2016 SKODA OCTAVIA Owner's Manual

Engine oil
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Specification
255
Check and refill
256
The engine has been filled ex-factory with a high-grade oil that can be used
throughout the year (except in extreme climate zones).
We recommend that the oil changes be carried out by a ŠKODA Service Part-
ner.
The engine oil should be changed at specified service intervals » page 242.
The engine uses up some oil, depending on driving style and operating condi-
tions (up to 0.5 l / 1 000 km). Consumption may be slightly higher than this dur-
ing the first 5 000 km.
WARNINGThe following instructions must be followed at all times when working on
the engine compartment » page 252.
CAUTION
Do not add any additives to the engine oil - risk of engine damage.
Note
We recommend that you use oils from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Specification
Read and observe
and on page 255 first.
The specifications (VW standards) stated in the following can be indicated sep-arately or together with other specifications on the bottle.
Vehicles with variable service intervalsPetrol enginesSpecification1.0 l./85 kW TSI
VW 504 00
1.2 l./63 kW TSI1.4 l./110 kW TSI1.8 l./132 kW TSI2.0 l/162, 169 kW TSIDiesel enginesSpecification1.6 l/66, 81 kW TDIVW 507 002.0 l/105, 110, 135 kW TDI
Vehicles with fixed service intervals
Petrol enginesSpecification1.0 l./85 kW TSI
VW 502 00
1.2 l./63 kW TSI1.4 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 enginesSpecification1.6 l/66, 81 kW TDIVW 507 002.0 l/105, 110, 135 kW TDI
Engine oil VW 505 01 can optionally be used in diesel engines without a DPF.
CAUTION
■
If no prescribed engine oil is available, then max. 0.5 l oil of the following
specifications can be refilled. ■Petrol engines: ACEA A3/ACEA B4 or API SN, (API SM);
■ Diesel engines: ACEA C3 or API CJ-4.255Inspecting and replenishing

Check and refillFig. 293
Dipstick variants
Read and observe
and on page 255 first.
Check and refill oil under the following conditions. The vehicle is on a horizontal surface.
The engine operating temperature is reached.
The engine is turned off.
Checking the level
›
Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the oil trough.
›
Pull the dipstick out and wipe with a clean cloth.
›
Push the dipstick back to the stop and then pull it out again.
›
Read the oil level and push the dipstick back in.
The oil level must lie in range
A
» Fig. 293 . If the oil level is below range
A
, oil
must be added.
Refilling
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening
C
» Fig. 291 on page 254 .
›
Add oil of the correct specification in portions of 0.5 litres » page 255.
›
Check the oil level.
›
Screw the lid of the engine oil filler closed carefully.
CAUTION
■
The oil level must never be below range A » Fig. 293 there is a risk of dam-
age to the engine as well as to the exhaust system.■
If a top up with oil is not possible or the oil level is above range
A
, 
stop
driving! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
NoteAn engine oil level which is too low is shown in the instrument cluster by the
warning light  illuminating and also indicated by the message » page 38.
Nevertheless, we recommend checking the oil level on a regular basis using
the dipstick.
Coolant
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking and refilling
257
The coolant helps to keep the engine temperature down, and consists of wa-
ter and coolant additive (with additives that protect the cooling system against
corrosion and prevent furring).
The proportion of coolant additive in the coolant must be 40 to 60 %.
The correct mix of water and coolant additive should be checked and if neces-
sary corrected by a specialist garage.
WARNING■ The following instructions must be followed at all times when working on
the engine compartment » page 252.■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the
engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurised - risk of scalding or
injury from splashes of coolant!
■
To protect against the coolant splashing, cover the cap with a cloth when
opening.
■
Coolant and coolant fumes are harmful - avoid contact with the coolant. If
the coolant comes into contact with the eye or skin, wash the affected area
with plenty of water for several minutes, and where appropriate seek medi-
cal help.
CAUTION
Do not cover the radiator and install any parts (e.g auxiliary lights.) in front of
the air intakes - There is a risk of the engine overheating.256General Maintenance

