Skoda Octavia Owner's Manual page 196

WARNING
Before beginning work in the engine compartment, please read the following
advice.
Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.
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Firmly apply the handbrake.
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If the vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever into
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Neutral, or if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox, move the selec-
tor lever into position P.
Allow the engine to cool.
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Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant flowing out of the
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engine compartment – risk of scalding! Wait until the steam or coolant has
stopped escaping.
WARNING
While working in the engine compartment, please read the following advice.
Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
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Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is still warm. The fan might
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suddenly start running!
Do not touch any hot engine parts – risk of burns!
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The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.
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Avoid contact with the coolant.
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Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
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Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the en-
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gine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
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with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot cool-
ant.
If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes with
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clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
Always safely store the coolant additive in its original container out of the
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reach of children – risk of poisoning!
If coolant is swallowed - consult a doctor immediately.
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Do not leave any items such as cloths or tools in the engine compartment.
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Never spill fluids on the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the antifreeze con-
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tained in the coolant) may ignite!
194
General Maintenance
WARNING
Whenever working in the engine compartment while the engine is running,
you must pay heed to the following warning instructions.
Pay particular attention to moving engine parts (e.g. V-ribbed belt, alterna-
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tor, radiator fan) and the high-voltage ignition unit – risk of death!
Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
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Avoid short circuits in the electrical system – particularly on the vehicle's
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battery.
Always make sure that no jewellery, loose clothing or long hair can get
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caught in rotating engine parts – risk of death! Always remove any jewellery,
tie back long hair and wear tight fitting clothing before completing any work.
WARNING
The following warning instructions must be observed if work has to be carried
out on the fuel or electrical system.
Always disconnect the vehicle battery from the electrical system.
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Do not smoke.
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Never work near open flames.
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Always have a functioning fire extinguisher nearby.
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WARNING
Read the information and warning instructions on the fluid containers.
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Keep fluids in their original containers and keep out of reach of children!
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If you wish to work under the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle from roll-
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ing away and support it with suitable supporting blocks: the car jack is not
sufficient for this – risk of injury!
Never cover the engine with additional insulation material (e.g. with a blan-
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ket) – risk of fire!
The bonnet must always be properly closed when driving. This is why after
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closing the bonnet, the lock must always be checked to ensure it has engaged
properly.
If you notice that the lock is not properly engaged while driving, stop the ve-
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hicle immediately and close the bonnet – risk of accident!
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