Wheels; Tyres And Wheel Rims - Skoda Octavia Owner's Manual

Wheels

Tyres and wheel rims

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Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Tyre life
New tyres and wheels
Unidirectional tyres
Spare wheel
Full wheel trim
Wheel bolts
Tyre control display
Wheel bolts
Winter tyres
Snow chains
WARNING
During the first 500 km, new tyres do not offer optimum grip and appropri-
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ate care should therefore be taken when driving – risk of accident!
Never drive with damaged tyres – risk of accident!
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Never exceed the maximum permissible load bearing capacity of mounted
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tyres.
Immediately replace damaged wheel rims or tyres.
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On all four wheels, use only radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling cir-
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cumference) and the same tread pattern.
Only use those tyres or wheel rims which have been approved by ŠKODA for
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your model of vehicle. Failure to observe this instruction will adversely affect
the road safety of your vehicle – risk of accident!
The maximum permissible speed for your tyres must not be exceeded under
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any circumstances – risk of an accident resulting from tyre damage and loss of
control of the vehicle.
WARNING (Continued)
If the inflation pressure is too low, the tyre must perform a greater rolling
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resistance. At higher speeds the tyre will warm up as a result of this. This can
result in tread separation and a tyre blowout.
For safety reasons, do no replace tyres individually.
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Never use tyres if you do not know anything about the condition and age.
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You must have your tyres replaced with new ones at the latest when the
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wear indicators have been worn down.
Worn tyres do not provide the necessary adhesion to the road surface par-
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182 ticularly at high speeds on wet roads. One could experience "aquaplaning"
(uncontrolled movements of the vehicle – "swimming" on a wet road surface).
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Do not use summer or winter tyres that are older than 6 years or 4 years re-
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spectively.
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The wheel bolts must be clean and must turn easily. Never treat them with
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grease or oil.
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If the wheel bolts are tightened to a too low tightening torque, the rim can
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come loose when the car is moving – risk of accident! A tightening torque
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which is too high can damage the bolts and threads and this can result in per-
186 manent deformation of the contact surfaces on the rim.
In case of incorrect treatment of the wheel bolts, the wheel can loosen
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when the car is moving – risk of accident!
Never drive with more than one spare wheel mounted.
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Only use the spare wheel while absolutely necessary.
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The snow chains cannot be used on the spare wheel.
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An incorrect wheel alignment at the front or rear impairs handling - risk of
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accident!
The tyre control display does not absolve the driver of the responsibility to
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ensure the correct tyre inflation pressure. Check the tyre inflation pressure at
regular intervals.
Unusual vibrations or pulling of the vehicle to one side could be a sign of
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tyre damage. If there is any doubt that a wheel is damaged, immediately re-
duce your speed and stop! If no external damage is evident, drive slowly and
carefully to the nearest ŠKODA specialist garage to have the vehicle checked.
To low or too high inflation pressure impairs handling - risk of an accident!
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The national legal requirements must be observed for the use of tyres.
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Observe the national legal regulations relating to the use of snow chains
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and the maximum vehicle speed with snow chains.
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Wheels