eco OPEL ASTRA K 2018.5 Manual Online

226Driving and operatingTrailer hitch
General information
Only use towing equipment that has
been approved for your vehicle.
Entrust retrofitting of towing
equipment to a workshop. It may be
necessary to make changes that
affect the cooling system, heat
shields or other equipment.
The bulb outage detection function for trailer brake light cannot detect a
partial bulb outage, e.g. in case of four
times five watt bulbs, the function only detects lamp outage when only a
single five Watt lamp remains or none
remain.
Fitting of towing equipment could
cover the opening of the towing eye.
If this is the case use the coupling ball bar for towing. Always keep the
coupling ball bar in the vehicle when
not in use.Driving characteristics and
towing tips
Before attaching a trailer, lubricatethe coupling ball. However, do not do
so if a stabiliser, which acts on the
coupling ball, is being used to reduce snaking movements.
During trailer towing do not exceed a
speed of 80 km/h. A maximum speed
of 100 km/h is only appropriate if an
oscillation damper is used and the
permissible gross trailer weight does
not exceed the vehicle’s curb weight.
For trailers with low driving stability
and caravan trailers, the use of an
oscillation damper is strongly
recommended.
If the trailer starts snaking, drive more
slowly, do not attempt to correct the
steering and brake sharply if
necessary.
When driving downhill, drive in the
same gear as if driving uphill and
drive at a similar speed.
Adjust tyre pressure to the value
specified for full load 3 297.Trailer towing
Trailer loadsThe 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 12%.
The permissible trailer load applies
up to the specified incline and at 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 altitude. The gross train weight does not have to be
reduced when driving on roads with
slight inclines (less than 8%, e.g.
motorways).

Vehicle care231Vehicle careGeneral Information...................231
Accessories and vehicle modifications .......................... 231
Vehicle storage ........................232
End-of-life vehicle recovery .....232
Vehicle checks ........................... 233
Performing work ......................233
Bonnet ..................................... 233
Engine oil ................................. 234
Engine coolant ......................... 235
Washer fluid ............................ 236
Brakes ..................................... 236
Brake fluid ............................... 236
Vehicle battery ......................... 237
Diesel fuel system bleeding .....238
Wiper blade replacement ........238
Bulb replacement .......................239
Halogen headlights ..................239
Fog lights ................................. 241
Tail lights ................................. 242
Side turn lights ......................... 248
Number plate light ...................248
Interior lights ............................ 249
Instrument panel illumination ...249Electrical system ........................249
Fuses ....................................... 249
Engine compartment fuse box . 250
Instrument panel fuse box .......252
Load compartment fuse box ....254
Vehicle tools .............................. 256
Tools ........................................ 256
Wheels and tyres .......................258
Winter tyres ............................. 258
Tyre designations ....................258
Tyre pressure .......................... 258
Tyre pressure monitoring system .................................... 259
Tread depth ............................. 263
Changing tyre and wheel size . 264 Wheel covers ........................... 264
Tyre chains .............................. 264
Tyre repair kit .......................... 265
Wheel changing .......................268
Spare wheel ............................ 270
Jump starting ............................. 273
Towing ....................................... 275
Towing the vehicle ...................275
Towing another vehicle ...........276
Appearance care .......................277
Exterior care ............................ 277
Interior care ............................. 278General Information
Accessories and vehiclemodifications
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.

232Vehicle careCaution
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.End-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.

234Vehicle careIf the bonnet is opened during anAutostop, the engine will be restarted automatically for safety reasons.
Closing
Before closing the bonnet, press the
support into the holder.
Lower the bonnet and let it 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
3 281.
The maximum engine oil
consumption is 0.6 litres 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 fully, pull out and read the
engine oil level.
Different dipsticks are used
depending on engine variant.

Vehicle care235When the engine oil level has
dropped to the MIN mark, top up
engine oil.
The engine oil level must not exceed
the MAX mark on the dipstick.
We recommend the use of the same
grade of engine oil that was used at
last change.Caution
Overfilled engine oil must be
drained or suctioned out.
Capacities 3 296.
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 3 281.
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.
9 Warning
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
released 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.

Vehicle care237Vehicle battery
The vehicle battery is located in the
load compartment under the rear floor cover behind the rear seats. Rear
floor cover 3 81.
There are connecting points for jump starting in the engine compartment.
Jump starting 3 273.
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.
Battery discharge protection 3 146.
Disconnecting the battery
If the vehicle's battery is to be
disconnected (e.g. for maintenance
work), the alarm siren must be
deactivated as follows: Switch the ignition on then off, then disconnect
the vehicle's battery within
15 seconds.
Replacing the vehicle battery
Note
Any deviation from the instructions
given in this section may lead to
temporary deactivation or
disturbance of the stop-start system.
When the vehicle battery is being
replaced, please ensure that there
are no open ventilation holes in the
vicinity of the positive terminal. If a
ventilation hole is open in this area, it
must be closed off with a dummy cap,
and the ventilation in the vicinity of the negative terminal must be opened.
Ensure that the battery is always
replaced by the same type of battery.
We recommend that you have the
vehicle battery replaced by a
workshop.
Stop-start system 3 163.

238Vehicle careCharging the vehicle battery9Warning
On vehicles with stop-start
system, ensure that the charging potential does not exceed
14.6 volts when using a battery
charger. Otherwise the vehicle
battery might be damaged.
Jump starting 3 273.
Warning label
Meaning of symbols: ● No sparks, naked flames or smoking.
● Always shield eyes. Explosive gases can cause blindness or
injury.
● Keep the vehicle battery out of reach of children.
● The vehicle battery contains sulphuric acid which could cause
blindness or serious burn
injuries.
● See the Owner's Manual for further 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
Windscreen
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.

Vehicle care249
2. Remove lamp downwards, takingcare not to pull on the cable.
3. Remove bulb holder from lamp housing by turning anticlockwise.
4. Pull bulb from bulb holder and replace it.
5. Insert bulb holder into lamp housing and turn clockwise.
6. Insert lamp into bumper and let engage.
Some versions have LED number
plate lights. In case of defective
LEDs, have them replaced by a
workshop.
Interior lights
Courtesy light, reading lights Have bulbs replaced by a workshop.
Load compartment light
Have bulbs replaced by a workshop.
Instrument panel illumination
Have bulbs replaced by a workshop.Electrical system
Fuses Data on the replacement fuse must
match the data on the defective fuse.
There are three fuse boxes in the
vehicle:
● engine compartment
● instrument panel
● load compartment
Before replacing a fuse, turn off the
respective switch and the ignition.
A blown fuse can be recognized by its melted wire. Do not replace the fuse
until the cause of the fault has been
remedied.
Some functions are protected by
several fuses.
Fuses may also be inserted without existence of a function.

Vehicle care259Always inflate the spare tyre to the
pressure specified for full load.
The ECO tyre pressure serves to
achieve the smallest amount of fuel
consumption possible.
Incorrect tyre pressures will impair
safety, vehicle handling, comfort and
fuel economy and will increase tyre
wear.
Tyre pressures differ depending on
various options.
For the correct tyre pressure value,
follow the procedure below:
● Identify the engine identifier code. Engine data 3 289.
● Identify the respective tyre.
● The tyre pressure tables show all
possible tyre combinations
3 297.
For the tyres approved for your
vehicle, refer to the EEC Certificate of
Conformity provided with your vehicle or other national registration
documents.
The driver is responsible for correct
adjustment of tyre pressure.9 Warning
If the pressure is too low, this can
result in considerable tyre warm-
up and internal damage, leading to tread separation and even to tyre
blow-out at high speeds.
9 Warning
For specific tyres the
recommended tyre pressure as
shown in the tyre pressure table may exceed the maximum tyre
pressure as indicated on the tyre.
Never exceed the maximum tyre
pressure as indicated on the tyre.
If the tyre pressure must be reduced
or increased on a vehicle with tyre
pressure monitoring system, switch
off ignition.
Temperature dependency
The tyre pressure depends on the
temperature of the tyre. During
driving, tyre temperature and
pressure increase. Tyre pressure
values provided on the tyre
information label and tyre pressure
chart are valid for cold tyres, which means at 20 °C.
The pressure increases by nearly
10 kPa for a 10 °C temperature
increase. This must be considered
when warm tyres are checked.
The tyre pressure value displayed in
the Driver Information Centre shows
the real tyre pressure. A cooled down tyre will show a decreased value,which does not indicate an air leak.
Tyre pressure monitoringsystem
The tyre pressure monitoring system
checks the pressure of all four tyres
once a minute when vehicle speed
exceeds a certain limit.Caution
Tyre pressure monitoring system
warns only about low tyre pressure condition and does not replace
regular tyre maintenance by the
driver.

260Vehicle careAll wheels must be equipped with
pressure sensors and the tyres must
have the prescribed pressure.
Note
In countries where the tyre pressure monitoring system is legally
required, the use of wheels without
pressure sensors will invalidate the
vehicle operating permit.
The current tyre pressures can be
shown in the Driver Information
Centre.
Midlevel display:
Select the Tyre pressure page under
the Vehicle Information Menu ? in
the Driver Information Centre 3 116.
Uplevel display:
Select the Tyre pressure page under
the Info Menu in the Driver
Information Centre 3 116.
System status and pressure warnings
are displayed by a message
indicating the corresponding tyre in
the Driver Information Centre.
The system considers the tyre
temperature for the warnings.
Temperature dependency 3 258.
A detected low tyre pressure
condition is indicated by the control
indicator w 3 113.
If w illuminates, stop as soon as
possible and inflate the tyres as
recommended 3 297.
If w flashes for 60-90 seconds then
illuminates continuously, there is a
fault in the system. Consult a
workshop.
After inflating, some driving may be
required to update the tyre pressure
values in the Driver Information
Centre. During this time w may
illuminate.
If w illuminates at lower temperatures
and extinguishes after driving, this
could be an indicator for approaching
a low tyre pressure condition. Check
tyre pressure.
Vehicle messages 3 124.