2009 OPEL ANTARA Owners Manual

Driving and operation145
A graphic indicating the left rear tyre is
shown together with the current tyre
pressure; slight pressure deviation. Reduce
speed. Check pressure at next opportunity
with appropriate gauge and correct if
necessary.
On the colour information display 3,
this report will appear in yellow. A graphic indicating the front left tyre is
shown together with the current tyre
pressure; significant pressure deviation or
direct pressure loss. Steer out of flow of
traffic as quickly as possible without
endangering other drivers. Stop and check
the tyres.
Mount the spare wheel if necessary –
see page 177.
On the colour information display
3,
this report will appear in red.
Acknowledgement of warnings –
see page 84.
Brake system
The effectiveness of the brakes is an
important factor for traffic safety.
In the interest of effectiveness, do not
brake unnecessarily hard during the first
200 km (125 miles) after new disc brake
pads have been fitted.
Wear of the brake linings must not exceed
a specified limit. Regular maintenance, as
detailed on pages 206 to 212, is therefore
of the utmost importance for traffic safety.
Have worn brake pads replaced by a
workshop. Pads which have been tested
and passed ensure optimum brake
performance.
Brake pads worn to their minimum
thickness may generate a grinding noise.
It is possible to continue driving. Have your
brake pads replaced as soon as possible.
Seek the assistance of a workshop for
replacing the brake pads.
Ü Board Computer
Tyre pressure
OK
check rear
left
(value in bar)
Ü Board Computer
Attention!
OK
Front left tyre
pressure loss
(value in bar)
9 Warning
Disregard of these instructions may lead
to injuries or endanger life.

Driving and operation146
Brake assist
Rapid powerful application of the brake
pedal automatically applies maximum
brake force amplification to achieve the
shortest possible braking distance under
full braking (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.Foot brake
The brake system comprises two separate
brake circuits.
If one brake circuit should fail, the vehicle
can still be braked with the second
remaining circuit.
If this happens, the brake pedal must be
fully depressed with greater pedal
pressure. The distance required for braking
will be greater.
If, at any time during driving, the brake
pedal can be depressed further than
normal, the vehicle repeatedly pulls to one
side under braking or brake noise is heard,
consult a workshop.
In order to utilise the full pedal travel,
particularly in the event of a brake circuit
fault, there must be no mats in the area of
the pedals - see page 128.
With the engine stopped, the brake servo
assistance is discontinued after the brake
pedal has been depressed once or twice.
The braking effect is not reduced, but
increased foot pressure will be necessary.
Take extra care when the vehicle is being
towed.
Check the brake lamps before starting out
on a journey. Shortly after the start of each
journey, the brake system should be tested
for its effectiveness at low speed and
without inconveniencing other road users,
especially if the brakes are wet, e.g. after
washing your vehicle.
Excessive braking when going downhill can
cause brakes to temporarily overheat. Shift
to a lower gear rather than continuously
applying brakes.
The brake fluid level should be checked
regularly - see page 196.

Driving and operation147
Hand brake
Always apply hand brake firmly. On slopes,
apply the hand brake as firmly as possible.
The mechanical hand brake acts on the
brakes on the rear wheels. It engages
automatically when applied.
To release the hand brake, press and hold
the button, pull the lever up slightly and
lower lever while holding the button in.
To reduce the operating forces of the
hand brake, depress the foot brake at the
same time. Control indicator
4 for brake system
Illuminates when ignition is switched on.
Extinguishes after engine is started.
Illuminates if hand brake is applied and/or
fluid level for brake hydraulics is too low.
Brake fluid level - see page 196. If the control indicator stays lit, the brakes
do not operate as normal or leaks are
found in the brake system, do not attempt
to drive the vehicle. Have the vehicle towed
to a workshop for inspection and repair.
If the control indicator does not illuminate
when the ignition is switched on or when
the hand brake is applied (with ignition
on), stop and consult a workshop.
9 Warning
If it illuminates when the hand brake is
not applied: stop vehi
cle, interrupt your
journey immediately.
Check brake fluid level and top-up if
necessary before consulting a workshop.
Have cause of brake fluid loss remedied.

Driving and operation148
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
u
The ABS continually monitors the vehicle's
brake system and prevents the wheels from
locking, irrespective of the road condition
and tyre grip.
It starts to regulate the braking pressure as
soon as a wheel shows a tendency to lock.
The vehicle remains steerable, even in the
event of very heavy braking, e.g. on bends
or when swerving to avoid an obstacle.
Even in the case of full-on braking, the ABS
makes it possible to drive round an
obstacle without releasing the brakes.
ABS control is made apparent through a
pulse in the brake pedal and the noise of
the regulation process. Control indicator
u for ABS
Illuminates in yellow for approx. 4 seconds
when the ignition is switched on.
At the same time, the system performs a
self-check. When the control indicator
extinguishes, the system is ready for
operation.
If the control indicato r does not illuminate
when the ignition is switched on, does not
extinguish after approx. 4 seconds, or if it
illuminates during driving, there is a fault in
the ABS. The vehicle's brake system may
remain operational without ABS
regulation. If control indicator
u illuminates during
driving along with brake system control
indicator 4, there is a serious fault in the
brake system. Have the system checked
immediately by a workshop.
Fault
You can continue driving, provided you
drive with care and anticipation.
Have the cause of the fault remedied by a
workshop. The system's integrated self-
diagnostics allows faults to be quickly
remedied.
9 Warning
For optimum braking, keep the brake
pedal fully depresse d throughout the
braking process, despite the fact that the
pedal is pulsating. Do not reduce the
pressure on the pedal.
Do not let this special safety feature
tempt you into taking risks when driving.
Traffic safety can only be achieved by
adopting a responsible driving style.
9 Warning
If there is a fault in the ABS, the wheels
may tend to lock in the event of unusually
heavy braking. This may cause the
vehicle to swerve. The benefits of the ABS
are lost.

