OPEL ANTARA 2009 Owners Manual

Driving and operation121
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive (AWD) is an active-on-
demand system that engages
automatically, with no action required by
the driver. Depending on the driving
environment, the vehicle switches between
two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, to
give the vehicle more traction and stability
when necessary.
If the front wheels begin to slip, the rear
wheels will automatically begin to drive the
vehicle as required.
More torque is transferred to the wheels
that have the most traction, so the vehicle
has optimum grip at all times.
There may be a slight engagement noise
during hard use.
As well as enabling the vehicle to be driven
off-road, this system also enables the
vehicle to be driven on normal roads
without incurring excessive tyre and
drivetrain wear or causing poor control. All Wheel Drive control indicator
When the ignition is switched on,
control indicator
B illuminates for approx.
4 seconds. The system is ready for
operation when the control indicator
extinguishes.
If the control indicator flashes during
driving, All Wheel Drive is temporarily
disabled.
If it flashes briefly then extinguishes, this is
normal and does not indicate a fault.
If the control indicator flashes
continuously, there is a fault in the system.
Consult a workshop as soon as possible. On-road driving
The increased traction
of All Wheel Drive
vehicles offers greate r driving control in
adverse road condit ions, particularly
heavy snow and ice. However, All Wheel
Drive vehicles are not "skid-proof" and do
not decrease stopping distances.
All Wheel Drive vehicles have a higher
centre of gravity than conventional
vehicles. Always approach curves at an
appropriate driving speed. Do not attempt
to go as fast through turns as you might in
a conventional vehicle.
Strong crosswinds can affect the normal
steering of the vehicle. Drive slower under
strong crosswind conditions.

Driving and operation122
Always exercise caution when in slippery
conditions (caused by sand, gravel, water,
snow or ice on the road), in order to
maintain vehicle control.
Use the accelerator to control the vehicle -
keep brake pedal use to a minimum.
zDo not slip the clutch.
z Do not spin the wheels.
z Do not make exaggerated or jerky
steering movements.
Driving a vehicle in snow and ice should be
undertaken with extreme caution:
z Select a gear suitable for the conditions.
z Start the vehicle moving with minimal
engine revs, low gear and combined
clutch and accelerator control.
z Change to a higher gear as quickly as
possible, to keep the engine revs low.
z With automatic transmission 3, select
drive range D and press button n, to
activate the Winter program. Off-road driving
During off-road drivin
g, you will encounter
a variety of driving conditions and
circumstances too numerous to list here.
Always use good judgement and common
sense. If you feel uncomfortable about
tackling a given situation, do not attempt
it.
Avoid protruding objects (such as rocks or
tree stumps) that may damage the
underbody and tyres of your vehicle.
Test the brakes after operating in mud, to
clear excess mud from the braking
surfaces.
Gripping the steering wheel
Terrain conditions can cause rapid and
unexpected movement in the steering,
especially rough terrain. Preparation
The duration, distance and conditions of
the off-road activity determine the extent
of the preparation th
at is required. The
following are given as guidelines.
Know the area where you will be driving,
either by inspection or from terrain maps.
Decide your route in advance and ensure
that it is a vehicular right of way
1).
Make a thorough check of the vehicle.
Check the following:
z Oil, water, fuel, brake and clutch fluid
levels,
z Drive belts,
z Windscreen wipers and washer system,
z Lamps.
Maintenance - see pages 126, 206.
9 Warning
Be ready to deal with these movements
by having a firm grip on the outer rim of
the steering wheel with the thumbs
outside the spokes, to guard against
injury from kickback.
1)Observe national regulations.

