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

1
You have opted for a Å koda,
sincere thanks for your confidence.Your Å koda has proven to be a successful car for all-round use.
Functionality, customer satisfaction and environmental protection
aspects played an important part in its design, the selection of
materials used and manufacture.
The results speak for themselves.
Your Å koda is extremely economic when it comes to fuel con-
sumption, has a low pollution level, needs only a small amount of
servicing at long intervals and has durable wearing parts.
Your Å koda thus has all the virtues typical for a modern car such
as good motoring economy, quality, reliability and long-time re-
tention of its value.
An efficient service organisation is available for looking after your
Å koda: in Europe alone, the service network already comprises
more than 2500 Å koda Dealers that work economically and pro-
fessionally in accordance with factory guidelines.
These Å koda Dealers are also committed to ensure that your
Å koda is always in proper condition.
A requirement for warranting repairs free of charge is that
the Service Inspections (see Service Schedule) and repairs
during the warranty period have been carried out by an au-
thorized Å koda Dealer.Warranty claims are void
if the damage to the vehicle has been
caused by parts and accessories not approved by the manufac-
turer Å koda Auto, or by failure to observe maintenance and repair
instructions.
Your Å koda Dealers will gladly supply details of the aforemen-
tioned services and possible differences in specific countries.
Please also refer to the information in the Service Schedule.
We wish you pleasant motoring at all times.
Your Å koda Auto

103
SAFETY
Warning


Any work on the belt tightener sys-
tem or within the immediate area, in-
cluding removal and installation of
system components because of other
repair work, must only be carried out
by a Å koda dealer.

The protection provided by the
system is adequate only for one ac-
cident. If the belt tensioners have
been activated, the entire system has
to be replaced.

If the car is sold, the buyer should
be provided with the complete vehi-
cle wallet.
Notes

Smoke is released when the belt tensio-
ners are activated. This smoke does not
indicate a fire in the car.

If the car or individual components of the
system are scrapped, it is essential to pay
attention to the relevant safety regulations.
Å koda Dealers are acquainted with these
regulations and can provide you with more
detailed information in this connection.
Airbag system*Front airbagThe front airbag system is only operational
after switching on the ignition.
Models with airbag system for driver and
passenger are recognizable from the
„AIRBAG“ inscriptions on the padded boss
of the steering wheel and on the passen-
ger side of the instrument panel.
In addition to the three-point seat belts
with belt tensioners, the Airbag System
offers further protection for the driver’s and
passenger’s head and chest in a serious
frontal collision.
Apart from its normal protective function,
the seat belt also has the task of keeping
the driver or passenger in such a position
so that the airbag can offer maximum pro-
tection in the case of a frontal collision.
For this reason, the seat belts should al-
ways be used not only because this is re-
quired by law, but also for safety reasons!
The Airbag System is not activated in the
event of:

side collisions

rear collisions

rolling-over

minor frontal collisions. The system essentially consists of:


the electronic control and monitoring unit
(control unit),

one or two airbags (airbag with gas gen-
erator) for the:
- driver (in steering wheel),
- front passenger (in instrument panel)

a warning lamp in the instrument panel -
see page 56.

a warning light in the interior lighting of
the car (front)* - see page 108.

Switch for front passenger airbags* - see
page 107.
The operational readiness of the airbag
system is monitored electronically.
The airbag warning lamp comes on for a
few seconds (self-diagnosis) each time the
ignition is switched on.
Note
The airbag system does not require any
maintenance over its entire operating pe-
riod.

109
SAFETY
Side airbag*The side airbags are installed in the sides
of the backrest upholstery of the driver and
front passenger seats. They are identified
by the inscriptions „AIRBAG“ in the top half
of the backrests - see illustration.The side airbag system in combination
with the three-point seat belts offers ad-
ditional protection for the upper body of the
driver and front passenger in the event of
a side collision of considerable severity.In the event of a side collision, the side
airbags reduce the risk of injury to the part
of the body of the front occupants facing
toward the point of impact. In addition to the normal protection which
they offer,
the seat belts are also designed
to hold the driver and front passenger in
position in the event of a side impact so that
the side airbag is able to offer maximum
protection.
Warning
The maximum protection offered by
the seat belts and the airbag system
is only achieved if the occupants are
correctly seated - see page 94.
The system consists essentially of

the electronic control and monitoring unit,

the side airbags installed in the sides of
the backrests of the front seats,

a warning lamp in the instrument panel -
see page 56.
Please refer to page 56 for information
on the operational readiness and possi-
ble faults in the system. The side airbag system is not activated
in the event of:


frontal collision

minor side collision

rear collision

rollover.
The airbag system is not a substitute for
the seat belt but is part of the entire pas-
sive vehicle safety concept. Please note
that the airbag system is only able to offer
optimal protection in combination with fas-
tened seat belts.
That is why, you should always use the
seat belts not only because this is a le-
gal requirement, but also for safety rea-
sons!
Please refer to the information on pages
98 to 103 in this connection.
Note
The airbag system is maintenance-free
throughout its entire operating life.

