Get Driving Tips Guide for Skoda Octavia 4 Door Third Generation (2013-2020)

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123

Driving Tips

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Electronic stability programme (ESP)*

additional measurement data which are supplied by highly sensitive sensors: the rota-

tional velocity of the vehicle about its vertical axis, the lateral acceleration of the

vehicle, the braking pressure and the steering angle.

General

The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering

angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actual behav-

iour of the vehicle. If differences exist, such as the vehicle beginning to skid, the ESP will

automatically brake the appropriate wheel.

The car is stabilised again by the forces which take effect when the wheel is braked.

Intervention into the brake system takes place primarily on the outer front wheel of a

vehicle which tends to oversteer (tendency for the rear of the vehicle to break away)

while occurs this is on the inner rear wheel of a vehicle which tends to understeer

(tendency to shift out of the curve). This braking control cycle is accompanied by

noises.

Fig. 134 ESP switch

The ESP operates in combination with the ABS  page 126, “Antilock brake system

(ABS)*”. If there is a fault in the ABS system, the ESP also does not operate.

General

The ESP warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a fault on the

The ESP aids you in maintaining control of your vehicle in situations in which the

ESP  page 31.

vehicle is driving at its dynamic limits, such as entering a curve fast. The risk of skidding

Switching off

is reduced and your vehicle thus offers greater driving stability depending on the

conditions of the road surface. The system operates at all speeds.

You can switch the ESP off and on again as you wish, by pressing the button  fig. 134.

The ESP warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when the system is switched

The following systems are integrated into the electronic stability programme:

off  page 31.

 Electronic Differential Lock (EDL),

The ESP should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice in certain

 Traction control system (TCS),

exceptional cases, such as when you wish to have wheel slip, to switch off the system.

 Antilock brake system (ABS),

Examples:

 Brake Assist.

 when driving with snow chains

 when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface

Operating principle

 when it is necessary to rock a vehicle when it has become stuck.

The ESP switches on automatically when the engine is started and then conducts a self-

test. The ESP control unit processes data from the individual systems. It also processes

then you should switch on the ESP again.

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124

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Overheating of the brakes

WARNING

The EDL switches off automatically if unusually severe stresses exist in order to avoid

It is also not possible for the ESP to overcome the physical limits of the vehicle.

excessive heat generation in the disc brake on the wheel which is being braked. The

Even if a vehicle fitted with ESP you should still always adapt your style of

vehicle can continue to be driven and has the same characteristics as a vehicle not

driving to the condition of the road surface and the traffic situation. This partic-

fitted with EDL.

ularly applies when driving on slippery and wet roads. The increased safety

The EDL switches on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down.

offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an acci-

dent!

WARNING

 Carefully depress the accelerator when accelerating on uniformly slippery

Note

 All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-free

road surfaces, such as ice and snow. The driven wheels might still spin despite

the EDL and affect the stability of the vehicle - risk of an accident!

operation of the ESP. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can lead to an unde-

 You should always adapt your style of driving to the condition of road

sirable reduction in the engine output.

 Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combina-

surface and to the traffic situation even when your vehicle is fitted with EDL.

The increased safety offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than

tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ESP  page 166, “Accesso-

otherwise - risk of an accident!

ries, changes and replacement of parts”.

Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*

Note

 If the ABS warning light comes on, this may also indicate a fault in the EDL. Please

The electronic differential lock prevents an individual wheel from slip-

have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible by a specialist garage.

ping.

 Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combina-

tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the EDL  page 166, “Accesso-

Vehicles fitted with ABS* can be equipped with electronic differential lock (EDL).

ries, changes and replacement of parts”.

General

The EDL makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate

and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.

Operating principle

The EDL is activated automatically, that is without any action on the part of the driver.

It monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the ABS sensors. Should

only one drive wheel begin spinning on a slippery surface there will be an appreciable

difference in the speed of the driven wheels. The EDL function brakes the slipping

wheel and the differential transmits a greater driving force to the other driven wheel.

This control process is also accompanied by noises.

