Opel Antara Owner's Manual page 125

Self-help
Recovery and towing
When recovering or towing a vehicle
off-road, observe the following:
z A greater force is required to move a
vehicle from or through mud than when
on a hard surfaced road.
z Attach a tow rope to the towing eye of
the vehicle, not to the axle -
see pages 164, 174.
z Where possible, drive both vehicles
forward to affect a recovery, using an
appropriate gear to avoid wheelspin.
z Avoid the use of reverse gear because of
possible resultant wheelspin.
z Stay clear of the tow rope.
9
Warning
Breaking ropes can cause serious injury.
Wheel changing
Place a board or plate beneath the jack, to
prevent it from sinking into soft ground.
Further information - see page 178.
Cleaning
Clean the vehicle thoroughly and as soon
as possible after driving off-road.
Do not let mud remain dry on any part of
the vehicle as it becomes abrasive and can
damage paint, glass, seals, bearings and
brake components.
If left to build up, mud can seriously affect
the air flow through and over mechanical
components and cause localised
overheating and failure of parts, especially
in the engine compartment.
Ensure the radiator core and the area
between the radiator and intercooler/oil
cooler (where installed) is cleaned, to
maintain proper cooling air flow.
Check the radiator and cooler cores for
blockage (sand, silt etc.).
Check the tyre treads.
Driving and operation
Clean and check the mechanical parts of
the vehicle, particularly the following
areas:
z Driveshafts, including sealing bellows,
z Front brake calipers, pads and discs,
z Front suspension,
z Clutch fork sealing bellows,
z Rear brake calipers, pads and discs,
z Rear suspension,
z Fuel tank and underguard,
z Breathers, axles and fuel tank,
z Load sensing valve,
z Transfer box and underguard,
z Engine oil pan and underguard.
Observe the following:
z Do not spray high-pressure water
directly at the vehicle seals.
z The wheels must be removed to clean all
mud and stones from the brake calipers
and to check brake pad wear.
z The areas on the upper side of the
underguards must be cleared of stones,
to prevent damage to the engine oil pan
and the fuel tank.
125
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