Skoda Octavia Owner's Manual page 101

Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake pads
may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter. The
brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. If the brake system is not used much or if there is corrosion on the sur-
face, we recommend cleaning the brake discs by firmly applying the brakes from a
fairly high speed.
Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the
brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty. Visit a
specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriately as you
will not know how great the damage is.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The
level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
Handbrake
ä
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 99.
Applying the handbrake
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
100
Using the system
» page 28, Brake system .
Fig. 95
Centre console: Handbrake
Releasing the handbrake
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 95.
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light

the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the hand-
brake applied.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Release parking brake!
The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more
than 6 km/h for more than 3 seconds.
Stabilisation Control (ESC)

ä
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 99.
The ESC is automatically activated after starting the engine. The ESC helps to
maintain control of the vehicle in situations where it is being operated at its dy-
namic limits, such as a sudden change to the direction of travel. The risk of skid-
ding is reduced and your car thus offers greater driving stability depending on the
conditions of the road surface.
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
behaviour of the vehicle. In the event of deviations, such as if the car starts to
skid, the ESC automatically brakes the appropriate wheel.
lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
Fig. 96
ESC system: TCS button

£