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125

Traction control system (TCS)

Examples:

 when driving with snow chains

The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from spinning

 when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface

when accelerating.

 when it is necessary to rock a vehicle when it has become stuck.

then you should switch on the TCS again.

WARNING

You should always adjust your style of driving to the conditions of the road

surface and the traffic situation. The increased safety offered must not tempt

you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident!

Note

Fig. 135 TCS switch

 All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-free

operation of the TCS. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can lead to an unde-

General

sirable reduction in the engine output.

The TCS makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate

 Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combina-

and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.

tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the TCS  page 166, “Accesso-

ries, changes and replacement of parts”.

Operating principle

The TCS switches on automatically when the engine is started and then conducts a

Brakes

self-test. The system monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the ABS

sensors. If the wheels are spinning, the force transmitted to the road surface is auto-

What has a negative effect on braking efficiency?

matically adapted by reducing the engine speed. The system operates at all speeds.

The TCS operates in combination with the ABS  page 126, “Antilock brake system

Wear-and-tear

(ABS)*”. The TCS will not function if a fault exists in the ABS system.

Wear-and-tear to the brake pads is greatly dependent on the operating conditions of

the vehicle and your style of driving. Particularly if you drive a great deal in towns and

The TCS warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a fault on the

TCS  page 31.

over short distances or if you adopt a sporty style of driving, it may be necessary to

have the thickness of the brake pads inspected at a specialist garage between the

Switching off

service inspections.

You can switch the TCS off and on again as you wish by pressing the button  fig. 135.

Wet roads or road salt

The TCS warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when the system is switched

off  page 31.

There may be a certain delay before the brakes take full effect under certain conditions

such as when driving through water, during heavy rain showers or after the vehicle has

The TCS should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice in certain

been washed in an automatic vehicle wash, since the brake discs and brake pads may

exceptional cases, such as when you wish to have wheel slip, to switch off the system.

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Technical Data

126

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be moist or even have a coating of ice on them in winter. You should dry the brakes as

WARNING (continued)

soon as possible by applying and releasing the brakes several times.

compensate for this slightly reduced braking force by increasing the pressure

There also may be a certain delay before the full braking efficiency is available when

on the brake pedal. This guideline also applies to any new brake pads installed

driving on roads which have been treated with road salt if you have not used the

at a future date.

brakes for some considerable time beforehand. The layer of salt on the brake discs and

brake pads must first be rubbed off when you apply the brakes.

Caution

Corrosion

 Never allow the brakes to rub by applying slight pressure if you do not wish to

Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has been

brake the vehicle. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer

parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking system.

braking distance and excessive wear.

 Before negotiating a steep downhill section, reduce your speed, shift down into the

We recommend cleaning the brake discs by firmly applying the brakes at a fairly high

speed if you do not make much use of the braking system or if surface corrosion is

next lower gear. This enables you to make full use of the braking power of the vehicle

present 

and reduces the strain on the brakes. Any additional braking should be done intermit-

tently, not continuously.

Faults in the brake surface

If you notice that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the brake

Brake booster

pedal can be depressed further, it is possible that a brake circuit of the dual-circuit

brake system has failed. Drive, in such cases, to the nearest specialist garage without

The brake booster boosts the pressure which you generate with the brake pedal. The

delay in order to have the problem rectified. Drive at a reduced speed while on your

necessary pressure is only generated when the engine is running.

way to the dealer and adapt your style of driving to the higher brake pedal pressure

required.

WARNING

Low brake fluid level

 Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary.

An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The level

 The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater phys-

of the brake fluid is monitored electronically  page 31, “Brake system ”.

ical effort for braking is required when engine is switched off. Because if you do

not stop as normal, this can cause an accident and severe injuries.

WARNING

 Only apply the brakes for the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake discs

Antilock brake system (ABS)*

if the traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any other road users in jeop-

ardy.

ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking.

 When retrospectively mounting a front spoiler, solid wheel hubs etc. one

must ensure that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced other-

General

wise the braking system could run too hot.

The ABS contributes significantly to enhancing the active safety of your vehicle.

