2016 SKODA OCTAVIA towing

The system can display the following (vertical) traffic signs where identified.▶ Speed limit.
▶ Overtaking prohibited.
Additional signs, such as 'when wet' or signs which only apply for a limited
time can also be displayed.
The system displays only traffic signs that are in the “viewing area” of the sen-
sor » Fig. 267 .
Data from the sensor is supplemented by information from the Infotainment
Navigation. This is the reason why traffic signs with maximum speeds can also
be shown on sections of roads which do not have any traffic signs.
Mode when towing a trailer
For vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device the display for the trailer oper-
ation applicable road signs can be enabled or disabled in the Infotainment dis-
play » page 227 , Settings in Infotainment .
Additional display
Read and observe
on page 227 first.
If the menu item Road sign is currently not shown » Fig. 268 on page 227 -
 ,
the road sign with the speed limit will appear in the upper display area of the
instrument cluster » Fig. 268 on page 227 -
 ,
 .
If several traffic signs are detected simultaneously, in some cases the next
traffic sign will also be displayed in the colour display - » Fig. 268 on page 227 -
 .
All detected traffic signs can be displayed via the multifunction display in the
menu item Traffic Sign Recognition » Fig. 268 on page 227 -
 .
The additional display can be activated / deactivated in Infotain-
ment » page 227 .
Malfunctions and information messages
Read and observe
on page 227 first.
If, for some unknown reason, the system is not available, an appropriate mes-
sage appears in the display of the instrument cluster.
Sensor covered / dirty
If the screen in the sensor area is dirty, iced or misted, a caution to clean the
screen appears. Clean the windscreen or remove the obstacles from the sen-
sor area.
System fault
In the case of a system fault, an error message appears. Seek help from a spe-
cialist garage.
System limitation (Navigation data not available)
If the Infotainment Navigation submits no data, a message regarding the limi- tation of the system function appears. Check whether the map documents are
up to date or whether the vehicle is currently in a location for which no naviga-
tion data are available.
Traffic signs unavailable
No speed restriction is detected, a message is displayed regarding the unavail-
ability of road signs.
Fatigue detection
The fatigue detection system (hereinafter referred to as system) recommends
the driver takes a break from driving when driver fatigue can be detected due
to the driver's steering behaviour.
From the starting of the journey, the system evaluates the steering behaviour
at speeds 65-200 km/h. If, while driving, there have been changes in the steer-
ing behaviours that are evaluated by the system as indicating possible fatigue,
a break recommendation is issued.
Conditions under which a break from driving is detected by the system ▶ The vehicle is stopped and the ignition is turned off.
▶ The vehicle is stopped, the seat belt is taken off and the driver's door is
opened.
▶ The vehicle is stopped for more than 15 minutes.
If none of these conditions are met or if the driving style is not changed, the
system recommends a driving break again after 15 minutes.
The system can be activated/deactivated in the Infotainment menu 

→

→
Driver assistance
.
Pause recommendation
The icon appears and the following message for a few seconds in the display
of the instrument cluster  and a message about the detected fatigue. An au-
dible signal is also emitted. 
228Driving

A message on the screen informs about the storage of the tyre pressure val-
ues.
Note
When a warning light in the instrument cluster appears, the affected tyre
can be displayed on the infotainment » Fig. 269.Towing device and trailer
Hitch
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Description
231
Adjusting the ready position
231
Check the setting of the standby position
232
Assembling the bar ball – Step 1
232
Assembling the bar ball – Step 2
233
Check proper fitting
233
Removing the bar ball – Step 1
233
Removing the bar ball – Step 2
234
Vertical load with mounted accessories
235
The maximum trailer nose weight when towing a trailer is 75 kg, Vehicles with
four-wheel drive 80 kg and G-TEC vehicles 56 kg. Other data (e.g. shown on
the nameplate of the hitch) on provides information about the test values of
the device .
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.■
When the knee-joint bar is not used and properly secured in the receiving
shaft, it is damaged or incomplete, this must not be used - there is a risk of
an accident.
■
Do not perform any modifications or changes to the towing device.
■
Keep the mounting recess of the towing device clean at all times. Such
dirt prevents the ball rod from being attached securely!
Note
If the towing device is removed completely, it must be replaced with the origi-
nal reinforcement of the rear bumper which is part of the mount for the towing
eye.230Driving

DescriptionFig. 270
Support for the hitch equipment / ball bar / key (Version 1 and 2)
Read and observe
on page 230 first.
The knee-joint bar is detachable and is located in the storage compartment for
the spare / emergency wheel.
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.
Support for the towing device and tow bar » Fig. 270
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
12345678910111213Adjusting the ready positionFig. 271
1. Step: Key Version 1 / key Version 2
Fig. 272
Step 2: Both key variants
Read and observe on page 230 first.
The ball rod must be set to the ready position prior to installation » page 232,
Check the setting of the standby position .
1. Step - applies to the key version 1
›
Remove the cap from the lock
›
Insert key
A
into the lock so that the green marking is pointing upwards.
›
Turn key
A
in the direction of arrow
1
so that the red marking is pointing
upwards » Fig. 271.
1. Step - applies to the key version 2
›
Remove the cap from the lock
›
Insert key
B
into the lock so that the eye of the key is pointing downwards.
›
Turn the key in the direction of arrow
B