119
DRIVING TIPS
The technical prerequisites
for low fuel consumption and efficiency we-
re „built in“ at the factory. Particular impor-
tance was placed on the lowest possible
effect on the environment. To retain and
make the best possible use of these char-
acteristics attention should be paid to the
following points:
The prescribed maintenance opera-tions should be carried out exactly
as specified in the Service Schedule.
Having your car serviced by a Å koda Dealer
at the specified intervals not only ensures
that it is always in proper roadworthy con-
dition but that it operates economically, with
minimal environmental impact and provides
you with many years of motoring.
Check the tyre pressures every 4 weeks.
Low tyre pressures increase the rolling re-
sistance. This not only increases the fuel
consumption and tyre wear, but the han-
dling is also impaired.
Do not carry any unnecessary loadsin the luggage compartment.
The weight of the car has a major effect on
fuel consumption, particularly when driving
in towns where you frequently have to ac-
celerate. The rule of thumb which applies
is that every 100 kilograms of weight in-
creases fuel consumption by about 1 litre/
100 km (1 litre/62 miles).
Do not fit the roof rack unless it is
really needed.
Particularly at high speeds the increased
air resistance makes itself felt in higher fuel
consumption.
Electrical consumers should onlybe switched on when they are ac-
tually required.
Heated rear window, fog lights etc. have a
considerable energy demand. The higher
alternator load also increases the fuel con-
sumption. For instance, over a period of 10
hours, the heated rear window will increase
fuel consumption by approximately 1 litre.
Keep a frequent check on your fuel consumption.
The fuel consumption should be checked
each time the tank is filled up. By doing this
inconsistencies on the vehicle which lead
to increased fuel consumption can be de-
tected sooner. Check the oil level each time you refuel.
The oil consumption depends to a great
extent on the engine load and speed. De-
pending on the style of driving the con-
sumption can be as much as 0.5 litre/
1000 km.
It is normal for the oil consumption of a new
engine to reach its lowest level after a cer-
tain mileage has been covered. The con-
sumption cannot be properly assessed until
the vehicle has run approx. 5000 km.
This also applies to the fuel consumption
and the engine output.

127
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Filling the tankThe fuel filler neck is inserted into the rear
right body panel.
The fuel tank holds about 55 litres.
Notes
The fuel filler flap can be opened from the
driver’s seat* - see page 65.
On this version the fuel cap cannot be
locked separately.
A sticker with data is affixed to the fuel filler
flap - see page 181.When refuelling, the filler cap can be in-
serted at the flap.
After refuelling, fit on the filler cap tight until
it is heard to click. After this, close the filler
flap.
If your car is not fitted with a remote re-
lease for the fuel filler flap at the driv-
er’s seat*, the following instructions
apply:
Use the car key to unlock the filler cap of
the fuel filler neck by turning it to the left
and unscrew it.
When refuelling, the filler cap can be in-
serted at the flap.
After refuelling, screw the filler cap tight until
it is heard to click. Lock the filler cap by
turning the key of the car to the right, with-
draw the key and close the fuel filler flap.
As soon as the petrol pump at the
filling station switches off automati-
cally for the first time after being prop- erly used, the fuel tank is „full“. Do notfill in any more petrol otherwise the ex-pansion chamber in the tank will be filled
and fuel might flow out when it warms up.
Note
Never run the fuel tank completely empty
on models fitted with a catalytic con-
verter. The irregular fuel supply may re-
sult in misfiring and uncombusted fuel
may get into the exhaust system. This
can cause overheating and damage to
the catalytic converter.
Warning
Observe any statutory regulations
when carrying a reserve canister of
fuel. For safety reasons, it is recom-
mended that you do not carry a re-
serve canister in the car. In the event
of an accident, the canister could be
damaged and fuel spillage could oc-
cur.

128GENERAL MAINTENANCE
FuelPetrol enginesUnleaded petrol conforming to DIN EN
228 RON 95
Notes

Use only high-quality fuel.

Unleaded petrol RON 95 can be
used although engine output in this case is
slightly reduced.