 Allow for the fact that new brake pads do not achieve their full braking effi-

Compared to a vehicle not fitted with the ABS brake system, you are able to retain

ciency until approximately 200 kilometres. New brake pads must be first “run

optimal steering ability even during a full brake application on a slippery road surface

in” before they develop their optimal friction force. You can, however,

because the wheels do not lock up.

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127

Brake Assist*

You must not expect, however, that the braking distance will be shorter under all

circumstances as a result of the ABS. The braking distance for example on gravel and

fresh snow, when you should anyway be driving slowly and cautiously, will be longer.

During a severe brake application (e.g. if a hazard exists), the Brake Assist increases the

braking force and thus makes it possible to rapidly produce the pressure required in

Operating principle

the brake system.

The brake pressure will be reduced on a wheel which is rotating at a speed which is too

The majority of drivers do apply the brakes in good time in dangerous situations, but

low for the speed of the vehicle and tending to lock. This control cycle is noticeable

do not depress the brake pedal with sufficient pressure. Consequently, it is not

from a pulsating movement of the brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.

possible for the vehicle to achieve its maximum deceleration and the vehicle covers a

This is consciously intended to provide the driver with the information that the wheels

greater distance than necessary.

are tending to lock (ABS control range). You must always keep the brake pedal

depressed to enable the ABS to optimally control the brake application in this braking

The Brake Assist is activated by the very quick operation of the brake pedal. In such

range. Never interrupt the application of the brakes!

cases, a much greater braking pressure exists than during a normal brake application.

This makes it possible, even with a relatively low resistance of the brake pedal, to

produce an adequate pressure in the brake system in the shortest possible time, which

WARNING

is required for maximum deceleration of the vehicle. You must apply the brake pedal

 The ABS can also not overcome the physical limits of your vehicle. Please do

firmly and hold it in this position in order to achieve the shortest possible braking

not forget this, particularly when driving on icy or wet road surfaces. If the ABS

distance.

is operating within the control range, adapt your speed immediately to the

The Brake Assist is able to help you achieve a shorter braking distance in emergency

conditions of the road surface and the traffic situation. The increased safety

situations by rapidly producing the pressure required in the brake system. It fully

offered by the ABS must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise -

exploits the attributes of the ABS. After you release the brake pedal, the function of the

risk of an accident!

Brake Assist is automatically switched off and the brakes operate in the normal way.

 The normal braking system is still fully functional if there is an ABS fault.

Visit a specialist garage as quickly as possible and adjust your style of driving to

WARNING

take account of the ABS fault in the meantime since you will not know the

 The Brake Assist is also not able to overcome the physical limits of your

extent of the fault and in how far the braking efficiency is affected.

vehicle in terms of the braking distance required.

 Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic

Note

 A warning light comes on if a fault occurs in the ABS system  page 30.

situation.

 The increased safety offered by the Brake Assist must not tempt you to take

 Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combina-

tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ABS  page 166, “Accesso-

a greater safety risk than otherwise.

ries, changes and replacement of parts”.

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Technical Data

128

Driving and the Environment

The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards

Caution

All the speed and engine revolution figures apply only when the engine is at its normal

A new engine

operating temperature. Never rev up an engine which is cold, neither when the vehicle

is stationary nor when driving in individual gears.

The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres.

Up to 1 000 kilometres

For the sake of the environment

– Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the maximum speed of the gear in use, that is 3/4 of

Not driving at unnecessarily high engine revolutions and shifting to a higher gear as

the maximum permissible engine speed.

early as possible are ways to minimise fuel consumption and operating noise levels

and protects the environment.

– Do not use full throttle.

– Avoid high engine revolutions.

New tyres

– Do not tow a trailer.

New tyres have to be “run in” since they do not offer optimal grip at first. You should

From 1 000 up to 1 500 kilometres

take account of this fact for the first 500 kilometres and drive particularly carefully.

– Increase the power output of the engine gradually up to the full speed of the gear

engaged, that is up to the maximum permissible engine revolutions.

