Vauxhall Astra TwinTop (2007 year). Manual - part 15

226

Driving and operation

Vehicles with tyre pressure monitoring 

system 3

With winter tyres or after conversion to 

different wheel sizes, sensors for the tyre 

pressure monitoring system can be fitted 

by a workshop on request. Otherwise the 

system would not show the tyre pressure 

deviations. 
Deflation detection system 3, 

see page 218, 

tyre pressure monitoring system 3, 

see page 219. 
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. 
Run-flat tyres - see page 230. 

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 must not be combined with 

conventional tyres. 
When disposing of tyres, follow the legal 

requirements. 

227

Driving and operation

Some brands of tyres have a beaded edge 

for alloy wheels to protect against 

damage. If wheel trim is used on steel 

wheels with beaded-edge tyres, the 

following specification must be followed: 
z Use of wheel trims and tyres that 

approved by Vauxhall for the vehicle in 

question and thereby fulfil all 

requirements for the wheel and tyre 

combination.

z If the wheel trims and tyres used are not 

Vauxhall-approved, the tyres must not 

have a beaded edge. 

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 3. 
Use the valve cap key to make unscrewing 

the valve caps easier. The key is located on 

the inside of the tank flap. 

In vehicles with tyre pressure monitoring 

system 3 there is an adapter in the valve 

cap key. Screw adapter to valve before 

attaching tyre pressure gauge, see 

page 219. 
Tyre pressure, see page 337 and the 

adhesive foil 3 on the inside of the tank 

flap. Have adhesive foil replaced after 

changing to different tyre size. 
Do not reduce tyre pressure when the tyres 

are warm. Otherwise the pressure may 

drop below the permissible minimum when 

the tyres cool down. 

9

 Warning

Use of unsuitable tyres or wheel trims 

could lead to sudden loss of air and 

thereby accidents. 

228

Driving and operation

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. 
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 

adjusting the inflation pressure. 

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 which is only noticed later on. 
When parking, ensure that the tyres are not 

pressed against the edge of the kerb. 

9

 Warning

Incorrect tyre pressure could lead to a flat 

tyre.

229

Driving and operation

Check tyres regularly for damage 

(penetrated foreign bodies, punctures, 

cuts, cracks, bulges in side walls). Check 

wheels for damage. If damage or unusual 

wear is found, contact a workshop. 

Tread depth 

Check tread depth regularly. 
If wear in the front is greater than that in 

the rear, move the rear wheels to the front 

axle and vice versa. 
Correct the tyre pressure. 
In vehicles with a deflation detection 

system 3 or tyre pressure monitoring 

system 3 initialise system, see 

pages 219, 221. 
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. 

9

 Warning

Damage may lead to tyre blow-out.

1)

TWI

 = 

T

read 

W

ear 

I

ndicator. 

230

Driving and operation

General information 

z The danger of aquaplaning is greater if 

the tyres are worn. 

z 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. 

z Never fit used tyres the previous history 

and use of which you do not know. 

z So as not to impair brake cooling, use 

only wheel trims approved for use on 

your vehicle. 

Tyre designations 

Meanings: 
e.g. 195/65 R 15 91 H 

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 only permitted on 

vehicles with ESP®

Plus

 and tyre pressure 

monitoring system or deflation detection 

system. 

Depending on tyre manufacturer, run-flat 

tyres can be identified from a marking on 

the tyre wall. E.g. ROF = RunonFlat for 

Goodyear or SSR = Self Supporting Runflat 

Tyre for Continental. 
Run-flat tyres may only be used in 

combination with Vauxhall-approved alloy 

wheels; this also applies to winter tyres. 

195 = Tyre width in mm
65 = Cross-section ratio

(tyre depth to width) in %

R

= Belt  type:  Radial

RF = Type: RunFlat
15 = Wheel diameter in inch
91 = Load  index

e.g. 91 corresponds to 618 kg

H

= Speed code letter:

Q

up to 100 mph (160 km/h)

S

up to 112 mph (180 km/h)

T

up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

H

up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

V

up to 150 mph (240 km/h)

W up to 168 mph (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.

231

Driving and operation

Driving with a damaged tyre

A loss in tyre pressure is indicated by the 

tyre pressure monitoring system 3 or the 

deflation detection system 3. 
If a tyre has no pressure, continued driving 

is possible 
z at a speed of max. 50 mph (80 km/h)

z up to a distance of 50 miles (80 km). 

Do not use a tyre repair kit. 
Deflation detection system 3, see page 218, 

tyre pressure monitoring system 3, see 

page 219. 

Winter tyres 3 

For notes on fitting new tyres, see 

page 225. 
Limitations - see pages 230, 337. 
Winter tyres improve safety at 

temperatures below 7 °C and should 

therefore be fitted on all the 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

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. 

