SKODA OCTAVIA TOUR 2010 1.G / (1U) Columbus Navigation System Manual
Page 91 of 207
Starting-off and Driving
90WARNING
Never switch off the engine before the ve hicle is stationary - risk of accident!
The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater phys-
ical effort for braking is required when en gine is switched off. Because if you do 
not stop as normal, this can cause an accident and severe injuries.Caution
you should not switch the engine off right  away at the end of your journey after the 
engine has been operated for a lengthy period  at high loads but should be allowed it 
to run at idling speed for about 2 minutes. This prevents any accumulation of heat 
when the engine is switched off.
Note
The radiator fan may continue running fo r a further 10 minutes or so after the 
engine and the ignition have been switched  off. The coolant fan may, however, also 
switch on again after some time if the co olant temperature rises because of an accu-
mulation of heat in the engine or if the engine is warm and the engine compartment is 
additionally heated  by strong sunlight.
This is why particular care is required  when carrying out any work in the engine 
compartment  page 148, “Working in the engine compartment”.
Shifting
Shift into reverse only when the vehicle is  stationary. Depress the clutch pedal and 
hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before engaging reverse gear in order to avoid 
any shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the ignition 
is on.
WARNING
Never engage the reverse gear when driving - risk of accident!
Note
One should not lay the hand on the shift lever while driving the vehicle. The pres-
sure of the hand will be transferred to the gearshift forks in the gearbox. This can, over 
a period of time, lead to earl y wear of the gearshift forks.
Depress the clutch pedal fully when changi ng gears, in order to avoid unnecessary 
wear and damage.
HandbrakeApplying the handbrake– Pull the handbrake lever up fully.
Fig. 101  Shift pattern on models 
fitted with 5-speed manual 
gearbox
Fig. 102  Centre console: Hand-
brake
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Starting-off and Driving91
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Releasing the handbrake– Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and  at the same time press in the locking 
button  page 90, fig. 102 .
– Hold the button pressed and push the handbrake lever down fully  .
The handbrake warning light 
 lights up when the handbrak e is applied, provided the 
ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds and the following text appears in the display* if you have 
inadvertently driven off wi th the handbrake applied:
HANDBRAKE ON
The handbrake warning is acti vated if you drive at a speed of more than 6 km/h for 
more than 3 seconds.
WARNING
Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which 
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating which will 
have a negative effect on the operation of  the brake system - risk of accident! In 
addition this can result in premature wear of the rear brake pads.
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for 
example, release the handbrake or take  the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle 
might then move off - risk of accident!Caution
Each time the vehicle  is parked, first of all apply the handbrake and then additionally 
engage the 1st gear.
Rear parking aid*The parking aid provides a warning  of obstacles behind the vehicle.The audible parking aid determines the di stance between the rear bumper and an 
obstacle located behind the vehicle with the  aid of ultrasound sensors. The sensors are 
integrated in the rear bumper.
Range of sensors
The clearance warning begins at a distance  of about 160 cm from the obstacle (area 
   fig. 103 ). The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter as the clear-
ance is reduced.
A  continuous tone  sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm (area  ) - danger area. 
You should not reverse any further after this signal sounds!
Activating
The parking aid is activated automatically when  reverse gear is engaged and the igni-
tion is turned on. This  is confirmed by a brief acknowledgement signal.
Deactivating
The parking aid is deactivated by removing the reverse gear.
Fig. 103  Parking aid: Detection 
range of rear sensors
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Page 93 of 207
Starting-off and Driving
92WARNING
The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper attention and 
it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when parking the vehicle or 
carrying out similar manoeuvres.
You should therefore satisfy yourself, before reversing, that there is no 
small obstacle, such as a  rock, thin post, trailer drawbar etc., behind your 
vehicle. Such an obstacle might not be within the range detected by the 
sensors.Note
The parking aid does not operate if you are towing a trailer (applies to models 
which feature a factory-fitted towing device*).
If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seconds after switching the ignition on and 
engaging reverse gear, and there is no obstac le close to your vehicle, this indicates a 
system fault. Have the fault rectified by a specialist workshop.
The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking aid to operate 
properly.
Cruise control system (CCS)*IntroductionThe cruise control system (CCS) maintains  a constant speed, more than 30 km/h (20 
mph), once it has been set, without you havi ng to depress the accelerator pedal. This 
is only possible within the range which is permitted by the power output and braking 
power of the engine. The cruise control system  makes it possible - particularly on long 
journeys - for you to rest your “accelerator foot”.
