warning light SKODA OCTAVIA 2013 3.G / (5E) Owners Manual

The longer insect residues, bird droppings, tree sap, road and industrial dust, tar,
soot particles, road salt and other aggressive deposits remain adhering to the
paintwork of your vehicle, the more detrimental their destructive effect can be.
High temperatures, such as those caused by intensive sun's rays, accentuate this
caustic effect.
It is essential to also thoroughly clean the underside of the vehicle at the end of
the winter.WARNING■ When washing your vehicle in the winter: Water and ice in the braking sys-
tem can affect the braking efficiency – risk of accident!■
Only wash the vehicle when the ignition is switched off – risk of accident!
CAUTION
Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight – risk of paint damage.
For the sake of the environment
Only wash the vehicle at washing bays intended for this purpose.
Washing by hand
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 203.
Soak the dirt with plenty of water and rinse as well as possible.
Clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a washing glove or a washing brush . Work
from the top to the bottom – starting with the roof.
Only use a car shampoo for stubborn dirt.
Wash out the sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.
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 leath- er.
CAUTION■ When washing the car by hand, protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged
metal parts (e.g. when cleaning the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings
or the wheel trims, etc.) - There is a risk of cuts!■
Only apply slight pressure when cleaning the vehicle's paintwork.

Automatic car wash systems
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 203.
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/tilting
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.
WARNINGFold in the exterior mirrors to prevent damage before washing the vehicle in
an automatic car wash system. Never manually fold in electric exterior mirrors
- always use the electric controls.

Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 203.
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 pressure
used and to the spraying distance .
Maintain a sufficiently large distance to the parking aid sensors and soft materials
such as rubber hoses or insulation material. 
204General Maintenance

WARNINGNever use circular spray nozzles or dirt cutters!
CAUTION
■If washing the vehicle in the winter using a hose or high-pressure cleaner, en-
sure that the jet of water is not aimed directly at the locking cylinders or the
door/panel joints – risk of freezing!■
To avoid damaging the parking aid sensors while cleaning with high-pressure
cleaners or steam jets, the sensors must only be directly sprayed for short periods
while a minimum distance of 10 cm must be observed.
■
The temperature of the water used for cleaning must not exceed 60 °C – risk of
damaging the vehicle.
■
See also Washing cars with decorative films using a high-pressure clean-
er » page 206 .

Taking care of your vehicle exterior

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Taking care of your vehicle's paintwork
205
Plastic parts
206
Rubber seals
206
Chrome parts
206
Decorative films
206
De-icing windows and exterior mirrors
207
Headlight lenses
207
Door lock cylinders
207
Cavity protection
208
Wheels
208
Underbody protection
208
Regular and proper care help to retain the efficiency and value of your vehicle. It
may also be one of the requirements for the acceptance of warranty claims relat- ing to corrosion damage and paint defects on the bodywork.
We recommend using care products from ŠKODA Original Accessories that areavailable from ŠKODA Partners. The instructions for use on the package must be
observed.WARNING■ Care products may be harmful to your health if not used according to the in-
structions.■
Always store vehicle care products safely, in particular out of the reach of
children – risk of poisoning!
■
Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when cleaning
the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims – risk of cuts!
CAUTION
■ Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar cleaning prod-
ucts – risk of damaging the paintwork surface.■
Cleaner that contain solvents can damage the material being cleaned.
For the sake of the environment
Used vehicle care product cans represent hazardous waste that is harmful to the
environment. These must be disposed of in accordance with national legal regula- tions.
Note
Due to the special tools and knowledge required, and to avoid any potential prob-
lems with the cleaning and care of your vehicle's exterior, we recommend that
the cleaning and care of your vehicle be carried out by a ŠKODA Service Partner.
Taking care of your vehicle's paintwork
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 205.
Minor paint damage such as scratches, scuffs or stone chips should be treated im-
mediately if possible, using touch-up pens or sprays . 
205Vehicle care

CAUTIONWhen washing your vehicle, ensure as little water as possible gets into the lock-
ing cylinders.
Cavity protection
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 205.
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 petroleum
cleaner.
WARNINGSafety regulations should be observed when using petroleum cleaner to re-
move wax – risk of fire!