Wheel covers 3 

If the wheel trims and tyres used are not 

Vauxhall-approved, make sure that the 

tyres do not have a beaded edge, 

see page 227. 

9

 Warning

When driving with a flat tyre, do not 

exceed a speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) 

or a distance of 50 miles (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. 

1)

Varies from country to country on account of 

national regulations.

232

Driving and operation

Tyre chains 3 

Limitations and further information, see 

page 337. 
Tyre chains are only permitted on the drive 

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). 

Wheel trim on steel wheels could come into 

contact with parts of the chain and be 

damaged. Remove the wheel trim, see 

page 252. 
Tyre chains may only be used at speeds up 

to 30 mph (50 km/h) and, when travelling 

on roads that are free of snow, they may be 

used for brief periods only since they are 

subject to rapid wear on a hard road and 

may snap. 
Temporary spare wheel 3

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. 
For notes on the temporary spare wheel, 

see page 250. 
Wheel changing, see page 252. 
Correct the tyre pressure. 
Deflation detection system 3, see page 218, 

tyre pressure monitoring system 3, see 

page 219. 

Roof racks 

3

 

For safety reasons, and to prevent roof 

damage, we recommend use of the 

Vauxhall roof rack system approved for 

your vehicle. 
Roof loads are not permitted on the 

Astra TwinTop. 
Fasten the roof rack following the 

instructions that accompany the system. 
Driving hints, see page 198. 

9

 Warning

Disregard of these notes can lead to 

injuries which may be fatal. Vehicle 

passengers should be informed 

accordingly. 

233

Driving and operation

Version without roof railing 

Lift the covers from the fitting openings. 
Attach roof rack at appropriate points, see 

enclosed roof luggage rack system 

instructions. 

Version with roof railing 3 

To attach the roof rack, insert mounting 

bolts in the bores shown in the picture, see 

instructions provided with the roof rack 

system. 

Towing equipment 

3

 

Only use a trailer towing device approved 

for the vehicle. Have a towing device fitted 

by workshop, who will inform you of any 

possible trailer load increases. They will 

have the instructions for fitting the device 

and any necessary changes to the vehicle 

concerning cooling, heat shields or other 

devices.
Observe the note on the Astra TwinTop on 

page 58. 
Do not mount towing equipment to 

vehicles with Z 20 LEH

1)

 engine. 

For installation dimensions of the trailer 

towing equipment, see pages 348, 349, 350. 

9

 Warning

Disregard of these notes can lead to 

injuries which may be fatal. Vehicle 

passengers should be informed 

accordingly. 

9

 Warning

The coupling ball bar is to be removed 

when not towing. 

1)

Sales designation, see page 310 and 311. 

234

Driving and operation

Stowage of coupling ball bar 

In Hatchbacks, the coupling ball bar is in a 

pouch, fastened in the luggage 

compartment cargo box with a strap - see 

page 237. 
In Estates, the coupling ball bar is fastened 

with a strap in a compartment in the spare 

wheel well of the luggage compartment. 

Fitting the coupling ball bar 

Disengage and fold down the socket. 

Remove the sealing plug from the hole for 

the coupling ball bar and stow it in the 

luggage compartment. 

Checking the tensioning of the coupling 

ball bar:

z Red marking on turn knob points 

towards white marking on coupling ball 

bar. 

z Gap of approx. 6 millimetres between 

turn knob and coupling ball bar. 

z Key is in lock at position 1.

235

Driving and operation

Otherwise, the coupling ball bar must be 

tensioned before it is inserted into the 

coupling housing: 

z Unlock coupling ball bar (key to 

position 1), see Fig. 17222 T on 

page 234.

z Pull turn knob out and then turn it 

clockwise as far as it will go, see 

Fig. 17223 T.

Inserting the coupling ball bar 

Insert the tensioned coupling ball bar into 

the coupling housing and push firmly 

upwards until the coupling ball bar audibly 

engages in position. 
The turn knob snaps back into its home 

position resting against the coupling ball 

bar. 

Lock coupling ball bar (key to position 2, 

see Fig. 17222 T on page 234). Remove key 

and press protective flap into position.
When the coupling ball bar is locked the 

turn knob can no longer be pulled out. 

9

 Warning

Do not touch the turn knob when 

inserting the coupling ball bar - risk of 

injury.

236

Driving and operation

Important 

Check that the coupling ball bar is correctly 

installed: 

z Green marking on turn knob points 

towards white marking on coupling ball 

bar. 

z No gap between turn knob and coupling 

ball bar. 

z Coupling ball bar must be seated firmly 

in coupling housing. 

z Coupling ball bar must be locked and 

key must be removed. 

