headlights SKODA OCTAVIA 2006 Owner´s Manual

Engine revolutions counter
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
The red scale of the rev counter 1
» Fig. 2 on page 8 indicates the range in which
the engine control unit begins to limit the engine speed. The engine control unit
restricts the engine speed to a steady limit.
You should shift into the next higher gear before the red scale of the revolution
counter is reached, or move the selector lever into position D if your car is fitted
with an automatic gearbox.
To maintain the optimum motor speed, observe the gearshift indica-
tor » page 11. For the sake of the environment
Shifting to a higher gear in good time helps to lower fuel consumption, minimises
operating noise levels, protects the environment and contributes to a longer life
and reliability of the engine. ÐSpeedometer
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
Warning against excessive speeds
An audible warning signal will sound when the vehicle speed exceeds 120 km/h.
The audible warning signal is switched off when the vehicle speed falls below
this speed limit.
Note
This function is only valid for some countries. Ð
ä
ä Coolant temperature gauge
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
The coolant temperature gauge 3
» Fig. 2 on page 8 operates only when the ig-
nition is switched on.
The following guidelines regarding the temperature ranges must be observed to
avoid any damage to the engine.
Cold range
If the pointer is still in the left area of the scale it means that the engine has not
yet reached its operating temperature. Avoid high speeds, full throttle and high
engine loads.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temperature as soon as the pointer moves
into the mid-range of the scale, for a normal style of driving. The pointer may also
move further to the right at high engine loads and high outside temperatures. CAUTION
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the fresh air in-
let impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant. There is then a risk of the engine
overheating at high outside temperatures and high engine loads »
page 20.Ð Fuel gauge
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
The fuel gauge 6
» Fig. 2 on page 8 only operates when the ignition is switched
on.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 55 litres or 60 litres 1)
. The warning light in
the instrument cluster lights up when the pointer reaches the reserve mark-
ing » page 23.
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal. £
ä
ä
1)
Valid for Octavia Combi 4x4 and Octavia Scout.
9
Instruments and warning lights

Lights and visibility
Lights
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Switching lights on and off 40
DAY LIGHT function (Daylight driving light) 40
Automatic driving lamp control 40
Cornering lights 41
Parking light 41
COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function 41
Tourist light 42
Fog lights 42
Fog lights with the function CORNER 42
Rear fog light 43
Instrument lighting  43
Headlight beam adjustment  44
Switches for the hazard warning light system 44
Turn signal and main beam lever 45
On models fitted with right-hand steering the position of certain switches differs
from that shown in » Fig. 22
on page 40. The symbols which mark the switch
positions are identical, however.
The low beam continues to shine while the ignition is switched on and the light
switch is in the position  or  . After switching off the ignition, the low beam
is switched off automatically and only the side lights come on. The side lights also
go out after the ignition key is removed. WARNING
■ Never drive with only the side lights on! The side lights are not bright
enough to light up the road sufficiently in front of you or to be seen by other
oncoming traffic. Therefore always switch on the low beam when it is dark or
if visibility is poor.
■ The automatic driving lamp control 
 only operates as a support and does
not release the driver from his responsibility to check the light and, if necessa-
ry, to switch on the light depending on the light conditions. The light sensor
cannot, for example, detect rain or snow. Under these conditions we recom-
mend switching on the low beam or fog lights! CAUTION
■ The activation of the lights should only be undertaken in accordance with na-
tional legal requirements.
■ The driver is always responsible for the correct settings and use of the lights. Note
■ If the light switch is in the position , the ignition key is removed and the driv-
er's door is open, an audible warning signal will sound. The audible warning signal
is switched off by means of the door contact when the driver's door is closed (ig-
nition off), however, the side lights remain on to illuminate the parked vehicle if
necessary. ■ If there is a fault in the light switch, the low beam comes on automatically.
■ In the event of cool or humid weather conditions, the headlights can be misted
up from inside. The temperature difference between interior and external area of
the headlight lenses is decisive. When the driving lights are switched on, the light
outlet surfaces are free from mist after a short period, although the headlight
lenses may still be misted up in the peripheral areas. It also concerns reverse light
and turn signal lights. This mist has no influence on the life of the lighting system. Ð
39
Lights and visibility

