inflation pressure SKODA OCTAVIA 2008 2.G / (1Z) Owner's Manual

Contents
4
Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multifunction steering wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM II* . . . . .
Phone voice phonebook* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM III* . . . .
Phone voice phonebook* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mobile phones and two-way radio systems . . . . .
Input AUX-IN* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MDI input* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD changer* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passive Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basic information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Correct seated position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The physical principle of a frontal collision . . . . . .
Important safety information regarding the use of seat
belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How are seat belts correctly fastened? . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting children safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What you should know about transporting children!
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching a child seat using the “ISOFIX” system .
Attaching child seat using the “Top Tether” system
Driving Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uphill-Start off-Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electromechanical power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . . . . . .
Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving and the Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards . .
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the
vehicle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the exterior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Biofuel Ethanol E85* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and replenishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tyres. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changes and replacement of partsAccessories and replacement parts . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-aid box* and Warning triangle* (Octavia) . . .
First-aid box* and warning triangle* (Estate car) .
Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre repair kit* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and light bulbs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel consumption according to the regulations
(99/100/EU) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
141
141
143
150
152
158
160
161
161
162
163
163
163
164
168
168
169
169
170
174
174
175
178
180
181
184
184
187
190
191
193
193
193
196
197
197
197
198
198
199
200
201
201
202
202
206
206
207
208
208
211
211
211
211
216
219
219
219
221
222
224
224
227228
231
232
235
237
237
243
243
243
245
245
245
245
245
246
246
247
247
252
253
257
257
262
269
269
269
269
269
269
269
270
271
272
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Cockpit9
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Cockpit
Overview
This general view is designed to help you to quickly become familiar
with the instruments, gauges and controls.
Electric power-operated window* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric exterior mirror adjustment* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
−Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight flasher
− Speed regulating system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering wheel:
− with horn
− with driver airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− with pushbuttons for radio, na vigation system and mobile
phone* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument cluster: Instrum ents and indicator lights . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
− Multi-functional indicator* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Windshield wiper and wash system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control dial for heating on the driver's seat* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartment on the dash panel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Radio*
− Navigation*
Control dial for heating on the front passenger seat* . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartment on the front passenger side . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for the front passenger airbag* (in front passenger stowage
compartment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Front passenger airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse box (on side of dash panel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control dial for the instrument lighting and control dial for the head-
light beam range regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bonnet release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartment on the driver's side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
−
Operating controls for the heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Operating controls for Climatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Operating controls for Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Switch for the ESP* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Switch for TCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front and rear parking aid* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Gearshift lever (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Selector lever (automatic gearbox*) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Front ashtray - high centre console* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Storage compartment* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator light for a switched off front seat passenger airbag* . .
Note
•Equipment which is marked * is only standard on certain vehicle model
versions or only suppliable as op tional equipment for certain models.
A153
A273
A3108
A4
65
131
A5
175
141
A617
A7
21
69
A884
A9108
A1064
A11100
A12
A1384
A1499
A15182
A16175
A17257
A1859
A1963, 64
A20224
A21100
A2211
A23125
A24
109
111
115
A25
193
195
A26130
A27
127
136
A28199
A29
95
101
A30182
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
38
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
Components of the ESP system also include the Traction Control System (TCS),
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), and the Antilock Brake System ABS (ABS).
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is activated.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the ESP is switched off or if there
is a fault in the system.
The fact that the ESP system operates together with the ABS means that the ESP
warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly.
If the warning light
 comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ESP
system can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the ESP system can
be switched on again by switching the ignition on and off. If the warning light goes
out, the ESP system is fully functional again.
Further information on the ESP ⇒page 193, “Electronic stability programme
(ESP)*”.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*
The EDL is a part of the ESP. A fault in the EDL is indicated by the ESP warning light
in the instrument cluster. Have the ve hicle inspected without delay by a Škoda
Service Partner. Further information on the EDL ⇒page 194, “Electronic Differen-
tial Lock (EDS)*”.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light  comes
on after switching on the ignition. The warn ing light must go out after driving a short
distance.
Selector lever lock* 
If the green warning light  lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is necessary, in
order to be able to move the selector lever out of the position P or N. Further information about the selector lever lock
⇒page 134.
Tyre inflation pressure*
The warning light  lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation pressure in
one of the tyres. Reduce the speed and check or correct as soon as possible the
inflation pressure in the tyres ⇒page 237.
If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Visit the nearest specialist garage
and have the fault rectified.
Further information about tyre pressure-control system ⇒page 199.
WARNING
•When the warning light  lights up, immediately reduce the speed and
avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. Please stop the vehicle
without delay at the nearest possible stop and inspect the tyres and their
inflation pressures.
•Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or
unpaved roads) the warning light  can be delayed or does not light up at
all.
