Vauxhall ASTRA Owner's Manual page 200

Overrun
The fuel supply is automatically shut off
during overrun, e.g. when the vehicle is
being driven down long gradients or when
braking. To enable the overrun cut-off to
take effect, do not accelerate during
overrun and, if in manual transmission
mode, do not de-clutch. To prevent
damage to the catalytic converter, overrun
cut-off is temporarily deactivated when the
catalytic converter temperature is high.
Vehicles with turbocharged engine 3
Flow-generated noises may be audible if
the accelerator is released quickly on
account of air flow in the turbocharger.
Engine speed
Drive in a low engine speed range for each
gear as much as possible.
Warming up
After a cold start, the automatic
transmission 3 or Easytronic 3 in
automatic mode shifts into higher gears at
higher rpm. This allows the catalytic
converter to quickly reach the temperature
required for optimum pollutant reduction.
Correct gear selection
Engine in neutral and without revving in the
lower gears. Stop-and-go traffic and
driving at a speed too high for the selected
gear or transmission ratio increases wear
and fuel consumption.
Change down
When decreasing speed, shift down into
the next lowest gear. Do not slip the clutch
with a high-revving engine. This is
especially important when hill climbing.
Clutch operation
Always depress the clutch pedal hard to
the floor to prevent shifting difficulties and
transmission damage.
When driving do not use the pedal as a
footrest; this will cause substantial clutch
wear.
Driving and operation
Cooling fan
The cooling fan is controlled via a
thermoswitch and therefore only runs if
necessary.
The cooling fan automatically switches on
when the diesel particle filter is being
cleaned 3 depending on the engine.
Pedals
Do not place any objects in the footwell
which could slip under the pedals and
inhibit the pedal travel.
To ensure the pedal travel is uninhibited,
there must be no mats in the area of the
pedals.
Battery care
When driving slowly or when the vehicle is
stationary, e.g. in slow urban traffic,
stop-and-go traffic or traffic jams, turn off
all unnecessary electrical loads where
possible (e.g. heated rear window, heated
seats).
De-clutch when starting in order to relieve
the strain on the starter and the battery.
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