If the light switch is in the position
, the symbol illuminates when the ignition
is switched on  next to the light switch. If the low beam is activated with the
light sensor, the symbol  illuminates additionally next to the light switch.
If the light comes on automatically, the side lights and low beam as well as li-
cence plate light light up at the same time.
If the automatic driving lamp control is switched on, the light is regulated with
the light sensor in the rear mirror holder. If the light intensity drops below the set
value, e.g when driving during the day into a tunnel, the low beam and the side
lights as well as the licence plate light come on automatically. If the light intensity
increases again, the lights switch off automatically.
Rain lights
If the windscreen wiper is switched on in rain sensor mode for longer than 10
sec-
onds or in permanent wipe mode (position 2 or 3) » page 49, Activating the
windscreen wipers and washers for longer than 15 seconds, the side lights and
low beam are switched on automatically. The light switches off if the windscreen
wipe is in operation rain sensor for more than around 4 minutes or is not switch-
ed on in the operation permanent wipe. Note
Do not affix any stickers in front of the light sensor, so that its functionality is not
impaired or disabled. ÐCornering lights
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
The cornering lights are used to illuminate the curves by means of the cone of
light swivelling together with the front headlight with Xenon lights. This function
is active when the speed of the car increases to more than 10

km/h.
The swivelling function of the headlights can be switched off/on via the menu
point Assistants in the main menu of the information display » page 15.
ä WARNING
If the cornering lights are defective, the headlights are automatically lowered
to the emergency position, which prevents a possible dazzling of oncoming
traffic. Thus the illuminated length of the road is shortened. Drive carefully
and visit a

ŠKODA specialist garage as soon as possible. Ð Parking light
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
Parking light

› Switch off the ignition.
› Pull the turn signal light lever
» Fig. 28 on page 45 upwards or downwards -
the side light on the right or left side of the vehicle is switched.
Parking light on both sides
› Turn the light switch into the position
 and lock the vehicle. Note
■ The parking light  can only be activated if the ignition is switched off.
■ If the right or left turn signal light has been switched on and the ignition is
switched off, the parking light is not automatically switched on. Ð COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
When it is dark, this function makes it possible to switch on the lights for a short
time after leaving the vehicle or when approaching the vehicle.
Switching on the

COMING HOME function
› The light switch is in the position automatic driving lamp control
.
› Switch off the ignition.
› The light switches on after the driver's door is opened.
Switching on the
LEAVING HOME function
› After leaving the vehicle, the light switch is in the position automatic driving
lamp control . £
ä
ä
41
Lights and visibility

›
Unlock the vehicle with the radio remote control and the light is switched on.
Depending on the equipment fitted the COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function
switches on the following lights:
› Parking lights;
› Low beam;
› Entry lighting in the exterior mirrors;
› Licence plate light.
The COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function is controlled with the light sensor in
the mount of the interior rear mirror. If the light intensity is higher than the set
value of the light sensor, the light is not switched on after opening the driver's
door or unlocking the vehicle with the radio remote control.
Switching off the COMING HOME function
The light goes out 10 seconds after closing all of the doors and the boot lid.
If a door or the boot lid remains open, the light goes out after 60 seconds.
Switching off the LEAVING HOME function
The light goes out 10 seconds after unlocking the vehicle with the radio remote
control, switching on the ignition or locking the vehicle.
If no door is opened, the vehicle is locked automatically after 30 seconds.Note
■ If the
COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function is switched on constantly, the
battery will be heavily discharged particularly over short distances. ■ The illumination period for the COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function can be
changed by means of the information display. ÐTourist light
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
This mode makes it possible to drive in countries with opposing traffic system,
driving on the left/right, without dazzling the oncoming vehicles. When the mode
tourist light is active, the side to side swivel of the headlights is deactivated. ä The mode tourist light is activated/deactivated via the information display in the
menu:
■ Settings
■ Lights & Vision
■ Travel mode
■ Off
■ Switched on Ð Fog lights
Fig. 24
Dash panel: Light switch
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
Switching on
› First of all, turn the light switch to position
 or  » Fig. 24.
› Pull the light switch to position 1
.
The warning light  lights up in the instrument cluster when the fog lights are
switched on » page 18. Ð Fog lights with the function CORNER
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
The fog lights with the function CORNER are designed to improve the illumination
of the surrounding area near the vehicle when turning, parking, etc. £
ä
ä
42 Using the system