New brake pads

During the first operating hours the engine has higher internal friction than later until

Allow for the fact that new brake pads do not achieve their full braking efficiency until

all of the moving parts have harmonized. The driving style which you adopt during the

approximately 200 kilometres. New brake pads must be first “run in” before they

first approx.1 500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the success of running in your

develop their optimal friction force. You can, however, compensate for this slightly

vehicle.

reduced braking force by increasing the pressure on the brake pedal.

You should not drive at unnecessarily high engine revolutions even after the

This guideline also applies to any new brake pads installed at a future date.

running-in period is complete. The maximum permissible engine speed is marked by

During the running-in period, you should avoid excessive stresses on the brakes. This

the beginning of the red zone on the scale of the revolutions counter. Shift up into the

includes, for example, violent braking, particularly from very high speeds, and also

next higher gear on a vehicle fitted with manual gearbox before the red zone is

when crossing mountain passes.

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.

Driving and the Environment

129

 If you detect misfiring, a drop in performance or irregular engine running when

Catalytic converter

driving, reduce your speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected by the nearest

Proper operation of the emission control system (catalytic converter) is

specialist garage. The symptoms described may be caused by a fault in the ignition

of major significance for driving your vehicle in an environmentally

system. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and damage the catalytic

converter.

conscious way.

Please refer to the following guidelines:

For the sake of the environment

– For vehicles with petrol engine only refuel with unleaded petrol  page 144.

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

– Never run the fuel tank completely empty.

sulphur content of the fuel. It is often sufficient to refuel with unleaded premium-

– Do not switch off the ignition while you are driving the vehicle.

grade petrol of a different brand or at a different filling station.

– Do not pour too much oil into the engine  page 151, “Replenishing engine oil”.

– Do not tow-start the vehicle over a distance of more than 50 metres  page 175,

Driving in an economical and environmentally

“Tow-starting a vehicle”.

conscious manner

If you drive your vehicle in a country in which unleaded petrol is not available, you

must have the catalytic converter replaced later when driving the vehicle into a country

General

in which use of a catalytic converter is mandatory.

Your personal style of driving is a major factor.

WARNING

Your fuel consumption, any pollution of the environmental and the wear-and-tear to

 In view of the high temperatures which may be produced in the catalytic

the engine, brakes and tyres, depend essentially on three factors:

 your personal style of driving,

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

 the conditions under which your vehicle is operated,

vehicle - a risk of fire!

 technical aspects.

 Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection agents

for the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters or heat shields. Such substances

You can easily improve your fuel economy by 10 - 15 percent by driving in an econom-

might ignite when driving - risk of fire!

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.

Caution

The fuel consumption can naturally also be influenced by factors which are beyond the

 On vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter, never let the fuel tank run completely

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,

empty. An irregular fuel supply can result in poor ignition or misfiring. Unburnt fuel

etc.

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

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

converter being destroyed.

to minimising negative effects on the environment. It is necessary to take note of the

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Technical Data

130

Driving and the Environment

The  fig. 136 shows the ratio of fuel consumption to the speed of your vehicle in the

guidelines given in this chapter in order to make best use of these characteristics and

to maintain their effectiveness.

relevant gears. Fuel consumption in 1st gear is the highest and in 5th gear is the lowest.

The optimal engine speed should be obtained when accelerating, in order to avoid a

Note

high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle.

Also use the information supplied by the multi-functional indicator*  page 19.

Looking ahead when driving

Avoiding full throttle

A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs it accelerates.

Driving more slowly means saving fuel.

Avoid accelerating and braking unnecessarily. If you drive with forsight you will not

need to brake so often and will 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.

Shifting gears and saving energy

Shifting up early saves on fuel.

Fig. 137 Fuel consumption in

litres/100 km. and speed in

km/h.

Sensitive use of the accelerator will not only significantly reduce fuel consumption but

also positively influence environmental pollution and wear of your vehicle.

You should avoid exploiting the top speed of your vehicle wherever possible. Fuel

consumption, pollutant emissions and vehicle noises increase disproportionally at

Fig. 136 Fuel consumption in

high speeds.

litres/100 km. and speed in

km/h.