Wheels
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 205.
Wheel rims
Also thoroughly wash the wheel rims when washing the vehicle on a regular ba-
sis.
Regularly remove salt and brake abrasion, otherwise the rim material will be cor-
roded.
Damage to the paint layer on the wheel rims must be touched up immediately.
Light alloy wheels
After washing thoroughly and treat the wheel rims with a protective product for
light alloy wheels. Products which cause abrasion must not be used to treat the
wheel rims.
CAUTIONSevere 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.
Underbody protection
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 205.
The underside of your vehicle is protected for life against chemical and mechani-
cal 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!

Taking care of the interior
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Natural leather
209
Artificial leather, cloths and Alcantara ®
210
Seat covers
210
Seat belts
211

208General Maintenance

Regular and proper care helps to ensure efficiency and to maintain the value of
your vehicle.
We recommend using vehicle care products from ŠKODA Original Accessories. These are available from ŠKODA Partners. The usage instructions on the package
must be observed.WARNING■ Vehicle care products may be harmful to your health if not used according to
the instructions.■
Always store vehicle care products safely, in particular out of the reach of
children – risk of poisoning!
CAUTION
■ Be sure to check clothing for colourfastness to avoid any damage or visible
stains on the material (leather), panels and textiles.■
Remove fresh stains such as those from ball-point pens, ink, lipstick, shoe pol-
ish, etc., from the material (leather), panels and textiles as quickly as possible.
■
Air fresheners and scents can be hazardous to heath when the temperature in-
side the vehicle is high.
■
Do not attach scents or air fresheners to the dash panel – there is a risk of dam-
age to the dash panel.
■
Do not stick any stickers on the inside of the rear windows, the rear side win-
dows and in the vicinity of the heating elements on the windscreen or near the
window aerial. These may get damaged.
■
Do not clean the roof panelling with a brush – risk of damage to the surface of
the panelling.
■
Cleaner that contain solvents can damage the material being cleaned.
■
Apply only a small amount of the cleaning and care product.
For the sake of the environment
Used vehicle care product cans represent hazardous waste that is harmful to the
environment. These must be disposed of in accordance with national legal regula-
tions.NoteDue to the special tools and knowledge required, and to avoid any potential prob-
lems with the cleaning and care of the interior of your vehicle, we recommend
that cleaning and care of the interior of your vehicle be carried out by a ŠKODA service partner.
Natural leather
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 208.
Leather is a natural material with specific properties, and requires regular clean-
ing and maintenance.
Depending on the amount of wear-and-tear, the leather should be cleaned on a
regular basis.
Dust and dirt in the pores and folds act as abrasive materials. This leads to severe corrosion and the premature brittleness of the leather surface.
We recommend that you remove dust regularly and at short intervals using a
cloth or vacuum cleaner.
Clean soiled leather surfaces with a water-dampened cotton or woollen cloth and
then dry with a clean, dry cloth »
.
Clean severely soiled areas with a cloth soaked in a mild soap solution (2 table-
spoons of neutral soap to 1 litre of water).
To remove stains , use a cleaning agent specially designed for this purpose.
Treat the leather regularly and at suitable intervals using a suitable leather care
product.
CAUTION
■ Ensure that no part of the leather is soaked through during cleaning and that
no water gets into the seams. Otherwise, the leather could become brittle or
cracked.■
Avoid leaving the vehicle for lengthy periods in bright sunlight to avoid the
leather from bleaching. If the vehicle is parked in the open for lengthy periods, protect the leather from direct sunlight by covering it. 
209Vehicle care