Checking and refillingFig. 294
Coolant expansion reservoir
Read and observe and on page 256 first.
Check and refill coolant under the following conditions.The vehicle is on a horizontal surface.
The engine is not warm (if the engine is warm the result of the check may
be wrong).
The engine is turned off.
Check the coolant level - The coolant level must lie between the marks
A
and
B
» Fig. 294. If the coolant level is below the mark
B
, top up with coolant.
Refilling
The reservoir must always contain a small amount of coolant »
.
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir and unscrew
the cap carefully .
›
Always top up using coolant of the correct specification.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
The specification for the coolant is shown in the coolant expansion reservoir
» Fig. 294 .
If the specified coolant is not available, then refilling only with distilled or puri-
fied water, and get a specialist garage to correct the water-coolant additive
mix as soon as possible.
CAUTION■ If the expansion tank is empty, do not top up with coolant. The system could
aerate - There is a risk of engine damage!  Stop driving! Switch off the en-
gine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
» Fig. 294 . The coolant could, when
heated, be expelled from the cooling system - There is a risk of damage to the
engine parts.
■
If it is not possible to add coolant, 
stop driving! Switch off the engine and
seek assistance from a specialist garage.
■
A coolant additive which does not correspond to the correct specification can
reduce the anti-corrosion effect of the cooling system - risk of damage to the
cooling system and the engine.
■
If distilled (purified) water has been used to top up, the coolant should be re-
placed by a specialist garage - risk of engine damage.
■
A loss of coolant indicates leaks in the cooling system - risk of engine dam-
age. Top up with coolant and then seek assistance from a specialist garage.
Note
A coolant level which is too low is indicated in the instrument cluster by the
warning light and shown by the relevant message » page 38. We still recom-
mend inspecting the coolant level directly at the reservoir from time to time.
Brake fluid
Fig. 295
Brake fluid reservoir
Check the brake fluid under the following conditions.
The vehicle is on a horizontal surface.
The engine is turned off.
Check brake fluid level - The brake fluid level must lie between the markings
“MIN” and “MAX” » Fig. 295. 
257Inspecting and replenishing

Specification - The brake fluid must comply with the standard VW 501 14 (this
standard meets the requirements of FMVSS 116 DOT4).WARNING■ The following instructions must be followed at all times when working on
the engine compartment » page 252.■
If the fluid level drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below
the “MIN” » Fig. 295mark, this may be an indication of a leak in the brake
system. 
Stop driving - There is a risk of an accident! Seek help from a
specialist garage.
Note
■ The brake fluid is changed as part of a compulsory inspection service.■A low brake fluid level which is too low is indicated by the warning light
 being shown on the display of the instrument cluster as well as the corre-
sponding message » page 33. We still recommend inspecting the brake fluid
level in the reservoir from time to time.
Vehicle battery
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Check condition
259
Charging
259
Disconnect/reconnect and change
260
The vehicle battery represents a power source for the motor to start and for the supply of electrical consumers in the car.
Automatic consumer shutdown - Discharge protection of the vehicle battery
The on-board power supply system tries to prevent the vehicle battery from
discharging in the following ways when it is subject to heavy loading. ▶ By increasing the engine idle speed.
▶ Through the power limitation of certain loads.
▶ By switching off some loads(heated seats, heated rear window) for as long
as necessary.
Warning symbols on the vehicle batterySymbolMeaningAlways wear eye protection!Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye pro-
tection!Keep fire, sparks, open flames and lit cigarettes well clear of the
vehicle battery!When charging the vehicle battery, a highly explosive gas mixture
is produced!Keep children away from the vehicle battery!WARNINGBattery acid is highly corrosive - it can cause injury, chemical burns or poi-
soning! Corrosive vapours in the air irritate and damage the respiratory
tract and the eyes. The following guidelines must be observed.■
Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin protection when handling
the vehicle battery.
■
If your eyes or skin come into contact with the electrolytic fluid, immedi-
ately wash the affected area for a few minutes long with a lot of water. Get
medical assistance without delay.
■
Keep the vehicle battery away from people who are not completely inde-
pendent (e.g. children).
■
Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the
battery vent openings.
WARNINGWorking on the car battery may cause explosion, fire, injury or chemical
burn! The following guidelines must be observed.■
Do not smoke, use open flames or light or transmitting devices.
■
A discharged vehicle battery may freeze slightly. Never charge up a fro-
zen or thawed vehicle battery. Replace a frozen vehicle battery.
■
Never use a damaged vehicle battery.
■
Do not connect the battery terminals, bridging the two poles will cause a
short circuit. 
258General Maintenance