Headlight beam adjustment 
Fig. 26
Dash panel: Lights and visibility
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
Turn the control dial
» Fig. 26 to the desired width of illumination.
Settings
The positions correspond approximately to the following car load. Front seats occupied, boot empty.
All seats occupied, boot empty.
All seats occupied, boot loaded.
Driver seat occupied, boot loaded. CAUTION
Always adjust the headlight range adjustment in such a way that:
■ it does not dazzle other road users, especially oncoming traffic;
■ and the range is sufficient for safe driving. Note
■ We recommend you adjust the headlight beam when the low beam is switched
on. ■ Headlights fitted with Xenon bulbs adapt automatically to the load and driving
state of the vehicle (e.g. accelerating, braking) when the ignition is switched on
and when driving. Vehicles which are equipped with Xenon bulbs do not have a
manual headlight range adjustment control. Ð
ä -
1
2
3 Switches for the hazard warning light system
Fig. 27
Dash panel: Switch for hazard
warning lights
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
›
Press switch
 » Fig. 27 to switch the hazard warning light system on or off.
All the turn signal lights on the vehicle flash at the same time when the hazard
warning light system is switched on. The warning light for the turn signals and
the warning light in the switch also flash at the same time. The hazard warning
light system can also be operated if the ignition is switched off.
The hazard warning light system is switched on automatically if an airbag is de-
ployed in the event of an accident. Note
The hazard warning light system must be switched on if, for example:
■ you encounter a traffic congestion;
■ your vehicle breaks down or an emergency situation occurs. Ð
ä
44 Using the system

›
The sensitivity of the sensor can be set individually with the switch A
.
Wiping the rear window pane
› Push the lever away from the steering wheel into position 6
» Fig. 35 and the
windscreen wiper will operate every 6
seconds.
Automatic wipe/wash for the rear window
› Press the lever completely away from the steering wheel into the spring-ten-
sioned position 7
» Fig. 35, the washer system is activated immediately, while
the windscreen wiper starts wiping a little later. The wiper and washer system
will operate as long as the lever is held in this position.
› Release the lever. The washer system stops and the wiper continues for anoth-
er 2 to 3
wiper strokes (depending on the duration of the spraying process). The
lever will stay in position after releasing it 6
.
Switching windscreen wipers off
› Move the lever back into the home position 0
» Fig. 35.
Winter position
If the windscreen wipers are in rest position, they cannot be folded out from the
windscreen. For this reason we recommend adjusting the windscreen wipers in
winter so that they can be folded out from the windscreen easily.
This rest position is set as follows:
› Switch on the windscreen wipers.
› Switch off the ignition. The windscreen wipers remain in the position in which
they were when switching off the ignition.
The service position can also be used as a winter position » page 51.ÐAutomatic rear window wiper (Combi)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 48.
If the windscreen wiper is in position 2
» Fig. 35 on page 49 or 3
the rear win-
dow is wiped every 30 or 10 seconds if the vehicle's speed exceeds 5
km/h.
When the rain sensor is active (the lever is in the position 1
) the function is only
active if the windscreen wipers operate in continuous mode (no break between
each wiping process). ä Activation/deactivation
The function of the automatic rear window wiper is activated/deactivated in the
information display in the menu:
■ Settings
■ Lights & Vision
■ Rear wiper Ð Headlight cleaning system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 48.
The headlights are being cleaned after the windscreen has been sprayed for the
first time and fifth time, the low beam or main beam are switched on and the
windscreen wiper lever was held in the position 5
» Fig. 35 on page 49 for about
1 second.
The headlight washer nozzles are moved forward out of the bumper by the water
pressure for cleaning the headlights.
You should remove stubborn dirt (such as insect residues) from the headlight len-
ses at regular intervals, for example when refuelling. The following guidelines
must be observed » page 151, Headlight lenses.
To ensure the proper operation of the cleaning system during the winter, any
snow should be removed from the washer nozzle fixtures and ice should be
cleared with a de-icing spray. CAUTION
Never remove the nozzles from the headlight cleaning system by hand - risk of
damage! Ð
ä
50 Using the system

