headlights SKODA OCTAVIA 2007 1.G / (1U) Owner's Manual

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights11
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Caution
The needle of the revolutions counter must on no account move into the red zone
of the scale - risk of engine damage!
For the sake of the environment
Shifting up early helps yo u save fuel and reduce the operating noise of your
vehicle.
Coolant temperature gauge
The coolant temperature gauge ⇒page 10, fig. 2 operates only when the igni-
tion is switched on.
In order to avoid any damage to the engine , please pay attention to the following
notes regarding the temperature ranges:
Cold range
If the pointer is in the left-hand area of the scale it means that the engine has not
yet reached its operating temperature. Avoid running at high engine speeds, at full
throttle and at severe engine loads.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temp erature as soon as the pointer moves
into the mid-range of the scale. The pointe r may also move further to the right at
high engine loads and high outside temperat ures. This is not critical provided the
warning symbol
 in the instrument cluster does not flash.
If the symbol
 in the instrument cluster flashes it means that either the coolant
temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low. Please refer to the guide-
lines ⇒page 28, “Coolant temperature/ Coolant quantity ”.
WARNING
Pay attention to the warning notes ⇒page 210, “Working in the engine
compartment” before opening the bonnet and inspecting the coolant level.
Caution
Additional headlights and other attached co mponents in front of the fresh air inlet
impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant. There is then a risk of the engine over-
heating at high outside temper atures and high engine loads!
Fuel gauge
The fuel gauge ⇒page 10, fig. 2 only operates when the ignition is switched on.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 55 li tres (on vehicles with four-wheel drive
approx. 60 litres). The warning symbol
 in the instrument cl uster lights up when
the pointer reaches the reserve marking. There are now about 8 litres of fuel
remaining in the tank. This symbol is a reminder for you, that you must refuel.
The following will be displayed in the information display*: Please refuel! (Please refuel!)
A peep sounds as an ad ditional warning signal.
Caution
Never run the fuel tank completely empty! An irregular fuel supply can result in
poor ignition or misfiring. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and
damage the catalytic converter.
Speedometer
Warning against excessive speeds*
An acoustic warning signal will sound when the vehicle speed exceeds 120 kilome-
tres per hour. The acoustic warning signal will switch off again when the vehicle
speed goes below this speed limit.
Note
This function is only valid for some countries.
A2
A3
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Lights and Visibility51
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Lights and Visibility
Lights
Switching lights on and off 
Switching on side lights
– Turn the light switch into position
.
Switching on the low beam and main beam
– Turn the light switch into position
.
– Press the main beam lever forward in order to switch on the main beam ⇒page 56, fig. 45 .
Switching off all lights
– Turn the light switch into position.
Low beam comes on only if the ignition is switched on. After switching off the igni-
tion, the low beam is switched off automati cally and only the side lights come on.
For vehicles which are equipped with the function Coming/Leaving-Home*
⇒ page 53, the side lights also go out. On models fitted with
right-hand steering the position of certain switches differs
from that shown in ⇒fig. 39 . The symbols which mark the switch positions are
identical, however.
In certain countries, the low beam is on a reduced brightness as well as the side
lights, when the ignition is switched on.
WARNING
Never drive with side lights on - risk of accident! The side lights are not
bright enough to light up the road suffic iently in front of you or to be seen by
other oncoming traffic. In this case, always switch on the low beam when it
is dark or if visibility is poor.
Note
•An audible warning will sound if you wi thdraw the ignition key and open the
driver's door when the vehicle lights are still on.
•The acoustic warning signal is switched off over the door contact when the
driver's door is closed (ignition off). The vehicle can be parked with the side lights
on.
•If you park the car for a lengthy period, we recommend switching off all lights,
or leaving only the side lights switched on.
•The switching on of the described lights should only be undertaken in accord-
ance with the legal requirements.
•If a fault occurs in the light switch , the low beam comes on automatically
•In the event of cool or humid weather co nditions, the headlights can be misted
up from inside.
−The temperature difference between interior and external area of the head-
light lenses is decisive.
− When the driving lights are switched on , the light outlet surfaces are free
from mist after a short period. The headlight lenses can possibly mist up at the
border areas.
Fig. 39 Dash panel: Light
switch
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Lights and Visibility55
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Headlamp range adjustment 
Once the low beam is switched on you can then adapt the range of
the headlights to the load of the vehicle.
– Turn the control dial ⇒fig. 43 until you have adjusted the low beam
so that oncoming traffic is not dazzled.
