air condition SKODA OCTAVIA 2006 Owner´s Manual

Setting temperature
›
Turn the control dial A
» Fig. 89 to the right to increase the temperature.
› Turn the control dial A
to the left to decrease the temperature.
Controlling blower
› Turn the blower switch B

» Fig. 89 into one of the positions, 1 to 4, to switch
the blower on.
› Turn the blower switch B
into position 0 to switch the blower off.
› Press the button
 4
to close the fresh air supply
» Fig. 89.
Regulating the air distribution
› The direction of the inlet air flow is controlled with air distribution regulator C
» Fig. 89
» page 80.
Switching the cooling system on and off
› Press the button
AC 1

» Fig. 89 and the warning light in the button illumi-
nates.
› When you again press the button
AC , the air conditioning system is switched
off. The warning light in the button goes out.
Rear window heater › Press the button
 2
» Fig. 89
. Further information » page 47.
Auxiliary heating (parking heating)
› Press the button
 3
»
Fig. 89
to directly switch on/off the auxiliary heating
(auxiliary heating and ventilation). Further information » page 87. Note
■ The whole heat output will be needed to defrost the windscreen and side win-
dows. No warm air will be fed to the footwell. This can lead to restriction of the
heating comfort. ■ The warning light AC lights after activation, even if not all of the conditions for
the function of the cooling system have been met » page 82, Introductory infor-
mation . By lighting up of the warning light in the button, the operational readi-
ness of the cooling system is signalled. Ð 83
Heating and air conditioning system

Setting the air conditioning system
Recommended basic settings of the control elements of the air conditioning sys-
tem for the respective operating modes:
Set-up Setting of the control dial
Button
Air outlet vents 3 A B C 1 4
Defrost/defog windscreen and
side windows
a) Desired tempera-
ture 3 or 4
Automatically
switched on Do not switch on Open and align with the side
window
The fastest heating To the right up to
the stop 3
Switched off Briefly switch on
Opening
Comfortable heating Desired tempera-
ture 2 or 3
   Switched off Do not switch on
Opening
The fastest cooling To the left up to
the stop briefly 4, then
2 or 3 Activated Briefly switch on
Opening
Optimal cooling Desired tempera-
ture 1, 2 or 3
Activated Do not switch on Open and align to the roof
Fresh air mode - ventilation To the left up to
the stop Desired position
Switched off Do not switch on
Openinga)
We recommend that you do not use this setting in countries with high humidity levels. This can result in heavy cooling of the window glass and the following fogging from outside. Note
■ Controls A
» Fig. 89
on page 82, B
, C
and buttons 1
and 4
.
■ Air outlet vents 3 » Fig. 86 on page 80.
■ We recommend that you leave the air outlet vents 4 » Fig. 86 on page 80 in the
opened position. ÐRecirculated air mode
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from getting into
the vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or when standing in a
traffic jam.
Switching on
› Press the button
 4
» Fig. 89
on page 82 and the warning light in the but-
ton illuminates. Switching off
› Press the button
 4
» Fig. 89
on page 82again - the warning light in the
button goes out.
Recirculated air mode is switched off automatically if the air distribution control C
» Fig. 89
on page 82 is turned to position . Recirculated air mode can be
switched on again from this setting by repeatedly pressing the button  .
WARNING
Do not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as “stale”
air can cause fatigue of the driver and passengers, reduce attention levels and
also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increases.
Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up. Ð
84 Using the system