Driving and operation149
Wheels, tyres
See page 223 for suitable tyres and
restrictions.
Factory-fitted tyres are matched to the
chassis and offer optimum driving comfort
and safety.
Changing tyre/wheel type
Note the necessary modifications before
switching to different tyres or wheels.
If wheel rims of a different type are to be
installed, the wheel nuts may also need to
be changed. We recommend you consult
an Opel Partner.
If tyres of a different size to those fitted at
the factory are used (this includes winter
tyres), the electron ic speedometer may
possibly need to be reprogrammed, to
ensure that the speed displayed is correct. Vehicles with tyre pressure monitoring
system
3
When using winter tyres, or when switching
to different tyre sizes, sensors for the tyre
pressure monitoring syst em can be fitted at
a later date by a workshop, upon request.
Otherwise, the system would not indicate
tyre pressure deviations.
Tyre pressure monitoring system -
see page 144.
Fitting new tyres
New tyres should be fitted in pairs, or, for
preference, in sets. Make sure that both
tyres on an 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.
Observe legal requirements when
disposing of tyres. Some brands of tyres have a beaded edge
for alloy wheels, to protect against
damage. If wheel trims are used on steel
wheels with beaded-edge tyres, the
following procedure must be followed:
z
Wheel trims and tyres that are approved
by Opel for the respective vehicle and
comply with all of the relevant wheel and
tyre combination requ irements must be
used.
z If the wheel trims and tyres used are not
Opel-approved, the tyres must not have
a beaded edge.
9 Warning
Use of unsuitable tyres or wheels may
lead to accidents and render the vehicle
unroadworthy.
9 Warning
Use of unsuitable tyres or wheel trims
could lead to sudden pressure loss and
thereby accidents.

Driving and operation150
Tyre pressure
Check tyre pressures when cold, at least
every 14 days and prior to any long
journey. Don't forget to check the spare.
Use the valve cap key 3 to make
unscrewing the valve caps easier. The
valve cap key is located on the inside of the
tank flap.
Tyre pressures - see page 224.
Increased pressure resulting from tyre
warm-up must not be reduced, otherwise
the pressure may drop below the
permissible minimum when the tyres cool
down. After having checked the tyre pressures,
securely tighten the valve caps.
Incorrect inflation pressures will impair
safety, vehicle handling, comfort and fuel
economy and will increase tyre wear.
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.
Hidden tyre damage is not eliminated by
subsequently adjusting the inflation
pressure.
Tyre condition, wheel condition
Driving over sharp edges can lead to
hidden tyre damage and wheel damage
which is only noticed later on; danger of
tyre blow-out.
Drive over edges slowly and at a right
angle if possible. When parking, ensure
that the tyres are not pressed against the
edge of the kerb.
Check tyres regularly for damage (foreign
bodies, punctures, cuts, cracks, bulges in
sidewalls). Check wheels for damage. In
the event of damage
or abnormal wear,
consult a workshop.
9 Warning
Incorrect tyre pressure could lead to a flat
tyre.9 Warning
Damage may lead to tyre blowout.

Driving and operation151
Tread depth
Check tread depth regularly. Should the
front tyres show greater wear than the rear
tyres, have both front wheels exchanged
with the rear wheels so that the tyres with
deeper tread are on the front axle.
For information on how to change a wheel
- see page 178.
Check the tyre pressures - see page 224.For safety reasons, tyres should be
replaced when their tread depth has worn
down to 2 to 3 mm. The legal permissible
minimum tread depth (1.6 mm) has been
reached when the tread has worn down as
far as one of the wear indicators.
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.General information
Note that the danger
of aquaplaning is
greater if the tyres are worn and if the tyre
pressures are not correct.
Tyres age, even if they are used only very
little or not at all. A spare wheel which has
not been used for six years should be used
only in emergencies: drive slowly when
using such tyres.
Never fit used tyres the previous history
and use of which you do not know.

Driving and operation152
Tyre designations
Meanings:
e.g. 235/60 R 17 102 H
Speed code letters: Winter tyres
3
See page 223 for restrictions.
Winter tyres improve safety at extremely
low outside temperatures and should
therefore be fitted on all wheels.
The design of summer tyres means they
have limited qualities for winter driving.
If the maximum permissible speed for the
winter tyres is less than that of the vehicle,
a notice indicating the maximum
permissible speed for the tyres must be
affixed within the driver's field of vision 3
1).
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.
Ensure that winter tyres are inflated to the
correct pressure specified by the tyre
manufacturer.
If winter tyres are installed that have not
been approved for your vehicle, ESC
performance may be affected. Consult a
workshop regarding availability of
approved winter tyres.
Wheel trims 3
If the wheel trims and tyres used are not
Opel-approved, make sure the tyres do not
have a beaded edge - see page 149. Tyre chains
3
See page 223 for restrictions.
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 wheel on the rear
axle and transfer one of the rear wheels to
the front axle.
235
=Tyre width inmm
60 =Aspect ratio
(tyre height to tyre width in %)
R =Belt type: Radial
17 = Rim diameter in inches
102 =Load index
e.g.: 91 represents 618 kg
H = Speed code
Q Up to 160 km/h (100 mph)
S Up to 180 km/h (112 mph)
T Up to 190 km/h (118 mph)
H Up to 210 km/h (130 mph)
V Up to 240 km/h (150 mph)
W Up to 270 km/h (168 mph)
1)Varies from country to country on account of
national regulations.