Eye for break-away stopping cable 

In the case of caravans/trailers with brake, 

attach the break-away stopping cable to 

the eye (arrow in Fig. 17225 T). 

Dismounting the coupling ball bar 

Unlock coupling ball bar (key to position 1, 

see Fig. 17222 T on page 234). 
Pull out turn knob and then turn it clockwise 

as far as it will go. Pull coupling ball bar 

down out of the coupling housing and stow 

in compartment in the luggage 

compartment, see page 234. 

Insert the sealing plug in the hole for the 

coupling ball bar. Fold away the socket, 

see Fig. 17221 T on page 234. 
Do not use steam-jet cleaners or other 

high-pressure cleaners to clean the 

coupling ball bar. 

9

 Warning

Towing a caravan/trailer is only 

permitted with a correctly mounted 

towbar. If the towbar cannot be correctly 

mounted, contact a workshop for 

assistance. 

237

Driving and operation

Stowage of coupling ball bar 

Hatch 

Stow the coupling ball bar in the pouch and 

fasten it in the luggage compartment 

cargo box with the strap. 
Estate 

Stow the coupling ball bar in the 

compartment in the spare wheel well of the 

luggage compartment, fastening it with 

the strap. 

Caravan/trailer towing

Caravan and trailer loads

1)

The permissible caravan/trailer loads are 

vehicle- and engine-dependent maximum 

values which must not be exceeded. The 

actual caravan/trailer load is the difference 

between the actual gross weight of the 

caravan/trailer and the actual coupling 

socket load with the caravan/trailer 

coupled. When the caravan/trailer load is 

being checked, therefore, only the 

caravan/trailer wheels – and not the jockey 

wheel – must be standing on the weighing 

apparatus. 
The permissible caravan/trailer loads for 

your vehicle are given in the vehicle 

documents. Unless otherwise stated, they 

are valid for gradients up to max. 12%. 

The permissible caravan/trailer load should 

be fully utilised only by drivers who are 

adequately experienced in towing large or 

heavy caravans/trailers. 
The permitted caravan/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 because of the air becoming 

thinner, therefore reducing climbing ability, 

the permitted towing weight also 

decreases by 10% for every 1000 metres of 

additional altitude. The towing weight 

does not have to be reduced when driving 

on roads with slight inclines (less than 8%, 

e. g. motorways). 

1)

Observe national regulations. 

238

Driving and operation

The actual caravan/trailer load plus the 

actual gross weight of the towing vehicle 

must not exceed the maximum permitted 

towing weight. For example, if the 

permitted gross vehicle weight is utilised, 

the trailer/caravan load must only be used 

until the maximum permitted towing 

weight is reached. The maximum 

permitted towing weight is shown on the 

identification plate, see page 308. 

Coupling socket load 

The coupling socket load is the load 

exerted by the trailer/caravan on the 

coupling ball. It can be varied by changing 

the weight distribution when loading the 

trailer/caravan. 
The maximum permissible coupling socket 

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 caravans/trailers. The coupling 

socket load should never fall below 25 kg. 
When measuring the coupling socket load, 

make sure that the drawbar of the loaded 

trailer/caravan is at the same height as it 

will be when the trailer/caravan is coupled 

with the towing vehicle loaded. Particularly 

important for trailers/caravans with 

tandem axle. 

Rear axle load during towing 

With a trailer coupled and the towing 

vehicle fully loaded (including all 

occupants), 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 Hatch. For the Estate, 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 60 mph (100 km/h) 

applies (50 mph / 80 km/h if approved for 

use as a commercial vehicle). If national 

regulations specify a lower maximum 

speed for vehicles towing a trailer, this 

must be observed. 

239

Driving and operation

Tyre pressure 

Increase the tyre pressure on the towing 

vehicle to the value specified for a full load, 

see page 337. Check the pressure of the 

spare wheel and caravan/trailer wheels. 

Trailer Stability Assist 3 (TSA) 

TSA monitors vehicle movements when 

towing a caravan or trailer. If the system 

detects lurching movements, engine power 

is reduced and the vehicle/trailer 

combination is selectively braked until the 

lurching ceases. 
TSA is a function of the electronic stability 

programme (ESP

®

Plus

), see page 210. 

Driving characteristics, towing tips 

In the case of trailers/caravans with brakes, 

attach breakaway stopping cable to eye. 
Before attaching the trailer/caravan, 

lubricate the ball of the trailer/caravan 

towing device. However, do not lubricate 

the ball if a stabiliser, which acts on the 

coupling ball, is being used to damp 

hunting. 
Check caravan/trailer lighting before 

starting to drive. The fog tail lights on the 

vehicle are deactivated when towing a 

caravan or trailer. 