Note
If the battery has been disc onnected, the warning light  comes on after switching
on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short distance.
Antilock brake system (ABS) 
The warning light  shows the functionality of the ABS.
The warning light comes on for a few seconds after the ignition has been switched
on or when starting the engine. The warnin g light goes out after an automatic check
sequence has been completed.
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Passive Safety
164
Before setting off
The driver is always fully respon sible for his occupants and for the
operating safety of the vehicle.
For your own safety and the safety of the people travelling with you, please pay
attention 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 85, “Loading the luggage compart-
ment”.
•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 se ats with correctly fastened seat belts
⇒ page 184, “Transporting children safely”.
•Adopt the correct seated position ⇒page 164, “Correct seated position”. Also
inform your occupants to adop t the correct seated position.
•Fasten the seat belt correctly. Also inform your occupants to properly fasten the
seat belts ⇒page 170, “How are seat belts correctly fastened?”.
What influences the driving safety?
The driving safety is primarily dete rmined by the style of driving and
the personal behaviour of all the occupants.
The driver is fully responsible for himself and 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
occupants 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 position
Correct seated position for the driver
Correct seated position for the driver is important for safe and
relaxed driving.
Fig. 168 The correct distance
of the driver from the
steering wheel
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Intelligent Technology199
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Tyre inflation pressure-control system*
The tyre inflation pressure-control system compares with the aid of the ABS sensors
the speed and also the rolling circumference of the individual wheels. If the rolling
circumference of a wheel is changed, the warning light
 lights up in the instru-
ment cluster ⇒page 38 and an audible signal sound s. The rolling circumference of
the tyre can change if:
•the tyre inflation pressure is too low,
•the structure of the tyre is damaged,
•the vehicle is loaded on one side,
•the wheels of an axle are loaded heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or when
driving uphill or downhill),
•snow chains are mounted,
•the temporary spare wheel is mounted,
•one wheel per axle was changed.
Basic setting of tyre inflation pressure-control system
After changing the tyre inflation pressures or after changing one or several wheels,
a basic setting of the system must be carried out as follows.
•Inflate all tyres to the specified inflation pressure ⇒page 237.
•Switch on the ignition.
•Press button ⇒fig. 199 for more than 2 seconds. While pressing the
button, the warning light  lights up. At the same time the memory of the system
is erased and the new calibration is star ted, which is confirmed with an audible
signal and then the warning light
 goes out.
•If the warning light  does not go out after the basic setting, there is a fault in
the system. Have the vehicle inspected by your nearest specialist garage.
Warning light
 lights up
If the tyre inflation pressure of at least on e wheel is insufficiently inflated in compar-
ison to the stored basic value, the warning light
 ⇒ lights up.
Warning light
 flashes
If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Have the vehicle inspected by
your nearest specialist garage.
WARNING
•When the warning light  lights up, immediately reduce the speed and
avoid sudden steering and brake mano euvres. Please stop the vehicle
without delay at the nearest possible stop and inspect the tyres and their
inflation pressures.
•The driver is responsible for the correct tyre inflation pressures. For this
reason, the tyre inflation pressures must be checked regularly.
•Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or
unpaved roads) the warning light  can be delayed or does not light up at
all.
•The tyre inflation pressure-control system does not take away the
responsability from the driver for the correct tyre inflation pressure.
Note
The tyre inflation pressure-control system:
•does not replace the regular tyre inflatio n pressure control, because the system
cannot detect an even pressure loss,
Fig. 199 Button for setting
the tyre inflation pressure
control value
 
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Intelligent Technology
200
•cannot warn in case of very rapid tyre inflation pressure loss, e.g. in case of
sudden tyre damage. In this case carefully bring the vehicle to a standstill without
sudden steering movements and without sharp braking.
Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine)
In the diesel particle filter the resulting soot particles are collected
and burnt during the combustion of diesel fuel.
Code 7GG, 7MB or 7MG on the vehicle data sticker, see ⇒fig. 200, indi-
cates that your vehicle is equipped with a diesel particle filter. The vehicle
data sticker is located on the floor of the luggage compartment and is
also stated in the Service schedule.
The diesel particle filter filters the soot particles completely from the exhaust. The
soot is collected in the diesel particle filter and burnt regularly. To assist this proce-
dure, we recommend not to drive regularly over short distances.
If the diesel particle filter is clogged or there is a fault, it is indicated by the warning
light
.
WARNING
•The diesel particle filter achieves very high temperatures. Therefore do
not park at points where the hot filter comes into direct contact with dry
grass or other combustible materials - risk of fire!
•Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection
agents for the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, diesel particle filter or
heat shields. When the engine reaches its operating temperature, these
substances might ignite - risk of fire.
Note
•When using diesel fuel with high sulphur content the life of the diesel particle
filter is clearly reduced. A specialist garage will be able to tell you which countries
use only diesel fuel wi th high sulphur content.
