OPEL CORSA 2009 Owners Manual

165
Driving and operation
Picture no: 17206t.tif
Hydraulic brake system The foot brake comprises two independent
brake circuits.
If a brake circuit fails, the vehicle can still be
braked using the other brake circuit.
However, the brake pedal must be
depressed a considerable way before any
braking effect occurs, and much more
force is required. The braking distance is
longer. Contact a workshop for assistance
before continuing to drive. To ensure that full
pedal travel can be
utilised, especially in case of a fault in one
of the brake circuits, there must be no mats
in the vicinity of the pedals 3150.
When the engine is not running, the
support of the brake servo unit disappears
once the brake pedal has been depressed
once or twice. Braking effect is not
reduced, but braking requires significantly
greater force. This is especially important
to bear in mind when towing.
The brake fluid level should be checked
regularly. If the brake fluid level is too low
and the hand brake is not applied, control
indicator R on the instrument panel
illuminates 389.
Picture no: 18257s.tif
Brake system control indicator R
The control indicator lights up when the
ignition is switched on when the hand
brake is applied or when the brake or
clutch fluid level is too low. Brake fluid
level 3246.
For vehicles with manual transmission
automated 3, the control indicator flashes
for a few seconds when the ignition is
turned off when the hand brake is not
applied.
9
Warning
If the control indicator illuminates when
the hand brake is released, stop driving
immediately. Contact a workshop for
assistance.
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166 Driving and operationAnti-lock brake system (ABS
u)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
ABS starts to regulate brake pressure as
soon as a wheel shows a tendency to lock.
The vehicle remains steerable, even during
hard braking.
For optimum braking, keep the brake
pedal fully depressed throughout the
braking process, despite the fact that the
pedal is pulsating. Do not reduce the
pressure on the pedal.
Picture no: 18258s.tif
Control indicator u for ABS
It illuminates for a few seconds when
ignition is switched on. Once the control
indicator goes out, the system is ready for
operation.
If the control indica tor does not go out
after a few seconds, or if it illuminates while
driving, there is a fault in the ABS. The
brake system remains operational without
ABS regulation.
Adaptive brake lamp 3
During full-on braking, all three brake
lamps flash for the duration of ABS control. Self testing
When the engine is started and the vehicle
starts off, the system performs a self-check,
which may be audible.
Fault
Have cause of fault remedied by a
workshop. The system’s integrated self
diagnostics allow faults to be quickly
remedied.
9
Warning
If there is a fault in the ABS, the wheels
may be liable to lock due to braking that
is heavier than normal. The advantages
of ABS are no longer available. During
hard braking, the vehicle can no longer
be steered and may swerve.
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167
Driving and operation
Picture no: 18256s.tif
Hand brake Always apply hand brake firmly without
pressing the release button, and apply as
firmly as possible on steep slopes.
To release the hand brake pull lever up
slightly, press release button, and lower
lever all the way down.
To reduce the operating forces of the hand
brake, depress the foot brake at the same
time.
Brake assist
3
If the brake pedal is operated quickly with
a powerful push, the vehicle is
automatically braked at full braking power
in order to achieve the shortest possible
braking distance when full-on braking
occurs (brake assist).
Maintain steady pressure on the brake
pedal for as long as full-on braking is to
continue. When the brake pedal is
released, the maximum brake force
amplification is taken away.
Hill Start Assist
3 (HSA)
The system helps pull away on inclines.
After releasing the footbrake, if the hand
brake is not applied the brakes are only
released after 2 seconds. As soon as the
acceleration is sufficient to prevent rolling
back, the brake is released.
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168 Driving and operationWheels, tyres Suitable tyres and restrictions 3264.
Tyres fitted in the factory are adapted to
the chassis and provide optimum driving
comfort and safety.
Changing tyre/wheel type
If tyres of a different size than those fitted
at the factory are used, it may be
necessary to reprogram the electronic
speedometer and make other vehicle
modifications.
After converting to a different tyre size,
have the adhesive label with tyre pressures
replaced. Vehicles with run-flat tyres
3
When switching wheels, e.g. when
switching to winter tyres, use run-flat tyres
as there is no spare wheel or tyre repair kit
in the vehicle.
Vehicles with engine Z 10 XEP: Run-flat
tyres are not permitted for all rear axle
applications. We recommend your Opel
Partner.