Opening and closing the bonnetFig. 180
Bonnet release lever/release lever
Fig. 181
Securing the bonnet
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 215.
When the front door is closed, the bonnet cannot be unlocked with lever
1
» Fig. 180 .
Opening
›
Open the front door.
›
Pull the release lever underneath the dash panel in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 180 .
Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers are
correctly in place against the windscreen otherwise the paintwork could be dam- aged.
› Press the release lever in the direction of the arrow 2 and the bonnet is un-
locked.›
Grab hold of the bonnet and lift.
›
Take the bonnet support out of its holder
3
» Fig. 181 in the direction of the
arrow and secure the opened bonnet by inserting the end of the support into the opening
4
.
Closing
›
Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Insert the bonnet sup-
port into the holder
3
designed to hold it.
›
Let the bonnet drop into the lock carrier lock from a height of around 20 cm – do not push it in!
WARNINGCheck whether the bonnet has been closed properly. Also make sure a vehicle
with an opened bonnet does not appear in the instrument cluster dis-
play » page 28 .
CAUTION
Never open the bonnet using the release lever » Fig. 180.
217Inspecting and replenishing

Engine compartment overviewFig. 182
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 215.
Coolant expansion reservoir
222
Engine oil dipstick
220
Engine oil filler opening
221
Brake fluid reservoir
223
Battery (below a cover)
224
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
218
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
Radiator fan
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 215.
The radiator fan is powered by an electric motor. Operation is controlled accord-
ing to the temperature of the coolant.
123456WARNINGAfter switching off the ignition, the fan can intermittently continue to operate
for approx. 10 minutes.

Windscreen washer system
Fig. 183
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 215.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and
contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen or rear window and for the head-
lights.
The capacity of the reservoir is about 3 litres or about 4.7 litres on vehicles that
have a headlight cleaning system.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and headlights.
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. 
218General 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 products
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 conta-
minated, which can cause the windscreen washer system to malfunction.

Engine oil
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Specifications and capacity
219
Checking the oil level
220
Replenishing
221
Changing
221
The engine has been factory-filled with a high-grade oil that can be use through-
out the year - except in extreme climate zones.
The engine oils are undergoing continuous further development. Thus the infor-
mation stated in this Owner's Manual is only correct at the time of publication.
ŠKODA Service Partners are informed about the latest changes by the manufac-
turer. 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 sepa-
rately or together with other specifications on the bottle.
The oil capacities include oil filter change. Check the oil level when filling; do not
over fill. The oil level must be between the markings » page 220.
WARNING■
The 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 215.■
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible  to top
up the engine oil! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist
garage.
■
If the oil level is above level
A
» Fig. 184 on page 220,  do not cointinue to
drive! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
CAUTION
Do not pour any additives into the engine oil – risk of serious damage to the en-
gine parts!
Note
■ Before a long drive we recommend that you purchase and carry with you engine
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.

Specifications and capacity
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 219.
Specifications and capacity (in l) for vehicles with flexible service intervals
Petrol enginesSpecificationFilling level1.2 l/63, 77 kW TSI
VW 504 00
4.01.4 litres/103 kW TSI1.8 ltr./132 kW TSI5.22.0 ltr./162 kW TSI5.7Diesel enginesSpecificationFilling level1.6 l/66, 77, 81 kW TDIVW 507 00 a)4.62.0 l/110, 135 kW TDI CRa)
Engine oil VW 505 01 can optionally be used in diesel engines without a
DPF.

