Vauxhall ASTRA Owner's Manual page 224

Brake assist
If the brake pedal is operated with a rapid,
powerful push, the vehicle is automatically
braked at full braking power in order to
achieve the shortest possible braking
distance when full-on braking occurs
(brake assist).
Maintain steady pressure on the brake
pedal for as long as full-on braking is to
continue. When the brake pedal is
released, the maximum brake force
amplification is taken away.
Footbrake
The footbrake comprises two independent
brake circuits.
If one brake circuit fails, the vehicle can still
be braked with the other brake circuit.
However the braking effect will occur at a
lower pedal position and considerably
more force is required. The braking
distance is longer. Contact a workshop
before continuing to drive.
To ensure the full pedal travel can be
utilized, especially in case of a fault in one
of the brake circuits, there must be no mats
in the vicinity of the pedals, see page 199.
When the engine is not running, the
support of the brake servo unit disappears
once the brake pedal has been depressed
once or twice. Braking effect is not
reduced, but braking requires significantly
greater force. This is especially important
to bear in mind when towing.
Driving and operation
Check the brake lights before starting out
on a journey. On vehicles with check
control 3 the brake lights are checked
automatically, see page 138.
Shortly after starting each journey the
effectiveness of the brake system should
be tested at low speed and without
inconveniencing other traffic, especially if
the brakes are wet, e.g. after the vehicle
has been washed.
The brake fluid level should be checked
regularly. If the brake fluid level is too low
and the handbrake is not applied, control
indicator R in the instrument panel
illuminates, see page 114.
Hill Start Assist 3 (HSA)
The system helps pull away on inclines.
After releasing the footbrake, if the
handbrake is not applied the brakes are
only released after 2 seconds. As soon as
the acceleration is sufficient to prevent
rolling back, the brake is released.
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