Settings
The positions correspond approximat ely to the following vehicle loads:
Front seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.
All seats occupied, lugg age compartment empty.
All seats occupied, lugg age compartment laden.
Driver seat occupied, luggage compartment laden.
Caution
Set the headlight beam adjustment in such a way as to avoid dazzling oncoming
traffic.
Note
Headlights fitted with Xenon bulbs* adap t 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 not eq uipped with Xenon bulbs* do not have a
headlight beam adjustment control.
Switch for hazard warning lights 
–Press switch  ⇒ fig. 44 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 indicator light for the turn signals and the
indicator light in the switch also flash at the same time. You can also switch on the
hazard warning light system if the ignition is switched off.
The hazard warning light system is switched on automatically if an airbag is
deployed in the event of an accident.
Please comply with any legal requirements when using the hazard warning light
system.
Fig. 43 Dash panel:
Lights and Visibility
A-
A1
A2
A3
Fig. 44 Dash panel:
Switch for hazard
warning lights
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Lights and Visibility
62
Switching windscreen wipers off
– Move the lever back into its home position .
After the windscreen wiper switches off for the second time or the ignition switches
off for the fifth time, the rest position of the windscreen wiper changes - this coun-
teracts an early fatigue of the wiper rubbers.
The windscreen wipers and the wash system only operate if the ignition is switched
on and the bonnet is closed.
If the intermittent wipe is switched on, the intervals are also controlled depending
on speed.
The rain sensor* automatically regulates the break between the individual wiper
strokes depending on the intensity of the rain.
The rear window will be wiped again if the front wi ndow wipers are on when
reverse gear is selected.
The windscreen washer nozzles are heated* when the ignition is switched on.
Top up with wash liquid ⇒page 221.
Winter position
If the windscreen wipers are in rest posi tion, 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 fr om the windscreen easily. You can set this
rest position as follows:
•Switch on the windscreen wipers.
•Switch off the ignition. The windscreen wi pers remain in the position in which
they were when switching off the ignition.
You can also use the service position ⇒page 63 as a winter position.
WARNING
•Properly maintained windscreen wiper blades are essential for clear visi-
bility and safe driving ⇒page 63, “Replacing wiper blades for the wind-
screen wipers”.
•Do not use the windscreen washer system at low temperatures, without
heating the windscreen beforehand. Otherwise the window cleaner could
freeze on the windscreen and re strict the view to the front.
•The rain sensor only operates as a support. The driver is not released
from the responsibility to set the function of the windscreen wipers manu-
ally depending on the visibility conditions.
Caution
In frosty weather, please first of all check whether the windscreen wiper blades are
not frozen to the windscreen before switching them on. Switching on windscreen
wipers when the blades are frozen to the windscreen may result in damage both to
the blades and the motor of the windscreen wipers!
Note
•If the slower or the faster wiper setting is switched on ⇒page 61, fig. 54
and the vehicle speed decreases to below 4 km/h, the lower wiper step is switched
on automatically. At a speed increase of more than 8 km/h the previous wiper
setting is established again.
•If there is an obstacle on the windscreen, the wiper will try to push away the
obstacle. If the obstacle continues to bloc k the wiper, the wiper stops after 5 cycles,
in order to avoid a damage to the wiper. Remove the obstacle and and switch on
the wiper again.
Headlight cleaning system*
The headlights are being cleaned after the windscreen has been sprayed for the first
time and fifth time, the low beam or ma in beam are switched on and the wind-
screen wiper lever was held in the position ⇒page 61, fig. 54 for about 1
second.
The headlight washer nozzles are moved fo rward out of the bumper by the water
pressure for cleaning the headlights.
A0WARNING (continued)
A2A3
A5
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Communication
138
Communication
Multifunction steering wheel*
Operating the radio system
The driver can set the basic functions of the radio system by simply operating the
buttons on the steering wheel so that he can concentrate on the traffic situation
without being distracted as little as possible by operating the radio system
⇒ fig. 149 .
This applies only if your radio equipment has been installed at the factory. You can
of course operate the radio system at the appliance. You will find a description in
the operating instructions of your radio system.
If the headlights are switched on, the bu ttons on the steering wheel come on when
pressing the button
.
By pressing the buttons, you can carry out the following functions: The buttons apply for the respective operating mode of the current radio system.
Note
The loudspeakers in the vehicle are
matched to a power output of 30 W.
Fig. 149 Multifunction
steering wheel: Buttons
for the operation of the
radio
ButtonRadioCassetteCD
Button for stored
transmitter
forward

without functionTitle search forward

Increase volume 
Decrease volume 
Button for stored
transmitter back

without functionTitle search back

Lighting of buttons 
Frequency search back
Fa s t re w i n d Reading the
previous CD