Climatronic (automatic air conditioning system)
Introductory information
The Climatronic maintains fully automatically a convenience temperature. This is
achieved by automatically varying the temperature of the air flow, the blower
stages and air distribution. The system also takes sunlight into account, which
eliminates the need to alter the settings manually. The automatic
mode » page 86
ensures maximum well-being of the occupants at all times of
the year.
Description of Climatronic system
The cooling system only operates if the following conditions are met:
› engine running;
› outside temperature above approx. +2 °C;
› AC 13
» Fig. 90 on page 85

switched on.
The AC compressor is switched off at a high coolant temperature in order to pro-
vide cooling at a high load of the engine.
Recommended setting for all periods of the year.
› Set the desired temperature, we recommend 22 °C.
› Press the button
AUTO 8
» Fig. 90
on page 85.
› Move the air outlet vents
3 » Fig. 86 on page 80 and 4 so that the air flow is
directed slightly upwards. Note
■ We recommend that you have the Climatronic system cleaned by a
ŠKODA spe-
cialist garage once every year. ■ On vehicles equipped with a factory-fitted radio or radio navigation system, the
Climatronic information is also shown on their displays. This function can be
switched off, see operating instructions for the radio or navigation system. Ð Overview of the control elements
Fig. 90
Climatronic: Control elements
The buttons Defrost windscreen intensively  Air flow to the windows
 Air flow to head
 Air flow in the footwell
 Recirculated air mode
 with air quality sensor
Rear window heater  The buttons/control dial
Setting of the temperature for the left side, operation of the seat heating of
the left front seat
Automatic mode AUTO Switching off Climatronic
OFF Setting the blower speed
 Button for direct switching on/off of auxiliary heating
 » Fig. 91 on
page 88
Switching on/off of the temperature setting in dual mode DUAL Switching the cooling system on and off
AC Setting of the temperature for the right side, operation of the seat heating of
the right front seat £ 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
85
Heating and air conditioning system

Note
Below the top row of buttons is located the interior temperature sensor. Do not
stick anything on or cover the sensor, otherwise it could have an unfavourable ef-
fect on the Climatronic. ÐAutomatic mode
The automatic mode is used in order to maintain a constant temperature and to
demist the windows in the interior of the car.
Switching on
› Set a temperature between +18 °C and +26
℃.
› Move the air outlet vents
3 » Fig. 86 on page 80 and 4 so that the air flow is
directed slightly upwards.
› Press the button
AUTO 8
» Fig. 90
on page
85. The warning light in the top
right or left corner lights up, depending on which mode was last selected.
If the warning light in the top right corner of the button AUTO 8
» Fig. 90
on
page 85

lights up, the Climatronic operates in “HIGH” mode. The “HIGH” mode is
the standard setting of the Climatronic.
When pressing again the button AUTO , the Climatronic changes into the “LOW”
mode and the warning light in the top left corner lights up. The Climatronic uses
only in this mode the lower blower speed. However taking into account the noise
level, this is more comfortable, yet be aware that the effectiveness of the air con-
ditioning system is reduced particularly if the vehicle is fully occupied.
By pressing the button AUTO again, it is changed to “HIGH” mode.
Automatic mode is switched off by pressing one of the buttons for the air distri-
bution or by increasing/decreasing the blower speed. The temperature is never-
theless regulated. ÐSwitching the cooling system on and off
Switching the cooling system on and off › Press the button
AC 13

» Fig. 90 on page 85. The warning light in the button
lights up.
› When you again press the button
AC 13
, the air conditioning system is switch-
ed off. The warning light in the button goes out. Only the function of the venti-
lation remains active when no lower temperature than the outside temperature
can be reached. Ð Setting temperature
The interior temperature for the left and right side can be set separately.
› The temperature for both sides can be set with the control dial 7
» Fig. 90 on
page 85

