engine OPEL ASTRA J 2018 Manual user

Driving and operating195Trailer towingTrailer loads
The permissible trailer loads are
vehicle and engine-dependent
maximum values which must not be
exceeded. The actual trailer load is
the difference between the actual
gross weight of the trailer and the
actual coupling socket load with the
trailer coupled.
The permissible trailer loads are
specified in the vehicle documents. In general, they are valid for gradients
up to max. 12%.
The permitted trailer load applies up
to the specified incline and up to an
altitude of 1000 metres above sea
level. Since engine power decreases
as altitude increases due to the air
becoming thinner, therefore reducing
climbing ability, the permissible gross train weight also decreases by 10%
for every 1000 metres of additional
altitude. The gross train weight does
not have to be reduced when driving
on roads with slight inclines (less than
8%, e.g. motorways).The permissible gross train weight
must not be exceeded. This weight is
specified on the identification plate
3 257.
Vertical coupling load
The vertical coupling load is the load
exerted by the trailer on the coupling
ball. It can be varied by changing the
weight distribution when loading the
trailer.
The maximum permissible vertical
coupling load (75 kg) is specified on
the towing equipment identification
plate and in the vehicle documents.
Always aim for the maximum load,
especially in the case of heavy
trailers. The vertical coupling load
should never fall below 25 kg.Rear axle load
When the trailer is coupled and the
towing vehicle fully loaded, the
permissible rear axle load (see
identification plate or vehicle
documents) may be exceeded by
60 kg , the gross vehicle weight rating
may be exceeded by 60 kg. If the
permissible rear axle load is
exceeded, a maximum speed of
100 km/h applies.
Towing equipmentCaution
When operating without a trailer,
remove the coupling ball bar.

198Driving and operatingAttach breakaway stopping cable to
eye.
Check that the coupling ball bar is correctly installed
● Green marking on rotary knob must point towards green
marking on coupling ball bar.
● There must be no gap between the rotary handle and the
coupling ball bar.
● The coupling ball bar must be firmly engaged in the opening.
● The coupling ball bar must be locked and the key removed.9Warning
Towing a trailer is permitted only
when a coupling ball bar is fitted correctly. If the coupling ball bardoes not engage correctly, seekthe assistance of a workshop.
Dismounting the coupling ball bar
Open the protective flap and turn the
key to position c to unlock the
coupling ball bar.
Pull out rotary handle and turn
clockwise as far as it will go. Pull out coupling ball bar downwards.
Insert sealing plug in opening. Fold away socket.
All versions except 3-door hatchback:
Attach the rear side of the cover into
the recess of the bumper and fold the
front side upward.
Press fastenings outward.
Trailer stability assist
If the system detects snaking
movements, engine power is reduced
and the vehicle/trailer combination is selectively braked until the snaking
ceases. While system is working keep steering wheel as still as possible.
Trailer stability assist (TSA) is a
function of the Electronic Stability
Control 3 155.

Vehicle care199Vehicle careGeneral Information...................200
Accessories and vehicle modifications .......................... 200
Vehicle storage ........................200
End-of-life vehicle recovery .....201
Vehicle checks ........................... 201
Performing work ......................201
Bonnet ..................................... 201
Engine oil ................................. 202
Engine coolant ......................... 203
Power steering fluid .................204
Washer fluid ............................ 204
Brakes ..................................... 205
Brake fluid ............................... 205
Vehicle battery ......................... 205
Diesel fuel system bleeding .....207
Wiper blade replacement ........207
Bulb replacement .......................208
Halogen headlights ..................208
Adaptive forward lighting .........211
Fog lights ................................. 212
Front turn signal lights .............214
Tail lights ................................. 216
Side turn signal lights ..............219
Number plate light ...................221Interior lights ............................ 221
Instrument panel illumination ...221
Electrical system ........................222
Fuses ....................................... 222
Engine compartment fuse box . 223
Instrument panel fuse box .......225
Load compartment fuse box ....226
Vehicle tools .............................. 227
Tools ........................................ 227
Wheels and tyres .......................229
Winter tyres ............................. 229
Tyre designations ....................229
Tyre pressure .......................... 229
Tyre pressure monitoring system .................................... 231
Tread depth ............................. 234
Changing tyre and wheel size . 234
Wheel covers ........................... 235
Tyre chains .............................. 235
Tyre repair kit .......................... 235
Wheel changing .......................238
Spare wheel ............................ 242
Jump starting ............................. 246
Towing ....................................... 247
Towing the vehicle ...................247
Towing another vehicle ...........248Appearance care .......................249
Exterior care ............................ 249
Interior care ............................. 252

