Fuels, Refuelling - Vauxhall ASTRA Owner's Manual

202 Driving and operation

Fuels, refuelling

Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption is determined under
specific driving conditions, see page 316.
Special equipment increases the weight of
the vehicle. As a result, they can increase
fuel consumption and reduce the specified
maximum speed.
For the first few thousand miles, friction
between the engine and transmission
components is higher. This increases fuel
consumption.
Fuel for petrol engines
Normal commercial high-quality fuels with
a maximum ethanol content of 5% in
accordance with DIN EN 228 are suitable
(for catalytic converter see page 204, for
octane numbers see pages 310, 311). The
quality thereof has considerable effect on
the performance, running and service life
of the engine. The additives mixed with the
fuel are extremely important. For this
reason you must only refuel with high-
quality fuels containing additives.
Fuels with ethanol content greater than 5%
do not comply with DIN EN 228 and must
not be used unless the vehicle has been
specifically developed and approved for
these fuels.
Fuel with too low an octane number can
cause pinking. No liability can be accepted
for resulting damage.
Petrol with a higher octane number can
always be used.
The ignition timing adjusts automatically
to the grade of fuel used (octane number),
see pages 310, 311.
Use of petrol with an octane rating of 95
will ensure economical driving.
1)
For vehicles with Z20 LEH engine, use of
95 RON fuel reduces performance and
torque.
1)
Sales designation, see pages 310 and 311.
Fuel for diesel engines
Diesel engines must be operated only on
commercially available diesel fuel meeting
the specifications of DIN EN 590.
Since January 2004, some oil companies
have mixed their diesel fuel with upto 5%
Bio fuel (FAME = Fatty Acid Methyl Esters)
like RME (Rape-Oil Methyl Ester). This is in
accordance with the current DIN EN 590
and does not harm the fuel/injection
system. The characteristics of a diesel fuel
mixed up with 5% Bio fuel (FAME) do not
differ from conventional diesel fuel and do
not influence the vehicle's driveability.
Important: Diesel fuel mixed with 5% FAME
according to DIN EN 590 must not be
confused with 100% Bio Diesel, which is not
to be used in Vauxhall engines.
The flow and filterability of diesel fuel are
temperature-dependent.
Diesel fuels with improved low temperature
properties are therefore available on the
market during the winter months. Make
sure that you fill the tank with winter fuel
before the start of the cold weather
season.
Additives can be used with diesel fuels with
winter properties that are guaranteed by
the manufacturer and when using diesel
fuel filters that are heated depending on
the outside temperature.
Diesel fuels must not be diluted with fuels
that are intended for petrol engines.