How to properly remove wipers on a ŠKODA Octavia Tour: instructions for all generations

Replacing wipers with ŠKODA Octavia Tour - a procedure that every owner faces sooner or later. It would seem, what could be simpler? But careless handling of fasteners or an incorrect approach to dismantling can lead to scratches on the windshield, broken leads, or even damage to the electric drive. This topic is especially relevant for owners Octavia Tour — models with an enlarged trunk and a specific hood geometry, where access to the wipers is sometimes difficult.

In this article we will analyze the process of removing wipers on all generations Octavia Tour (including A5 FL, A7 and A8), we will take into account the nuances of fastenings from different manufacturers (Bosch, Valeo, Hella) and give practical advice on safe dismantling. You will also learn how to avoid common mistakes that even experienced car owners make.

Preparing to remove wipers: tools and safety precautions

Before you get started, make sure you have everything you need. Unlike many cars where wipers can be removed with bare hands, Octavia Tour sometimes requires additional tools - especially if the brushes have not been changed for years or non-original models are installed.

Here's what you'll need:

• 🔧 Flat head screwdriver (for prying off the plastic fastening covers, if any).
• 🧤 Gloves (so as not to scratch the glass and get your hands dirty).
• 📏 Ruler or tape measure (to measure the length of brushes when purchasing new ones).
• 🔋 WD-40 lubricant (if the fastenings are soured or rusted).
• 📦 New wipers (if you are planning a replacement, take the original VAG 6Q1 955 425 or analogues from Bosch/Valeo).

Important: Octavia Tour has an elongated body, and the length of the wipers on it differs from the standard one Octavia. For example, on A7 brush sizes are 600 mm (driver's) + 400 mm (passenger), and on A8 — 650 mm + 450 mm. Check the parameters for your generation before purchasing!

⚠️ Attention: Never remove the wipers in frosts below –10°C! The plastic of the fasteners becomes brittle and you risk breaking the leash. If the car was parked in the cold, warm up the glass and fastenings with a hairdryer (but do not overheat!).

Types of wiper mounts on the ŠKODA Octavia Tour: how to determine yours

One of the key points is to correctly identify the type of fastening. On Octavia Tour There are three main options:

1. Hook (hook, U-shaped) - the most common type on models before 2017. The brush is attached to a curved metal hook.
2. Bayonet (bayonet) - used on original wipers VAG for Octavia A7/A8. The brush is fixed with a side snap.
3. Push Button - a rare option, found on some non-original brushes. Removal occurs by pressing the button on the side.

To determine your type, look at where the brush is attached to the leash:

• 🔍 If visible metal hook, you have Hook.
• 🔍 If there is plastic tab on the side, which needs to be clicked, is Bayonet.
• 🔍 If the brush has buttonpressing down is Push Button.

Mounting type	Generation of the Octavia Tour	Removal Features
Hook (U-shaped)	A5 FL (2009–2013), A7 (until 2017)	Bend the plastic cap and move the brush down
Bayonet (bayonet)	A7 (after 2017), A8	Press the plastic tab on the side and pull it up
Push Button	Non-original brushes	Press the button on the brush, move it to the side

On Octavia Tour A8 with the system Rain Light Sensor (rain sensor) when removing the wipers, be sure to turn off the ignition! Otherwise, the electronics may perceive the manipulation as a malfunction and record an error in the control unit.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove wipers on an Octavia Tour

Now let's move on to practice. Below are universal instructions suitable for most generations. If your model has special features, they will be listed separately.

1. Place the car on a level surface and set the parking brake

2. Raise the wipers to a vertical position (perpendicular to the glass)

3. Mark with a marker the position of the brushes on the leads (to facilitate reinstallation)

4. Prepare a cloth to place on the glass (anti-scratch)-->

1. Raising the wipers to the service position

On Octavia Tour The wipers can be raised manually or through the on-board computer menu:

• 🔘 Manual method: Turn off the ignition, lift the wiper control lever up and hold for 3-5 seconds. The wipers will stand vertically.
• 📱 Via MIB: On models with MIB2/MIB3 go to Settings → Service → Service position of wipers.

If the wipers do not rise automatically, do not force them! This may indicate a faulty drive. In this case, carefully pry the brushes with a screwdriver and lift them up manually.

