towing SKODA OCTAVIA TOUR 2011 2.G / (1Z) Owner's Manual

Contents
4
Driving Tips
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electromechanical power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . . . . .
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 . . . . . .
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and replenishing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tyres
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changing and replacing parts
. .
Accessories 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre repair kit* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 based on ECE regulations and EC
guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4 ltr./59 kW - EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.6 ltr./75 kW - EU4, EU2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 l/81 kW TDI CR EU4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
105105105107108108109109109111111111112115116116116118118121121121121125127127127128130130132133135
136140141141146146146146147147147147147147148148149153154156156159165165165165165165165166166166168
170172175
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Unlocking and locking
36
synchronised. This can occur when the butt ons on the radio-operated key are actu-
ated a number of times outside of the operative range of the equipment or the
battery on the remote control was replaced.
This means it is necessary to synchronise the code as follows:•
Press any button on the remote control.
•
pressing of the button means that the door will unlock with the key within 1
minute.
Anti-theft alarm system*DescriptionThe anti-theft alarm system increases the level of protection against people
seeking to break into the vehicle. The system triggers audible and visual warning
signals if an attempt is made to break into the vehicle.
How is the alarm system activated?
The anti-theft alarm system is activated automatically when the vehicle is locked
with the key on the closed dr iver's door or by using the radio remote control. It is
activated 30 seconds after locking the door.
How is the alarm system deactivated?
The anti-theft alarm system is deactivated if the vehicle is unlocked by only using
the radio remote control. The vehicle is automatically locked again if the vehicle is
not opened within 30 seconds after re activating the anti-theft alarm system.
Once you unlock the vehicle by inserting th e key into the driver door you then have
to insert the key into the ignition lock and switch the ignition on within 15 seconds
after opening the door in order to deactivate the anti-theft alarm system. The alarm
will be triggered if you do not switch on the ignition within 15 seconds.
When is the alarm triggered?
The following security areas of the locked vehicle are monitored:•
Bonnet,
•
Boot lid,
•
Doors,
•
Ignition lock,
•
vehicle's angle of inclination page 36, “Interior monitor* and Towing protec-
tion monitoring*”,
•
Vehicle interior page 36, “Interior monitor* and Towing protection moni-
toring*”,
•
A drop in voltage of the on-board power supply.
An alarm is immediately triggered if either of the two battery terminals is discon-
nected while the anti-theft alarm system is activated.
How is the alarm switched off?
You switch the alarm off if you unlock the vehicle with the radio remote control or
if you switch the ignition on.Note
•
The working life of the alarm siren is 6 ye ars. More detailed information is avail-
able by a specialist garage.
•
Before leaving the vehicle, check that all the doors and windows are closed in
order to ensure that the anti-theft alarm system is fully operational.
•
Coding of the radio remote control and th e receiver unit precludes the use of the
radio remote control from other vehicles.
Interior monitor* and Towi ng protection monitoring*Switch off the interior monitor and towing protection monitoring– Switch off the ignition.
– Open the driver door.
– Press the button

at the centre column on the driver side  fig. 31, the
symbol

which lights up in the button changes from red to orange.
– Lock the vehicle within 30 seconds.
Fig. 31 Button for interior monitor and
towing protection monitoring
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Unlocking and locking37
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
The interior monitor and the towing protec
tion monitoring are switched on again
automatically the next time the car is locked.
Note
•
You can switch the interior monitor and the towing protection monitoring off if
there is a possibility that movements from (e.g. children or animals) inside the
vehicle interior or if the vehicle must be tr ansported (e.g. by train or ship) or towed,
might trigger the alarm.
•
The opened storage compartment for spectacles reduces the effectiveness of
the interior monitor. In orde r to ensure the function of the interior monitor to be
fully operational, always close the storage compartment for spectacles before
locking the vehicle.
Power windows*Buttons on the driver's doorThe power windows operate only when ignition is switched on.Opening a window – A window is opened by pressing lightly on the respective button in the door. The process stops when one releases the button.
– Additionally you can open the window automatically (fully opened) by pressing the button up to the stop. Renewed pres sing of the button causes the window
to stop immediately.
Closing a window– A window is closed through pulling lightl y on the respective button in the door.
The closing process stops wh en one releases the button.
– Additionally you can close the window automatically (fully closed) by pulling the button up to the stop. Renewed pulling of the button causes the window to stop
immediately.
The buttons for the individual windows are located in the armrest of the driver's
door fig. 32 , front passenger door and in the rear doors* page 38.
Buttons for the power windows in the armrest for the driver Button for the power window in the driver's door
Button for the power window in the front passenger's door
Button for the power window in the rear door on the right*
Button for the power window in the rear door on the left*
Safety pushbutton*
Safety pushbutton*
You can deactivate the buttons for power windows at rear doors by pressing the
safety pushbutton fig. 32 . The buttons for power windows at rear doors are
activated again by pressing the safety pushbutton again.
If the buttons for the rear doors ar e deactivated, the indicator light
 in the safety
switch lights up.
WARNING
•
If you lock the vehicle from the outs ide, do not leave any person in the
vehicle since it is no longer possible to open the windows from the inside in an
emergency.
•
The system is fitted with a force limiter page 38. If there is an obstacle,
the closing process is stopped and the window goes down by several centime-
tres. You should then take particular care when closing the windows! You may
otherwise suffer severe injuries as a result of getting an arm, for example,
jammed in the window!
•
It is recommended to deactivate the el ectrically operated power windows in
the rear doors (safety pushbutton)  fig. 32 when children are being trans-
ported on the rear seats.
Fig. 32 Buttons on the driver's door
ABCDS
S
S
S
S
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Lights and Visibility41
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Activating the function daylight driving lights– Pull the turn signal light lever towards the steering wheel up to 3 seconds after
switching on the ignition and at the same time, slide it to the top and hold it in
this position for at least 3 seconds.
The daytime driving light is a combination of low-beam and parking light (front and
rear), including licence plate light.
When the daylight driving lights are switched on, the lighting of the instrument
cluster is switched on as well.Fog lights*

