run flat SKODA OCTAVIA TOUR 2004 1.G / (1U) Owner's Manual

41
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
Information for drivingStarting engineThe engine can only be started if the selector
lever is in position „N“ or „P“ - see page 44.Selecting a forward gear
Always first of all depress the brake pe-
dal before selecting a forward gear when
the vehicle is stationary and the engine
is running.
Do not depress the accelerator when
moving the selector lever if the car is sta-
tionary.
If you inadvertently move the gearshift
lever into position „N“ when driving, you
first of all have to release the accelera-
tor and wait until the engine is running
at idle speed before again engaging a
forward gear. Warning
When the engine is idling and the car
is stationary (e.g. at traffic lights or
when stopped in congested traffic)
it is always necessary to depress the
brake pedal in order to hold the ve-
hicle no matter the selector lever po-
sition, because the power transmis-
sion is not fully interrupted even
when the engine is idling and the car
may creep forward.
If a forward gear is engaged when the
vehicle is stationary, on no account
inadvertently operate the throttle
(e.g. by hand from the engine com-
partment) otherwise the car will im-
mediately move forward - this may
also happen even if the handbrake is
properly applied.
Move selector lever into position „P“
and apply the handbrake before car-
rying out any work on the running
engine.
Driving off
Select a gear (
R, D , 3 , 2 , 1 ). Wait until the
gearbox has shifted into gear and the
power is transmitted to the driven wheels
(can be felt from a slight engagement jolt)
before then pressing the accelerator.
Coming to a stop
You do not have to move the selector lever
to position „N“ if stopped only for a short
time, e.g. at traffic lights. It is sufficient to
hold the car with the brake. The engine
must only be running at idling speed, how-
ever.
Parking
On the flat it is sufficient to engage the Park
lock. If parked on a downhill stretch, first of
all apply the handbrake fully and then en-
gage the Park lock. Doing this ensures that
there is no excessive stress acting on the
Park lock mechanism and the Park lock can
be more easily released.
Warning
When the car is parked, the selector
lever should always be moved into
position „P“ for only this position
prevents the car moving off by itself.

153
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Wheels
General information
New tyres at first do not offer optimal grip
and should therefore be run in for the first
500 km at a moderate speed and an ap-
propriately cautious style of driving. You
will also profit from longer tyre life.

Because of design characteristics and
different types of tread, the tread depth of
new tyres may vary (depending on the type
of tyre and manufacturer).


Inspect the tyres regularly for signs of
damage (foreign bodies, piercing, cuts, splits
and dents, particularly in the area of the tyre
shoulder). Foreign bodies which penetrate
into the tyre may damage it from the inside.
Only an expert can assess damage to a tyre
and determine whether a repair is possible.
If it is not possible to repair a tyre or if this is
unsafe, the tyre must then be replaced. The
damaged tyre may blow out!

If it is necessary to drive up onto a kerb,
do this at a very low speed and at right
angles if possible. Avoid driving up onto
kerbs with pointed edges. Driving quickly
onto kerbs or driving onto a kerb at an ob-
lique angle or driving over obstacles with
pointed edges or points (e.g. stones) can
result in concealed tyre damage which can-
not be detected immediately. This harbours
the risk of an accident in the event of the
tyre puncturing at a high speed.

Damage to tyres and wheels is fre-
quently not visible. Unusual vibrations or
the vehicle pulling to one side, may be an
indication of tyre damage. If you suspect
that a wheel is damaged, immediately
reduce your speed and stop!
Inspect the tyres (dents, splits etc.). If you
cannot find any defect, drive at a slow
speed to the nearest Škoda dealer and
have the vehicle inspected.

Keep oil, grease and fuel away from the
tyres.

Replace any lost valve caps without de-
lay.

If the wheels are taken off, they should
be marked first of all so that they can be
refitted to rotate in the same direction.

If wheels or tyres are taken off, always
store them in a cool, dry and dark place.
Tyres which are not fitted to a rim, should
be stored upright.Tyre lifeThe life of the tyres depends essentially on
the following points:
Inflation pressure
The tyre inflation pressures are indicated
on a sticker on the inside of the fuel filler
flap. Further information is available from
your Škoda Dealer. Tyre pressure is an important factor, particu-
larly when driving at high speeds. The infla-
tion pressure should always be checked at
least once a month and before setting off on
a long journey.
Do not forget to check the air pressure in
the spare wheel when checking the tyre air
pressures.


The spare wheel with a standard tyre
should always be inflated to the maximum
pressure indicated for the car.

Always check the inflation pressure
when the tyres are cold. Do not reduce the
pressure of a warm tyre. Adjust the infla-
tion pressure accordingly if there is any
major change in the load of the car.
If the tyres are not sufficiently or excessively
inflated, this will have a detrimental effect
on tyre life and also on the handling of the
car.
Warning
When driving continuously at a high
speed, a tyre which is not sufficiently
inflated has to perform greater flex-
ing work and thus heats up exces-
sively. This can cause sections of the
tread to detach and even result in a
tyre blow-out.

154GENERAL MAINTENANCE
If the tyres are not adequately in-flated, your fuel consumption will
be higher and you will be unnecessarily polluting the environment.
Driving style
Driving fast through curves, sharp accelera-
tion and sharp braking increase tyre wear.
Balancing wheels
The wheels of a new car are balanced. Va-
rious factors when driving may, however,
produce an imbalance which makes it felt
by steering wobble.
In such a case, the wheels should then be
re-balanced as any imbalance in the
wheels also results in increased wear and
tear to the steering, suspension and tyres.
In addition, a wheel has to be re-balanced
after fitting a new tyre and each time any
repairs are carried out.
Wheel alignment errors
Faulty alignment of the wheels and suspen-
sion not only increases tyre wear, often on
only one side, but also affects the handling
of the car. If any unusual tyre wear exists,
contact a Škoda Dealer.
Wear indicators
The base of the tread of the original tyres
contains 1.6 mm high „wear indicators“ at
right angles to the direction of running - see
illustration. These wear indicators are
spaced evenly around the circumference of
the tyre 6 to 8 times - depending on the
make. Markings on the tyre walls, for ex-
ample the letters „TWI“ or triangle symbols,
indicate the position of the wear indicators. Warning


New tyres during the first 500 km
do not offer optimal grip and should
therefore be run appropriately - risk
of accident!

The tyres should be renewed with-
out delay no later than when they are
worn down to the wear indicators.

Worn tyres are detrimental to
road-holding particularly at high
speeds on wet roads. In addition, the
vehicle tends to aquaplane sooner.

Never drive with damaged tyres -
risk of accident!

Immediately replace the damaged
rims or tyres.