The  fig. 137 shows the ratio of fuel consumption to the speed of your vehicle. You

will cut your fuel consumption by half if you only make use three-quarters of the

Manual gearbox

possible top speed of your vehicle.

– Drive no more than about one length of your vehicle in first gear.

– Always shift up into the next higher gear at approx. 2 000 to 2 500 revs.

An effective way of achieving good fuel economy is to shift up early. You will consume

more fuel if you drive at unnecessarily high revolutions in any given gear.

Driving and the Environment

131

 Check the ground below your vehicle at regular intervals to detect any leakages in

Reducing idling

good time. Please have your vehicle inspected by a specialist garge if you find any

Idling also costs fuel.

stains caused by oil or other fluids on the floor.

It is worthwhile switching off the engine in a traffic jam or when waiting at a level

Avoid driving short distances

crossing or at traffic lights with a lengthy red phase. Even after just 30 - 40 seconds you

will have saved more fuel than that is needed when you start the engine up again.

Short distances result in an above-average high fuel consumption.

If an engine is only idling it takes much longer for it to reach its normal operating

temperature. Wear-and-tear and pollutant emissions, though, are particularly high in

the warming-up phase. This is why you should drive off right after starting the engine.

Do avoid high engine revolutions at this time, however.

Regular servicing

A poorly tuned engine consumes an unnecessarily high amount of fuel.

Having your vehicle serviced regularly at a specialist garge enables you to satisfy one

Fig. 138 Fuel consumption in

of the requirements for economical motoring even before you set off on your journey.

litres/100 km at different

Keeping your vehicle properly serviced not only has a positive effect on the safety of

temperatures

your vehicle and maintaining its value, but also saves on fuel.

– Avoid driving a distance of no more than 4 km if the engine is cold.

A poorly tuned engine can result in a fuel consumption which is 10% higher than

normal.

The engine and catalytic converter must first have reached their optimal operating

The foreseen maintenance work should be undertaken exactly according to the

temperature in order to effectively reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.

Service schedule by a specialist garage.

The cold engine vehicle consumes approx. 15 - 20 litres/100 km of fuel immediately

Also check the oil level after refueling. Oil consumption is dependent to a consider-

after starting. Fuel consumption drops to 10 litres/100 km after just 1 kilometre. The

able extent on the load and speed of the engine. Oil consumption could be as high as

engine reaches its operating temperature (outside temperature and engine

0.5 litres/1 000 km depending on your style of driving.

dependent) only after about 4 to 10 kilometres and the fuel consumption then stabi-

lizes. You should therefore avoid driving short distances whenever possible.

It is quite normal that a new engine has a higher oil consumption at first, and reaches

its lowest level only after a certain running in time. It is therefore not possible to

An important factor in this connection is also the ambient temperature. The

correctly assess the oil consumption of a new vehicle until after you have driven about

 fig. 138 shows the different fuel consumptions for the same distance, on the one

5 000 km.

hand at +20°C and on the other hand at -10°C. Your vehicle has a higher fuel

consumption in winter than in summer.

For the sake of the environment

 You can achieve additional improvements in your fuel economy by using high-

lubricity oils.

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132

Driving and the Environment

Checking tyre inflation pressures

components switched on, the more fuel will be consumed for operating the

alternator.

Tyres which are correctly inflated save fuel.

Keeping a log of your fuel consumption

Always ensure that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure at all times. The

rolling resistance will be increased if the tyre filling pressure is too low. This will not

If you really wish to keep a close check on your fuel consumption, it is best to enter

only increase fuel consumption but also tyre wear and the driving behaviour will

the figures in a logbook. This does not take much time but is a very worthwhile exer-

worsen.

cise. It enables you to detect any change (positive and negative) at an early stage and

Always check the inflation pressure of the tyres when cold.

to take any appropriate action.

Do not drive with winter tyres all year round for this costs about 10 % more fuel.

If you find that your fuel consumption is too high, you should reflect on how, where

Winter tyres are also louder.

and in what conditions you have driven the vehicle since you last refuelled.

No unnecessary ballast

Environmental compatibility

Transporting ballast costs fuel.

