daveo138

How did you get on? I'm currently considering doing the same. Wheels and Tyres - Skoda Octavia Mk3 (2013 - 2020) - BRISKODA

I have thought that the suspension on my Octavia seems a bit harsh and, having searched the forum, it seems that I’m not alone. My car is an ‘Elegance’ with 17” rims and 225/45x17 tyres and the beam axle rear suspension. Looking at the driver’s handbook, it says that the load rating for both 205/55x16 and 225/45x17 tyres is 91. However, it looks like the majority of 17” tyres that are available have a load rating of 94, as are the ones on my car. I think this could be contributing to the problem, along with the 45 profile on our potholed roads. I’ve decided to go down a wheel size to 16”, as 16” tyres are much more available in 91 load rating, together with the 55 profile, I’m hoping for a more comfortable ride. Has anyone else tried this? Out of interest, what size wheels and tyres does the VRS have?

I’ve bought a set of B4s for the rear, but I haven’t got around to fitting them - I’ve had them for more than six months 🙄 I really must fit them. It’s not a VRS, just a ‘normal’ Octavia with a beam axle, but I find the ride a bit harsh.

All the 5s on the Octavia. Unfortunately, I missed it with the Vauxhall Omega.

What’s the coolant level in the header tank? What sort of garage was it? Main dealer, Indy, general garage?

Are these engines known for getting blocked pick-up pipes/strainers? I know my neighbour had an Audi TT 1.8T which had a badly blocked pick-up. If it is likely to be an issue, I’ll drop my sump and sort it before it’s too late.

The OP hasn't visited since October '24, so you may not get a response. As has been said, worth a search to see how successful others have been. I believe this is quite a common fault.

I'm in North Derbyshire, otherwise I could have helped. I have OBDeleven. I doubt that you could use a generic scanner/code reader unless it's very high-end.

Whereabouts are you?

I think you can also rule out the weather. My fuel consumption reduced noticeably in the spring, when the temperature started to increase.

I'm no expert on multi-link suspension - I don't have it on mine - but it looks to me like you would adjust the camber first, using the bolt on the inner end of your new transverse arm, then the toe afterwards, using the other bolt on the track control arm.

Duly noted. 👍

I do have a bit of a strange smell in my car, after using the air con. I have used a ‘bomb’ in the past, but it didn’t really work. I have a foam spray cleaner, but I’ve read that it shouldn’t be sprayed through the vents, only up through the drain hole. I have yet to locate the drain hole (Octavia).

I'm using my father's 1970s Halfords ramps. I made some wooden adaptors which I use together with some other blocks of wood. The photo shows my other half's Rover 25, but they work equally well with the Octavia.

You can reset the service indicator without a code reader - search YouTube - although it’s always worth having something that will tell you if there’s a problem with your car. I have OBDeleven, which is particularly useful.

I doubt it’s the bulb, as you would still get the telltale light on the dash. I would start with the fuse.

It seems you are not alone. This thread is from a couple of weeks ago.

I'd be inclined to wire brush it, treat it with a rust converter and paint it, or Waxoyl it.

I used some Jif, or Cif as they now call it. I also used it on the rubbers around the rear side windows (estate). Worked a treat.

If you look at the top of the negative battery terminal post, you can see the numbers 50 and 18. I believe that dates it to week 50 of 2018, so it looks like the original battery. They do seem to last quite well. I replaced my original battery last year at ten years old.

A valid point. Even BL cars of the ‘70s had an amber oil pressure warning light which would come on with the ignition and go off when oil pressure had built up.

Welcome to the forum. A tip for refitting the glovebox - you can use a piece of duct tape to hold the damper arm in position and then peel it off once it’s in place.

Does the driver’s handbook not have the procedure for re syncing the key? When I bought my car, the spare key wouldn’t do anything, but following the instructions in the handbook, I got it to re-sync. Mine isn’t KESSY, but I’m sure there is likely to be a similar procedure.

It’s difficult to say without seeing it in situ and seeing what access you have. Any chance of a photo?

I’m not sure why a rocker cover should be so hard to get hold of. Are you looking for new or second hand? Can it be repaired? How old is the car?