Skoda OCTAVIA - 05-2010 Owner's Manual page 198

Working in the engine compartment
Particular care is required when carrying out any work in the engine
compartment!
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine
compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. For this
reason, it is essential to comply with the warning instructions stated below and
with the general applicable rules of safety. The engine compartment of your car
is a hazardous area 
.
WARNING

Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is flowing out of the
engine compartment - risk of scalding! Wait long enough until the steam or
coolant has stopped escaping.

Switch off the engine and pull out the ignition key.

Apply the handbrake firmly.

If your vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever into
Neutral, or if it is fitted with automatic gearbox, move the selector lever into
position P.

Allow the engine to cool down.

Keep children clear of the engine compartment.

Never spill oil and other fluids over the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the anti-
freeze contained in the coolant) may ignite!

Avoid short circuits in the electrical system - particularly on the battery.

Never place your hand into the radiator fan as long as the engine is still
warm. The fan might suddenly start running!

Never open the cap of the coolant expansion bottle as long as the engine is
still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!

Cover over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir with a large cloth
when opening it as protection for your face, hands and arms from hot steam or
hot coolant.

Do not let objects, such as e.g cleaning cloth or tools lie in the engine
compartment.
Using the system Safety

rolling away and support it with suitable supporting blocks; the lifting jack* is
not sufficient for this - risk of injury!

is running there is an additional risk from rotating parts (e.g. the V-ribbed belt,
alternator, radiator fan) and from the high-voltage ignition system. Please
observe in addition the following:

carrying out any essential work on the fuel system or on the electrical system:
When replenishing fluids in the engine, always ensure that the fluids are on no account
mixed up. This may result in major operating problems and also vehicle damage!
Driving Tips General Maintenance
WARNING (continued)
If you wish to work under the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle from
In cases where it be necessary to carry out inspection work when the engine
 Never touch the electrical cables of the ignition system.
 Absolutely avoid any jewellery, loose items of clothing or long hair from
getting into the rotating parts of the engine - Hazard! Therefore remove any
jewellery beforehand, tie up your hair and wear tight fitting clothing.
Please also comply with the warning instructions stated below when
 Always separate the car battery from the electrical system.
 Do not smoke.
 Never carry out any work close to naked flames.
 Always keep a working fire extinguisher at hand.
Caution
Breakdown assistance
Inspecting and replenishing
Technical Data
197