Environmental protection has played a major role in the design, selection of materials

The fact that every kilogram of extra weight increases your fuel consumption means

and manufacture of your new Škoda. Particular emphasis has been paid to a number

that it is worth taking a look in the luggage compartment to avoid transporting any

of aspects, including:

unnecessary ballast.

Design measures

It is particularly in town traffic, when one is accelerating quite often, that the vehicle

 Joints designed to be easily detached;

weight will have a significant effect upon the fuel consumption. A rule of thumb here

 Simplified disassembly due to the modular structure system;

is that an increase in weight of 100 kilograms will cause an increase in fuel consump-

tion of about 1 litre/100 kilometres.

 Improved purity of different classes of materials;

You may frequently also leave a roof rack fitted on just out of convenience, although

 Identification of all plastic parts in accordance with VDA Recommendation 260;

you no longer need it. The increased aerodynamic drag of your vehicle causes it to use

 Reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission CO 2 ;

about 10% more fuel than normal at a speed of 100 - 120 km/h, even when you are

 Minimum fuel leakage during accidents;

not carrying a load on the roof.

 Reduced noise.

Saving electricity

Choice of materials

 Extensive use of recyclable material;

Generating electricity costs fuel.

 Air conditioning filled with CFC-free refrigerant;

– Switch off electrical components as soon as you no longer need them.

 No cadmium;

When the engine is running, the alternator generates and supplies electrical power.

 No asbestos;

The greater the load on the alternator as a result of having a large number of electrical

 Reduction in the “vaporisation” of plastics.

Driving and the Environment

133

Manufacture

Headlight stickers can be obtained as a spare part from the specialist garages.

 Solvent-free cavity protection;

The adaptation of the headlights with Xenon lamps (applies to vehicles which are

 Solvent-free protection of the vehicle for transportation from the production plant

designed for driving on the left and on the right) is performed by switching over a bezel

to the customer;

in the module for low beam by a specialist garage.

 The use of solvent-free adhesives;

 No CFCs used in the production process;

Note

 Without use of mercury;

You can obtain further information regarding masking over or converting the head-

lights from your specialist garage.

 Use of water-soluble paints.

Avoiding damage to your vehicle

Motoring abroad

When driving on poor roads and lanes or when driving over kerbstones, steep ramps

General

etc., you must pay particular attention to ensuring that any low-slung parts of the

vehicle, such as spoiler and exhaust, do not touch the ground and get damaged.

Other circumstances may exist abroad.

This particularly applies to models with a lowered suspension (sport suspension) and

It is also possible, in certain countries, that the Škoda Service Partner network is limited

also when your vehicle is fully laden.

or has not been established yet. This is the reason why obtaining certain spare parts

may be somewhat complicated and specialist garage personnel may only be able to

make limited repairs. Škoda Auto in the Czech Republic and relevant importers are

happy to provide information about technical aspects of the vehicle, required mainte-

nance work and possibilities for getting repairs done.

Unleaded petrol

A vehicle fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded petrol

 page 129. The automobile associations can provide you with information regarding

the locations of filling stations which offer unleaded petrol.

Headlight

The low beam of your headlights is set asymmetrically. It illuminates the side of the

road on which you are driving to a greater extent. If you drive abroad on the other side

of the road, you will dazzle oncoming traffic.

In order to prevent the dazzling of oncoming traffic, it is necessary to stick a sticker over

a certain part of the headlights.

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Breakdown assistance

Technical Data

134

Towing a trailer

General Maintenance

There are a number of points to pay attention to when towing a trailer.

Technical requirements

Trailer load

The towing device must satisfy certain technical requirements.

The permissible trailer load must on no account be exceeded.

Your vehicle is designed primarily for transporting persons and luggage. It can,

You can negotiate appropriately steeper inclines and descents if you do not make full

however, also be used for towing a trailer - provided certain technical equipment is

use of the permissible trailer load.

fitted.

The trailer loads specified only apply for altitudes up to 1 000 metres above mean sea

If your vehicle has already been supplied with a factory-fitted towing device then

level. The fact that the engine power output drops with increasing height due to a

everything that is necessary for towing a trailer in technical terms, and in terms of the

lowering of air pressure and thus the ability to climb, means that the towed weight

law, has already been taken into account.

