Get ten More Years out of Your Vauxhall Astra

For the past 30 years, the Vauxhall Astra has been one of the most popular cars sold in the UK. This is most likely due to the fact that the Astra is known for its superior driving, excellent refinement, and high build quality. They are reliable under most circumstances, but like any car are prone to some problems and need to be taken care of well in order to last.

Whether you've just purchased a Vauxhall Astra, or you've owned one for years, and want it to be a sturdy, reliable car that will continue to get your family where they need to be for at least ten more years, there are some steps you can take.

Common Problematic Vauxhall Parts With the Astra

If you want your Vauxhall to last, the first thing you need to consider is what might go wrong. This way, you can be prepared if a part breaks down and will know what to do to quickly get your Astra running again. Here are the most commonly reported problematic Vauxhall parts that you need to worry about when you purchase this model.

• Camshaft Sensor- This sensor is responsible for communicating with the Engine Control Unit, or ECU. When this sensor malfunctions, you may have problems starting the engine or the engine may not start at all. The sensor's contacts will either need to be cleaned or the entire sensor will need to be replaced.
  

• Idle Control Valve- Have you noticed your Astra stalling often or high revs? This could mean too little or too much air is getting into the engine. The car part responsible for regulating the amount of air is the idle control valve, and if it isn't working properly, it will need to be cleaned with a carburettor cleaner or replaced.
  

• Coolant Temperature Sensor- The ECU relies on several sensors to ensure your Astra is running correctly. One such sensor is the coolant temperature sensor, which controls the temperature of the coolant. When it isn't working correctly, it ECU is tricked into thinking the temperature of the coolant is higher or lower than it actually is. The problem with this that it can cause the ECU to remain in an 'open loop,' a temporary operating mode that generally only occurs on a cold start. During this time, the mixture of fuel and air is richer than normal, producing higher emissions and using more fuel. Replacing this sensor is the only way to repair this problem.
  

• Starting Issues- Having trouble getting your Astra to start? If you notice a clicking sound or the starting is simply delayed, the problem is most likely corroded terminals on the solenoid or starter motor. These will need to be cleaned with a wire brush and greased, but if cleaning doesn't help they will need to be replaced with new car parts.
  

Increase the Life of Your Astra

Once you understand what could go wrong with your Vauxhall, it's important to take further steps to ensure everything that should be working correctly is. This will keep the car in peak condition and help you get as many miles out of it as possible.

• Check the car's manual to determine when you should change the oil. While it used to be that oil changes were necessary every 3,000 miles, today's cars can go up to 7,500 miles (or more) before needing an oil change. For instance, a 2000 Astra 1.6 Club has a recommended oil change interval of 10,000 miles or every twelve months, whichever comes first.

• Change the oil filter when you change the oil. Oil filters are responsible for catching dirt and grime before it enters the engine and can become clogged over time. Replacing this filter keeps your engine clean and extends its life.

• Be careful where you park. If possible, always park out of sun. Excessive UV rays can cause your dash to crack and fade your interior seating. If no shade is available, invest in a sunshade that can be placed over the windscreen when you're parked. While this does not directly affect the way your car operates, it can affect your resale value and the overall look of the car.

• Dirt and rust can shorten the life span of your engine and radiator, but you can prevent their effects. Every two years, flush out the radiator. This will remove any rust particles and dirt that have collected and keep these car parts running longer.

• Keep an eye on the timing belt and replace it immediately if you notice it is becoming worn or cracked. If the belt breaks, you will not only have to replace it, but it can result in a piston destroying or cracking a valve. This means expensive repairs to your engine or even a complete replacement of your engine.

• This may sound strange, but turn the air conditioner on a few time during the winter. This will keep the seals in working condition and prevent car parts within the compressor from freezing.

• Getting from point A to point B quickly is why cars where invented, but when it comes to extending the life of your Vauxhall Astra, it's important to slow down a bit. Those accelerator-to-the-floor starts can not only burn more fuel and cost you more money at the pump, but they put unnecessary stress on your engine.

• Take it easy during the break-in period, or the first 1,000 miles your car travels. If your Astra is new, your engine and its many parts will need time to become accustomed to their roles. This is especially true when it comes to the piston rings, which have to shape themselves to the engine's cylinders. This takes time, so careful driving, and lower speeds, are essential. It may seem like a hassle, but breaking your engine in could mean the difference between your car surviving 100,000 miles during its lifetime or more than 200,000.
  

Want your Vauxhall Astra to last for at least ten more years? Understand what car parts may become problematic and take steps to maintain the car correctly if you want it to last.