›
The use of solvent-free adhesives.
› No CFCs used in the production process.
› Without use of mercury.
› Use of water-soluble paints.
Trade-in and recycling of old cars
ŠKODA
meets the requirements of the brand and its products with regard to pro-
tecting the environment and the preserving resources. All new ŠKODA vehicles
can be utilized up to 95 % and always 1)
be returned. In a lot of countries sufficient
trade-in networks have been created, where you can trade-in your vehicle. After
you trade-in your vehicle, you will receive a confirmation stating the recycling in
accordance with environmental regulations. Note
Detailed information about the trade-in and recycling of old cars is available from
a ŠKODA Service Partner. ÐDriving abroad
Introductory information
In certain countries it is also possible that the
ŠKODA Service Partner network is
limited or has not been established yet. This is the reason why procuring certain
spare parts may be somewhat complicated and specialist garages may only be
able to make limited repairs. ŠKODA in the Czech Republic and its importers are
happy to provide information about technical aspects of the vehicle, required
maintenance work and possibilities for getting repairs done. ÐUnleaded petrol
A vehicle fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded pet-
rol » page 156, Unleaded petrol . Information regarding the locations of filling sta-
tions that offer unleaded petrol is, for example, provided by the automobile asso-
ciations. Ð Headlights
The low beam of your headlights is set asymmetrically. It illuminates the side of
the road on which the vehicle is being driven to a greater extent.
When driving in countries in which the traffic drives on the other side of the road
than in your home country, the asymmetrical low beam may dazzle oncoming
drivers. To prevent oncoming traffic from being dazzled, the headlights must be
adjusted by a

ŠKODA Service Partner.
Headlights with Xenon lights are adjusted in the menu of the information dis-
play » page 15, MAXI DOT (information display) . Note
Further information on adjusting the headlights is available from a ŠKODA Service
Partner. Ð Avoiding damage to your vehicle
To prevent damage to your vehicle, pay special attention: › When driving on poorly maintained roads and lanes
› When driving over kerb stones
› When driving up steep ramps
› So that any low-slung parts, such as the spoiler and exhaust, do not touch the
ground and get damaged
This particularly applies to models with a sport suspension and also when your
vehicle is fully laden. Ð1)
Subject to fulfilment of the national legal requirements.
143
Driving and the Environment

Towing a trailer
Towing a trailer
Technical requirements
If your vehicle has already been factory-fitted with a towing device or is fitted
with a towing device from ŠKODA Original Accessories, then it meets all of the
technical requirements and national legal provisions for towing a trailer.
On vehicles with a towing device, the ball rod is detachable and is stowed togeth-
er with separate operating instructions in the spare wheel well or in the compart-
ment for the spare wheel within the boot » page 179, Vehicle tool kit .
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection be-
tween the vehicle and trailer. If the trailer that is to be towed has a 7-pin connec-
tor, you can use a suitable adapter from
ŠKODA Original Accessories.
If a towing device is retrofitted, it must be completed in accordance with the
manufacturer's specifications. Note
If you have any questions, please contact a ŠKODA Service Partner. ÐLoading a trailer
Loading a trailer
The vehicle/trailer combination must be balanced, whereby the maximum permis-
sible drawbar load must be utilised. If the drawbar load is too low, it jeopardises
the performance of the vehicle/trailer combination.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that heavy items are located as
close to the axle as possible. Secure the items from slipping.
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trail-
er is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this
combination. Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for a

“full load” » page 171,
Service life of tyres.
Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan-
ces » page 197, Technical data .
The trailer loads specified apply only to altitudes up to 1 000 metres above mean
sea level. As the engine output drops at an increasing altitude due to the declin-
ing air pressure and therefore the climbing ability is also reduced, this means that
the maximum permissible towed weight must be reduced by 10 % for every fur-
ther increase of 1 000 m in height. The towed weight comprises the actual weight
of the (loaded) towing vehicle and the (loaded) trailer. Always drive particularly
carefully with the trailer.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing device
are merely test data for the towing device The vehicle-specific values are detailed
in the vehicle documents. WARNING
■ If the maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and the maximum per-
missible total or towed weight of the vehicle and the trailer are exceeded this
can cause accidents and serious injuries.
■ Slipping loads can significantly affect the stability and safety of the vehicle/
trailer combination, causing accidents and serious injuries. Ð Towing a trailer
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the
traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. The national legal
requirements must be observed.
Headlights
The headlight settings must be checked before starting a journey with a coupled
trailer. If necessary, adjust the settings with the headlight beam adjust-
ment » page 44 , Headlight beam adjustment .
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than the maximum permissible speed indi-
cated on the trailer. £
145
Towing a trailer

