted consumers.
At low charge state of the vehicle battery power to the trailer is interrupted.WARNING■ Improperly connected trailer electrical installations may cause accidents
or serious injury due to 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.
WARNING (Continued)■ After attaching the trailer and connecting the power socket, check that
the rear lights on the trailer are working correctly.■
Never use the safety eye to tow a vehicle!
CAUTION
Improperly connected trailer electrical installations may cause malfunction of
the entire vehicle electronics.
Note
■ The total power consumption of all the connected consumers on the trailer
must not exceed 350 watts.■
Coat the ball head of the towing device with a suitable grease whenever
necessary.
Loading a trailer
Distribution of the cargo
Distribute the cargo 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 205.
WARNINGSliding cargo can significantly adversely affect stability and driving safety -
risk of accident!
Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstances. 1)
Applies to vehicles with xenon headlights.
173Hitch and trailer

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.WARNINGAlways drive particularly carefully with the trailer.
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 58 .
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 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.177Hitch and trailer

CAUTIONInformation for cleaning windows■Do not clean the inside of the windows with sharp-edged objects or corro-
sive and acidic cleaning agents – there is a risk of damaging the heating ele-
ments or window aerial.■
When drying the windows after washing the vehicle, do not use window
leathers that have been used to polish the bodywork. Residues of preserva-
tives in the window leather can dirty the window and reduce visibility.
Headlight glasses
Read and observe
and on page 183 first.
Clean plastic front headlight lenses using clean, warm water and soap.
CAUTION
■The headlights are never to be wiped dry - there is a risk of damaging the
protective lacquer and the headlight glass subsequently developing cracks.■
Do not use sharp objects to clean the glasses - there is a risk of damaging
the protective lacquer and the headlight glasses subsequently developing
cracks.
■
Do not use any aggressive cleaning or chemical solvent products to clean the
headlights – risk of damaging the headlight lenses.
Camera lens
Read and observe
and on page 183 first.
Moisten the lens of the rear view camera first with clean water and then dry
with a dry cloth.
Remove the snow from the lens with a brush and the ice from the lens with
de-icing agents specifically developed for these purposes.
CAUTION
■ Remove snow or ice on the lens with warm or hot water - there is a risk of
damaging the lens.■
Never use cleaners containing abrasive effect to clean the lens.
■
Never use pressurized water or steam jet to clean the lens.
Door closing cylinder
Read and observe
and on page 183 first.
Specific products must be used for de-icing door lock cylinders.
CAUTION
Make sure that as little water as possible gets into the locking cylinder when
washing the vehicle - there is a risk of freezing the lock cylinder!
Cavity protection
Read and observe
and on page 183 first.
All the cavities of your vehicle which are at risk from corrosion are protected
for life by a layer of protective wax applied in the factory.
Wax protection does not require to be inspected or re-treated.
If any small amount of wax flow out of the cavities at high temperatures, these
must be removed with a plastic scraper and the stains cleaned using a petrole-
um cleaner.
WARNINGSafety regulations should be observed when using petroleum cleaner to re-
move wax – risk of fire!
Jack
Read and observe
and on page 183 first.
The jack is maintenance-free.
If necessary, the moving parts of the jack should be lubricated with a suitable
lubricant.
Wheels
Read and observe
and on page 183 first.
Wheel rims
Also thoroughly wash the wheel rims when washing the vehicle on a regular
basis. 
185Care and 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■Under no circumstances must radiator antifreeze or other additives be added
to the windscreen washer fluid.■
If the vehicle is fitted with a headlight cleaning system, only cleaning prod-
ucts which do not attack the polycarbonate coating of the headlights must be
added to the windscreen washer fluid.
■
Do not remove the filter from the windscreen washer fluid reservoir when re-
plenishing it with liquid otherwise the liquid transportation system can be con-
taminated, which can cause the windscreen washer system to malfunction.
Engine oil
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Specification
197
Checking the oil level
198
Replenishing
198
The engine has been factory-filled with a high-grade oil that can be use
throughout the year - except in extreme climate zones.
The engine oils are undergoing continuous further development. Thus the in- formation stated in this Owner's Manual is only correct at the time of publica-
tion.
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 49.
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 194.
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 197 first.
Vehicles with variable service intervals
Petrol enginesSpecification1.2 l/63, 81 kW TSI
VW 504 00
1.4 l/110 kW TSI1.8 l/132 kW TSI2.0 l/162, 169 kW TSIDiesel engines a)Specification1.6 l/66, 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.
Vehicles with fixed service intervals
Petrol enginesSpecification1.2 l/63, 81 kW TSI
VW 502 00
1.4 l/81 kW TSI G-TEC1.4 l/110 kW TSI1.6 l./81 kW MPI1.8 l/132 kW TSI2.0 l/162, 169 kW TSIDiesel engines a)Specification1.6 l/66, 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. 
197Inspecting and replenishing

The coolant additive percentage in the coolant must be at least 40%.
The coolant additive may be increased to a maximum of 60%.
The correct mixing ratio of water and coolant additive is to be checked if nec-
essary by a specialist garage or is to be restored if necessary.
The description of the coolant is shown in the coolant expansion reservoir
» Fig. 207 on page 199 .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 194.■
The coolant is harmful to health.
■
Avoid contact with the coolant.
■
Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the
engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
■
When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot
coolant.
■
If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes
with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
■
Always keep the coolant in the original container, safe from people who
are not completely independent, especially children - there is a danger of
poisoning!
■
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. 207 on page 199 .
■
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. 207
Coolant expansion reservoir
Read and observe and on page 199 first.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
Coolant expansion reservoir » Fig. 207
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 on a horizontal surface.
The engine is turned off.
The engine is not heated.
The bonnet is open. 
AB199Inspecting and replenishing

›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

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