Run-flat tyres 3 3171. Fitting new tyres
Fit tyres in pairs or in sets, which is even
better. Ensure that tyres on one axle are
z
the same size,
z the same design,
z the same make,
z and have the same tread pattern.
Fit directional tyres such that they roll in the
direction of travel. The rolling direction is
indicated by a symbol (e.g. an arrow) on
the sidewall.
Tyres fitted opposing the rolling direction
(e.g. when a tyre is changed) should be
refitted as soon as possible. This is the only
way to obtain full benefit from the design
properties of the tyre.
Run-flat tyres 3 m u s t n o t b e c o m b i n e d w i t h
conventional tyres.
Pay attention to legal requirements when
disposing of tyres.
9
Warning
Use of unsuitable tyres or wheels may
lead to accidents and render the vehicle
unroadworthy.
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169
Driving and operation
Picture no: 18311s.tif
Tyre pressure
Check tyre pressure, including the spare
wheel, at least every 14 days and prior to
any long journey; the tyres should be
checked when cold. Don’t forget to check
the spare wheel 3.
Remove the valve cap key from the tank
flap and use it to unscrew the valve cap.
Tyre pressure 3264 and on the adhesive
label 3 on the inside of the tank flap.
The tyre pressure data is for cold tyres. It
applies to both summer and winter tyres. Always inflate the spare wheel
3 to the
pressure specified for full load.
Do not reduce tyre pr essure when the tyres
are warm. Otherwise the pressure may
drop below the permissible minimum when
the tyres cool down.
After having checked the tyre pressure,
tighten the valve caps using the valve cap
key.
Incorrect inflation pressures will impair
safety, vehicle handling, comfort and fuel
economy and will increase tyre wear.
Picture no: 17213t.tif
9
Warning
If the pressure is too low, this can result
in considerable tyre warm-up and
internal damage, leading to tread sepa-
ration and even to tyre blow-out at high
speeds.
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170 Driving and operation
Picture no: 17214t.tif
Tyre condition, wheel condition
Drive over edges slowly and at a right
angle if possible. Driving over sharp edges
can lead to hidden tyre damage and wheel
damage. Do not wedge tyres against the
kerb.
Regularly check tyres for damage. Seek the
assistance of a workshop in the event of
damage or unusual wear.
Picture no: 17216t.tif
Tread depth
Check tread depth regularly.
For reasons of safety, tyres should be
replaced when their tread depth has worn
down to 2 to 3 mm (winter tyres: 4 mm).
The legally permissible minimum tread
depth (1.6 mm) has been reached when
the tread has worn down as far as one of
the wear indicators (TWI
1)). A number of
wear indicators are spaced at equal
intervals around the tyre within the tread.
Their position is indicated by markings on
the tyre sidewall.
Picture no: 17215t.tif
If wear in the front is greater than that in
the rear, move the rear wheels to the front
axle and vice versa.
Correct tyre pressure.
On vehicles fitted with a deflation
detection system 3, initialise the system
3 164.
General information
z The danger of aquaplaning is greater if
the tyres are worn.
z Tyres age, even if they are not used or
used infrequently. We recommend tyre
replacement every six years at the latest.
z Never fit used tyres the previous history
and use of which you do not know.
1)TWI
= Tread
Wear
Indicator.
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171
Driving and operation
Tyre designations
Meanings:
e.g. 185/65 R 15 88 T
Speed code letters: Run-flat tyres (RFT)
3
Run-flat tyres have reinforced, self-
supporting sidewalls, which ensure that the
tyres always have a certain amount of
driveability, even when there is no pressure.
Run-flat tyres are permitted only in the
case of vehicles with ESP®
Plus
3 and a
deflation detection system.
Depending on the tyre manufacturer, run-
flat tyres can be identified from a marking
on the tyre wall, e.g. ROF = RunonFlat for
Dunlop or SSR = Self Supporting Runflat
Tyre for Continental.
Run-flat tyres can be used only in
combination with the alloy wheels issued
by Opel: this also applies to winter tyres. Driving with a damaged tyre
The deflation of a tyre is displayed via the
deflation detection system
3.
If a tyre has no pressure, continued driving
is possible
z at a speed of max. 80 km/h,
z up to a distance of 80 km.
Do not use a tyre repair kit.
Deflation detection system 3 3 164.