CAUTIONEnsure that battery acid does not come into contact with the bodywork –
There is a risk of damage to the vehicle.
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.
Check condition
Fig. 296
Vehicle battery: Open the cover / acid level indicator
Read and observe
and on page 258 first.
The battery condition is checked regularly by a specialist garage as part of the
inspection service.
Check the acid level
For car batteries with acid level indicator, acidity can be checked on the basis
of a colour display. In vehicle batteries with the label “AGM” there is no acid
level examination.
Depending on the equipment, the vehicle battery may be provided with a cov-
er, this can be opened in the direction of arrow » Fig. 296 -
 .
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
tap on the indicator before carrying out the check » Fig. 296 -
 .
Black colour – electrolyte level is correct.
Colourless or light yellow colour – electrolyte level too low, the battery must be replaced.
Battery discharge
If frequent short journeys are made, the vehicle battery does not recharge suf- ficiently.
The battery capacity decreases at low temperatures.
If the vehicle is not used for longer than 3 to 4 weeks, then disconnect the
negative terminal 
of the battery or charge the battery constantly with a very
low charging current.
Charging
Read and observe
and on page 258 first.
Only charge the battery when the ignition and all consumers are switched off.
Refer to the instructions of the charger manufacturer.
Charging
›
For vehicles with the START-STOP system or auxiliary heater
, connect the
-terminal of the charger on the battery’s -pole,
 the -terminal of the
charger to the ground point of the engine » page 272.
›
For vehicles without the START-STOPsystem or auxiliary heating, connect
the charger terminals to the corresponding battery poles (  to
,
 to
).
›
Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch on the
device.
›
After charging has been successful: Switch off the charger and remove the
mains cable from the power socket.
›
Disconnect the terminals of the charger from the vehicle battery.
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or low-
er) must be used until full charging is achieved.
WARNING■ When charging the vehicle battery, hydrogen is released - risk of explo-
sion. An explosion can be caused through sparking while unclamping or
loosening the cable plug.■
So-called “quick-charging” of the vehicle battery is dangerous and re-
quires a special charger and specialist knowledge. Therefore, have“Quick
loading” carried out by a specialist garage.
259Inspecting and replenishing

Disconnect/reconnect and changeRead and observe
and on page 258 first.
The new vehicle battery must have the same capacity, voltage, current and
size as the original battery.
We recommend you have the battery replaced by a specialist garage.
›
To disconnect , switch off the ignition and disconnect the negative terminal
first 
, then disconnect the positive terminal 
.
›
When reconnecting the battery, reconnect the positive terminal first 
, then
connect the negative terminal 
.
After disconnecting and re-connecting the vehicle battery, the following func- tions or devices are partially or completely inoperative.
Function / deviceOperating measurePower windows» page 61Panorama sliding/tilting roof» page 62Sun screen» page 63Time settings» page 42
CAUTION
■ Disconnect the battery only with the ignition and consumers turned off -
There is a risk of damaging the electrical system of the vehicle.■
Before disconnecting the battery, close the electric tailgate, all the windows,
the sliding / tilting roof and the electric sunshade - otherwise malfunctions of
equipment elements may occur.
■
Under no circumstances mix up the charging cables – There is a risk of fire.
Note
After disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery, we recommend hav-
ing the vehicle checked by a specialist to ensure that the full functionality of
the vehicle is guaranteed.Wheels
Wheels and tyres
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Advice on tyre/wheel usage
260
Tyre pressure
261
Tire wear and wheel change
262
Spare wheel
262
Spare wheel
262
Tyre marking
263
Advice on tyre/wheel usage
During the first 500 km, new tyres do not offer optimum grip; appropriate care
should therefore be taken when driving.
Tyres with the deeper profiles should always be fitted to the front wheels.
Rims and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. We rec-
ommend that you use rims and wheel bolts from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Wheels and tyres should always be stored in a cool, dry and dark place. The
tyres themselves should be stored vertically.
Tyre life
Tyres age losing their original characteristics, even if they are not used. We
recommend that you do not use tyres that are more than 6 years old.
The manufacturing date is indicated on the tyre sidewall (possibly on the in-
side ). For example, DOT ... 10 16... means, for example, that the tyre was manu-
factured in the 10. week of 2016.
Tyre damage
We recommend checking your tyres and wheel rims for damage (punctures,
cuts, splits and bulges etc.) on a regular basis.
Remove any foreign objects in the tyre’s profile immediately (e.g. small stones).
Foreign bodies which have penetrated into the tyre (e.g. screws or nails)
should not be removed and help should be sought from a specialist garage. 
260General Maintenance