Fuels with a higher octane number than
specified can be used without restrictions.
This does not offer any advantages in re-
spect of engine output and fuel con-
sumption, however!
Cars with a catalytic converter must only be driven with unleaded fuel.
Using fuels which contain lead results in a
lead deposit forming in the catalytic con-
verter.
Even refuelling only once with lea-
ded petrol destroys the effect of the
catalytic converter.
Even if the fuel tank is then again filled with
unleaded fuel, the original efficiency of the
catalytic converter is no longer achieved.
The operation, power output and dura-
bility of the engine are affected to a ma-
jor extent by the quality of the fuel. Do
not mix any additives into the fuel. Use
only fuel which complies with official
standards.
Diesel enginesDiesel fuel complying with DIN EN 590.
Cetane number not less than 49.
Driving in winter
Winter-grade diesel fuel
In winter a different grade of diesel fuel is
available at filling stations than during the
summer months. If „summer-grade diesel
fuel“ is used, operational problems may
occur at temperatures below 0 °C because
the diesel becomes too viscous as a result
of paraffin separation. „Winter-grade die-
sel fuel“, in contrast, is still fully operational
down to -20 °C.
In countries with different climatic condi-
tions, it is quite common to find diesel fu-
els which have a different temperature
characteristic. Å koda Dealers, and filling
stations in the particular country, will pro-
vide you with further information regarding
the diesel fuels which are available in that
country.

129
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Care of carRegular, professional care is a way of re-
taining the value of your car.
In addition, it may also be one of the re-
quirements for a warranty claim in the event
of possible corrosion damage and paint
defects on the body.
The care products required are available
as Original Accessories from Å koda. Al-
ways follow the instructions for use stated
on the packaging.Warning

If misused, car care products can
be harmful to health.

Car care products should always
be stored in a safe place where they
are out of the reach of children.
When buying car care products, al-
ways select products which have
been designed to minimize pollution of the environment. Do not dispose of carcare products in domestic refuse.
Fuel filter preheater
The car is equipped with a fuel filter pre-
heater. This ensures proper operation of the
fuel system down to about -25 °C when
using winter-grade diesel fuel which is re-
sistant to temperatures down to -15 °C.
Should the engine no longer start at tempe-
ratures below -25 °C, it is sufficient to park
the car for a certain time in a heated area.
Fuel additives (flow improvers) and simi-
lar products must not be added to the
diesel fuel.
Use only fuel, which complies with offi-
cial standards. Even refueling only once
with fuel which does not comply with of-
ficial standards can lead to damage in
the fuel system.

130GENERAL MAINTENANCEWashing the carThe best protection for your car against
harmful environmental influences is fre-
quent washing and polishing.
How often your car requires to be treated
depends among other factors on how fre-
quently you use the car, where you park it
(garage, in the open, below trees etc.), the
time of year, the weather conditions and
other environmental influences.
The longer bird droppings, insect residues,
tree resin, road and industrial dust, tar
stains, soot particles, road salt and other
aggressive deposits remain on the paint-
work of your car, the more extreme will be
their destructive effect. High temperatures
caused by strong sun’s rays, intensify the
caustic effect. It may therefore be neces-
sary to wash the car once a week, but once
a month may also be sufficient with appro-
priate waxing.
It is essential to also thoroughly wash the
underside of the car after the end of the
winter period.Automatic car washes
The paintwork of your car is sufficiently re-
sistant to enable the car to be washed nor-
mally in automatic car washing plants with-
out any problems. The effect on the paint-
work, though, also depends greatly on the
design of the car wash, the filtering of the
washing water, the type of wash and care
products used etc. If the paintwork appears
mat after a car wash or even has scratches,
you should contact the operator of the plant.
If necessary, change the car wash you use.
Notes


Before washing your car in an automatic
car wash, there are no special precautions
necessary other than the usual measures
(closing windows and sliding roof, folding
down roof aerial etc.).
Warning
Do not tighten roof aerial in the lower
position

It is best to contact the operator of the
car wash if your car has any particular spe-
cial fittings - e.g. spoiler, roof rack, mobile
phone aerial etc.


After washing your car in an automatic car
wash with wax preservative, wipe the lips of
the windscreen wiper blades clean and also
clean the windscreen (also the rear window
on models fitted with rear window wiper).
Washing your car by hand
As a protection for the environment,
your car should only be washed at
washbays provided for this purpose.
Local regulations may in fact forbidwashing cars in certain areas outside ofsuch facilities.
First of all soften the dirt with plenty of wa-
ter and rinse off as well as possible.
Then, clean the car with a soft sponge,
washing glove or brush starting on the roof
and working down, applying only slight
pressure. Use a car wash shampoo only
for particularly stubborn dirt.
Thoroughly wash out the sponge or glove
at short intervals.
Clean wheels and door sills etc. last. Use
a second sponge if possible for such ar-
eas.
After washing the car, rinse it thoroughly
with water and finally chamois dry.

131
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Notes

The car should not be standing in bright
sunshine when it is washed.

If a hose is used to spray down the car,
do not aim the jet of water directly at the
door locks and body panel gaps - otherwise
they may freeze up in winter.Washing the car with high-pressure
cleaners
It is essential to follow the instructions
for using high-pressure cleaners - particu-
larly as regards the pressure and spraying
distance.