WARNING
For safety reasons, the cruise control system must not be used in dense 
traffic or on unfavourable road surfaces  (such as icy roads, slippery roads, 
loose gravel) - ri sk of accident!
In order to prevent unintentional use of the cruise control system, always 
switch off the system after use.Note
Mode ls  fi tted  with a  manual  gea rbox: Alwa ys depress the clutch pedal if you switch 
on the cruise control system when the gearbox is in Neutral! Otherwise the engine can 
rev up unintentionally.
The cruise control system is not able to maintain a constant speed when driving on 
steep downhill sections. The weight of the vehicle increases the speed at which it 
travels. One should shift down in good time  to a lower gear or slow the vehicle down 
by applying the foot brake.
Storing a speedThe cruise control system is operated by  means of the slide switch   and rocker 
button   in the left lever of the multi-functional switch.
– Switch on the cruise control system by sliding the switch    fig. 104  into the  ON 
position.
– After the desired speed has been reached, briefly press the rocker button   in the  SET  position.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 104  Operating lever: Rocker 
button and switch of the cruise 
control system
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Starting-off and Driving93
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
After releasing the rocker button   from the 
SET position, the speed you have stored 
(above 30 km/hour 20 mph) is maintained at a constant speed without having to 
depress the accelerator.
You can  increase  the speed by depressing the accelerator. Releasing the accelerator 
will cause the speed to  drop again to the set speed.
This does not apply, however, if you driv e at a speed which is more than 10 km/h 
higher than the set speed for a period of longer than 5 minutes. The stored speed will 
be cancelled in the memory. You then  have to re-store the desired speed.
One can  reduce the speed in the usual manner. The system is switched off temporarily 
by actuating the brake or clutch pedal  page 93.
WARNING
First ensure that it is not too high for the traffic conditions which exist at that 
moment before resuming the stored speed.Changing a stored speed
You can also change the speed of  the vehicle without depressing the 
accelerator.Fas t e r–You can  increase the stored speed without depressing the accelerator, by pressing 
the rocker button    page 92, fig. 104  in the RES position.
– The speed of the vehicle will increase  continuously if you hold the button   
pressed in the  RES position. Once the vehicle has reached the desired speed, 
release the rocker button. The set speed is then stored in the memory.Slower–You can  decrease the stored speed by pressing the rocker button   in the  SET 
position.
– Holding down the rocker button pressed in the  SET position will cause the speed 
of the vehicle to reduce continuously.  Once the vehicle has reached the desired 
speed, release the rocker button. The set speed is then stored in the memory. – If you release the rocker button when the vehicle is travelling at a speed of less than 
30 km/h, the speed is not stored, the memory is erased. It is then necessary to again 
store the speed with the rocker button   in the position  SET after an increase in 
speed of the vehicle to more than 30 km/hour.
Switching off the cruise control system temporarily–You can  switch off temporarily  the cruise control system, if you depress the brake 
or clutch pedal.
– You can likewise switch off the cruise control system by sliding the switch   to the  right - into the  OFF position.
The set speed remains stored in the memory.
You can  resume the stored speed  by releasing the brake peda l or clutch pedal and by 
briefly pressing the rocker button    page 92, fig. 104  in the RES position.
WARNING
First ensure that it is not too high for the traffic conditions which exist at that 
moment before resuming the stored speed.Switching off the cruise control system completely– Move the slide switch    page 92, fig. 104  into the OFF position.
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Page 95 of 207
Communication
94
CommunicationMobile phone, handsfree-system*Universal preparation for the phoneOnly one telephone mount is factory-fitted. An adapter for the telephone can be 
purchased from the range of the Škoda origin al accessories. The mount is attached to 
the centre console.Insert mobile phone– Insert the mobile phone into the adapter   (as specified in manufacturer's  instructions).Inserting adapter with mobile phone into mount– First insert the adapter with the mobile  phone into the mount   in the direction 
of arrow   until the adapter is touching the stop.
– Press the adapter slightly in the directio n of arrow   until it locks into position.Initialisation– Withdraw the ignition key.
– Insert the adapter without the mobile phone into the mount  . – Plug the adapter cable into 
the mobile phone socket. The socket is located on the 
mobile phone mount below.
– Switch on the ignition.
– Wait approximately 20 seconds, switch off  the ignition and pull the ignition key out 
of the ignition lock.
– Insert the mobile phone into the adapter   (as specified in manufacturer's  instructions) and switch on the ignition.
Removing the mobile phone with the adapter– Press the button   and remove the mobile telephone.