after switching on the ignition.
› If you wish to set the temperature for the right side, turn the control dial 14
» Fig. 90
on page
85. The warning light in the button DUAL 12
» Fig. 90
on
page 85
lights up, this indicates that differing temperatures for the left and
right side can be set.
If the warning light in the button DUAL 12
»
Fig. 90
on page 85 is illuminated, the
temperature for both sides cannot be set with the control dial 7
» Fig. 90
on
page 85. You can reactivate this function by pressing the button DUAL 12
. The
warning light in the button goes out.
The interior temperature can be set between +18 °C and +26 ℃. The interior tem-
perature is regulated automatically within this range. If a temperature lower than
+18 °C is selected, a blue symbol lights up at the start of the numerical scale. If a
temperature higher than +26 °C is selected, a red symbol lights up at the start of
the numerical scale. In both limit positions the Climatronic operates at maximum
cooling or heating capacity, respectively. The temperature is not controlled in this
case.
Lengthy and uneven distribution of the air flow out of the vents (especially
around the feet) and large differences in temperature, for example, when getting
out of the vehicle, can cause susceptible individuals to catch a cold. Ð Recirculated air mode
Recirculated air mode largely prevents polluted air from outside the vehicle get-
ting into the vehicle, for example, when driving through a tunnel or when stand-
ing in a traffic jam. If a considerable increase in concentration of pollutants is rec-
ognized by the air quality sensor, when the automatic air distribution control is
switched on, the air distribution control will temporarily be switched off. If the
concentration of pollutants decreases to the normal level, the air distribution con-
trol is automatically switched off so that fresh air can be guided into the vehicle
interior. In recirculated air mode air is sucked out of the interior of the vehicle and
then fed back into the interior. When the automatic air distribution control is
switched on, an air quality sensor measures the concentration of pollutants in the
drawn in air. £
86 Using the system

Switching recirculated air mode on
›
Repeatedly press the button
 5
» Fig. 90
on page 85 until the warning
light on the left side of the button is illuminated.
Switch on automatic air distribution control
› Repeatedly press the button
 5
» Fig. 90

on page 85 until the warning
light on the right side of the button is illuminated.
Switch off automatic air distribution control temporarily
› If the air quality sensor does not automatically switch on the air distribution
control in the event of an unpleasant odour, you can switch it on yourself by
pressing the button  5
» Fig. 90
on page 85. The warning light lights up in
the button on the left side.
Switching recirculated air mode off
› Press the button
AUTO 8
» Fig. 90
on page
85 or repeatedly press the button
 5
» Fig. 90 on page 85
until the warning lights in the button go out.WARNING
Do not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as “stale”
air can cause fatigue of the driver and passengers, reduce attention levels and
also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increases.
Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up. Note
■ If the windscreen mists up, press the button  1
» Fig. 90 on page 85

. Press
the button AUTO 8
» Fig. 90
on page 85 when the windshield is demisted.
■ The automatic air distribution control operates only if the outside temperature
is higher than approx. 2 °C. ÐControlling blower
The Climatronic system controls the blower stages automatically in line with the
interior temperature. However, the blower stages can be manually adapted to
suit your particular needs.
› Repeatedly press the button
 10
» Fig. 90
on page 85 on the left side (reduce
blower speed) or on the right side (increase blower speed).
If the blower is switched off, the Climatronic system is switched off.
The set blower speed is displayed above the button  10

» Fig. 90 on page 85
when the respective number of warning lights come on. WARNING
■ “
Stale air” may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, reduce attention
levels and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident
increases.
■ Do not switch off the Climatronic system for longer than necessary.
■ Switch on the Climatronic system as soon as the windows mist up. Ð Defrosting windscreen
Switching on › Press the button
 1
» Fig. 90
on page 85.
Switching off
› Once again press the button
 1
» Fig. 90 on page 85

or the button AUTO .
The temperature control is controlled automatically. More air flows out of the air
outlet vents 1 » Fig. 86 on page 80
. Ð Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation)
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Direct switching on/off 88
System settings 89
Radio remote control 89
Changing the battery of the radio remote control 90
Auxiliary heating (parking heating)
The auxiliary heater (parking heater) functions in connection with the air-condi-
tioning system or Climatronic.
It can be used when stationary, when the engine is switched off to preheat the
vehicle and while driving (e.g. during the heating phase of the engine).
The engine is also preheated, if the auxiliary heating is switched on when the ve-
hicle is stationary and the engine is switched off. £
87
Heating and air conditioning system

