tow OPEL ASTRA SALOON 2014 Owner's Manual

Driving and operating155Trailer 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 plate3 212.
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
65 kg and the permissible gross
vehicle weight by 45 kg for the
Saloon. For the Station wagon, the
permissible rear axle load may be
exceeded by 60 kg and the
permissible gross vehicle weight by
30 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.

156Driving and operating
Stowage of coupling ball bar
In Saloons, the coupling ball bar is in
a pouch, fastened in the load
compartment cargo box with a strap.
In Station wagons, the coupling ball
bar is fastened with a strap in a
compartment in the spare wheel well
of the load compartment.
Fitting the coupling ball bar
Fold down the socket. Remove the
sealing plug from the hole for the
coupling ball bar and stow it in the
load compartment.
Checking the tensioning of the
coupling ball bar
■ Red marking on rotary knob must
point towards white marking on
coupling ball bar.
■ The gap between the rotary knob and the coupling ball bar must beapprox. 4 millimetres.
■ Key must be at position c ( 1).
Otherwise, the coupling ball bar must be tensioned before being inserted:
■ Unlock coupling ball bar by turning key to position c ( 1)

Driving and operating157
■ Pull out rotary knob and turnclockwise as far as it will go.
Inserting the coupling ball bar
Insert the tensioned coupling ball bar
in the opening and push firmly
upwards until it audibly engages.
The rotary handle snaps back into its
original position resting against the
coupling ball bar without a gap.9 Warning
Do not touch rotary handle during
insertion.
Lock the coupling ball bar by turning
the key to position e ( 2). Remove the
key and close the protective flap.
Eye for break-away stopping cable
Attach break-away stopping cable to
eye.
Check that the coupling ball bar is
correctly installed
■ Green marking on rotary knob must
point towards white 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.9 Warning
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.

Vehicle care159Vehicle careGeneral Information...................159
Vehicle checks ........................... 160
Bulb replacement .......................166
Electrical system ........................181
Vehicle tools .............................. 187
Wheels and tyres .......................188
Jump starting ............................. 200
Towing ....................................... 201
Appearance care .......................203General Information
Accessories and vehicle
modifications
We recommend using 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.
Do not make any modifications to the electrical system, e.g. changes of
electronic control units (chip tuning).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
The following must be done if the
vehicle should be stored for several months:
■ Wash and wax the vehicle.
■ Have the wax in the engine compartment and underbody
checked.
■ Clean and preserve rubber seals.
■ Fill up fuel tank completely.
■ Change engine oil.
■ Drain washer fluid reservoir.
■ Check coolant antifreeze.
■ Adjust tyre pressure to the value specified for full load.
■ Park vehicle in dry, well ventilated place. Engage first or reverse gear
or set selector lever to P. Prevent
the vehicle from rolling.
■ Do not apply parking brake.

172Vehicle care
3. Loosen fastening nuts with wheelbolt wrench and unscrew by hand.
Vehicle tools 3 187.
4. Detach bulb housing towards the
rear.
5.Unscrew the three screws using a
screwdriver. Press the locking
tabs on the outside of the bulb
holder inwards and remove the
bulb holder.
6. Remove and renew the bulb.
Reverse light ( 1)
Turn signal light ( 2)
Reverse light/brake light ( 3)
Reverse light ( 4)
Fog light, may be only on one side
( 5 )
7. Engage bulb holder in bulb housing, ensuring that it properly
engages.

174Vehicle care
4. Detach bulb housing towards therear.
5. Remove seal from the fasteningbolt. Press the locking tabs on the
outside of the bulb holder outward and remove the bulb holder.
6. Remove and renew the bulb.
Reverse light ( 1)
Turn signal light ( 2)
Reverse light/brake light ( 3)
Reverse light ( 4)
Fog light, may be only on one side ( 5 )
7. Engage bulb holder in bulb housing, ensuring that it properly
engages.8. Ensure that the seals are applied to the bulb holder and fixing
screws.
9. Insert the bulb housing in the body, engaging the lug and the
ball pin in the recesses. Tighten
the fastening nuts using a wheel
bolt wrench. Attach the plug
connector. Close and engage the
flap.

180Vehicle careInterior lightsFront courtesy light, reading
lights
1. Disengage lens, press it slightly downwards and remove at a
downward angle.
2. Remove bulb and renew.
3. Engage lens.
Rear courtesy light and reading
lights
Have bulbs replaced by a workshop.
Glovebox light, load
compartment light, foot well light
1. Prise the lamp out with a screwdriver.
2.Press bulb slightly towards spring
clip and remove.
3. Insert new bulb.
4. Install lamp.
Instrument panel
illumination
Have bulbs replaced by a workshop.

Vehicle care187
No.Circuit29Cigarette lighter, front power
outlet30Rear power outlet31–32–33Open&Start system34Sun roof, TwinTop35Rear power outlet36Socket for towing equipment37–38Central locking system, terminal
3039Left seat heating40Right seat heating41–42–No.Circuit43–44–Vehicle tools
Tools
Vehicles with tyre repair set
The tool kit and tyre repair set are in
a storage compartment below the
floor cover in the load compartment.
Vehicles with spare wheel
The jack and tool kit are in a stowage
compartment in the boot below the
spare wheel. Spare wheel 3 198

188Vehicle care
TwinTop
The tools for emergency operation of
the convertible hardtop are stowed in
the glove compartment.Wheels and tyres
Tyre condition, wheel condition
Drive over edges slowly and at right
angles if possible. Driving over sharp
edges can cause tyre and wheel
damage. Do not trap tyres on the kerb when parking.
Regularly check the wheels for
damage. Seek the assistance of a
workshop in the event of damage or
unusual wear.
Tyres
Tyres of size 225/45 R 17 are only
permitted if the vehicle is equipped
with electronic stability program.Astra OPC "Nürburgring
Edition" with tyres 225/40 ZR 18
This model is factory-fitted with high-
performance sports tyres, size
225/40 ZR 18. These tyres are
approved for use on public roads but
have typical racing characteristics
and a correspondingly shallow tread.
The tyres provide sportily oriented
and experienced drivers with better
performance at faster speeds on dry
road surfaces but can cause the
vehicle to break away without
warning if this limit is exceeded. Avoid adopting a risky driving style because
of this improved performance. In wet conditions adapt your driving style
and speed to the shallow tread.
Winter tyres Winter tyres improve driving safety at
temperatures below 7 °C and should
therefore be fitted on all wheels.

194Vehicle care9Warning
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h.
Do not use for a lengthy period.
Steering and handling may be
affected.
If you have a flat tyre:
Apply parking brake and engage first
gear, reverse gear or P.
The tyre repair kit is in the stowage
compartment under the floor cover in
the load compartment.
1. Take the pouch with the tyre repair kit from the compartment.
Carefully remove the components
from the pouch.
2. Remove the compressor.
3. Remove the electrical connection cable and air hose from the
stowage compartments on the
underside of the compressor.
4. Screw the compressor air hose to
the connection on the sealant
bottle.
5. Fit the sealant bottle into the retainer on the compressor.
Set the compressor near the tyre
in such a way that the sealant
bottle is upright.