Switching on the fog lights– First of all turn the light switch into position
 or
  fig. 35 .
– Pull the light switch into position .
The rear fog light warning light
  page 21 lights up in the instrument cluster
when the fog light is switched off.
Rear fog light

Switching on the rear fog light– First of all turn the light switch into position
 or
  fig. 35 .
– Pull the switch into position .
The rear fog light warning light
  page 21 lights up in the instrument cluster
when the fog light is switched off. Only the rear fog light of the trailer ligh
ts 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 re ar light array on the driver's side.
Caution
The rear fog light should only b e s w i t c h e d o n i f v i s i b i l i t y i s p a r t i c u l a r l y p o o r ( c o n f o r m
with any varying legal provisions) to avoid dazzling vehicles behind your vehicle.Headlamp range adjustment

Once the low beam is switched on you can then adapt the range of
the headlights to the load of the vehicle.– Turn the control dial fig. 36 until you have adjusted the low beam so that
oncoming traffic is not dazzled.
Settings
The positions correspond approximately to the following vehicle loads: Front seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.
All seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.
All seats occupied, luggage compartment laden.
Driver seat occupied, luggage compartment laden.
Caution
Set the headlight beam adjustment in such a way as to avoid dazzling oncoming
traffic.
Fig. 35 Dash panel: Light switch
1
2
Fig. 36 Dash panel: Lights and Visibility
-123
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Starting-off and Driving
74
Applies to all models:
Position
To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel until
the steering locking pin is heard to engage. You should always lock the steering as
a general rule if you leave your vehicle. This acts as a deterrent against possible
theft of your vehicle .
Position
Move the steering wheel back and forward a little if the ignition key cannot, or
cannot easily be turned into this positi on, in order to release the steering lock.
Position
The engine is started in this position. At the same time any switched on low beam
or main beam or other electrical compon ents with major electrical consumers are
briefly switched off. The ignition key moves back into position after being
released.
The ignition key must be turned back into position each time before starting the
engine again. The starter repeat lock in the ignition lock prevents the starter being
engaged when the engine is running and thus getting damaged.
WARNING
•
When driving, the ignition key must al ways be in the position (ignition
switched on) without the engine running. This position is indicated by the
warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it could result in unexpected
locking of the steering wheel - risk of accident!
•
Do not withdraw the ignition key from the lock until the vehicle has come to
a stop. The steering lock can engage immediately - risk of accident!
•
Always withdraw the ignition key if you are going to leave the vehicle, even
for a short time. This is particularly import ant if children are left in the vehicle.
Children might otherwise start the engine or switch on electrical equipment (e.g.
power windows) - risk of accident or injury!
Starting the engineGeneral
You can only start the engine only using an original ignition key.•
Place the gearshift lever into neutral an d put on the handbrake firmly before
starting the engine.
•
Before starting, it is necessary to depress the clutch pedal and to keep it pressed
down until the engine starts. If you try and start the engine without pressing the
clutch pedal, the engine will not start. A message in the information display of the
instrument cluster will also appear indicate the need to press the clutch pedal.
•
Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts otherwise you may
damage the starter.
The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine until oil pressure can be built up in the hydraulic valve clear-
ance compensation. This is quite norm al and is not an operating problem.
If the engine does not start ...
You can use the battery of anothe r vehicle as a jump-start aid page 153.
It is only possible to tow-start vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox. The tow-
starting distance must not be more than 50 metres. Observe the following
guidelines page 154, “Tow-starting and towing vehicle”.
WARNING
•
Never run the engine in non ventilated or enclosed areas. The exhaust gases
of the engine contain besides the odourless and colourless carbon monoxide a
poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon mono xide can cause unconsciousness and
death.
•
Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.Caution
•
The starter may only be operated (ignitio n key position ), if the engine is not