The auxiliary heating (parking heating) warms up the coolant by combusting fuel
from the vehicle tank. The coolant warms up the air, which (if the blower speed is
not set to zero) flows into the passenger compartment.
Auxiliary ventilation
The auxiliary ventilation enables fresh air to flow into the vehicle interior by
switching off the engine, whereby the interior temperature is effectively de-
creased (e.g. with the vehicle parked in the sun).
WARNING
■ The auxiliary heating must never be operated in closed rooms - risk of poi-
soning! ■ The auxiliary heating must not be running during refuelling - risk of fire.
■ The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating is located on the underside of the
vehicle. Therefore, if you wish to operate the auxiliary heating, do not park the
vehicle in such a way that the exhaust gases from the auxiliary heating can
come into contact with highly flammable materials (e.g. dry grass) or easily in-
flammable substances (e.g. spilt fuel). Note
■ If the auxiliary heating runs, the fuel consumption comes from the vehicle tank.
The auxiliary heating automatically controls the filling level in the fuel tank. If only
a low quantity of fuel is present in the fuel tank, the function of the auxiliary
heating is blocked. ■ The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating, which is located on the underside of
the vehicle, must not be clogged and the exhaust flow must not be blocked.
■ If the auxiliary heating and ventilation is running, the vehicle battery discharges.
If the auxiliary heating and ventilation has been operated several times over a
longer period, the vehicle must be driven a few kilometres in order to recharge
the vehicle battery.
■ The auxiliary heating only switches the blower on, if it has achieved a coolant
temperature of approx. 50 °C.
■ At low outside temperatures, this can result in a formation of water vapour in
the area of the engine compartment. This is quite normal and is not an operating
problem.
■ After switching off the auxiliary heating, the coolant pump runs for a short peri-
od.
■ The auxiliary heating and ventilation does not switch on or comes on, if the ve-
hicle battery indicates a low loading state » page 169, Automatic load deactiva-
tion . ■
The auxiliary heating (parking heating) does not switch on, if the following was
shown in the information display or before switching off the ignition: Please re-
fuel! ■ The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves in
order to ensure that the auxiliary heating operates properly.
■ So that warm air can flow into the vehicle interior after switching on the auxili-
ary heating, you must maintain the comfort temperature normally selected by
you, leave the fan switched on and leave the air outlet vents in an open position.
It is recommended to put the air flow in the position  or .Ð Direct switching on/off
Fig. 91
Button for direct switching on/
off of the auxiliary heating (aux-
iliary heating and ventilation) on
the operating part of the air con-
ditioning system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 87.
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation) can be
directly switched
on or off at any time using the button  » Fig. 91 on the operating part of the air-
conditioning system, on the operating part of the Climatronic system or via the ra-
dio remote control » page 89.
If the auxiliary heating and ventilation is not switched off earlier, it switches off
automatically after the set operating period, in the menu Running time has ex-
pired. Ð
ä
88 Using the system

System settings
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 87.
The following menu items can be selected in the menu
Aux. heating in the infor-
mation display (depending on the equipment fitted in the vehicle):
■ Day of the wk. - Set the current weekday.
■ Time- Set the desired running time in 5
minute increments. The running time
can be 10 to 60 minutes.
■ Mode - Set the desired heating/ventilation mode.
■ Starting time 1-3 - In each pre-set time, the day and the time (hour and minute)
can be set for switching on the auxiliary heating and/or ventilation. An empty
position can be found between Sunday and Monday when selecting the day. If
this empty position is selected, the activation is performed without taking into
account the day.
■ Activate - Enable pre-set mode.
■ Dectivate - Disable pre-set mode.
■ Factory setting - Restore factory setting.
■ Back - Return to main menu.
Only one programmed pre-set time can be active.
The last programmed pre-set time remains active.
After the auxiliary heating activates at the set time, it is necessary to pre-set a
time again.
If the pre-set menu is closed by selecting the menu item Back or if no changes
are made on the display for more than 10 seconds, the set values are stored, but
the pre-set time is not activated.
An warning light on the button  »
Fig. 91
on page 88 is illuminated when the
system is running.
The running system deactivates after expiration of the operating period or can be
deactivated earlier by pressing the button to directly switch on/off the auxiliary
heating  » Fig. 91 on page 88