Fig. 200 Vehicle data sticker
20A5Facelift.book Page 200 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Driving and the Environment205
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Avoid driving short distances
Short distances result in an above-average high fuel consumption.
– Avoid driving a distance of no more than 4 km if the engine is cold.
The engine and catalytic converter mu st first have reached their optimal operating
temperature in order to effectively reduce fu el consumption and pollutant emis-
sions.
The cold engine vehicle consumes approx. 15 - 20 litres/100 km of fuel immediately
after starting. Fuel co nsumption drops to 10 litres/100 km after just 1 kilometre. The
engine reaches its operating temperat ure (outside temperature and engine
dependent) only after about 4 to 10 kilometres and the fuel consumption then
stabilizes. You should therefore avoid driving short distances whenever possible.
An important factor in this connection is also the ambient temperature. The
⇒ fig. 203 shows the different fuel consumptions for the same distance, on the one
hand at +20°C and on the other hand at -10°C. Your vehicle has a higher fuel
consumption in winter than in summer.
Checking tyre inflation pressures
Tyres which are correctly inflated save fuel.
Always ensure that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure at all times. The
rolling resistance will be increased if the tyre filling pressure is too low. This will not only increase fuel consumption but also
tyre wear and the driving behaviour will
worsen.
Always check the inflation pressure of the tyres when cold.
Do not drive with winter tyres all year round for this costs about 10 % more fuel.
Winter tyres are also louder.
No unnecessary ballast
Transporting ballast costs fuel.
The fact that every kilogram of extra weight increases your fuel consumption
means that it is worth taking a look in the luggage compartment to avoid trans-
porting any unnecessary ballast.
It is particularly in town traffic, when one is accelerating quite often, that the vehicle
weight will have a significant effect upon the fuel consumption. A rule of thumb
here is that an increase in weight of 100 kilograms will cause an increase in fuel
consumption of about 1 litre/100 kilometres.
You may frequently also leave a roof rack fitted on just out of convenience,
although you no longer need it. The incr eased aerodynamic drag of your vehicle
causes it to use about 10% more fuel th an normal at a speed of 100 - 120 km/h,
even when you are not carr ying a load on the roof.
Saving electricity
Generating electricity costs fuel.
– Switch off electrical components as soon as you no longer need them.
When the engine is running, the alternator generates and supplies electrical power.
The greater the load on the alternator as a result of having a large number of elec-
trical components switched on, the more fuel will be consumed for operating the
alternator.
Fig. 203 Fuel consumption
in litres/100 km at different
temperatures
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Towing a trailer
208
Towing a trailer
To w i n g a t r a i l e r
Technical requirements
The towing device must satisfy certain technical requirements.
Your vehicle is designed primarily for tr ansporting persons and luggage. It can,
however, also be used for towing a traile r - provided certain technical equipment is
fitted.
If your vehicle has already been supplied with a factory-fitted towing device then
everything that is necessary for towing a trailer in technical terms, and in terms of
the law, has already been taken into account.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection
between the vehicle and trailer. If th e trailer which you wish to tow has a 7-pin
connector, you can use a suitable adapter
19) from Škoda original accessories.
This work must be carried out in accordan ce with the manufacturer's specifications
if a towing device is retrofitted.
Škoda Service Partners are familiar with de tails relating to retrofitting a towing
device and for any necessary modi fications to the cooling system.
WARNING
We recommend that you have the towing device from Škoda original acces-
sories installed by a Škoda Service Partner. He is familiar with all the relevant
details relating to retrofitting such equi pment. There is a risk of an accident
if the towing device is not properly fitted!
General Maintenance
There are a number of points to pay attention to when towing a
trailer.
Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must on no account be exceeded.
You can negotiate appropriately steeper inclines and descents if you do not make
full use of the perm issible trailer load.
The trailer loads specified only apply for altitudes up to 1 000 metres above mean
sea level. The fact that the engine power ou tput drops with increasing height due to
a lowering of air pressure and thus the abil ity to climb, means that the towed weight
must be reduced by 10% for every further increase of 1 000 metres in height above
sea level. The towed weight is the weight of the (laden) vehicle and the (laden)
trailer together. One should take this into account before driving up to higher alti-
tudes.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing
device are merely test data for the tow ing device The data relating to your
vehicle, which is often less than this test data, can be found in your vehicle
registration documents.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that any heavy items are located as
close as possible to the axle. Secure the items to prevent them slipping.
Tyre inflation pressure
Select the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for that of “fully laden”,
⇒ page 237. The inflation pressure of the tyres fitted to the trailer adjust in accord-
ance with the manufacturer's recommendation.
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. Both exterior mirrors
19)In some countries the adapter is supplied with the towing device.