Frequency search for- ward
Fa s t fo r w a rd Reading the
following CD

Mute switch 
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
A7
A8
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Communication139
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Radio and mobile phone operation
The driver can set the basic functions of the radio and mobile phone system by
simply operating the buttons on the steering wheel so that he can concentrate on
the traffic situation without being distracted as little as possible by operating the
radio and mobile phone system ⇒fig. 150 .
This applies only if your radio and mobi le phone equipment has been installed at
the factory. You can of course operate the radio and mobile system at the appliance.
You will find a description in the operating instructions of your radio system.
If the headlights are switched on, the buttons on the steering wheel come on when
pressing the button
.
By pressing the buttons, you can carry out the following functions:
The buttons apply for the respective operating mode of the current radio system.
Fig. 150 Multifunction
steering wheel: Buttons
for the radio and mobile
phone operation
ButtonRadioCassetteCDPhone
Button for stored
transmitter forward
without
functionTitle search
forward

Press briefly: Scroll through the phonebook for individual names
Press for a long time: Scroll through the phonebook for letters 
Increase volume 
Decrease volume 
Button for stored
transmitter back
without
functionTitle search
back

Press briefly: Scroll through the phonebook for individual names
Press for a long time: Scroll through the phonebook for letters 
Lighting of buttons 
without functionReject, end a call, reach one level higher in the menu 
Call up menu telephone Receive, accept a call, confirm menu selection 
without functionActivation/deactivation button for voice control 
(button PTT)
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
A7
A8
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Driving and the Environment
194
Keeping a log of your fuel consumption
If you really wish to ke ep a close check on your fuel consumption, it is best to enter
the figures in a logbook. This does not take much time but is a very worthwhile exer-
cise. It enables you to detect any change (positive and negative) at an early stage
and to take any appropriate action.
If you find that your fuel consumption is too high, you sh ould reflect on how, where
and in what conditions you have driven the vehicle since you last refuelled.
Environmental compatibility
Environmental protection has played a majo r role in the design, selection of mate-
rials and manufacture of your new Škoda. Particular emphasis has been paid to a
number of aspects, including:
Design measures
•joints designed to be easily detached,
•simplified disassembly due to the modular structure system,
•improved purity of different classes of materials,
•identification of all plastic parts in accordance with VDA Recommendation 260,
•reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission CO2,
•minimum fuel leakage during accidents,
•reduced noise,
Choice of materials
•extensive use of recyclable material,
•air conditioning filled wi th CFC-free refrigerant,
•no cadmium,
•no asbestos
•reduction in the “vaporisation” of plastics,
Manufacture
•solvent-free cavity protection,
•solvent-free protection of the vehicle for transportation from the production
plant to the customer,
•The use of solvent-free adhesives,
•No CFCs used in the production process,
•without use of mercury,
•Use of water-soluble paints.
Motoring abroad
General
Other circumstances may exist abroad.
It is also possible, in ce rtain countries, that the Škod a Service Partner network is
limited or has not been established yet. This is the reason why obtaining certain
spare parts may be somewhat complicate d and specialist garage personnel may
only be able to ma ke li mite d re pa irs. Škoda Auto a.s. i n the Czech Republic and rele -
vant importers are happy to provide info rmation about technical aspects of the
vehicle, required maintenance work and possibilities for getting repairs done.
Unleaded petrol
A vehicle fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded petrol
⇒ page 190. The automobile associations can provide you with information
regarding the locations of filling stations which offer unleaded petrol.
Headlight
The low beam of your headlights is set asym metrically. It illuminates the side of the
road on which you are driving to a greater extent. If you drive abroad on the other
side of the road, you wi ll dazzle oncoming traffic.
It is necessary in order to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic to stick a sticker over a
certain part of the headlights.
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Driving and the Environment195
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Headlight stickers can be obtained as a spare part from the Skoda Service Partners.
Headlights with Xenon lamps are designed for driving in countries with traffic on
the right or on the left. Have this done always at a Škoda Service Partner.
Note
You can obtain further information regarding masking over or converting the head-
lights from your Škoda Service Partner.
Avoiding damage to your vehicle
When driving on poor roads and lanes or when driving over kerbstones, steep
ramps etc., you must pay particular attention to ensuring that any low-slung parts
of the vehicle, such as spoiler and ex
haust, do not touch the ground and get
damaged.
This particularly applies to models with a lowered suspension (sport suspension)
and also when your vehicle is fully laden.
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Towing a trailer197
