2014.25 VAUXHALL ASTRA J brake

218Driving and operatingDriving characteristics and
towing tips Before attaching a trailer, lubricatethe coupling ball. However, do not do
so if a stabiliser, which acts on the
coupling ball, is being used to reduce
snaking movements.
For trailers with low driving stability
and caravan trailers with a permitted
gross vehicle weight of more than
1300 kg the use of a stabiliser is
strongly recommended when driving
above 50 mph.
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 3 307.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 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 plate
3 285.
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.

Driving and operating221
Eye for break-away stopping cable
Attach breakaway stopping cable to
eye.
Check that the coupling ball bar is correctly installed
■ Green marking on rotary knob must
point towards green 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.
Dismounting the coupling ball
bar
Open the protective flap and turn the
key to position c to unlock the
coupling ball bar.
Pull out rotary handle and turn
clockwise as far as it will go. Pull out coupling ball bar downwards.
Insert sealing plug in opening. Fold away socket.
Replace cover, except 3-door
hatchback.
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 (TSA) is a
function of the Electronic Stability
Control 3 177.

222Vehicle careVehicle careGeneral Information...................222
Vehicle checks ........................... 223
Bulb replacement .......................230
Electrical system ........................250
Vehicle tools .............................. 256
Wheels and tyres .......................258
Jump starting ............................. 274
Towing ....................................... 276
Appearance care .......................278General 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.
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
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, well ventilated place. Engage first orreverse gear or set selector lever to P . Prevent the vehicle from rolling.
■ Do not apply the parking brake.

Vehicle care227BrakesIn the event of minimum thickness ofthe 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.
When topping up, ensure maximum cleanliness as contamination of the
brake fluid can lead to brake system
malfunctions. Have the cause of the
loss of brake fluid remedied by a
workshop.
Only use high-performance brake
fluid approved for the vehicle. Brake
and clutch fluid 3 283.
Vehicle battery
Vehicles without stop-start system
will be equipped with a lead acid
battery. Vehicles with stop-start
system will be equipped with an
AGM battery which is not a lead acid
battery.
The vehicle battery is maintenance-
free provided that the driving profile
allows sufficient charging of the
battery. Short-distance-driving and
frequent engine starts can discharge
the battery. Avoid the use of
unnecessary electrical consumers.
Batteries do not belong in household
waste. They must be disposed of at
an appropriate recycling collection
point.

240Vehicle care
2. Unscrew the plastic securing nutfrom the inside by hand.
3. Carefully withdraw the tail lightassembly from recesses and
remove. Make sure that the cable duct remains in position.
4. Detach the cable from the retainer.
5. Detach the wiring plug from the bulb carrier.
6. Unscrew the three screws with a screwdriver and remove the bulb
carrier from the light assembly.
7. Remove and replace the bulb by withdrawing or pushing the bulb
slightly into the socket and
rotating anticlockwise:
Tail light ( 1)
Brake light ( 2)
Turn signal light ( 3)
8. Insert the bulb carrier into the tail light assembly and screw into
place. Connect the wiring plug
and press the cable into the
retainer. Fit light assembly with
the retaining pins into the
recesses of the car body and
tighten the securing nut from the
inside of the load compartment.

242Vehicle care
1. Remove cover on the respondingside.
2.Unscrew two plastic securing nuts
from the inside by hand.
3. Carefully withdraw tail light assembly from recesses and
remove. Make sure that the cable duct remains in position.
4. Detach wiring plug from bulb carrier.
5. Remove the bulb holder by turning and replace the bulb by
withdrawing or pushing the bulb
slightly into the socket and rotating anticlockwise:
Tail light/Brake light ( 1)
Turn signal light ( 2)
6. Insert bulb holder and turn clockwise. Connect the wiring
plug. Fit light assembly with the
retaining pins into the recesses of
the car body and tighten the
securing nuts from the inside of
the load compartment. Attach
cover.
Light assembly in the tailgate
1. Open the tailgate and remove the
cover on the respective side.

244Vehicle care
4. Carefully withdraw tail lightassembly from recesses and
remove. Make sure that the cable duct remains in position.
5. Detach wiring plug from bulb carrier.
6. Remove the bulb holder byturning anticlockwise and replace
the bulb by withdrawing or
pushing the bulb slightly into the
socket and rotating anticlockwise:
Tail lights ( 1 + 2)
Turn signal light ( 3)
Brake light ( 4)
7. Connect the wiring plug and press
the cable into the retainer. Fit light assembly with the retaining pins
into the recesses of the car body
and tighten the securing nuts from
the inside of the load
compartment. Attach cover.
When assembling press the blind
on the left-hand side into the
rubber grommets to reach full
retention force.
Light assembly in the tailgate
1. Open the tailgate and remove the
blind covers on the respective
side.
2. Unscrew and remove the screws. 3. Remove the tail light assembly and detach wiring plug from the
bulb carrier.

246Vehicle care
2. Unscrew both plastic securingnuts from the inside by hand.
3. Carefully withdraw the lightassembly from the recesses and
remove.
4. Detach wiring plug from bulb carrier.
5. Remove the bulb holder by turning and replace the bulb by
withdrawing or pushing the bulb
slightly into the socket and rotating anticlockwise:
Tail light/Brake light ( 1)
Turn signal light ( 2)
version with Light Emitting Diode
(LED)
Only turn signal light ( 2) can be
changed.
6. Insert and turn bulb holder clockwise into the tail light
assembly. Connect the wiring
plug with the light assembly. Fit
light assembly with the retaining
pins into the recesses of the car
body and tighten the securing
nuts from the inside of the load
compartment. Close cover and
engage.
Light assembly in the tailgate
1. Open the tailgate and remove the
covers on the respective side.