De-icing windows and exterior mirrors
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 148.
Use a plastic ice scraper for removing snow and ice from the windows and mir-
rors. The ice scraper should not be moved forward and backward but in one direc-
tion to avoid any damage to the surface of the glass.
Clean the windows from the inside on a regular basis.
Dry the glass surfaces with a clean chamois leather or a cloth intended for this
purpose.
When drying the windows after washing the vehicle, do not use window leathers
that have been used to polish the bodywork. Residues of preservatives in the
window leather can dirty the window and reduce visibility. CAUTION
■ Never remove snow or ice from glass parts using warm or hot water - risk of for-
mation of cracks in the glass!
■ When removing snow or ice from windows and mirror lenses ensure that the
paintwork of the vehicle is not to damage.
■ Snow or ice that is contaminated with coarse dirt such as fine gravel, sand, and
salt must not be removed from the window glass and mirrors - risk of damage to
the surface of the windows and mirrors. ÐRadio reception and aerial
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 148.
Car parks, tunnels, tall buildings or mountains can disrupt the radio signal even
causing it to fail completely.
With factory-fitted radios and navigation systems, the aerial for the radio recep-
tion can be installed at different locations in the vehicle:
› on the inside of the rear window along with the rear window heater;
› on the inside of the rear side windows;
› on the inside of the windscreen;
› on the roof. Ð
ä
ä Headlight lenses
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 148.
Use soap and clean water to clean the plastic headlight lenses.
CAUTION
■ Never wipe the headlights dry and do not use any sharp objects to clean the
plastic lenses, this may damage the protective paintwork and consequently cause
the formation of cracks on the headlight lenses.
■ Do not use any aggressive cleaning or chemical solvent products to clean the
headlights - risk of damaging the headlight lenses. Ð Rubber seals
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 148.
The rubber seals on doors, the sliding roof and other windows remain smoother
and last longer if the seals are treated regularly with a suitable rubber care prod-
uct. This helps to prevent leakages and premature wear of the seals. Rubber
seals which are well cared for also do not stick together in cold winter weather.
Ð Door lock cylinders
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 148.
Specific products must be used for de-icing door lock cylinders.
Note
■ When washing your vehicle, ensure as little water as possible gets into the lock-
ing cylinders. ■ We recommend that suitable materials from ŠKODA Original Accessories are
used for maintaining the door lock cylinders. Ð
ä
ä
ä
151
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle

Windscreen washer system
Fig. 137
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 158.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir contains the cleaning fluid for the wind-
screen or rear window and for the headlight cleaning system. The windscreen
washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
The filling level of the container is about 3
litres and about 5.5 litres on vehicles
that have a headlight washing system 1)
.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and headlights.
We therefore recommend using clean water with a screen cleaner (including anti-
freeze in the winter) that is able to remove stubborn dirt.
Antifreeze should always be added to the cleaning water in the winter even if the
vehicle is fitted with 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. 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.
ä Note
Do not remove the filter from the windscreen washer fluid reservoir when replen-
ishing it with liquid otherwise the liquid transportation system can be contamina-
ted, which can cause the windscreen washer system to malfunction. Ð Vehicle battery
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Battery cover 167
Checking the battery electrolyte level 167
Operation in winter 167
Charging a vehicle battery 168
Disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery 168
Replacing the vehicle battery 168
Automatic load deactivation 169
Warning symbols on the vehicle battery Symbol Importance
 Always wear eye protection.
 Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye protec-
tion.
 Keep fire, sparks, open flames and lit cigarettes well clear of the ve-
hicle battery.
 When charging the vehicle battery, a highly explosive gas mixture is
produced.
 Keep children away from the vehicle battery.
£1)
In some countries, 5.5 ltr. applies for both variants.
165
Inspecting and replenishing