200Vehicle careGeneral Information
Accessories and vehicle modifications
We recommend the use of genuine
parts and accessories and factory
approved parts specific for your
vehicle type. We cannot assess or guarantee reliability of other products
- even if they have a regulatory or
otherwise granted approval.
Any modification, conversion or other changes made to standard vehicle
specifications (including, without
limitation, software modifications,
modifications of the electronic control units) may invalidate the warranty
offered by Opel. Furthermore, such
changes may affect driver assistance
systems, may impact fuel
consumption, CO 2 emissions and
other emissions of the vehicle and
cause the vehicle to no longer
conform to the operating permit,
impacting the validity of your vehicle
registration.Caution
When transporting the vehicle on
a train or on a recovery vehicle, the
mud flaps might be damaged.
Vehicle storage
Storage for a long period of time
If the vehicle is to be stored for several months:
● Wash and wax the vehicle.
● Have the wax in the engine compartment and underbody
checked.
● Clean and preserve the rubber seals.
● Fill up fuel tank completely.
● Change the engine oil.
● Drain the washer fluid reservoir.
● Check the coolant antifreeze and
corrosion protection.
● Adjust tyre pressure to the value specified for full load.
● Park the vehicle in a dry, wellventilated place. Engage first or
reverse gear or set selector lever
to P. Prevent the vehicle from
rolling.
● Do not apply the parking brake.
● Open the bonnet, close all doors and lock the vehicle.
● Disconnect the clamp from the negative terminal of the vehicle
battery. Beware that all systems
are not functional, e.g. anti-theft
alarm system.
Putting back into operation
When the vehicle is to be put back into
operation:
● Connect the clamp to the negative terminal of the vehicle
battery. Activate the electronics
of the power windows.
● Check tyre pressure.
● Fill up the washer fluid reservoir.
● Check the engine oil level.
● Check the coolant level.
● Fit the number plate if necessary.

Vehicle care201End-of-life vehicle recovery
Information on end-of-life vehicle
recovery centres and the recycling of
end-of-life vehicles is available on our website, where legally required. Only
entrust this work to an authorised
recycling centre.
Gas vehicles must be recycled by a
service centre authorised for gas
vehicles.Vehicle checks
Performing work9 Warning
Only perform engine compartment
checks when the ignition is off.
The cooling fan may start
operating even if the ignition is off.
9 Danger
The ignition system and Xenon
headlights use extremely high
voltage. Do not touch.
Bonnet
Opening
Pull the release lever and return it to
its original position.

202Vehicle care
Move the safety catch sideways to theleft vehicle side and open the bonnet.
Secure the bonnet support.
If the bonnet is opened during an
Autostop, the engine will be restarted automatically for safety reasons.
Closing
Before closing the bonnet, press the
support into the holder.
Lower the bonnet and allow it to fall
into the latch from a low height
(20-25 cm). Check that the bonnet is engaged.Caution
Do not press the bonnet into the
latch, to avoid dents.
Engine oil
Check the engine oil level manually
on a regular basis to prevent damage
to the engine. Ensure that the correct specification of oil is used.
Recommended fluids and lubricants
3 254.
The maximum engine oil
consumption is 0.6 l per 1000 km.
Check with the vehicle on a level
surface. The engine must be at
operating temperature and switched
off for at least five minutes.
Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean,
reinsert it fully, pull out and read the
engine oil level.
Different dipsticks are used
depending on engine variant.

Vehicle care203
When the engine oil level has
dropped to the MIN mark, top up
engine oil.
We recommend the use of the same
grade of engine oil that was used at
last change.
The engine oil level must not exceed
the MAX mark on the dipstick.Caution
Overfilled engine oil must be
drained or suctioned out.
Capacities 3 270.
Fit the cap on straight and tighten it.
Engine coolant The coolant provides freeze
protection down to approx. -28 °C. In
cold regions with very low
temperatures, the factory filled
coolant provides frost protection
down to approx. -37 °C.
Caution
Only use approved antifreeze.
Coolant and antifreeze 3 254.
Coolant levelCaution
Too low a coolant level can cause
engine damage.
If the cooling system is cold, the
coolant level should be above the
filling line mark. Top up if the level is
low.

204Vehicle care9Warning
Allow the engine to cool before
opening the cap. Carefully open
the cap, relieving the pressure
slowly.
To top up, use a 1:1 mixture of
approved coolant concentrate mixed
with clean tap water. If no coolant
concentrate is available, use clean
tap water. Install the cap tightly. Have
the coolant concentration checked
and have the cause of the coolant
loss remedied by a workshop.
Power steering fluid
Caution
Extremely small amounts of
contamination can cause steering
system damage and cause it to not work properly. Do not allow
contaminates to contact the fluid
side of the reservoir cap/dipstick or
from entering the reservoir.
Power steering fluid level normally
does not have to be checked. If an
unusual noise sounds during steering or the power steering reacts
unusually, seek the assistance of a workshop.
Washer fluid
Fill with clean water mixed with a
suitable quantity of approved
windscreen washer fluid which
contains antifreeze.

Vehicle care205Caution
Only washer fluid with a sufficient
antifreeze concentration provides
protection at low temperatures or
after a sudden drop in
temperature.
Use of washer fluid containing
isopropanol can damage exterior
lamps.
Washer fluid 3 254.
Brakes In the event of minimum thickness ofthe brake lining, a squealing noise
sounds during braking.
Continued driving is possible but
have the brake lining replaced as
soon as possible.
Once new brake linings are installed,
do not brake unnecessarily hard for
the first few journeys.
Brake fluid9 Warning
Brake fluid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, fabrics and painted surfaces.
The brake fluid level must be betweenthe MIN and MAX marks.
If fluid level is below MIN seek the
assistance of a workshop.
Brake and clutch fluid 3 254.
Vehicle battery
The vehicle battery is maintenance-
free provided that the driving profile
allows sufficient charging of the
battery. Short-distance-driving and
frequent engine starts can discharge
the battery. Avoid the use of
unnecessary electrical consumers.
Batteries do not belong in household
waste. They must be disposed of at
an appropriate recycling collection
point.
Laying up the vehicle for more than
four weeks can lead to battery
discharge. Disconnect the clamp from the negative terminal of the vehicle
battery.
Ensure the ignition is switched off
before connecting or disconnecting
the vehicle battery.

Vehicle care207● See the Owner's Manual forfurther information.
● Explosive gas may be present in the vicinity of the vehicle battery.
Diesel fuel system bleeding If the tank has been run dry, the diesel
fuel system must be bled. Switch on the ignition three times for
15 seconds at a time. Then crank the
engine for a maximum of
40 seconds. Repeat this process after
no less than five seconds. If the
engine fails to start, seek the
assistance of a workshop.Wiper blade replacement
Lift the wiper arm until it stays in the
raised position, press button to
disengage the wiper blade and
remove.
Attach the wiper blade slightly angled
to the wiper arm and push until it
engages.
Lower wiper arm carefully.
Wiper blade on the rear window
Lift wiper arm. Disengage wiper blade as shown in illustration and remove.
Attach the wiper blade slightly angled
to the wiper arm and push until it
engages.
Lower wiper arm carefully.