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

Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection between

together. One should take this into account before driving up to higher altitudes.

the vehicle and trailer. If the trailer which you wish to tow has a 7-pin connector, you

can use a suitable adapter 5) from Škoda original accessories.

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

This work must be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications if

is often less than this test data, can be found in your vehicle registration docu-

a towing device is retrofitted.

ments.

Specialist garages are familiar with details relating to retrofitting a towing device and

for any necessary modifications to the cooling system.

Distribution of the load

Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that any heavy items are located as close

WARNING

as possible to the axle. Secure the items to prevent them slipping.

We recommend that you have the towing device from Škoda original accesso-

Tyre pressure

ries installed by a specialist garage. He is familiar with all the relevant details

Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for that of “fully laden”,  page 160.

relating to retrofitting such equipment. There is a risk of an accident if the

The inflation pressure of the tyres fitted to the trailer adjust in accordance with the

towing device is not properly fitted!

manufacturer's recommendation.

Exterior mirrors

You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the traffic

behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. Both exterior mirrors should be

attached to folding arms. Adjust the mirrors so that they provide you with an adequate

field of view to the rear.

In some countries the adapter is supplied with the towing device.

Towing a trailer

135

Headlights

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

Before starting off with a hitched trailer, also check the setting of the headlights. Alter

are unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions, particularly near accident black

the setting as necessary with the aid of the headlight beam adjuster  page 48.

spots.

Detachable ball head

You must always reduce your speed immediately as soon as you detect even just the

The ball rod is detachable on vehicles which feature a factory-fitted towing device. It is

slightest swaying of the trailer. On no account attempt to stop the trailer from

stowed together with separate fitting instructions in the spare wheel well in the

“swaying” by accelerating.

luggage compartment of the vehicle.

Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the

Further information on the towing device  page 136.

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.

Note

 We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between service inter-

Engine overheating

vals if you tow a trailer frequently.

Please keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if you have to negotiate a

 The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and decou-

lengthy slope in a low gear at a high engine speed when the outside temperature is

pling the trailer.

very high  page 16.

If the needle of the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area or even

Driving Tips

the red area of the scale, reduce your speed immediately. Stop and switch off the

engine if the warning light  in the instrument cluster begins flashing. Wait a few

Particular caution is required when towing a trailer.

minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle  page 153,

– Do not, as far as possible, drive with your vehicle unladen and the trailer laden.

“Inspecting the coolant level”.

– Do not make full use of the legal maximum speeds. This applies in particular to

Please refer to the following guidelines  page 28, “Coolant temperature/coolant

downhill sections.

level ”.

– Apply the brakes in good time.

The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.

– Keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if the outside temperature is high.

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

Distribution of weight

engine speed. One should also not drop a gear for this reason when towing a trailer as

The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trailer is

long as the engine can manage the slope without any drop in speed.

laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this combina-

tion.

Driving speed

Do not drive faster than 80 km/hour for safety reasons. This also applies for countries

in which higher speeds are allowed.

Using the system

Safety

Driving Tips

General Maintenance

Breakdown assistance

Technical Data

136

Towing a trailer

 You should take off the ball head if you drive without towing a trailer. Inspect

Detachable towing device*

whether the end cover properly seals off the mounting shaft.

 Remove the ball head beforehand if you wish to clean your vehicle using a steam

jet. Ensure that the end cover properly seals the mounting shaft.

 It is recommended to wear gloves when installing and removing.

Fig. 139 Detachable ball head

The detachable ball head of the towing device is stowed in a box for the car tool kit in

the spare wheel well in the luggage compartment.

An instruction for correct installation and removal of the ball head of the towing device

is supplied with the ball head

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 mech-

anism 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 repairs to the ball head or to any other

components on the towing device.

 Contact a specialist garage if you encounter any problems using the device.

 Never unlock the ball head with a trailer coupled to it.

Driving Tips for Your Skoda Octavia 4 Door Third Generation (2013-2020)

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