running. If the starter is immediately operated after switching off the engine, the
starter or the engine can be damaged.
•
Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as the
engine has not yet reached its normal operating temperature - risk of damaging the
engine!
•
Vehicles which are fitted with an exhaus t gas catalytic converter should not be
tow-started over a distance of more than 50 metres.For the sake of the environment
Never warm up the engine when the vehicle is standing. Drive off right away.
Through this the engine reaches its operating temperature more rapidly and the
pollutant emissions are lower.
123
2
1
2
3
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Starting-off and Driving77
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Caution
Each time the vehicle is parked, first of all apply the handbrake and then additionally
engage the 1st gear.Rear parking aid*The parking aid provides a warnin g of obstacles behind the vehicle.The audible parking aid determines the distance from the rear bumper to an
obstacle behind the car with the aid of ultrasound sensors. These ultrasound
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. 87 ). The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter as the
clearance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm (area ) - danger area.
Do 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 - continuous tone -
extends 5 cm further behind the vehicle. The vehicle can be extended through an
installed detachable towing device.
On vehicles equipped with a factory-fitted radio*, the distance to the obstruction is
shown graphically in the display. On vehicl es 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* display. The factory-fitted
radio* can be set so that the play function volume decreases when activating the
parking aid, see Owner's Manual radio*. This improves the audibility of the parking
aid. Activating
The parking aid is activated automatically when
reverse gear is engaged and the
ignition is turned on. This is confirmed by a brief acknowledgement signal.
Deactivating
The parking aid is deactivated by taking the car out of 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, before reversing, that there is no small
obstacle, such as a rock, thin post, traile r drawbar etc., behind your vehicle. Such
obstacles 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 pa rking aid. Thus, such objects or people
may not be 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 obstacle close to your vehicle, this indi-
cates 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.
Cruise control system (CCS)*IntroductionThe cruise control system (CCS) maintains a constant speed, above approx. 30 km/h
(20 mph), once it has been set, without yo u having to depress the accelerator pedal.
This is only possible to the extent pe rmitted by the power output and braking
power of the engine. The cruise control syst em makes it possible - particularly on
long journeys - for you to rest your “accelerator foot”.
Fig. 87 Parking aid: Detection range of
rear sensors
A
B
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Intelligent Technology
110
instrument cluster page 26 and an audibl e signal sounds. The rolling circumfer-
ence 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 heavil y (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, after changing one or several wheels,
the position of a wheel on the vehicle (e.g. exchanging the wheels between the
axles) or when the warning light lights up while driving, a basic setting of the
system must be carried out as follows.
•
Inflate all tyres to the specified inflation pressure page 141.
•
Switch on the ignition.
•
Press button page 109, fig. 113 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 started, 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 one wheel is insufficiently inflated in
comparison 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 manoeu vres. Please stop the vehicle without
delay at the nearest possible stop and inspect the tyres and their inflation pres-
sures.
•
The driver is responsible for the correct tyre inflation pressure. For this
reason, the tyre inflation pressu res 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 syst em does not take away the responsa-
bility from the driver for the correct tyre inflation pressure.Note
The tyre inflation pres sure-control system:•
does not replace the regular tyre inflatio n pressure control, because the system
cannot detect an even pressure loss,
•
cannot warn in case of very rapid tyre inflation pressure loss, e.g. in case of
sudden tyre damage. In this case carefull y bring the vehicle to a standstill without
sudden steering movements and without sharp braking.
•
In order to ensure a proper functioning of the tyre inflation pressure-control
system, it is necessary to carry out the basic setting again every 10 000 km or 1x a
year.
 