Fitting new tyres
Only fit approved radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference) and
the same tread pattern on one axle on all four wheels.
When fitting new tyres, the tyres must be replaced axle by axle.
Unidirectional tyres
The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of the
tyre .
The specified running direction must be strictly adhered to, otherwise the fol-
lowing tyre characteristics may be degraded. ▶ Driving stability.
▶ Traction.
▶ Tyre noise and tyre wear.WARNING■ Never use tyres if you do not know anything about their condition and
age - risk of accidents.■
Never drive with damaged tyres – risk of accident.
CAUTION
■ The tyres must be protected from contact with substances (e.g. oil, grease
and fuel) which could damage them. If the tyres come into contact with these
substances, then we recommend having them checked out in a specialist ga-
rage.■
Do not use rims with ground or polished surfaces in winter conditions - there
is a risk of rim damage (e.g through salt spreading).
Note
■ We recommend that any work on the wheels or tyres be carried out by a spe-
cialist garage.■
We recommend that you use tyres, snow chains and full wheel trims from
ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Tyre pressureFig. 297
Label with a table of tyre sizes and tyre pressure value / inflate
tyres
The prescribed tyre inflation is on the sticker with pictograms
A
» Fig. 297 (for
some countries, the pictograms are replaced with a text).
Tyre pressure is always to match the load .
Inflation pressure for half load
Inflation pressure for environmentally friendly operation (slightly lower
fuel consumption and emissions)
Inflation pressure for full load
Tyre diameter in inches
This information serves merely as information for the prescribed tyre pres-
sure. This is not a list of shared tyre sizes for your vehicle. These are in the
vehicle's technical documentation, as well as in the declaration of con-
formity (in so-called COC document).
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 229. 
BCDEFG261Wheels

WARNING■Do not drive with incorrect tyre pressure, there is a risk of an accident.■In the event of very rapid pressure loss (e.g. in the event of tyre damage)
an attempt should be made to bring the vehicle carefully to a stop without
sudden steering movements and without any hard braking - risk of acci-
dent.
Note
The declaration of conformity (the COC document) can be obtained from a
ŠKODA partner 1)
.
Tire wear and wheel change
Fig. 298
Tyre wear indicator / wheel change
Tyre wear increases in the following circumstances.
▶ Incorrect tyre pressures.
▶ Driving style (e.g. fast cornering, rapid acceleration / braking).
▶ Incorrect wheel balancing (you should have the wheels balanced after
changing/repair tyres or if the steering “is drifting”).
▶ Wheel alignment errors.
There are wear indicator markers in the tyre profiles, indicating whether the
minimum permissible tread depth has been reached » Fig. 298 -
 . A tyre
should be regarded as worn out when this indicator is flush with the tread.
Markings on the walls of the tyres through the letters “TWI” and/or other sym-
bols (e.g. ), identify the position of the wear indicators.
To ensure uniform wear on all tyres, we recommend that you change the
wheels every 10 000 km, in line with the schedule » Fig. 298 - -
.
WARNING■
Change the tyres at the latest when they are worn down to the wear indi-
cators - risk of accident.■
Faulty wheel alignment affects handling - There is a risk of an accident.
■
Unusual vibrations or the vehicle“pulling” to one side could be a sign of
tyre damage. Reduce speed and stop! If there are no external signs of tyre
damage, seek the help of a specialist garage.
Spare wheel
The size of the spare wheel is identical to that of the vehicle factory installed
wheels.
After changing the spare wheel, the tyre pressure must be adjusted.
In vehicles with tyre pressure monitoring, save the tyre pressure values in the
system » page 229 .
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.
Spare wheel
Only use this emergency spare wheel to reach the nearest specialist garage, as
it is not intended for permanent use .
A warning label is always placed on the rim of the temporary spare wheel.
Please note the following if you intend to use the temporary spare wheel. ▶ Do not cover the warning sign.
▶ Be specially attentive when driving.
▶ Inflate the temporary spare wheel to the maximum inflation pressure for the
vehicle » page 261 (the prescribed tyre pressure of the spare wheel R 18 is 4.2
bar). 
1)
Only valid for some countries and some models.
262General Maintenance