or by using the radio remote control. Ð
ä Radio remote control
Fig. 92
Auxiliary heating: Radio remote control
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 87.
›
For switching on, press the button
ON » Fig. 92.
› For switching off, press the button
OFF .
The transmitter and the battery are housed in the housing of the remote control.
The receiver is located in the interior of the vehicle.
If the battery is properly charged, the effective range is up to 600

m. To switch
on/off the auxiliary heating, hold the radio remote control vertically with the an-
tenna A

» Fig. 92 facing upwards. The antenna must not be covered with the fin-
gers or the palm of the hand during this process. Obstacles between the radio re-
mote control and the vehicle, bad weather conditions and a weaker battery can
clearly reduce the range.
The auxiliary heating can only be switched on/off safely using the radio remote
control, if the distance between the radio remote control and the vehicle is at
least 2

m.
Warning light in the radio remote control
The warning light in the radio remote control C
» Fig. 92 indicates after a key-
stroke if the remote control signal was received by the auxiliary heating and if the
battery is adequately charged.
Display warning light Importance
Lights up green for 2 seconds. The auxiliary heating was switched on.
Lights up red for 2 seconds. The auxiliary heating was switched off.
Slowly flashes green for 2 seconds. The ignition signal was not received. £ ä
89
Heating and air conditioning system

Antilock brake system (ABS) 96
Traction control system (TCS) 96
Electronic Differential Lock (EDS and XDS) 97
WARNING
■ The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater physi-
cal effort for braking is required when the engine is switched off - risk of acci-
dent!
■ Depress the clutch pedal when stopping or braking a vehicle with a petrol
engine and manual transmission in the low rev range. If you fail to do so, the
functionality of the brake booster can be impaired - risk of accident!
■ If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must be
ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced. Other-
wise, the functionality of the brake system could be impaired - risk of acci-
dent! ■ Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating, which can
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system - risk of accident!
■ Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for ex-
ample, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
might then move off - risk of accident!
■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to shut
down. The brake assist systems would then be without function - risk of acci-
dent! ■ Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety offered by the brake assist systems
must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident!
■ The normal braking system is still fully functional if there is an ABS fault.
Visit a ŠKODA specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving
according to the damage to the ABS as you will not know how great the dam-
age is and the limitation it is placing on the braking efficiency. CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 139.
■ Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not neces-
sary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking
distance and excessive wear.
■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufactur-
er to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly. Note
■ If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system con-
siders the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light
flashes automatically. After the speed was reduced below around 10 km/h or the
vehicle was stopped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light
system switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatical-
ly after accelerating or driving off again. ■ Before negotiating a steep downhill section, reduce the speed, shift down into
the next lower gear (manual gearbox) or select a lower drive position (automatic
gearbox). As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used, reducing the
load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be completed intermittently,
not continuously. ■ Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the functionality of the brake assist sys-
tems »
page 177, Accessories, changes and replacement of parts .
■ If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, ASR and EDL also do not work. A
warning light  »

page 22 comes on if a fault occurs in the ABS system. Ð Information for braking
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 93.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driving
style. The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in
towns and over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted. If
operated under severe conditions, the thickness of the brake pads must be
checked by a ŠKODA specialist garage before the next service appointment.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake pads
may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter. The
brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. If the brake system is not used much or if there is corrosion on the sur-
face, we recommend cleaning the brake discs by firmly applying the brakes from a
fairly high speed. £
ä
94 Using the system