Driving and operation123
Ensure that tyres (including the spare) are
inflated to the correct pressure and are
suitable for the prevailing off-road
conditions.
Tyre pressures - see page 224.Check the jack and wheel changing tools,
and include a board or plate for supporting
the jack on soft ground.
Carry emergency equipment, i.e. tow rope,
spade, first aid kit etc., which may be
desirable if you intend entering unfamiliar
off-road terrain.
A tow rope should be carried, to allow the
recovery vehicle to be placed clear of any
adverse ground.
Your Opel Partner will assist you in
assessing any special requirements.
Secure all loose items and luggage that
may cause injury if thrown around the
passenger compartment in bumpy
conditions. Avoid carrying heavy loads on
the roof. Make sure all doors, the tailgate
and the bonnet are firmly closed.
Securing items using lashing eyes -
see page 61.

Driving and operation124
The ground clearance, ramp angle, angle
of approach and departure and wading
depth need to be considered, especially in
hilly conditions and when wading, to
prevent the vehicle becoming stuck and
possibly damaged.
Technical data - see page 215. Driving through water
Do not exceed th
e maximum wading
depth.
Check the depth of water: choose the
lowest entry and departure angles before
entering.
Maintain a steady engine speed, to help
prevent water from entering the exhaust
system, but do not exceed 5 km/h (3 mph),
to avoid splashing the water.
Drive with the flow wherever possible, not
against it. If you have to drive against the
flow, try to drive at an angle to it, so that
the leading corner of the vehicle will help
deflect water from the engine
compartment.
Avoid splashing the water - if the ignition
system becomes wet, the engine may stall. Avoid water entering the air intake system.
Test the brakes after leaving the water -
wet brakes are less effective than dry ones.
Perform the service operations for wading,
involving checks for water contamination,
at the earliest opportunity.
Service checks after wading -
see page 126.
9 Warning
If water enters the air intake system,
engine seizure with severe costly damage
may result.

Driving and operation125
Self-help
Recovery and towing
When recovering or towing a vehicle
off-road, observe the following:
zA greater force is required to move a
vehicle from or through mud than when
on a hard surfaced road.
z Attach a tow rope to the towing eye of
the vehicle, not to the axle -
see pages 164, 174.
z Where possible, drive both vehicles
forward to affect a recovery, using an
appropriate gear to avoid wheelspin.
z Avoid the use of reverse gear because of
possible resultant wheelspin.
z Stay clear of the tow rope.
Wheel changing
Place a board or plate beneath the jack, to
prevent it from sinking into soft ground.
Further information - see page 178. Cleaning
Clean the vehicle thoroughly and as soon
as possible after driving off-road.
Do not let mud remain dry on any part of
the vehicle as it becomes abrasive and can
damage paint, glass, seals, bearings and
brake components.
If left to build up, mud can seriously affect
the air flow through and over mechanical
components and cause localised
overheating and failure of parts, especially
in the engine compartment.
Ensure the radiator core and the area
between the radiator and intercooler/oil
cooler (where installed) is cleaned, to
maintain proper cooling air flow.
Check the radiator and cooler cores for
blockage (sand, silt etc.).
Check the tyre treads.
Clean and check the mechanical parts of
the vehicle, particularly the following
areas:
z
Driveshafts, including sealing bellows,
z Front brake calipers, pads and discs,
z Front suspension,
z Clutch fork sealing bellows,
z Rear brake calipers, pads and discs,
z Rear suspension,
z Fuel tank and underguard,
z Breathers, axles and fuel tank,
z Load sensing valve,
z Transfer box and underguard,
z Engine oil pan and underguard.
Observe the following:
z Do not spray high-pressure water
directly at the vehicle seals.
z The wheels must be removed to clean all
mud and stones from the brake calipers
and to check brake pad wear.
z The areas on the upper side of the
underguards must be cleared of stones,
to prevent damage to the engine oil pan
and the fuel tank.
9 Warning
Breaking ropes can cause serious injury.