An initialisation mu st be carried out:
after the first connection of the adapter;
after reconnecting the battery;
after pulling out the adapter cable from  the power socket for the mobile phone.
This enables you to make full use of the advantages of a normal carphone (“handsfree 
system” using a microphone integrated in the vehicle, optimal transmission of signals 
using an external aerial etc.). The battery of the mobile phone is also constantly 
charged.
Should you have any questions, please contact a specialist garage.
Please refer to the following guidelines  page 94.
Mobile phones and two-way radio systemsThe installation of a mobile phone and two- way radio system in a vehicle should be 
carried out by a specialist garage.
Škoda Auto permits the operation of mobile phones and two-way radio systems with 
a professionally installed external aerial  and a maximum transmission power of up to 
10 watts.
Fig. 105  Universal preparation 
for the phone
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Communication95
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Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
It is essential that you inform a specialist garage about the possibilites to assemble and 
operate mobile phones and two-way radio sets which have a power output of more 
than 10 W. They will inform you which technical possibilities exist for retrofitting 
mobile telephones an
d radio transmitters.
Operation of mobile phones or two-way ra dio systems may interfere with functioning 
of the electronic systems of your vehicle. The reasons for this may be:
no external aerial,
external aerial incorrectly installed,
transmission power greater than 10 watts.
You should therefore not operate a mobile phone or two-way radio system inside 
the vehicle  without the use of an external aerial, or with an external aerial which has 
been incorrectly installed.
You should also be aware of the fact that only an  external aerial makes it possible to 
achieve the optimal range of such equipment.
WARNING
If a mobile phone or two-way radio system is operated inside the vehicle 
without using an external aerial, or wi th an external aerial which has been 
incorrectly installed, the result can be  excessive electromagnetic fields which 
may cause harm to your health.
Please concentrate fully at all times on your driving.
You must not install two-way radio systems, mobile phones or mounts on 
the covers of the airbags or within the immediate deployment range of airbags. 
This might result in injuries to the occupants in the event of an accident.Note
Please also refer to the operating instructions of the mobile phones and two-way radio 
systems.
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Page 97 of 207
Communication
96
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Page 98 of 207
Passive Safety97
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
SafetyPassive SafetyBasic informationDriving the safe way
Passive safety measures reduce the risk  of injury in accident situations.In this section you will find important info rmation, tips and notes on the subject of 
passive safety in your vehicle. We have  combined everything here which you should 
be familiar with, for example, regarding seat  belts, airbags, child seats and safety of 
children. It is therefore important, in partic ular, to comply with the notes and warnings 
in this section for your own interest and in the interest of  those travelling with you.
WARNING
This chapter contains important information on how to use the vehicle for 
the driver and his occupants. You will find further information on safety, which 
concerns you and those travelling with you, in the following chapters of this 
Owner's Manual.
The complete on-board literature should always be in the vehicle. This 
applies in particular, if you rent out or sell the vehicle.
Safety equipment
The safety equipment is part of the occupant protection and it can 
reduce the risk of injuries in accident situations.“Do not put at risk” your safety and the safety of those travelling with you . In the event 
of an accident, the safety equipment can redu ce the risk of injuries. The following list 
contains part of the safety  equipment in your vehicle:
Three-point seat belts for all the seats*,
belt force limiter for front seats*,
belt tensioner for front seats*,
seat belt height adjuster for front seats,
front airbags*,
side airbags*,
anchoring points for child seat using the “ISOFIX” system,
head restraint adjustable for height,
adjustable steering column.
The specified safety equipment works togeth er, in order to optimally protect you and 
those travelling with you in accident situat ions. The safety equipment does not protect 
you or the people travelling with you, if  you or your occupants adopt an incorrect 
seated position or the equipment is  not correctly adjusted or used.
For this reason you will be provided with information on why this equipment is very 
important, how it protects you and the occupants, what should be observed when 
using the equipment and how you and the peop le travelling with you can make full use 
of the existing safety equipment. This Owner's Manual contains important warning 
notes, which you and those travelling with  you should pay attention to in order to 
reduce a risk of injury.
Safety concerns everybody!
Before setting off
The driver is always fully responsibl e for his occupants and for the oper-
ating safety of the vehicle.For your own safety and the safety of the pe ople travelling with you, please pay atten-
tion to the following points before setting off:
Ensure that the lighting and the turn signal system are functioning properly.
Inspect the tyre inflation pressure.
Ensure that all the windows offer  a good visibility to the outside.
Safely attach the items of luggage page 63, “Loading the luggage compartment”.