WARNING (continued)
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Driving and the Environment
112
– Do not tow-start the vehicle over a distance of more than 50 metres
page 154, “Tow-starting and towing vehicle”.
If you drive your vehicle in a country in wh ich unleaded petrol is not available, you
must have the catalytic converter replaced later when driving the vehicle into a
country in which use of a cata lytic 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
•
Vehicles fitted with cataly tic converter should never be allowed to let the fuel
tank to run completely empty. An irregular fuel supply can result in poor ignition or
misfiring. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and damage the catalytic
converter.
•
Filling the tank even only once with leaded petrol will result in the catalytic
converter being destroyed.
•
If you detect misfiring, 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 may 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 properly, a sulphur-like exhaust odour may
be produced under certain operating conditions of the engine. This depends on the
sulphur content of the fuel. It is often su fficient 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-
i c a l w a y w i t h f o r e s i g h t . T h i s s e c t i o n i s i n t e n d e d t o p r o v i d e y o u w i t h a n u m b e r o f t i p s
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 conditions 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 guidelines given in this chapter in order to make best use of these
characteristics and to main tain their effectiveness.
The optimal engine speed should be obtain ed when accelerating, in order to avoid
a high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle.
Looking ahead when driving
A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs it accelerates.Avoid accelerating and braking unnecessarily. If you drive with forsight you will not
need to brake so often and wi ll also then not have to accelerate so much. Let your
vehicle coast to a stop, for example, if this is possible, when you see that the next
set of traffic lights is at red.
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Towing a trailer
118
Towing a trailerTowing a trailerTechnical requirementsYour vehicle is designed primarily for tr ansporting persons and luggage. It can,
however, also be used for towing a trailer - 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 tr ailer 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
6) 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 can pr ovide information about retrofitting a
towing device and for any necessary modifications to the cooling system.
WARNING
We recommend that you have the towing de vice from Škoda original accessories
installed by an authorised Škoda Service Partner. He is familiar with all the rele-
vant details relating to retrofitting such equipment. There is a risk of an accident
if the towing device is not properly fitted!General MaintenanceTrailer 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 permissible 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 output drops with increasing height due
to a lowering of air pressure and thus th e ability to climb, means that the towed w e i g h t m u s t b e r e d u c e d b y 1 0 % f o r e v e r y f u r t h e r i n c r e a s e o f 1 0 0 0 m e t r e s i n h e i g h t
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 the items to prevent them slipping.
Tyre inflation pressure
Select the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for that of “fully laden”,
 page 141. The inflation pressure of the tyre s fitted to the trailer adjust in accord-
ance with the manufacturer's recommendation.
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirr ors 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.
Headlights
Before starting off with a hitched trailer, also check the setting of the headlights.
Alter the setting as necessary with th e aid of the headlight beam adjuster
 page 41.
Detachable ball head
The ball rod is detachable on vehicles wh ich feature a factory-fitted towing device.
Further information on the towing device page 119.
Note
•
We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between service
intervals if you tow a trailer frequently.
•
The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and decou-
pling the trailer.
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Towing a trailer119
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Driving Tips
Particular caution is required when towing a trailer.– Do not, as far as possible, drive with your vehicle unladen and the trailer laden.
– Do not make full use of the legal maximum speeds. This applies in particular to downhill sections.
– Apply the brakes in good time.
– Keep a check on the coolant temperatur e gauge if the outside temperature is
high.
Distribution of weight
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trailer
is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this
combination.
Driving speed
Do not drive faster than 80 km/hour for sa fety reasons. This also applies for coun-
tries in which higher speeds are allowed.
The fact that the driving stability of the vehicle + trailer combination reduces with
increasing speed means that the legally allowed speed should not be used when
there are unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions, particularly near accident
black spots.
You must always reduce your speed immedi ately as soon as you detect even just
the slightest swaying of the trailer. On no account attempt to stop the trailer from
“swaying” by accelerating.
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the
brakes gently at first and then brake firmly . This will avoid brake jolts resulting from
the trailer wheels locking. Shift down gears in good time before negotiating a
downhill section to allow the engine to also act as a brake.
Engine overheating
Please keep a check on the coolant temper ature gauge if you have to negotiate a
lengthy slope in a low gear at a high engine speed when the outside temperature is
very high page 16, “Engine coolant temperature Display”.
If the needle of the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area or
even the red area of the scale, reduce yo ur speed immediately. Stop and switch off
the engine if the warning light
 in the instrument cluster begins flashing. Wait a
few minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle
 page 134, “Inspecting the coolant level”. Please refer to the following guidelines 
page 25, “Coolant temperature/coolant
level ”.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.
Any increase in the cooling effect of the coolant fan through shifting down a gear
and increasing the engine speed is not possible since the fan speed is independent
of the engine speed. One should also not drop a gear for this reason when towing a
trailer as long as the engine can manage the slope without any drop in speed.
Detachable towing device*The ball head of the towing device is stow ed together with separate fitting instruc-
tions in the spare wheel well in the luggage compartment of the vehicle.
Inspect the ball head to ensure that it is properly locked each time before setting
off. The inspection is performed by turning the closed locking lever downwards. If
the locking lever can only be turned around a small angle (approx. 5°), the locking
mechanism is O.K. After the inspection pull the locking lever back again to its stop.
The towing device must not be used, if it does not wish to close or the locking lever
turns slightly in the closed position.
WARNING
Do not use any aids or tools for installing or removing the ball head. This might
result in damage to the locking mechanism to the extent that the safety of the
towing device is no longer assured - risk of an accident.
Note
•
Do not carry out any modifications or re pairs to the ball head or to any other
components on the towing device.
Fig. 118 Detachable ball head
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