Do not use round spray nozzles or so-
called „dirt shifters“!

The temperature of the water should not
be more than 60 °C.
WarningTyres must never be cleaned with
round jet nozzles. Damage may occur
even if only sprayed for a short time
or from a relatively large distance.WaxingGood wax treatment protects the paintwork
of your car from the environmental influ-
ences listed on the previous page under
„Washing the car“ and also from slight me-
chanical damage. The vehicle must be treated with a high-
quality hard wax polish at the latest, when
no more drops form on the clean paintwork.
Do not apply a new film of wax protection
until the body surface is dry. Even if a wax
preserver is used regularly, it is recom-
mended to protect the paintwork at least
twice a year with hard wax.
Warning
Never treat the windscreen or win-
dows with wax.
PolishingPolishing is only necessary if the paintwork
has become unattractive and it is no longer
possible to achieve a gloss with a wax pre-
server. If the polish used does not contain
any preserving elements, the paintwork
should then be treated with wax preserver.
Note
Mat painted parts and plastic parts must
not be treated with polish or hard wax.
We recommend using the products from
the Å koda range.
Do not polish the paintwork of the vehicle
in a dusty environment, otherwise the
paintwork can be scratched.
Paint damageMinor paint damage such as scratches,
rubs or stone chips, should be treated im-
mediately with paint (Å koda touch-up pen
or spray can) before rust can form.
This repair work can also of course be car-
ried out by a Å koda Dealer. The colour
code is stated on the car data sticker, see
page 181.WindowsUse only a plastic scraper to remove snow
and ice from windows and mirrors. The
scraper should not be moved back and for-
ward, but only pushed in one direction in
order to avoid scratches caused by dirt.
Residues of rubber, oil, grease, wax or sili-
cone sealant can be removed with a wind-
screen cleaner or special silicone remover.
The windows should also be cleaned at
regular intervals from the inside.
Do not use the same chamois leather for
drying the windows and for the paintwork
because residues of wax preservers will
cause smears on the surface of the win-
dows.
Never remove snow or ice from the win-
dows with warm or hot water - risk of
formation of cracks in the glass!

132GENERAL MAINTENANCEDo not affix any stickers from the inside
over the heating circuit to avoid damaging
the heating circuit of the rear window
heater .
Models fitted with all-wheel drive:
The adhesive sticker for identifying 4x4 mo-
dels on the rear window must only be re-
moved by a Å koda Dealer using a special
technology otherwise the rear window
heater might be damaged.Door, window , bonnet/tailgate sealsThe rubber seals remain supple and last
longer if they are treated from time to time
with a light film of a rubber care product.
They also will not then freeze up in winter!Plastic parts and synthetic leatherExterior plastic parts are cleaned by wash-
ing in a normal way and interior parts by
using a damp cloth. Should this not be ad-
equate, plastic parts and synthetic leather
must only be treated with special solvent-
free plastic cleaning and care products.
We recommend using a cleaning product
from Å koda original accessories offered by
your Å koda dealer.
Note
Solvent-free cleaners attack the material
and can damage it.
Upholstery cloth and cloth trimUpholstery cloth and cloth trim on the doors,
rear shelf, luggage compartment cover, head-
lining etc. are treated with special cleaning
products or with dry foam and a soft brush.Cleaning seat beltsKeep belts clean! If the belt webbing is
very dirty, this may prevent the inertia reel
belt from retracting properly.
Wash dirty belt webbing only with a mild
soap solution without taking the seat belts
out of the car.
Note
Dry inertia reel belts completely before re-
tracting.
Warning
Do not have the belts dry-cleaned be-
cause dry-cleaning products damage
the webbing material. Ensure that the
belts do not come into contact with
corrosive fluids.
Chrome partsFirst clean the chrome parts with a damp
cloth and then polish them with a soft, dry
cloth.
If it does not prove to be adequate, use a
chrome care product from Å koda original
accessories.
NoteDo not polish the chrome parts in a dusty en-
vironment, otherwise they can be scratched.Natural leatherLeather should be treated from time to time
in accordance with the instructions below,
depending on the amount of use. It is im-
portant to ensure that the leather must
not be treated on any account with sol-
vents, floor wax, shoe cream, stain re-
mover or similar products.
For normal cleaning of leather-trim steer-
ing wheels, leather seat covers etc., slightly
moisten a cotton or woollen cloth with wa-
ter and clean the soiled surfaces of the
leather. Severe soiling can be cleaned with
a mild soap solution (2 soup-spoonfuls of
neutral soap to 1 litre of water). It is very
important to ensure that the leather is not
moistened through at any point and that
no water is able to trickle through the stitch-
ing. Wipe the leather dry finally with a soft,
dry cloth.