2. Removing brushes depending on the type of fastening

For Hook (U-shaped):

1. Bend the plastic cap (if present) on the mount.
2. Press the latch on the side of the brush and pull it down, moving it off the hook.
3. If the brush does not budge, apply WD-40 to the mounting location and wait 2–3 minutes.

For Bayonet mount (bayonet):

1. Press the plastic tab on the side of the mount.
2. Pull the brush upward while moving it away from the leash.
3. If the tab is broken, use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry the brush free.

To attach the Push Button:

1. Press the button on the brush until it clicks.
2. Slide the brush along the leash and remove.

On Octavia Tour A8 with frameless wipers (for example, Bosch Aerotwin) the mount can be hidden under a decorative trim. To remove it, pull the cover towards you - it is secured with latches.

⚠️ Attention: On models with lane assist (Lane Keeping Assist) Do not touch the camera behind the windshield! It is located next to the passenger wiper mount and is sensitive to mechanical stress.

Common mistakes when removing wipers and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to breakdowns. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🚫 Broken thread on the leash. Occurs if you apply excessive force when unscrewing the nut (on older models Octavia Tour A5 the fastening may be on a bolt). Solution: Use a 13mm socket wrench and do not force it - if the nut does not fit, treat it with penetrating lubricant.
• 🚫 Damage to the glass seal. If you lift the wipers carelessly, the plastic seal between the glass and the hood may break. Solution: Raise the brushes smoothly, holding the leash with your other hand.
• 🚫 Loss of plastic inserts. On mounts Bayonet Small plastic clips often get lost. Solution: Remove brushes over a box or bucket to avoid dropping parts.
• 🚫 Size mismatch of new brushes. On Octavia Tour The length of the wipers is different from the standard Octavia! Solution: Check dimensions using VIN code or original catalogs ETKA.

Another typical problem is sticking of leashes after removing the brushes. This happens if dirt or corrosion gets into the mechanism. To avoid this, after removing the brushes:

1. Clean the leashes from dirt with a damp cloth.
2. Apply silicone grease to the hinges.
3. Turn on the wipers manually (without blades) once so that the lubricant is distributed.

What to do if the wiper arm is bent?

If you bend the metal arm when removing the brush, do not try to straighten it with a hammer - this will upset the balance. It is better to replace the leash assembly (part number for Octavia Tour A7: 5Q1 955 701/702 for driver/passenger side).

Features of removing wipers on different generations of Octavia Tour

Design of wipers Octavia Tour changed depending on the generation. Let's look at the key differences:

Octavia Tour A5 FL (2009–2013)

These models use mountable wipers Hook, but there is a nuance: the plastic caps on the leashes often break when removed. To avoid this:

• Before dismantling, remove the cap by prying it off with a thin-bladed screwdriver.
• If the cap is cracked, replace it (part no. 1Z2 955 869).

Octavia Tour A7 (2013–2020)

Both types of fastenings are found here - Hook (on earlier versions) and Bayonet (on restyled ones). The main feature is the presence rain sensor in the passenger wiper area. When removing the brush, do not touch the area around the sensor (it is marked with tinting or a sticker).

On A7 with option Kessy (keyless entry) when the wipers are raised to the service position, an alarm may sound. To avoid this, open the driver's door before starting work.

Octavia Tour A8 (2020–present)

The new generation received frameless wipers with fastening Bayonet and extended leashes. What's important here is:

• 🔹 When purchasing new brushes, choose models with airfoil (for example, Bosch Aerotwin AR651S), since standard ones may not cope with air flow at high speeds.
• 🔹 On some versions installed heated wipers. They can be identified by two wires going to the brush. When removing, do not pull on the wires!

Generation	Mounting type	Brush size (driver/passenger)	Features
A5 FL (2009–2013)	Hook	600 mm / 400 mm	Fragile plastic caps on leashes
A7 (2013–2020)	Hook / Bayonet	600 mm / 400 mm (before facelift), 650 mm / 450 mm (after)	Rain sensor in the passenger wiper area
A8 (2020–present)	Bayonet	650 mm / 450 mm	Frameless brushes, heated possible

How to remove the rear wiper on an Octavia Tour (Combi)

Station wagon Octavia Tour (or Combi) is equipped with a rear wiper, which also requires periodic replacement. Removing it has its own nuances:

1. Open the back door and locate the plastic plug on the wiper shaft.
2. Pry up the plug with a screwdriver and remove it (it is secured with latches).
3. Unscrew the nut 10 mm while holding the wiper with your hand (so that it does not fall).
4. Remove the brush from the axle by pulling it towards you.

