The frame is the main load-bearing part of the body and, thus, the entire Skoda Octavia. Therefore, the production number of the frame is included in the vehicle identification number.
Not only other body parts are hung on the frame, but also the drive unit, axles and other chassis mounting units. The profile stampings that form the load-bearing part of the body are welded, and in some places even glued with special glue. In the main places requiring greater strength, the hollow profiles are doubled.
The load-bearing part of the body has towing eyes in front and behind. In front, the lug is welded to the right side member, at the rear it is located under the bumper, also on the right side.
In the rear right side there is a round hole for a plug that closes the fuel tank neck.
At the rear of the floor - in the luggage compartment - there is a spare wheel slot. To increase the tightness of the body, the joints welded by spot welding are sealed with a special mastic based on PVC (PVC) - plastisol. As indicated in subsection 2.62, the surface of the floor and wheel wings from below is treated with this mass. The bodywork, and therefore the entire vehicle, complies with UNECE frontal impact regulations. In addition, it also satisfies the special instructions of the VW concern, which are more demanding than the UNECE standards. The group's regulations require, for example, an additional test with a so-called offset collision with a fixed obstacle placed at an angle of 15°, which only affects the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and later a side impact test.
From a repair point of view, especially with large deformations after an accident, any intervention is undesirable. In case of damage to the carcass, a special repair is needed at the Skoda service, which has at its disposal control templates that allow you to determine deviations, and knows the control points (holes) to strengthen the axles and the drive unit in the correct coordinates, indicating that the frame is not twisted or skewed. Points to be controlled (in three-dimensional coordinates), there are several dozen. The exact values are known to the Skoda service workers. They are also aware of the safety instructions that must be followed when working with welding equipment in the process of tin work. As already mentioned, a protective and sealing layer of mastic is applied to the body (plastisol). This mastic, when burned, releases products, some of which are poisonous.
There is one more argument that can be not only logically deduced, but also verified. Each car, starting from its prototype, in case of homologation (permits for the manufacture and operation) must pass a rupture test. This determines the strength of the car, mainly its bearing part, in conditions close to emergency. Based on the results, the possibility of crew survival is derived. The new car meets the safety requirements. However, it is worth thinking about an old car, in which, due to poor-quality maintenance, the bearing part was seriously affected by corrosion. A rusted car frame cannot provide passengers with the protection that safety instructions require. Therefore, based on the interests of your own safety, as well as operational safety, it is generally desirable to check the integrity of the frame, as well as surface protection, and in case of damage to the anti-corrosion layers, subject these places to immediate high-quality processing. In Skoda Octavia cars, the durability of the body is achieved by using galvanized sheets, using the most modern paints and the latest technology for applying them. In the roof of the body, a movable part can be additionally installed - the top hatch. The front of the frame is not connected by a firmly welded front wall. This wall is an independent mounting unit.