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Page 99 of 207
Passive Safety
98
Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedal.
Adjust the mirror, the front seat and the head restraint to match your body size.
Point out to your occupants that the head  restraints must be adjusted to match 
their body size.
Protect the children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat belts 
 page 115, “Transporting children safely”.
Adopt the correct seated position  page 98, “Correct seated position”. Also 
inform your occupants to adopt the correct seated position.
Fasten the seat belt correctly. Also inform your occupants to properly fasten the 
seat belts  page 104, “How are seat belts correctly fastened?”.
What influences the driving safety?
The driving safety is primarily determined by the style of driving and the 
personal behaviour of all the occupants.The driver is fully responsible for himself an d his occupants. If your driving safety is 
effected, you place yourself and the oncomi ng traffic at risk. Please refer to the 
following guidelines.
Do not get distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, e.g. by your occu-
pants or mobile phone calls.
Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, e.g. through medication, alcohol, 
drugs.
Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
Adjust the driving speed at all times to the road condition as well as to the traffic 
and weather conditions.
Take regular breaks on long journe ys - at the latest every two hours.
Correct seated positionCorrect seated position for the driver
Correct seated position for the driver is important for safe and relaxed 
driving.For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident, we 
recommend the following setting:
Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance between the steering wheel and your 
chest is at least 25 cm  fig. 106 .
Position the driver seat in the forward/back direction so that you are able to fully 
press the pedals with your legs at a slight angle.
Fig. 106  The correct distance of 
the driver from the steering 
wheelFig. 107  The correct head 
restraint adjustment for the 
driver
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Passive Safety99
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Technical Data
Adjust the seat backrest so that you ar e able to reach the highest point of the 
steering wheel with your arms at a slight angle.
Adjust the head restraint so that the top edge of the head restraint is at the same 
level as the upper part of your head  page 98, fig. 107 .
Fasten the seat belt correctly  page 104, “How are seat belts correctly fastened?”.
Manual driver se at adjustment page 56, “Adjusting the front seats”.
Electrical driver seat adjustment  page 57, “Adjusting front seats electrically*”.
WARNING
The front seats and the head restraints must always be adjusted to match 
the body size of the seat occupant as well as the seat belts must always be 
correctly fastened in order to provide an optimal protection for you and your 
occupants.
The driver must maintain a distance of  at least 25 cm to the steering wheel 
 page 98, fig. 106. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the 
airbag system will not be able to properly protect you - hazard!
When driving, hold the st eering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer 
edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock po sition. Never hold the steering wheel 
firmly in the 12 o'clock position or in another way (e.g. in the middle of the 
steering wheel or at the inner steering wheel  edge). In such cases, injuries to the 
arms, the hands and the head can occur  when the driver airbag is deployed.
The seat backrests must not be angled too far back when driving otherwise 
this will affect proper operation of the se at belts and of the airbag system - risk 
of injury!
Ensure that there are no objects in  the footwell as any objects may get 
behind the pedals during a driving or  braking manoeuvre. You would then no 
longer be able to operate the  clutch, to brake or accelerate.
Correct seated position for the front passenger
The front passenger must maintain a distance of at least 25°cm from 
the dash panel so that the combination of the airbag and the seat belt 
offers the greatest possible safety  when an airbag is deployed.For the safety of the front passenger and to re duce the risk of injury in the event of an 
accident, we recommend the following setting:
Adjust the front passenger seat as  far as possible to the rear.
Adjust the head restraint so that the top edge of the head restraint is at the same 
level as the upper part of your head  page 98, fig. 107.
Fasten the seat belt correctly  page 104, “How are seat belts correctly fastened?”.
In exceptional cases the front pass enger airbag can be deactivated page 113, 
“Deactivating an airbag”.
Manual front passenger adjustment  page 56, “Adjusting the front seats”.
Electrical front passenger seat adjustment  page 57, “Adjusting front seats electri-
cally*”.
WARNING
The front seats and the head restraints must always be adjusted to match 
the body size of the seat occupant as well as the seat belts must always be 
correctly fastened in order to provide an optimal protection for you and your 
occupants.
The front passenger must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the dash 
panel. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag 
system will not be able to properly protect you - hazard!
Always keep your feet in the footwel l when the vehicle is being driven - 
never place your feet on the instrument panel, out of the window or on the 
surfaces of the seats. You will be exposed to increased risk of injury if it 
becomes necessary to apply the brake or in  the event of an accident. If an airbag 
is deployed, you may suffer fatal injuries when adopting an incorrect seated 
position!
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