2
so that the conclusions release
shows up » Fig. 271. 
231Towing device and trailer

Assembling the bar ball – Step 2Fig. 275
Lock lock: Key Version 1 / key Version 2
Fig. 276
Place cap on the lock
Read and observe on page 230 first.
Applies to the key version 1
›
Turn key
A
in the direction of arrow
1
so that the green marking is pointing
upwards » Fig. 275 .
›
Remove the key in the direction of the arrow
2
.
Applies to key version 2
›
Turn the key
B
in the direction of arrow
3
so that the conclusions release
points down » Fig. 275.
›
Remove the key in the direction of the arrow
4
.
Applies to both key versions
›
Fit and press cap
C
onto the lock in the direction of arrow
5
» Fig. 276 .
›
Check that the ball rod is securely attached » page 233, Check proper fitting .
WARNINGAfter fitting the tow bar, always secure the lock and remove the key. The
tow bar must not be operated with the key inserted.
Check proper fitting
Fig. 277
Correctly connected tow bar
Read and observe on page 230 first.
Correctly secured ball rod » Fig. 277
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 and the cap
C
attached to the lock.
Removing the bar ball – Step 1
Fig. 278
Remove the cap from the lock 
233Towing device and trailer

Vertical load with mounted accessoriesFig. 281
Representation of the maximum
length of the mounted accesso-
ries and the permissible total
weight of the accessory depend-
ing on the load centre of gravity
Read and observe on page 230 first.
When using the accessories (e.g. bicycle carrier), the maximum length and the
permissible total weight including load must be considered.
The maximum length of the mounted accessories (from the ball of the towing
device) is 70 cm » Fig. 281 .
The total permitted weight of the accessories including load changes with in-
creasing distance of the load centre of gravity from the ball head of the towing
device.
Distance of the load centre of gravity from the ball headPermissible total weight of the accessory, in- cluding loadA0 cm75 kg / 56 kga)B30 cm75 kg / 56 kg a)C60 cm35 kg / 28 kg a)D70 cm0 kg / 0 kga)a)
Applies to G-TEC vehicles.
CAUTION
Never exceed the permissible
total weight of the accessories incl. load and
maximum length of the accessories - There is a risk of damage to the towing
device.
Note
We recommend that you use accessories from ŠKODA Original Accessories.Using hitch
Trailer (accessory) connect and disconnect
Fig. 282
Swivel out the 13-pin power
socket, safety eyelet
Connect / disconnect
›
Fit the ball rod.
›
Grip the 13-pin socket at point
A
and swing out in the direction of the arrow
» Fig. 282 .
›
Remove the protective cap
5
» Fig. 270 on page 231 .
›
Place the trailer (the accessory) onto the tow ball.
›
Open the socket cap and insert the plug of the trailer (accessories) into the
13-pin socket
A
» Fig. 282 . (If the trailer / accessories have a 7-pin connector,
use a corresponding reduction piece from the ŠKODA Original Accessories).
›
Suspend the breakaway cable of the trailer at the safety eyelet
B
(the
breakaway cable must sag in all trailer settings in view of the vehicle).
Uncoupling takes place in reverse order.
Exterior mirrors
You should have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the
traffic behind the trailer using the standard rear-view mirrors.
Headlights
The front of the vehicle may lift up when a trailer (accessory) is being towed
and the headlights may dazzle other road users. Set the range of the head-
lights » page 64 , Operating the lights 1)
.
Power supply of the trailer / accessory power system
In the electrical connection between the vehicle and trailer (accessory), the
trailer (accessories) is supplied with power from the vehicle (with ignition
switched on and off). 
1)
Applies to vehicles with xenon headlights.
235Towing device and trailer

EngineGearboxPermissible trailer weight, braked (kg)with gradients up to 12%.Permissible trailer weight, unbraked (kg)1.8 l/132 kW TSI
MG1600650DSG1600660DSG 4x416007101.6 l/66 kW TDI CRMG1400640
1.6 l/81 kW TDI CR
MG51500650MG61000640MG 4x41700700DSG15006502.0 l/105 kW TDI CRMG1600660DSG1600670
2.0 l/110 kW TDI CR
MG1600660MG 4x42000710DSG16006702.0 l/135 kW TDI CRDSG 4x41800730
Permissible trailer load - Octavia RS
EngineGearboxPermissible trailer weight, braked (kg) with gradients up to 12%.Permissible trailer weight, unbraked (kg)2.0 l./162 kW TSIMG1600710DSG16007202.0 l./169 kW TSIMG1600720DSG1600730
2.0 l/135 kW TDI CR
MG1600720DSG1600730DSG 4x41800750
Permissible trailer load - Octavia Combi
EngineGearboxPermissible trailer weight, braked (kg)with gradients up to 12%.Permissible trailer weight, unbraked (kg)1.0 l/85 kW TSIMG1300620DSG13006301.2 l/63 kW TSIMG1100620 237Towing device and trailer

