trailer SKODA OCTAVIA 2010 2.G / (1Z) Owner's Manual

Contents
4
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 airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting children safely
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What you should know about transporting children!
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching a child seat us ing 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 Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electromechanical power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre pressure monitoring 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving through bodies of water on roads . . . . . . .
To w i n g a t r a i l e r
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taking care of your ve hicle 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicles of category N1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 ECE standards and
EU guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 ltr./77 kW TSI - EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4 ltr./59 kW - EU4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4 ltr./90 kW TSI - EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.6 ltr./75 kW - EU4, EU2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.8 ltr./118 kW TSI - EU5, EU2 DDK (1.8 ltr./112 kW TSI -
EU5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 ltr./147 kW TSI - EU5, EU2 DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.6 ltr./77 kW TDI CR - EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.9 ltr./77 kW TDI PD - EU4, EU3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 ltr./103 kW TDI CR - EU4, EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 ltr./125 kW TDI CR - EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
141141141142145145145146147150150151153155157159159161164165167167167170171171171172172172173175175176
176179180180181182182185185185185189192192192194195196196198200202203207208208214214214214
215215215215215216216217217221222226226229237237237237237237237238239240242244246248250252254256258260
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Lights and Visibility55
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Fog lights with turning light “CORNER”* function
The fog lights with the function “COR NER” are designed for a better illu-
mination of the surrounding area near the vehicle when corning,
parking etc.The fog lights with the function “CORNER” ar e adjusted according to the steering angle
or after switching on the turn signal light
9) in the following circumstances:

the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running or it moves with a speed of
maximum 40 km/h,

the daylight driving lights are not switched on,

the low beam is switched on or th e light switch is in the position

and the
intensity of the ambient light causes the low beam to be switched on,

the fog lights are not switched on,

no reverse gear is engaged.Note
If you engage the reverse gear during the active function “CORNER”, both fog lights
illuminate.Rear fog light

Switching on the rear fog light– First of all turn the light switch into position
 or   page 54, fig. 39 .
– Pull the switch into position .
The warning light
 lights up in the instrument cluster when the rear fog light is
switched on page 27.
Only the rear fog light of the trailer lights up automatically when you are towing a trailer
using a factory-fitted towing device which is fitted with the rear fog light.
The rear fog light is located in the rear light array on the driver's side.
Caution
The rear fog light should only be switched on if visibility is particularly poor (conform
with any varying legal provisions) to avoi d dazzling vehicles behind your vehicle.Instrument lighting*

You can adjust the brightness of the instrument lighting.Instrument lighting– Switch on the light.
– Turn the control dial fig. 40 to the desired intensity of the instrument lighting.
For the information display* page 22 the intensity of the lighting is automatically
set. It is only possible to adjust the instrume nt lighting with the control dial if the light
intensity drops below the set value of the light sensor.
9)If both switch on versions are conflicting, for ex ample if the steering wheel is turned to the left
and the right turn signal light is switched on, the turn signal light has the higher priority.
A2
Fig. 40 Dash panel: Instrument lighting
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Starting-off and Driving111
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Releasing the handbrake– Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time press in the locking
button fig. 113 .
– Hold the button pressed and push the handbrake lever down fully .
The handbrake warning light
 lights up when the handbrak e is applied, provided the
ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds and the following text appears in the display* if you have inad-
vertently driven off with the handbrake applied:
Release parking brake!
The handbrake warning is acti vated if you drive at a speed of more than 6 km/h for
more than 3 seconds.
WARNING

Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating which will
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system - risk of accident! In
addition this can result in premature wear of the rear brake pads.

Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for
example, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
might then move off - risk of accident!Caution
After the car has come to a stop, always firs t of all apply the handbrake firmly before
then additionally engaging a gear (manual gearbox) or moving the selector lever into
position P (automatic gearbox).
Rear parking aid*The parking aid provides a warning of obstacles behind the vehicle.The audible parking aid determines the di stance between the rear bumper and an
obstacle located behind the ve hicle with the aid of ultrasound sensors. The tones of
the parking aid can be adapted in th e menu of the information display* page 25.
The sensors are integrated in the rear bumper.
Range of sensors
The clearance warning begins at a distance of about 160 cm from the obstacle (area
 fig. 114 ). The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter as the clear-
ance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm (area ) - danger area.
You should not reverse any further after this signal sounds! If the vehicle is
equipped with a factory-fitted towing device*, the border of the danger area starts -
continuous tone - 5 cm further behind th e vehicle. The vehicle can be extended
through an installed deta chable towing device.
On vehicles equipped with a factory-fitted radio* or navigation system*, the distance
to the obstruction is shown graphically in the display. On vehicles with a factory-fitted
towing device, the sensors are deactivated when towing a trailer. The driver is informed
about this by a graphic display (vehicle towing a trailer) in the radio* or the navigation*
display. The factory-fitted radio* or navigati on system* can be set so that the play func-
tion volume decreases when activating the parking aid, see Owner's Manual radio* or
navigation system*. This improves the audibility of the parking aid.
Fig. 114 Parking aid: Detection range of
rear sensors
AA
AB
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Starting-off and Driving
112
Activating
The parking aid is activated automatically when reverse gear is engaged and the igni-
tion is turned on. This is confirme d by a brief acknowledgement signal.
Deactivating
The parking aid is deactivated by removing the reverse gear.
WARNING

The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper attention and
it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when parking the vehicle or
carrying out similar manoeuvres.

You should therefore satisfy yourself, befo re reversing, that there is no small
obstacle, such as a rock, thin post, trailer drawbar etc., behind your vehicle.
Such an obstacle might not be within the range detected by the sensors.

Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the signal of the parking aid. Thus, these objects or
people who wear such clothing are not recognised by the sensors of the parking
aid.Note

The parking aid does not operate if you are towing a trailer (applies to models
which feature a factory-fitted towing device*).

If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seconds after switching the ignition on and
engaging reverse gear, and there is no obstac le close to your vehicle, this indicates a
system fault. Have the fault rectified by a specialist workshop.

The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking aid to operate
properly.
Front and rear parking aid*The parking aid provides a warning of obstacles in front and behind the
vehicle.Fig. 115 Activating the parking aid / detection range of the front sensorsThe audible parking aid determines the distan ce between the front or rear bumper and
an obstacle with the aid of ultrasound sensors. The sensors are integrated in the front
and rear bumper. The signal tones for the fr ont parking aid sound higher as standard
than for the rear parking aid. The tones of the parking aid can be adapted in the menu
of the information display* page 25.
Range of sensors
The distance warning begins at a distance of about 120°cm from the obstacle in front
of the vehicle (area fig. 115 ) and about 160 cm from the obstacle behind the
vehicle (area ). The interval between th e warning signals becomes shorter as the
clearance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm (area ) - danger area.
From this moment on do not continue driving! If the vehicle is equipped with a
factory-fitted towing device*, the border of the danger area starts - continuous tone -
5 cm further behind the vehicle. The vehi cle can be extended through an installed
detachable towing device.
On vehicles equipped with a factory-fitted radio* or navigation system*, the distance
to the obstruction is shown graphically in the display. On vehicles with a factory-fitted
towing device, the rear sensors are deactivated when towing a trailer. The driver is
informed about this by a graphic display (vehic le towing a trailer) in the radio* or the
navigation* display. The factory-fitted radio* or navigation system* can be set so that
AA
AA
AB
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Starting-off and Driving113
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
the play function volume decreases when activating the parking aid, see Owner's
Manual radio* or navigation system*. This
improves the audibility of the parking aid.
Activating
The parking aid is activated when the reverse gear is engaged and the ignition is
switched on or by pressing the button page 112, fig. 115 - left, the symbol lights
up in the button. The activation is conf irmed by a brief acknowledgement signal.
Deactivating
The parking aid is deactivated after pressing the button  page 112, fig. 115 - left,
or at a speed of more than 10 km/h - the symbol
 in the button is no longer illumi-
nated.
WARNING

The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper attention and
it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when reversing the vehicle or
carrying out similar manoeuvres.

You should therefore satisfy yourself, befo re reversing, that there is no small
obstacle, such as a rock, thin post, trailer drawbar etc., in front or behind your
vehicle. Such an obstacle might not be within the range detected by the sensors.

Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the signal of the parking aid. Thus, these objects or
people who wear such clothing are not recognised by the sensors of the parking
aid.Note

Only the front parking aid operates if yo u are towing a trailer (applies only to
models which feature a factory-fitted towing device*).

If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seco nds after activating the system and there
is no obstacle close to your vehicle, this indicates a system fault. The fault is confirmed
additionally when the symbol flashes in the button page 112, fig. 115 - left.
Have the fault rectified by a specialist workshop.

The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking aid to operate
properly.

If the parking aid is activated and the sele ctor lever of the automatic gearbox is in
the position , warning signal indicates inte rruption (vehicle can no longer move).
Cruise control system (CCS)*IntroductionThe cruise control system (CCS) maintains a constant speed, more than 30 km/h (20
mph), once it has been set, without you havi ng to depress the accelerator pedal. This
is only possible within the range which is permitted by the power output and braking
power of the engine. The cruise control system makes it possible - particularly on long
journeys - for you to rest your “accelerator foot”.
WARNING

For safety reasons, the cruise control system must not be used in dense
traffic or on unfavourable ro ad surfaces (such as icy roads, slippery roads, loose
gravel) - risk of accident!

In order to prevent unintentional use of the cruise control system, always
switch off the system after use.Note

Models fitted with a manual gearbox: Alwa ys depress the clutch pedal if you switch
on the cruise control system when the gearbo x is in Neutral! Otherwise the engine can
rev up unintentionally.

The cruise control system is not able to maintain a constant speed when driving on
steep downhill sections. The weight of the vehicle increases the speed at which it
travels. One should shift down in good time to a lower gear or slow the vehicle down
by applying the foot brake.

It is not possible on vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox to switch on the
cruise control system if the sele ctor lever is in the position P, N or R.



AP
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Automatic gearbox
118
Selector lever positionsFig. 117 Selector lever / informatio n display: Selector lever positionsThe current selector lever position is indica ted in the information display of the instru-
ment cluster fig. 117 - right. In the positions D and S the gear you have already
engaged will be additionally displayed on the display.
- Parklock
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this position.
The Parklock must only be engage d when the vehicle is stationary .
If you wish to move the selector lever into or out of this position, you must press the
Shiftlock button in the handle of the select or lever and at the same time depress the
brake pedal.
If the battery is used, the selector lever cannot be moved out of the position P.
- Reverse gear
Reverse gear must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the engine
idling  .
The brake pedal must be depressed and at the same time the Shiftlock must be
pressed, if you wish to obtain the selector lever positions R, P or N.
When the ignition is switched on an d the selector lever is in position R, the reverse
lights will come on.
- Neutral
The transmission is in Neutral in this position. The brake pedal must be depressed (if the le
ver is in its position for longer than 2
seconds) in order to move the se lector lever out of the position N into the position D
or R, with the ignition switched on, on a vehicl e travelling at less than 5 km/hour or on
a stationary vehicle.
- Position for driving forward
When the selector lever is in this position, the forward gears are shifted up and down
automatically in line with engine load, vehicle speed and the dynamic shift
programme.
You must depress the brake pedal if you wish to move into position D from N when the
vehicle is travelling at less th an 5 km/hour or is stationary .
In certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountainous regions or when towing a
trailer) it may be beneficial to select the manual shift programme page 120 for a
short time in order to adapt the gearbox ratios manually to the driving situations.
- Position for sporty style of driving
Shifting up later into a higher gear makes it possible to fully exploit the power potential
of the engine. The gearbox also then shifts down at higher engine speeds as in the posi-
tion D.
The gearbox does not shift into the 6th gear in the position S, because the maximum
speed is reached with the 5th gear
11).
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip mu st be pressed when moving the selector
lever out of the position D into the position S.
WARNING

Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving - risk of an
accident!

When the engine is running and the vehi cle is stationary, it is necessary to
hold the car with the brake pedal in all the positions of the selector lever (except
P and N) since the power transmission is never completely interrupted, also not
when the engine is idling - the vehicle creeps.