When installing a new brush:

• 🔧 Tighten the nut firmly no more than 5 Nm (Tightening leads to deformation of the plastic fastening).
• 🔧 Check the operation of the washer - Octavia Tour The rear injector often gets clogged. If necessary, clean it with a needle.

Rear wiper size on all generations Octavia Tour Combi identical - 300 mm. Original article: 5E0 955 425 C.

What to do after removing wipers: care and installation of new ones

When the old brushes are removed, do not rush to install new ones. Here's what to do before installation:

• 🧼 Clean the leashes from dirt and old grease residues. Use a lint-free cloth and rubbing alcohol.
• 🛠️ Check the condition of the rubber seals on leashes. If they are cracked, replace them (part no. 6Q0 955 717).
• 🔍 Inspect the windshield for the presence of microcracks. If they are, the new wipers will quickly deteriorate.
• 💧 Pour fresh fluid into the washer reservoir (on Octavia Tour recommended VAG G 019 500 M2 with deicer).

When installing new brushes:

1. Place the brush on the leash until it clicks (for Bayonet) or fix it on a hook (for Hook).
2. Make sure that the brush is level and does not catch on the hood when moving.
3. Turn on the wipers at minimum speed and check for any extraneous noise (creaks, knocks).

If new wipers “bounce” or do not press well, the cause may be:

• 🔹 Wrong size (too long brushes catch the edges of the hood).
• 🔹 Wear of driver springs (replacement of leash assemblies is required).
• 🔹 Contamination of the guides (clean the grooves of the brushes from transport lubricant).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about removing wipers on the ŠKODA Octavia Tour

Is it possible to remove the wipers without lifting them to the service position?

Technically yes, but it is inconvenient and dangerous for the glass. Without lifting, the leads are under spring tension, and when removing the brush, you can accidentally hit the glass. On Octavia Tour A8 Without the service position, it is almost impossible to get to the passenger wiper due to the rain sensor.

How often do you need to change wipers on an Octavia Tour?

Recommended interval - every 6–12 months, but the period depends on operating conditions:

• In city mode (frequent work) - once every 6 months.
• For rare use (for example, garage storage) - once every 12–18 months.
• If there are signs of wear (stripes on the glass, squeaking) - immediately.

On Octavia Tour with the system Rain Light Sensor Worn windshield wipers can cause false windshield wiper activation.

What should I do if, after replacement, the wipers do not work synchronously?

This is a typical problem after removing the brushes on Octavia Tour A7/A8. Causes and solutions:

• 🔧 The calibration has failed. Return the wipers to the service position and turn on the ignition for 10 seconds - the system will recalibrate automatically.
• 🔧 The drive is damaged. If the non-synchronism remains, check the motor gears (part number 5Q1 955 119).
• 🔧 Incorrect installation. Make sure that the brushes are locked until they click and do not dangle on the leads.

Is it possible to use non-original wipers on the Octavia Tour?

Yes, but with reservations:

• ✅ Bosch Aerotwin, Valeo Silencio - proven analogues, often better than the original.
• ⚠️ Avoid cheap frameless brushes without a metal frame - they cannot withstand high-speed loads. Octavia Tour.
• 🚫 On A8 with Travel Assist non-original brushes may interfere with the operation of the cameras.

When choosing, focus on size and fastening type, and not on the brand.

How to remove wipers if they are frozen to the glass?

Never tear them off by force! This will bend the leads or damage the glass. Proceed like this:

1. Start the engine and turn the heated windshield to maximum.
2. Pour warm (not hot!) water or a special defrosting liquid over the fasteners.
3. Gently swing the brushes left and right without lifting them.
4. When the ice melts, remove the windshield wipers and clean the moisture from the wipers.

On Octavia Tour with heated wipers (A8) you can turn them on for 1–2 minutes - this will speed up the defrosting.