Self-help, vehicle care198
Power steering fluid
The power steering fluid does not require
any additional maintenance than that
detailed on pages 206 to 212.
If the fluid in the reservoir falls below the
MIN mark, consult a workshop.
Windscreen wipers
Clear vision is essential for safe driving.
Perform regular checks on the wipers to
ensure they are oper ating correctly. We
recommend wiper blade replacement at
least once a year.
If the windscreen is dirty, operate the
windscreen washer system before
switching on the wipers or setting the
wipers to automatic operation with the rain
sensor 3. This will avoid wiper blade wear.
Do not switch on the windscreen wipers if
the windscreen is dry or obstructed (e.g.
with snow or ice), as this could damage the
glass, the wiper blades, or the wiper
system.
If the wipers become frozen on to the glass,
we recommend that they be released with
the aid of Opel De-icer Spray.
Smearing wiper blades can be cleaned with
a soft cloth and Opel Cleaning Solvent and
Antifreeze.
Wiper blades whose lips have become
hardened, cracked or covered with silicone
must be replaced. This may be necessary
as a result of the effect s of ice, thawing salt
or heat, or the incorrect use of cleaning
agents.
Switch off the wipers in car washes –
see pages 92 and 202.
Wiper care
– see page 205. To ensure proper operation of the rain
sensor
3, the sensor area must be free from
dust, dirt and ice, which is why the
windscreen washer system must be
operated at regular intervals and the
sensor area de-iced. Vehicles with rain
sensor can be identified by the sensor area
near the top of the windscreen.
Self-help, vehicle care205
Windscreen wiper blades
Wax, such as that used in car washes, can
cause streaks to form on the windscreen
when the wipers are used.
Smearing wiper blades can be cleaned with
a soft cloth and Opel Cleaning Solvent and
Antifreeze, and replaced if necessary –
see page 198. Do not use abrasive
cleaners.
Locks
The locks are lubricated with a high-grade
lock cylinder grease at the factory. Opel
Lock Cylinder Grease prevents the locks
from freezing up.
Only use de-icing agents in emergencies,
as they have a degreasing effect and will
impair the function of the locks. After using
a de-icing agent, have the locks re-greased
by a workshop. Engine compartment
Areas of the engine compartment that are
painted in the same colour as the vehicle
must be looked after
like any other painted
surface.
It is advisable to wash the engine
compartment before and after winter and
preserve it with wax. Cover alternator and
fluid reservoirs with plastic sheets before
washing the engine.
When washing the engine with a steam-jet
cleaner, do not direct the steam-jet at
components of the Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS), the air conditioning system or the
belt drive and its components.
Protective wax that has been applied is
also removed during the engine wash. For
this reason, have the engine, brake system
components in the engine compartment,
axle components with steering, body parts
and cavities thoroughly preserved with
protective wax after the wash.
An engine wash can be performed in the
spring in order to remove dirt that has
adhered to the engine compartment,
which may also have a high salt content.
Check protective wax layer and make good
if necessary. Underbody
Your vehicle has a factory-applied PVC
undercoating in the wheel arches
(including the longitudinal members) which
provides permanent protection and needs
no special maintenance. The surfaces of
the vehicle underbody not covered by PVC
are provided with a durable protective wax
coating in critical areas.
On vehicles which are washed frequently
in automatic car wash
es with underbody
washing facility, the protective wax
coating may be impaire d by dirt-dissolving
additives. Check the underbody after
washing and have it waxed if necessary.
Before the start of the cold weather season,
check the PVC coating and protective wax
coating and, if necessary, have them
restored to perfect condition.
Caution
– commercially available bitumen/
rubber materials can damage the PVC
coating. We recommend that you have
underbody work carried out by a
workshop, who knows the prescribed
materials and has experience in the use
thereof.
The underbody should be washed
following the end of the cold weather
season to remove any dirt adhering to the
underbody since this may also contain salt.
Check protective wax coating and, if
necessary, have it restored to perfect
condition.