Driving and operation126
Maintenance
Certain maintenance operations, e.g.
changes of engine oil, oil filter, air cleaner
element and brake pads, are required
more frequently for severe operating
conditions, e.g. driving on unsurfaced
roads, during thick dust or mud
accumulation, etc.
If the vehicle is driven off-road to a great
extent, the chassis will need regular
inspection.
Your Opel Partner will inform you which
additional service is required between the
normal service intervals, after
consideration of the specific operating
conditions of your vehicle.
Further information - see page 206.
Service checks after wading
After wading, check for the ingress of water
into the following:
zBrake fluid reservoir,
z Air cleaner element,
z Engine,
z Transmission,
z Axles,
z Interior of vehicle.
Renew any lubricating oil or hydraulic fluid
that has a milky appearance, indicating
contamination with water. All Wheel Drive summary
Do
z
Check fuel and tyres, water and oil levels
before venturing off-road.
z Survey on foot before driving off-road,
especially when traversing hillsides,
wading, driving in deep snow and over
ridges.
z Select the correct gear for the conditions.
z Use the engine’s power of acceleration
and deceleration with the correct gear,
to control the vehicle.
z Keep a firm grip on the outer rim of the
steering wheel - keep your thumbs away
from the spokes.
z Drive carefully and be prepared for
emergencies.
z Drive slower under crosswind conditions.
z Approach obstacles and conditions
off-road at the correct angles and with
sufficient momentum to negotiate the
obstacle, but do not put undue strain on
the vehicle.
z Use caution - if you are not sure, do not
do it. Don’tz
Do not venture off-road unless you are
certain that the conditions are capable
of being negotiated safely by you and
your vehicle.
z Do not take unnecessary risks.
z Do not use the brakes excessively, to
maintain steering control.
z Do not change gear on difficult terrain -
depressing the clutch may cause the
vehicle to stop because of drag on the
wheels - or accelerate backwards or
forwards when on a hill.
z Do not ride or slip the clutch.
z Do not spin the wheels if stuck in mud,
sand or snow - they will only dig in
deeper.
z Do not drive at an excessive speed,
especially into corners. Your All Wheel
Drive vehicle has a higher centre of
gravity than conventional vehicles.
Sudden changes of direction can lead to
loss of control.

Driving and operation127
Driving hints
The first 1000 km (600 miles)
Drive your vehicle at various speeds. Do
not use full throttle. Never allow the engine
to labour at low revs.
Make good use of all gears. Depress the
accelerator pedal a maximum of around
three quarters of the available pedal travel
in all gears and drive ranges.
Do not drive faster than three quarters of
maximum speed.
Avoid quick starts, su dden acceleration
and prolonged high-speed driving, to
avoid engine damage and to conserve
fuel.
Do not brake unnecessarily hard for the
first 200 km (125 miles).
If possible, avoid towing another vehicle.
Never coast with engine not running
Many units may then not function (e.g.
brake servo unit, power steering, airbag
system). Driving in this manner is a danger
to yourself and others. Brake servo unit
With the engine not running, the brake
servo unit is no longer effective once the
brake pedal has been depressed once or
twice. The braking effect is not reduced,
but substantially greater foot pressure is
necessary to stop the vehicle.
Power steering
Never leave the steering wheel on full lock
when the vehicle is stationary, as this may
damage the power steering pump.
If the power steering should fail - e.g. when
the vehicle is being towed with the engine
switched off - the vehicle can still be
properly steered, but considerably greater
effort is necessary.
Driving in mountainous terrain or with a
caravan/trailer
Electrically driven fan; the fan cooling
capacity is not dependent on engine
speed. It is not necessary, therefore, when
driving uphill to shif
t down into a lower
gear if the vehicle can climb in a higher
gear. Driving in extreme conditions
When driving in hazard
ous conditions, e.g.
in snow, ice, mud, sand or water, drive
slowly and cautiously to allow for greater
braking distances.
If stuck, use 2nd gear (automatic
transmission in drive range 2) to avoid
spinning the front wheels.
Use sand, tyre chains or other non-slip
materials to provide traction when stuck in
snow, mud or ice.
Driving through water
Before attempting to drive through water,
check the depth. If the depth is slightly
lower than the underbody of your vehicle,
do not attempt to drive through it.
Driving too quickly through water can
cause water to enter the engine through
the air intake, causing severe damage.
Drive slowly, in a high engine rpm in as low
a gear as possible.
Driving with a roof load
Do not exceed the permissible roof load -
see page 221. For safety reasons,
distribute the load evenly and secure it
tightly with straps so that it cannot slip. Set
the tyre pressure to the value given for full
load. Do not drive faster than 120 km/h
(75 mph). Check and retighten straps at
frequent intervals.

