Owners of Skoda Octavia sometimes notice the temperature gauge wandering up and down rather than settling. This indicates the cooling system isn’t maintaining steady temperature.

Symptoms

• Temperature needle fluctuates with traffic
• Temp drops at speed and rises in stop-and-go
• Irregular radiator fan operation

Main causes

• Faulty thermostat
• Bad coolant temperature sensor
• Partially blocked radiator
• Failing water pump

Solutions

• Replace thermostat
• Test/replace temp sensor
• Flush/clean or replace radiator
• Inspect/replace water pump

Advice

Fluctuations risk hot spots and head gasket failure — fix cooling issues promptly.