Permissible trailer load - Octavia Combi ScoutEngineGearboxPermissible trailer weight, braked (kg)with gradients up to 12%.Permissible trailer weight, unbraked (kg)1.8 l/132 kW TSIDSG 4x416007501.6 l/81 kW TDI CRMG 4x417007502.0 l/110 kW TDI CRMG 4x420007502.0 l/135 kW TDI CRDSG 4x41800750WARNINGThe maximum vertical load and the maximum trailer load must not be ex-
ceeded - there is risk of an accident!
Trailer operation
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive with the trailer any faster than 100 km/h
(when the towing vehicle is a passenger car of category M1) or 80 km/h (when
the towing vehicle is a truck of category N1).
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.
WARNINGAlways drive particularly carefully with the trailer.
CAUTION
With frequent towing, the vehicle is excessively loaded so this must also be
checked between service intervals.Anti-theft alarm system
The alarm is triggered if, with a vehicle with activated anti-theft alarm (herein-
after only warning system), the electrical connection to the trailer (accessory)
is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer (accessory) is
coupled or uncoupled » page 55.
Conditions for including a trailer (accessory) in the anti-theft alarm system. The vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and a towing
device.
The trailer (accessory) is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by
means of the trailer socket.
The electrical system of the vehicle and trailer (accessory) is functional.
The vehicle is locked and the anti-theft alarm system is activated.
The trailer (accessory) is not equipped with LED taillights.239Towing device and trailer

Vehicle compo-nentsCircumstancesRemedyHead / tail lightsSoilingSoft sponge and mild soap solution a)
Reversing cameraSoilingWash with clean water and dry with a
soft clothSnow/iceHand brush / de-icerDoor lock cylin-
dersSnow/iceDe-icing fluid specifically for that pur-
poseWipers / wiper
bladesSoilingWindscreen cleaner, sponge or clothWheelsSoilingClear water, then apply appropriate
substancea)
Mild soap solution = 2 tablespoons of natural soap to 1 litre of lukewarm water.
The jack is maintenance-free. If necessary, the moving parts of the jack should
be lubricated with a suitable lubricant.
The towing device is maintenance-free. Coat the ball head of the towing de-
vice with a suitable grease whenever necessary.
Protection of cavities
All the cavities of your vehicle which are at risk from corrosion are protected by
a layer of long-lasting protective wax applied in the factory.
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.
Underbody
The underside of your vehicle is already permanently protected by the factory
against chemical and mechanical influences.
We recommend having the protective coating — preferably before the begin-
ning of winter and at the end of winter.
Product life of the films
Environmental influences (e.g. sunlight, humidity, air pollution, rockfall) affect
the life of the films. Films will age and become brittle – this is entirely normal;
this is not a fault.
Sunlight may also affect the strength of the film colour.
When transporting a load on the roof rack (e.g. roof box or similar), there is an
increased risk of film damage (e.g. of chipping from the secured load).
CAUTION■ Vehicle paint
■ Repair damaged areas as soon as possible.
■ Matt-painted parts should not be treated with polishes or hard waxes.
■ Do not polish in a dusty environment - risk of paint scratches.
■ Do not apply any paint care products to door seals or window guides.■
Plastic parts
■ Do not use paint polish.
■
Chromed and anodised parts
■ Do not polish in a dusty environment - risk of surface scratches.
■
Films
The following instructions must be observed, otherwise there is a risk of film
damage. ■ Do not use dirty cloths or sponges for cleaning.
■ Do not use a scraper or other means to remove ice and snow.
■ Do not polish the films
■ Do not use a high pressure cleaner on the films.
■
Rubber seals
■ Do not treat the door seals and window guides deal with anything - the
protective varnish coating could be damaged.
■
Windows and door mirrors ■ Do not clean the insides of the windows/mirrors with sharp objects - There
is a risk of damage to the filaments or the antenna. ■ Do not use a cloth which has been used to polish the body - this could dirty
the window and impair visibility.
■
Head / tail lights
■ Do not wipe head/tail lamps dry, do not use any sharp objects - risk of dam-
age to the protective coating and cracks forming on the headlamp glass cov-
ers.
■
Reversing camera
The following instructions must be observed, otherwise there is a risk of
camera damage.
■ Do not remove snow / ice with warm / hot water.
■ To wash, never use a pressure washer or steam jet.
■ For cleaning, do not use abrasive cleaners.
■
Door lock cylinders
■ 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!
■
Wheels
■ Heavy soiling of the wheels can affect the balance of the wheels - the re-
sult can be a vibration, which can cause premature wear of the steering.
246General Maintenance