157Self-help, vehicle care
Brake/clut ch fluid c hange
Brake/clutch fluid is hygroscopic, i.e. it
absorbs water. If the brakes become hot,
suc h as when driving on long downhill
stretches, vapour bubbles can occur in the
water, which can have an extremely
adverse effect on braking power
(dep ending on the p roportion of wate r).
The fluid change intervals specified in the
chapter "Service, Maintenance" on
page 165 m ust therefore be observed.
Power steering fluid
The power steering fluid does not require
any additional ma intena nce than that
detailed in the c hapter "Service,
Maintenance" on page 165.
If the fluid in the reservoir falls below the
HOT mark on the dipstick, consult a
workshop.
Windscreen wipers
Clear vision is essential for safe driving.
Perform regular checks on the windsc reen
wipers to ensure they are operating
correc tly. We recommend wiper blade
replacement at least once a year.
If the windsc re en is dirty, operate the
windscreen washer system before
switching on the windscreen wipers. This
will avoid wiper blade wea r.
Do not switch on the windscreen wipers if
the windscreen is iced up, as this could
dam age the wiper blades or the wiper
system.
If the wipers b ecome frozen on to the glass,
w e r ec om men d th at th e y b e r e l ea s ed wi t h
the aid of O pel De -icer S pray.
Smearing wiper blades c an be cleaned with
a soft cloth and Opel Cleaning Solvent and
Antifreeze.
Wiper blades whose lips have become
hardened, cracked or covered with silicone
must be replac ed. This may be necessary
as a result of the effects of ic e, thawing salt
or heat, or the incorrect use of cleaning
agents.
Switc h off the windscreen w ip ers in
car washes ā see pages 15, 161.
Windscreen wip er care ā see page 163.
9 Wa rning
We recom men d th at y o u ha ve brake/
clutch fluid changed by a workshop who
is familiar with the req uirements of the
la w as regards d isposal of brake/clutch
fluid a nd can thus help to protect the
environment and y our health.
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