Vauxhall Astra K Owner's Manual

Contents

Vauxhall Astra K Owner's Manual Manual pdf 208 page image

206 Driving and operatingDriving characteristics andtowing tipsBefore attaching a trailer, lubricatethe coupling ball. However, do not doso if a stabiliser, which acts on thecoupling ball, is being used to reducesnaking movements.During trailer towing do not exceed aspeed of 50 mph. A maximum speedof 60 mph is only appropriate if anoscillation damper is used and thepermissible gross trailer weight doesnot exceed the vehicle's curb weight.For trailers with low driving stabilityand caravan trailers, the use of anoscillation damper is stronglyrecommended.If the trailer starts snaking, drive moreslowly, do not attempt to correct thesteering and brake sharply ifnecessary.When driving downhill, drive in thesame gear as if driving uphill anddrive at a similar speed.Adjust tyre pressure to the valuespecified for full load 3 276.Trailer towingTrailer loads9 WarningVehicles with engine B14XFT andautomatic transmission:Use of towing equipment ispermissible for attachingcompatible bicycle carriers only.Do not use towing equipment fortrailer towing.The permissible trailer loads arevehicle and engine-dependentmaximum values which must not beexceeded. The actual trailer load isthe difference between the actualgross weight of the trailer and theactual coupling socket load with thetrailer coupled.The permissible trailer loads arespecified in the vehicle documents. Ingeneral, they are valid for gradientsup to max. 12%.The permitted trailer load applies upto the specified incline and up to analtitude of 1000 metres above sealevel. Since engine power decreasesas altitude increases due to the airbecoming thinner, therefore reducingclimbing ability, the permissible grosstrain weight also decreases by 10%for every 1000 metres of additionalaltitude. The gross train weight doesnot have to be reduced when drivingon roads with slight inclines (less than8%, e.g. motorways).The permissible gross train weightmust not be exceeded. This weight isspecified on the identification plate3 263.Vertical coupling loadThe vertical coupling load is the loadexerted by the trailer on the couplingball. It can be varied by changing theweight distribution when loading thetrailer.The maximum permissible verticalcoupling load (75 kg) is specified onthe towing equipment identificationplate and in the vehicle documents.Always aim for the maximum load,especially in the case of heavytrailers. The vertical coupling loadshould never fall below 25 kg.