You must on no account unintentionally operate the throttle (e.g. by hand
from the engine compartment) if a driv e position is engaged when the car is
APARAN
11)Not valid for vehicles with automatic gearbox DSG.ADAS
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Intelligent Technology
172
The Brake Assist is able to help you achieve a shorter braking distance in emergency
situations by rapidly producing the pressure required in the brake system. It fully
exploits the attributes of the ABS. After you release the brake pedal, the function of the
Brake Assist is automatically switched off and the brakes operate in the normal way.
The Brake Assist is part of the ESP system. If a fault occurs in the ESP, the Brake Assist
function is also not available. Further information on the ESP page 167.
WARNING

The Brake Assist is also not able to overcome the physical limits of your
vehicle in terms of the braking distance required.

Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic situ-
ation.

The increased safety offered by the Brake Assist must not tempt you to take
a greater safety risk than otherwise.
Uphill Start Assist*The uphill start assist makes it easier to start off on steep hills. The system assists a start
off by holding the brake pressure produced by the brake pedal actuation for approx. 2
seconds after releasing the brake pedal. The driver can therefore move his foot from
the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and start off on the slope, without having to
actuate the handbrake. The brake pressure drops gradually the more you operate the
accelerator pedal. If the vehicle does not start off within 2 seconds, it starts to roll back.
The uphill start assist is active as of a 5 % slope, if the driver door is closed. It is always
active on slopes when in forward or reverse start off. When driving downhill, it is
inactive.Electromechanical power steeringThe power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with le ss physical force.
With the electromechanical power steering , the steering assist is automatically
adapted to the speed and to the steering angle. It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the engine is
not running (vehicle being towed in). The only difference is that greater physical effort
is required.
If there is a fault in the power steering, the warning light
 or  lights up in the instru-
ment cluster page 30.
WARNING
Contact your specialist garage if the power steering is defective.Tyre pressure monitoring system*The tyre pressure monitoring system compares with the aid of the ABS sensors the
speed and also the rolling circumference of the individual wheels. If the rolling circum-
ference of a wheel is changed, the warning light
 lights up in the instrument cluster
 page 33 and an audible signal sounds. 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,
Fig. 151 Button for setting the tyre
inflation pressure control value
s43s.1.book Page 172 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM

Driving and the Environment175
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Driving and the EnvironmentThe first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwardsA new engine
The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres.Up to 1 000 kilometres– Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the maximum speed of the gear in use, that is 3/4 of
the maximum permissi ble engine speed.
– Do not use full throttle.
– Avoid high engine revolutions.
– Do not tow a trailer.From 1 000 up to 1 500 kilometres– Increase the power output of the engine gradually up to the full speed of the gear
engaged, that is up to the maxi mum permissible engine revolutions.
During the first operating hours the engine ha s higher internal friction than later until
all of the moving parts have harmonized. Th e driving style which you adopt during the
first approx.1 500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the success of running in your
vehicle.
You should not drive at unnecessarily high engine revolutions even after the
running-in period is complete . The maximum permissible en gine speed is marked by
the beginning of the red zone on the scale of the revolutions counter. Shift up into the
next higher gear on a vehi cle fitted with manual gear box before the red zone is
reached. Extremely high engine revolutions are automatically governed, by the way.
For a vehicle fitted with a manual gearbox the converse situation also applies: Do not
drive at engine revolutions which are too low. Shift down as soon as the engine is no
longer running smoothly.
Caution
All the speed and engine revolution figures ap ply only when the engine is at its normal
operating temperature. Never rev up an engine which is cold, neither when the vehicle
is stationary nor when driving in individual gears.
For the sake of the environment
Not driving at unnecessari ly high engine revolutions and shifting to a higher gear as
early as possible are ways to minimise fu el consumption and operating noise levels
and protects the environment.New tyresNew tyres have to be “run in” since they do not offer optimal grip at first. You should
take account of this fact for the first 500 kilometres and drive particularly carefully.New brake padsAllow for the fact that new brake pads do no t achieve their full braking efficiency until
approximately 200 kilometres. New brake pads must be first “run in” before they
develop their optimal friction force. You ca n, however, compensate for this slightly
reduced braking force by increasing the pressure on the brake pedal.
This guideline also applies to any new brake pads installed at a future date.
During the running-in pe riod, you should avoid excessive stresses on the brakes. This
includes, for example, violent braking, part icularly from very high speeds, and also
when crossing mountain passes.
s43s.1.book Page 175 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM