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
should be attached to folding arms. Adjust
the mirrors so that they provide you with
an adequate field of view to the rear.
Headlights
Before starting off with a hitched trailer, also check the setting of the headlights.
Alter the setting as necessary with th e aid of the headlight beam adjuster
⇒ page 55.
Detachable ball head
The ball rod is detachable on vehicles which feature a factory-fitted towing device.
It is stowed together with separate fitting instructions in the spare wheel well in the
luggage compartment of the vehicle.
Further information on the towing device ⇒page 198.
Note
•We recommend that you also have yo ur vehicle inspected between service
intervals if you tow a trailer frequently.
•The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and
decoupling the trailer.
Driving Tips
Particular caution is required when towing a trailer.
– Do not, as far as possible, drive with your vehicle unladen and the
trailer laden.
– Do not make full use of the legal maximum speeds. This applies in particular to downhill sections.
– Apply the brakes in good time.
– Keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if the outside temper- ature is high.
Distribution of weight
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trailer
is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this
combination.
Driving speed
Do not drive faster than 80 km/hour for safety reasons. This also applies for coun-
tries in which higher speeds are allowed.
The fact that the driving stability of the vehicle + trailer combination reduces with
increasing speed means that the legally allowed speed should not be used when
there are unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions, particularly near accident
black spots.
You must always reduce your speed immedi ately as soon as you detect even just
the slightest swaying of the trailer. On no account attempt to stop the trailer from
“swaying” by accelerating.
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the
brakes gently at first and then brake firmly . This will avoid brake jolts resulting from
the trailer wheels locking. Shift down gears in good time before negotiating a down-
hill section to allow the engine to also act as a brake.
Engine overheating
Please keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if you have to negotiate a
lengthy slope in a low gear at a high engine speed when the outside temperature is
very high ⇒page 11.
If the needle of the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area or
even the red area of the scale, reduce yo ur speed immediately. Stop and switch off
the engine if the warning light
 in the instrument cluste r begins flashing. Wait a
few minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle
⇒ page 215, “Inspecting the coolant level”.
Please refer to the following guidelines ⇒page 28, “Coolant temperature/ Coolant
quantity ”.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.
Any increase in the cooling effect of the coolant fan through shifting down a gear
and increasing the engine speed is not possible since the fan speed is independent
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Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle
202
Plastic parts
External plastic parts are cleaned by normal washing. Plastic parts and synthetic
leather can also be treated with special solvent-free plastic cleaning agents if a
damp cloth is not sufficient. Paint care pr oducts are not suitable for plastic parts.
Caution
Solvent-free cleaners attack the material and can damage it.
Windows
Only use a plastic ice scraper for removing snow and ice from the windows and
mirrors. You should not move the ice scraper forward and backward but in one
direction on the window which you are clea ning in order to avoid any damage to
the surface of the glass.
You can best remove residues of rubber, oil, grease, wax or silicone by using a
special window cleaner or a special silicone remover.
You should also clean the windows regularly from the inside.
Do not use window leathers which you have used to polish the vehicle body to dry
off the windows. Residues of preservati ves in the window leather can dirty the
window and reduce visibility.
Do not affix any stickers over the inside of the rear window to avoid damage to the
heating elements of the rear window heater .
We recommend using a preservative from Škoda genuine accessories offered by
your Škoda dealer.
Caution
Never remove snow or ice from the glass parts with warm or hot water - risk of
formation of cracks in the glass!
The headlight lenses
Please do not use any aggres sive cleaning or chemical solvent pr oducts - risk of
damage to the plastic lenses Please use soap and clean warm water.
Caution
Never wipe the headlights dry and do not use any sharp objects for cleaning the
plastic lenses, this may result in damage to the protective paintwork and conse-
quently in formation of cracks on the head light lenses, e.g through effect of chem-
ical products.
Door and window seals
The rubber seals on the doors, boot lid, bonnet and windows remain supple and
last longer if you treat them from time to time with a rubber care product (e.g. with
a spray with silicone-free oil). You also avoid premature wear of the seals and
prevent leakages in this way. It is also easier to open the doors. Rubber seals which
are well cared for also do not stick together in cold winter weather.
Locks
We recommend that you use the spray from Škoda original accessories with
regreasing and anticorrosive effect for de-icing locks.
Note
When washing your vehicle, ensure that as little water as possible gets into the
locks.
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