219Inspecting and replenishing

Specifications and capacity (in l) for vehicles with fixed service intervalsPetrol enginesSpecificationFilling level1.2 l/63, 77 kW TSI
VW 502 00
4.01.4 litres/103 kW TSI1.8 ltr./132 kW TSI5.22.0 ltr./162 kW TSI5.7Diesel enginesSpecificationFilling level1.6 l/66, 77, 81 kW TDIVW 507 00a)4.62.0 l/105, 110, 135 kW TDIa)
Engine oil VW 505 01 can optionally be used in diesel engines without a
DPF.
CAUTION
■
If the above engine oils are not available, a different engine oil can be used in
an emergency. To prevent damage to the engine, a max. 0.5 l only of the follow-
ing engine oils may be used until the next oil change: ■ For petrol engine models: ACEA A3/ACEA B4 or API SN/API SM;
■ For diesel engine models: ACEA C3 or API CJ-4.
Checking the oil level
Fig. 184
Dipstick
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 219.
The dipstick indicates the engine oil level » Fig. 184.
Checking the oil level
Ensure that the vehicle is positioned on a level surface and the engine has
reached its operating temperature.›
Switch off the engine.
Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the oil trough.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Pull out the dipstick.
›
Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again to the stop.
›
Pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level.
Oil level within range
A
No oil must be refilled.
Oil level within range
B
Oil can be refilled. Afterwards, the oil level can lie in the range
A
.
Oil level within range
C
Oil must be replenished if the oil level is in the range
B
or lower.
The engine consumes a little oil. The oil consumption may be as much as 0.5 l/
1000 km depending on your style of driving and the conditions under which you
operate your vehicle. Consumption may be slightly higher than this during the
first 5000 kilometres.
The oil level must be checked at regular intervals. We recommend after each time
you refuel or prior to making a long journey.
We recommend maintaining the oil level within the range
A
, but not above , if
the engine has been operating at high loads, for example, during a lengthy motor-
way trip during the summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a high moun-
tain pass.
The warning icon 
is displayed in the instrument cluster if the oil level is too
low » page 23 . Check the oil level using the dipstick as soon as possible. Add oil
accordingly.
CAUTION
The oil level must not exceed level A » Fig. 184 - risk of damaging the exhaust
system!
220General Maintenance

CapacityFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 221.
Coolant capacity (in litres) 1)
Petrol enginesFilling level1.2 l/63, 77 kW TSI8.91.4 litres/103 kW TSI10.21.8 ltr./132 kW TSI7.82.0 ltr./162 kW TSI8.6Diesel enginesFilling level1.6 l/66, 77, 81 kW TDI CR8.42.0 l/105, 110, 135 kW TDI CR - MG / DSG11.6 / 11.9

Checking the coolant level
Fig. 185
Engine compartment: Coolant
expansion reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 221.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
Inspecting the coolant level
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
› Check the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank
» Fig. 185.
Coolant level above mark A
No coolant must be refilled.
The level may also rise slightly above the
A
marking when the engine is warm.
Coolant level between markings
A
and
B
Coolant can be refilled.
When the engine is cold, the coolant level must lie between the
A
and
B
mark-
ings.
Coolant level below mark
B
Coolant must be refilled.
When the engine is cold, refill the coolant between the markings
A
and
B
.
If the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank is too low, this is indicated by
the warning icon 
lighting up in the instrument cluster » page 22, 
Coolant .
We still recommend inspecting the coolant level directly at the reservoir from
time to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the system. Do
not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a specialist
garage.

Replenishing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 221.
Only refill with new coolant.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Allow the engine to cool.
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir and unscrew the cap carefully .
›
Replenish the coolant.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place. 

1)
On vehicles that are fitted with an auxiliary heater (auxiliary heating and ventilation), the coolant ca-
pacity is approx. 1 l larger.
222General Maintenance

Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available in anemergency. In this case, use just water and have the correct mixing ratio of waterand coolant additive restored by a specialist garage as soon as possible.
Brake fluid
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking the brake fluid level
223
Changing
223WARNING■ The 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 215.■
If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking » Fig. 186 on page 223,
 do not continue your journey - risk of accident! Seek help from a specialist
garage.
■
Do not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired – risk of accident!
CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
Note
The brake fluid is changed as part of a prescribed inspection services.
Checking the brake fluid levelFig. 186
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 223.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir » Fig. 186.
The level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
A slight drop in the fluid level results when driving due to normal wear-and-tear and automatic adjustment of the brake pads.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid lev-
el drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” marking.
If the brake fluid level is too low, this is indicated by the indicator light  » page 16 , 
Brake system lighting up in the instrument cluster.

Changing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 223.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Over time it therefore absorbs moisture from the
environment.
Excessive water in the brake fluid may be the cause of corrosion in the brake sys-
tem.
The water content lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid. 
223Inspecting and replenishing