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Wheels and Tyres237
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Wheels and Tyres
Wheels
General information
•New tyres do not offer optimal grip at first and should therefore be run in for
about 500 km at a moderate speed and an appropriately cautious style of driving.
You will also profit from longer tyre life.
•The tread depth of new tyres may differ because of design features and the
configuration of the tread (depending on the type of tyre and the manufacturer).
•Drive over curbs on the side of the road and other such obstacles slowly and,
where possible, at a right angles in order to avoid damage to tyres and wheel trims.
•Inspect your tyres from time to time for damage (punctures, cuts, splits and
bulges). Remove foreign bodies from the tyre profile.
•Damage to tyres and wheels is frequent ly not visible. Unusual vibrations or
pulling of the vehicle to one side could be a sign of tyre damage. Please reduce
your speed immediately and stop if you suspect that a wheel is damaged.
Inspect the tyres for signs of damage (bulges, splits, etc.). If no visible damage is
present, please drive at an appropriatel y slow speed and carefully to the nearest
specialist garage in order to have your vehicle inspected.
•Also protect your tyres from contact with oil, grease and fuel.
•Immediately replace any dust caps of the valves which have got lost.
•Mark wheels before removing them so th at their previous direction of running
can be maintained when mounted them again.
•Always store wheels or tyres which been removed in a cool, dry and, where
possible, dark place. Tyres which are not fixed to a wheel trim should be stored
upright.
Unidirectional tyres*
The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of the tyre. This
indicates the direction of rotation of the tyre, and it is essential that the tyres are
fitted on to run in this direction. Only then are the tyres able to provide the optimal
properties in terms of grip, low noise, wear-and-tear and aquaplaning. Further information concerning
the use of unidirectional tyres ⇒page 241.
WARNING
•New tyres during the first 500 km do not offer optimal grip and should
therefore be run appropriately - risk of accident!
•Never drive with damaged tyres - risk of accident!
Note
Please observe the various differing legal requirements regarding tyres.
Tyre life
The life of your tyres very much depends on the following points:
Tyre pressure
The working life of tyres will be shortened considerably if the tyres are insufficiently
or over-inflated and this will have an adverse effect on the handling of your vehicle.
Correctly inflated tyres are of partic ular importance when travelling at high speeds.
It is therefore good to check the pressure at least once a month and also before
Fig. 218 An opened fuel filler
flap with the tyre inflation
pressure table
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Wheels and Tyres
238
setting off on a long trip. Please do not forget the spare wheel when checking the
tyres.
The tyre inflation pressures for summer tyres are indicated on the inside of the fuel
filler flap ⇒page 237, fig. 218. The inflation pressures for winter tyres are 20 kPa
(0.2 bar) higher than those for summer tyres ⇒page 241.
The tyre pressure should be at the highest pressure specified for your vehicle at all
times.
The tyre inflation pressure of the emergency spare wheel R 18 is 420 kPa (4.2 bar).
Always check the inflation pressure of ty res when cold. Do not reduce the higher
pressure of warm tyres. Adapt the inflation pressure of the tyres accordingly if your
vehicle is carrying a significantly higher payload.
Driving style
Fast cornering, sharp acceleration and braking (squealing tyres) increase wear-and-
tear on your tyres.
Balancing wheels
The wheels of a new vehicle are balanced. There are a wide range of influences
when driving which may result in an imbalance and which makes themselves felt
through vibration in the steering.
You should have the wheels rebalanced since any imbalance increases wear-and-
tear on the steering, the suspension and tyres. A wheel must also be rebalanced
when a new tyre is fitted and each time a tyre is repaired.
Wheel alignment errors
Incorrect wheel alignment at the front and re ar will not only increase wear-and-tear
on the tyres but will also has an adverse effect on vehicle safety. Contact your
specialist garage if you notice any unusual tyre wear.
WARNING
•If the inflation pressure is too low, the tyre must perform a greater flexing
work. At higher speeds the tyre will warm up as a result of this. This can
result in tread separation and even a tyre blowout.
•Immediately replace the damaged rims or tyres.
•Tyres which are 6 years old or more should only be fitted in exceptional
cases and when adopting an approp riately cautious style of driving.
For the sake of the environment
Tyres which are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption.
Wear indicators
The base of the tread of the original tyres has wear indicators 1.6 mm high, installed
at right angles to the direction of travel. These wear indicators are located at 6 - 8
points depending on the make and are evenly spaced around the circumference of
the tyre ⇒fig. 219 . Markings on the walls of the tyres through the letters “TWI”,
triangular symbols or other symbols identi fy the position of the wear indicators.
A remaining tread of just 1.6 mm, measured in the grooves of the tread next to the
wear indicators, means that your tyres have reached their legally permissible
minimum tread depth.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 219 Tyre tread with wear
indicators
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