185
= Tyre width in mm
65 = Cross-section ratio
(tyre height to tyre width in %)
R = Belt type Radial
RF = Type: Run-flat
15 = Rim diameter in inches
88 = Load-bearing capacity code
e.g.: 88 corresponds to 567 kg
T = Speed code letter:
Q = Up to 160 km/h
S = Up to 180 km/h
T = Up to 190 km/h
H = Up to 210 km/h
V = Up to 240 km/h
W = Up to 270 km/h
9
Warning
Even the tyre pressure of run-flat tyres
must be checked regularly.
Check tyre pressures at least every
14 days and prior to any long journey;
the tyres should be checked when cold.
9
Warning
When driving with a flat tyre, do not
exceed a speed of 80 km/h or a distance
of 80 km.
The vehicle will be more difficult to steer
and handle and the braking distance
will be longer.
Adapt driving style and speed to the
conditions at hand.
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172 Driving and operationWinter tyres 3
Notes on fitting new tyres 3 168.
Restrictions 3171, 3264.
Winter tyres improve driving safety at
temperatures below 7 C.
The design of summer tyres means they
have limited qualities for winter driving.
In accordance with country-specific
regulations, affix the speed sticker 3 in the
driver’s field of view.
If you use the spare wheel when it is fitted
with a summer tyre, the vehicle’s
driveability may be affected, especially on
slippery road surfaces. Obtain a
replacement for the faulty tyre as soon as
possible, and have the wheel balanced
and fitted to the vehicle.
Wheel covers 3
Use of wheel trims and tyres that approved
by Opel for the vehicle in question and
thereby fulfil all requirements for the wheel
and tyre combination.
If the wheel trims and tyres used are not
Opel-approved, the ty res must not have a
beaded edge. Wheel trims must not impair brake cooling.
Remove the wheel trims if fitting tyre
chains
3.
Picture no: 17217t.tif
Tyre chains
Restrictions and further information 3264.
Tyre chains are only permitted on the
driven wheels (front axle). They must be
fitted to the tyres symmetrically in order to
achieve a concentric fit.
Always use fine mesh chains that add no
more than 10 mm to the tyre tread and the
inboard sides (including chain lock).
9
Warning
Use of unsuitable tyres or wheel trims
could lead to sudden loss of air and
thereby accidents.
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173
Driving and operation
Remove the wheel trims if using tyre chains
3201.
Tyre chains may only be used at speeds up
to 50 km/h. When travelling on roads that
are free of snow, they may only be used for
brief periods.
Tyre chains must not be used on the
temporary spare wheel. If you need to use
tyre chains after suffering a flat front tyre,
fit the temporary spare on the rear axle
and transfer one of the rear wheels to the
front axle.
Roof rack
3
For safety reasons and to avoid roof
damage we recommend using the Opel
roof rack system that is approved for your
vehicle.
Follow the usage instructions for the roof
rack.
Remove the roof rack when not in use.
Driving hints 3 149
Picture no: 18313s.tif
Fitting on model without sun roof 3
Push covers for concealing roof rack
mounts down and push backwards with a
valve cap key. Location of valve cap key
3 169.
Fitting on model with sun roof 3
Disengage covers concealing roof rack
mounts by pushing sliders in direction of
arrow (e.g. with coin) and remove upwards.
To close roof rack mounts, first insert
covers at front and engage sliders at rear.
Attach roof rack at appropriate points, see
enclosed roof luggage rack system
instructions.
9
Warning
Damage may lead to tyre blowout.
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174 Driving and operation
Picture no: 18335s.tif
Flex-Fix system
3
The Flex-Fix system allows bikes to be
attached to a pull-out carrier integrated
into the vehicle floor.
The maximum load is 40 kg.
If not in use, the Flex-Fix system can be
collapsed back into the vehicle floor.
A multifunction box 3 is offered as an
accessory for the carrier system. The
transportation of other objects is not
permitted.
There must not be any objects on the
bicycles that could become loose during
transportation.
Picture no: 18336s.tif
Extend Flex-Fix system
Open the tailgate 336.
Pull release lever up. The system
disengages and travels quickly out from
the bumper.
Picture no: 18337s.tif
Completely pull out the Flex-Fix system
until you hear it engage.
Ensure that it is not possible to push in the
Flex-Fix system without pulling the release
lever again.
9
Warning
No persons may remain in the extension
zone of the Flex-Fix system, risk of injury.
9
Warning
It is only permissible to fit objects to the
Flex-Fix system if the system has been
correctly engaged. If the Flex-Fix system
will not engage correctly, do not fit
objects to the system and slide the
system back. Contact a workshop for
assistance.
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