What influences the driving safety?
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 121.
The driver is fully responsible for himself and his occupants. If your driving safety
is effected, you place yourself and the oncoming traffic at risk.
The following guidelines must therefore be observed. › Do not get distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, e.g. by your
passengers or mobile phone calls.
› Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, e.g. through medication, alco-
hol, drugs.
› Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
› Always adjust the driving speed to the road, traffic and weather conditions.
› Take regular breaks on long journeys – at least every two hours. ÐCorrect seated position
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Correct seated position for the driver 123
Correct seated position for the front passenger 123
Correct seated position for the occupants on the rear seats 123
Examples of an incorrect seated position 124
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.
■ Always assume the correct seated position before setting off and do not
change this position while driving. Also advise your passengers to adopt the
correct seated position and not to change this position while the car is mov-
ing.
ä WARNING (Continued)
■ If the occupant adopts an incorrect seated position, he is exposed to life-
threatening injuries, in case he is hit by a deployed airbag.
■ If the occupants on the rear seats are not sitting upright, the risk of injury is
increased due to incorrect routing of the seat belt.
■ The driver must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the steering wheel.
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 sys-
tem will not be able to properly protect you - hazard!
■ When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer
edge in the 9
o'clock and 3 o'clock position. Never hold the steering wheel in
the 12 o'clock position or in any other way (e.g. in the middle or inner edge of
the steering wheel). In such cases, you could severely injure the arms, hands
and head 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 seat belts and of the airbag system -
risk of injury!
■ Ensure that there are no objects in the driver's footwell as they may get
caught behind the pedals when driving or applying the braking. You would
then no longer be able to operate the clutch, brake or accelerate.
■ Always keep your feet in the footwell when the car 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 nec-
essary to apply the brake or in the event of an accident. If an airbag is de-
ployed, you may suffer fatal injuries when adopting an incorrect seated posi-
tion! Ð
122 Safety

WARNING (Continued)
■ The seat belts for the rear seats can only fulfil their function reliably when
the seat backrests are correctly locked into position » page 59, Rear seats.
■ The belt webbing must always be kept clean. Soiled belt webbing may im-
pair proper operation of the inertia reel » page 154, Seat belts.
■ The seat belts must not be removed or changed in any way. Do not attempt
to repair the seat belts yourself.
■ Check the condition of all the seat belts on a regular basis. If any damage to
the seat belts, seat belt connections, inertia reel or the lock is detected, the
relevant seat belt must be replaced by a
ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ Damaged seat belts which have been subjected to stress in an accident and
were therefore stretched, must be replaced - this is best done by a
ŠKODA
specialist garage. The anchorage points for the belts should also be checked. Note
The national legal requirements must be observed when using seat belts. ÐThe physical principle of a frontal collision
Fig. 112
Driver without a fastened seat belt/rear seat passenger without a
fastened seat belt
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 125.
The physical principle of a frontal collision can be explained quite simply.
ä As soon as the vehicle is moving, so-called kinetic energy (the energy of motion)
is produced both in terms of the car as well as in terms of the occupants. The
magnitude of this kinetic energy depends essentially on the speed at which the
vehicle is travelling and on the weight of the vehicle including the occupants. The
greater the speed and weight increase, the greater the amount of energy which
has to be absorbed in the event of an accident.
The speed of the vehicle is, nevertheless, the most important factor. Doubling the
speed of the vehicle from 25 km/h up to 50 km/hour increases the kinetic energy
four times.
The common opinion that it is possible to support your body in a minor accident
with your hands, is incorrect. Even in a collision at only a low speed, the forces
acting on the body are such that it is no longer possible to support your body.
Even if you only drive at a speed of 30

km/h to 50 km/h, the forces that your body
is exposed to in the event of an accident can exceed a tonne (1 000 kg).
In the event of a frontal collision, occupants of the car not wearing a seat belt, are
thrown forward and strike in an uncontrolled way parts of the interior of the car,
such as steering wheel, dash panel or windscreen » Fig. 112 - . In certain circum-
stances you could even be thrown out of the vehicle, which could cause life
threatening or even fatal injuries.
It is also important that rear seat occupants fasten their seat belts as they will
otherwise be thrown through the vehicle in an uncontrolled manner in the event
of an accident A rear seat passenger who has not fastened the seat belt is a dan-
ger not only to himself but also for those seated at the front » Fig. 112 - . Ð
126 Safety