240

Driving and operation

Caravans/trailers with LED turn signals 

must have a provision that makes it 

possible to monitor standard light bulbs.
Turn signal control indicator - see 

page 116.
Parking distance sensor 3 is deactivated 

when towing. 
Handling is greatly influenced by the 

loading of the trailer/caravan. Loads 

should therefore be secured so that they 

cannot slip and be placed in the centre of 

the trailer/caravan if possible, i.e. above 

the axle. 
In the case of trailers with low driving 

stability or caravans with a permitted 

gross vehicle weight of over 1300 kg 

(Hatch)/1200 kg (Estate), do not exceed a 

speed of 50 mph (80 km/h); the use of a 

friction-type stabiliser is highly 

recommended. 
Do not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h) 

if possible, even in countries where higher 

speeds are permitted. 
Make sure that you have enough room 

when cornering and avoid sudden 

manoeuvres. 

If the trailer/caravan starts to sway, drive 

more slowly, do not attempt to correct the 

steering and brake sharply if necessary. 
If it is necessary to apply the brakes fully, 

depress the brake pedal as hard as 

possible. 
Remember that the braking distance for 

vehicles towing caravans/trailers with and 

without brake is always greater than that 

for vehicles not towing a caravan/trailer. 
When driving downhill, the brakes are 

under considerably more load when towing 

a caravan/trailer. For this reason, drive in 

the same gear as if driving uphill and drive 

at a similar speed. 
Automatic transmission 3 or Easytronic 3 

in automatic mode will automatically 

select the driving programme with the 

optimum engine braking effect. 
The gears can be selected manually if 

required. 
The cooling fan is electrically operated. Its 

cooling power is therefore independent of 

the engine speed. 
Since a considerable amount of heat is 

generated at high engine speeds and less 

at slower speeds, do not shift down when 

climbing hills whilst the vehicle is still coping 

with the gradient in the higher gear. 

Starting on inclines 

For vehicles with manual transmission, 

the most favourable engine speed when 

starting off on an incline is between 2500 

and 3000 rpm for petrol engines and 

between 2000 and 2200 rpm for diesel 

engines. Hold engine speed constant, 

engage clutch gradually (let slip), release 

handbrake and open throttle. If possible, 

the engine speed should not drop during 

this procedure. 
In vehicles with automatic transmission 3 

and Easytronic 3 it is sufficient to apply full 

throttle in D or 3 in automatic mode. 
Before starting off under extreme 

conditions (high combination weight, 

mountainous terrain with steep inclines), 

switch off all unnecessary electrical loads 

(e.g. heated rear window, air conditioning 

system 3, heated front seats 3). 

241

Self-help, vehicle care

Self-help,

vehicle care

Diesel fuel system, bleeding 

Never let the tank run dry! If control 

indicator Y illuminates, refuel as soon as 

possible. Refuel immediately if it flashes. 
Restarting after running out of fuel is 

possible, but starting behaviour will be 

delayed. Turn on the ignition three times 

for 15 seconds each time. Then start the 

engine for a maximum of 40 seconds

1)

. If it 

does not start, repeat the process after 

waiting at least 5 seconds. If the engine still 

does not start, contact a workshop. 

Bonnet 

To open the bonnet, pull the release lever 

located on the driver’s side below the 

instrument panel. The bonnet will then be 

unlocked and will partially open. Return 

release lever to its original position. 

Diesel fuel system, bleeding ...............  241 
Bonnet .................................................. 241 
Starting................................................. 242 
Starting the engine with jump leads 

3 ......................................................... 243 

Towing.................................................. 244 
Warning triangle ¨ 3......................... 247 
First-aid kit (cushion) + 3................... 247 
Spare wheel 3...................................... 249 
Jack £ 3 and vehicle tools 3 ............ 251 
Changing wheels .................................  252 
Tyre repair kit 3................................... 256 
Electrical system ..................................  259 
Fuses and the most important 

circuits they protect ..........................  262 

Bulb replacement ................................  269 
Halogen headlight system..................  269 
Xenon headlight system 3, 

Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) 

system 3 ............................................ 273 

Front turn signal lights ........................  276 
Side turn signal lights ..........................  276 
Fog lights 3.......................................... 276 
Tail lights ..............................................  277 
Number plate light ..............................  286 
Courtesy lights .....................................  287 
Vehicle care..........................................  289 

9

 Warning

Disregard of these notes can lead to 

injuries which may be fatal. Vehicle 

passengers should be informed 

accordingly. 

1)

On engines Z 17 DTH, for technical reasons 

only 30 seconds is possible. Sales designation 

see pages 310 and 311.