Driving and the Environment
176
Catalytic converterProper operation of the emission cont rol system (catalytic converter) is
of major significance for driving your vehicle in an environmentally
conscious way.Please refer to the following guidelines:
– For vehicles with petrol engine only refuel with unleaded petrol  page 192,
“Grades of petrol”.
– Never run the fuel tank completely empty.
– Do not switch off the ignition while you are driving the vehicle.
– Do not pour too much oil into the engine page 199, “Replenishing engine oil”.
– Do not tow-start the vehicle over a distance of more than 50 metres page 222,
“Tow-starting and towing vehicle”.
If you drive your vehicle in a country in which unleaded petrol is not available, you
must have the catalytic converter replaced la ter when driving the vehicle into a country
in which use of a catalyti c converter is mandatory.
WARNING

In view of the high temperatures which may be produced in the catalytic
converter, one should always park a vehicle in such a way that the catalytic
converter cannot come into contact with easily flammable materials below the
vehicle - a risk of fire!

Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection agents
for the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters or heat shields. Such substances
might ignite when driving - risk of fire!Caution

On vehicles fitted with a catalytic converte r, never let the fuel tank run completely
empty. An irregular fuel supply can result in poor ignition or misfiring. Unburnt fuel
may get into the exhaust system an d damage the catalytic converter.

Filling the tank even only once with le aded petrol will result in the catalytic
converter being destroyed.

If you detect misfir ing, a drop in performance or irregular engine running when
driving, reduce your speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected by the nearest
specialist garage. The symptoms described ma y be caused by a fault in the ignition
system. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and damage the catalytic
converter.For the sake of the environment
Even if the exhaust system is operating pr operly, a sulphur-like exhaust odour may be
produced under certain oper ating conditions of the engine. This depends on the
sulphur content of the fuel. It is often sufficient to refuel with unleaded premium-grade
petrol of a different brand or at a different filling station.Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious mannerGeneral
Your personal style of driving is a major factor.Your fuel consumption, any pollution of the environmental and the wear-and-tear to
the engine, brakes and tyres, depend essentially on three factors:
your personal style of driving,

the conditions under which your vehicle is operated,

technical aspects.
You can easily improve your fuel economy by 10 - 15 percent by driving in an econom-
ical way with foresight. This section is intended to provide you with a number of tips on
how to protect the environment and at the same time save money.
The fuel consumption can naturally also be influenced by factors which are beyond the
driver's control. It is, for example, normal for the fuel consumption to increase in
winter and under worsened cond itions such as poor road conditions, towing a trailer,
etc.
The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the vehicle
have already been built into the vehicle at the works. Special attention has been given
to minimising negative effects on the environment. It is necessary to take note of the
s43s.1.book Page 176 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM

Towing a trailer
182
Towing a trailerTo w i n g a t r a i l e rTechnical 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 nece ssary 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 the tr ailer which you wish to tow has a 7-pin connector, you
can use a suitable adapter
16) from Škoda original accessories.
This work must be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications if
a towing device is retrofitted.
Authorised Škoda Service Partners are familiar with details relating to retrofitting a
towing device and for any necessary modifications to the cooling system.
WARNING
We recommend that you have the towing device from Škoda original accesso-
ries installed by an authorised Škoda Service Partner. He is familiar with all the
relevant details relating to retrofitting such equipment. 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 inclin es and descents if you do not make full
use of the permissible trailer load.
The trailer loads specified only apply for altitudes up to 1 000 metres above mean sea
level. The fact that the engi ne power output 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 altitudes.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing device
are merely test data for the towing device The data relating to your vehicle, which
is often less than this test data, can be found in your vehicle registration docu-
ments.
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 th e items to prevent them slipping.
Tyre inflation pressure
Select the tyre inflation pressure on yo ur vehicle for that of “fully laden”, page 208.
The inflation pressure of the tyres fitted to the trailer adjust in accordance with the
manufacturer's recommendation.
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional ex terior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the traffic
behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. Both exterior mirrors should be
attached to folding arms. Adjust the mirrors so that they provide you with an adequate
field of view to the rear.
16)In some countries the adapter is supplied with the towing device.s43s.1.book Page 182 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM