brake OPEL ASTRA K 2019.5 Manual user

222Driving and operatingDriving characteristics andtowing tips
Before attaching a trailer, lubricate the 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 3 290.Trailer towing
Trailer 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 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 m 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).The permissible gross train weight
must not be exceeded. This weight is
specified on the identification plate
3 281.
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 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 40 kg. If the permissible rear axle load
is exceeded, a maximum speed of
100 km/h applies.

226Driving and operating
Stow the coupling ball bar in the bag
and secure by fixing the strap through the rear right lashing eye. Wrap
around twice and tighten the strap to
secure the bag.
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 is a function of
the Electronic Stability Control 3 179.

Vehicle care227Vehicle careGeneral Information...................227
Accessories and vehicle modifications .......................... 227
Vehicle storage ........................228
End-of-life vehicle recovery .....228
Vehicle checks ........................... 229
Performing work ......................229
Bonnet ..................................... 229
Engine oil ................................. 230
Engine coolant ......................... 231
Washer fluid ............................ 232
Brakes ..................................... 232
Brake fluid ............................... 232
Vehicle battery ......................... 233
Diesel fuel system bleeding .....234
Wiper blade replacement ........234
Bulb replacement .......................235
Halogen headlights ..................235
Front fog lights ......................... 237
Tail lights ................................. 238
Side turn lights ......................... 244
Number plate light ...................244
Interior lights ............................ 245
Electrical system ........................245
Fuses ....................................... 245Engine compartment fuse box . 246
Instrument panel fuse box .......248
Load compartment fuse box ....250
Vehicle tools .............................. 252
Tools ........................................ 252
Wheels and tyres .......................253
Winter tyres ............................. 253
Tyre designations ....................254
Tyre pressure .......................... 254
Tyre pressure monitoring system .................................... 255
Tread depth ............................. 259
Changing tyre and wheel size . 260
Wheel covers ........................... 260
Tyre chains .............................. 261
Tyre repair kit .......................... 261
Wheel changing .......................264
Spare wheel ............................ 265
Jump starting ............................. 270
Towing ....................................... 271
Towing the vehicle ...................271
Towing another vehicle ...........272
Appearance care .......................273
Exterior care ............................ 273
Interior care ............................. 275General 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 warrantyoffered by Opel. Furthermore, such
changes may affect driver assistance
systems, fuel consumption, CO 2
emissions and other emissions of the
vehicle. They may also invalidate the
vehicle operating permit.

228Vehicle 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. Note 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. Initialize the power
windows 3 41.
● 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.

232Vehicle carethe coolant concentration checked
and have the cause of the coolant
loss remedied by a workshop.
Washer fluid
Fill with clean water mixed with a
suitable quantity of approved
windscreen washer fluid which
contains antifreeze.
Caution
Only washer fluid with a sufficient
antifreeze concentration provides
protection at low temperatures or
a sudden drop in temperature.
Washer fluid 3 278.
Brakes In the event of minimum thickness of
the 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 3 278.

Vehicle care2396.Press the three retaining lugs and
remove the bulb carrier from the
light assembly.
7. Remove and replace the bulbs:
Turn light ( 1)
Tail light/brake light ( 2)
On version with LED tail lights and
LED brake lights, only turn light
bulb ( 1) can be removed and
replaced.
8. Attach the bulb carrier to the light assembly.
9. Attach the cable to the retainer.
10. Attach the light assembly to the vehicle body and tighten the
securing nut from the inside of the load compartment. Attach cover.
Depending on the version, tail lights
and brake lights are designed as
LEDs. In case of failure, have LEDs
replaced by a workshop.
Light assembly in the tailgate
1. Release the cover in the tailgate and remove it.
2. Unscrew the plastic securing nutby hand.

242Vehicle care5. Standard tail lights:
Release the retaining lugs and
remove the bulb carrier from the
light assembly.
6. Remove and replace the bulbs:
Tail light / brake light ( 1)
Turn light ( 2)
7. Insert the bulb carrier into the light
assembly.
8. LED tail lights:
On version with LED tail lights and
LED brake lights, only the turn
light bulb can be replaced:
remove bulb holder in the light
assembly by turning. Replace
bulb in the bulb holder.
9. Attach the cable to the retainer.
10. Attach the light assembly to the vehicle body and tighten the
securing nuts from the inside of
the load compartment. Attach
cover.
Depending on the version, tail lights
and brake lights are designed as
LEDs. In case of failure, have LEDs
replaced by a workshop.
Light assembly in the tailgate
1. Release the cover in the tailgate and remove it.

Vehicle care257The use of commercially-available
liquid tyre repair kits can impair the
function of the system. Factory-
approved repair kits can be used.
Operating electronic devices or being
close to facilities using similar wave
frequencies could disrupt the tyre
pressure monitoring system.
Each time the tyres are replaced, tyre pressure monitoring system sensors
must be dismounted and serviced.
For the screwed sensor, replace
valve core and sealing ring. For the
clipped sensor, replace complete
valve stem.
Use only original plastic valve caps to
protect valve on any damage.Caution
Do not use metal valve caps as
they lead to valve oxidation and
damage.
Vehicle loading status
Adjust tyre pressure to load condition
according to the tyre information label or tyre pressure chart 3 290, and
select the appropriate setting in Tyre
Load within the Vehicle Information
Menu 3 114. This setting determines
the reference pressures for the tyre
pressure warnings.
The Tyre Load menu only appears
when the vehicle is at a standstill and the parking brake is applied. On
vehicles with automatic transmission
the selector lever must be in P.
Midlevel display:
Select the Tyre load page under the
Vehicle Information Menu ? in the
Driver Information Centre 3 114.
Select
● Light for comfort pressure up to
three people.
● Eco for Eco pressure up to three
people.
● Max for full loading.
Uplevel display:
Select the Tyre load page under the
Options Menu in the Driver
Information Centre 3 114.

258Vehicle careSelect● Light for comfort pressure up to
three people.
● Eco for Eco pressure up to
three people.
● Max for full loading.
Tyre pressure sensor matching
process
Each tyre pressure sensor has a
unique identification code. The
identification code must be matched
to a new wheel position after rotating the wheels or exchanging the
complete wheel set and if one or more tyre pressure sensors were replaced.The tyre pressure sensor matching
process should also be performed
after replacing a spare wheel with a
road wheel containing the tyre
pressure sensor.
The malfunction light w and the
warning message or code should go
off at the next ignition cycle. The
sensors are matched to the wheel
positions, using a relearn tool, in the
following order: left side front wheel,
right side front wheel, right side rearwheel and left side rear wheel. The
turn light at the current active position
is illuminated until sensor is matched.
Consult a workshop for service. There
are two minutes to match the first
wheel position, and five minutes
overall to match all four wheel
positions. If it takes longer, the
matching process stops and must be
restarted.
The tyre pressure sensor matching
process is:
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition on.
3. On vehicles with automatic transmission: set the selector
lever to P.
On vehicles with manual
transmission: select neutral.
4. Midlevel display: Use MENU on the indicator lever
to select the Vehicle Information
Menu ? in the Driver
Information Centre.
Uplevel display:
Press p on the steering wheel to
open main menu page.Select the Info page with Q or P.
Confirm with 9.
5. Select the tyre pressure menu. Midlevel display:
Uplevel display:

260Vehicle care
The legally permissible minimum
tread depth (1.6 mm) has been
reached when the tread has worn
down as far as one of the tread wear
indicators (TWI). Their position is
indicated by markings on the
sidewall.
If there is more wear at the front than
the rear, swap round front wheels and rear wheels periodically. Ensure that
the direction of rotation of the wheels
remains the same.
Tyres age, even if they are not used.
We recommend tyre replacement
every 6 years.
Changing tyre and wheel
size
If tyres of a different size than those
fitted at the factory are used, it may be necessary to reprogramme the
nominal tyre pressure and make
other vehicle modifications.
After converting to a different tyre
size, have the label with tyre
pressures replaced and the tyre
pressure monitoring system
reinitialised 3 255.9 Warning
The use of unsuitable tyres or
wheels may lead to accidents and will invalidate the vehicle
operating permit.
Wheel covers
Wheel covers and tyres that are
factory approved for the respective
vehicle and comply with all of the
relevant wheel and tyre combination
requirements must be used.
If the wheel covers and tyres used are
not factory approved, the tyres must
not have a rim protection ridge.
Wheel covers must not impair brake
cooling.9 Warning
Use of unsuitable tyres or wheel
covers could lead to sudden
pressure loss and thereby
accidents.
Vehicles with steel wheels: When
using locking wheel nuts, do not
attach wheel covers.