Driving and operation128
Switching off the engine
If the engine temperature is very high, e.g.
after driving in mountainous terrain: allow
engine to idle for approx. 2 minutes, in
order to prevent heat accumulation.
When you switch off, fans in the engine
compartment may continue running for a
time, to cool the engine.
Vehicles with turbocharger 3
In order to protect the turbocharger, after
running at high engine speeds or high
engine loads, operate the engine briefly at
a low load or run in neutral for approx.
30 seconds before switching off.
Save energy – more kilometres/miles
Please observe the running-in hints on the
previous page and the tips for energy
saving on the following pages.
Good, technically correct and economical
driving ensures maximum durability and
performance for your vehicle.
Overrun
The fuel supply is automatically shut off
during overrun, e.g. when the vehicle is
being driven down long gradients or during
braking. To enable the overrun cut-off to
come into action, do not accelerate or
declutch during overrun. Engine rpm
Under all driving conditions, drive in a
favourable engine speed range.
Warming up
Allow engine to warm up while driving. Do
not warm it up by le
tting it run at idling
speed. Do not apply full throttle until
engine reaches operating temperature.
After a cold start, automatic
transmission 3 does not shift into higher
gears until higher engine speeds have been
reached. This allows the catalytic converter
to quickly reach the temperature required
for optimum pollutant reduction.
Correct gear selection
Do not race your engine whilst in neutral or
with a low gear selected. Driving too fast in
individual gears or drive ranges as well as
stop-and-go traffic in crease engine wear
and fuel consumption.
Change down
When decreasing speed, shift down into
the next lowest gear. Do not slip the clutch
with a high-revving engine. This is
especially important when hill climbing. Clutch operation
3
Always depress the clutch pedal hard to
the floor, to prevent shifting difficulties and
transmission damage. There must be no
mats in the area of the pedals.
When driving, do not use the clutch pedal
as a foot rest; this will cause substantial
clutch wear.
Pedals
Do not place any objects in the footwell
which could slip under the pedals and
inhibit the pedal travel.
To ensure the pedal travel is uninhibited,
there must be no mats in the area of the
pedals.
When driving, do not use the brake pedal
as a foot rest; this will cause substantial
wear to brake components and cause
overheating, resultin g in longer braking
distances.
Battery care whilst driving
When driving slowly or when the vehicle
is stationary, e.g. in slow urban traffic,
stop-and-go traffic or traffic jams, turn off
all unnecessary electrical loads where
possible (e.g. heated rear window,
auxiliary headlamps).
When starting the engine, depress the
clutch pedal so that transmission
resistance is elimin ated and the starter
motor and battery are relieved.

Driving and operation129
Save fuel, protect the
environment
Trend-setting technology
When developing and manufacturing your
vehicle, Opel used environment-friendly
and, in the main, recyclable materials. The
production methods used to make your
vehicle are likewise environmentally-
compatible.
Recycling of production wastes keeps the
circulation of material closed. Reduction of
energy and water requirements also helps
to conserve natural resources.
A highly advanced design means that your
vehicle can be easily disassembled at the
end of its working life, and the individual
materials separated for subsequent re-use.
Materials such as as bestos and cadmium
are not used. The refrigerant in the air
conditioning system is CFC-free.
New painting techniques employ water as
a solvent. End-of-life vehicle recovery
Information on end-of-life vehicle recovery
centres and the recycling of end-of-life
vehicles is available at www.opel.com.
Drive in an energy and
environment-conscious way
z
High fuel consumption, noise levels and
exhaust emissions are often caused by a
driving style that is not energy and
environment-conscious.
z You should therefore drive with energy in
mind: "more kilometres/miles with less
fuel".
z Reduce the noise level and exhaust
emissions by adopting an environment-
conscious driving style. This is extremely
worthwhile and improves quality of life.
Fuel consumption depends to a great
extent on your own personal driving style.
The following hints are intended to help
you consume fuel at a rate that is as close
as possible to the specified levels.
Check your vehicle’s fuel consumption
every time you refuel. This facilitates early
detection of any irregularities causing
increased fuel consumption. Warming up
z
Full throttle and warming up at idle
speed increase wear, fuel consumption,
fuel emission, the amount of pollutant in
the exhaust and the amount of noise.
z Drive off immediately after starting.
Warm up the engine by running it at
moderate engine speeds.
Uniform speed
z Hectic driving significantly increases fuel
consumption, the quantity of emission
and the proportion of pollutant in the
exhaust.
z Do not accelerate and brake
unnecessarily. Drive at uniform speed.
Avoid frequent starting-off and
stopping, e.g. at tra ffic lights, in short
distance traffic and in queues of traffic,
by means of clever planning. Select
roads with good traffic flow.
Idling
z The engine also consumes fuel when
idling.
z If you have to wait for more than
1 minute, it is worthwhile switching off
the engine. Five minutes of idling
corresponds to approx. one kilometre
(0.6 miles) of driving.
z Idling for more than 5 minutes can cause
excessive temperatures and damage to
the exhaust system.

Driving and operation130
Overrun
zThe fuel supply is automatically shut off
during overrun, e.g. when the vehicle is
being driven down long gradients or
during braking - see page 128.
z To enable the overrun cut-off to take
effect and save fuel, do not accelerate or
declutch.
Correct gear selection
z High revs increase engine wear and fuel
consumption.
z Do not race your engine. Avoid driving at
high engine speeds.
Driving with an eye on the tachometer
saves fuel. If possible, drive at low revs in
each gear and at a constant speed.
Drive in top gear as much as possible,
shift up as soon as possible and do not
shift down prematurely.
High speed
z The faster the speed, the higher the fuel
consumption and noise level. Driving at
full throttle uses up a great deal of fuel
and generates excessive noise and high
emission levels.
z Slightly releasing the accelerator pedal
results in distinct fu el savings with no
major loss of speed.
Drive at no more than around three
quarters of maximum speed and you will
use up to 50% less fuel, without losing a
great deal of time. Tyre pressure
z
Inadequate tyre pressure, leading to
higher road resistance, costs money in
two ways; for more fuel and increased
tyre wear.
z Regular checks (every 14 days) pay off.
Electrical loads
z The power consumption of electrical
equipment increases fuel consumption.
z Switch off all additional consumers (e.g.
air conditioning, heated rear window)
when they are no longer required.
Roof racks 3
z Roof racks can increase fuel
consumption by approx. 1 l/100 km
(3.5 gal./1000 miles) due to air
resistance.
z Remove them if they are not being used. Repair and maintenance
z
Improper repairs or adjustment and
maintenance work can increase fuel
consumption. Do not carry out work on
the engine yourself.
You may, out of ignorance, infringe
environmental laws by not disposing of
materials properly.
Appropriate parts might not be recycled.
Contact with some of the materials
involved may pose a health hazard.
z We recommend that repairs and
maintenance be entrusted to an
Opel Partner.
Extreme driving conditions
z Driving up steep gradients, cornering,
driving on poor roads, and winter driving
all increase fuel consumption.
Fuel consumption increases dramatically
in urban traffic and at winter
temperatures, especially on short trips
when the engine operating temperature
is not reached.
z Follow the hints given above to keep fuel
consumption to a minimum under such
conditions.