2013 Vauxhaull Astra - minor issues

Hermy

A while back I asked for advice about a 2013 Vauxhall Astra I was thinking of buying. I've since bought the car and am very happy with it but there are a few minor issues with it.

Firstly, it comes without a spare wheel and I'm having trouble sourcing one. Anyone suggest where I might pick one up.

Secondly, it didn't come with a USB socket. On the other thread someone linked me to a pdf with installation instructions, but again, any suggestions where I might pick up the kit itself would be appreciated.

Lastly, I'm having problems with the wiper blades. The ones that were on it when I bought the car didn't look worn but they squealed terribly. Probably sitting in the sun too long so no big deal - I replaced them with Tricoflex blades. To begin with they were fine but after a day or two they began to drag if the windscreen wasn't wet. It's so bad that they struggle to complete the stroke sometimes. I went back to the shop where I bought them and was given replacements but they were no better.
I've never had this issue before though I usually buy Bosch blades. Any idea what the problem might be? Would it ever be an issue with the windscreen itself?

Thanks for any help.

colm_mcm

Which engine is in the Astra as they have different stud patterns depending on which engine is in them.

Ref the windscreen, I would check that the windscreen is fully clean. The way I do that is by wetting the windscreen with window cleaner and running the flat of a Stanley blade up and down it, if the blade catches then there’s stuff stuck to it.

There may also be wax or something on the screen from when it was being sold.



Can you post a link to the other thread?

com1

You should be able to pick up a spare wheel in most scrapyards. I got a spare (steel full size) very cheap from my tyre fitters.

Re the wipers the screen might be dirty or the wipers might be bent. See if you can pick up a set when you are looking for the spare

Hermy

This is the other thread.

I did get a space saver wheel but it turns out it's an earlier car than mine so it's a slightly smaller bolt pattern. Also the wheel well is quite shallow. Even the space saver sits proud of the boot floor so a regular spare is out.

The shop is gonna get the Bosch blades so I'll see how I get on with them.
The wiper arms seem straight and the windscreen seems clean. I'm probably clutching at straws there anyway - I've just never known blades to drag so badly, especially not new ones.

colm_mcm

Ok. If it’s a 1.7 you have something of an oddball wheel fitmemt.


Chevrolet Captiva/Opel Antara would directly fit, as would the current model Zafira (Zafira Tourer) That’s about it.

0lddog

Hey OP, Many moons ago we had a Vauxhall in the family

Wonder if you have found a site that I found useful back then ? :

https://www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk/

Hermy

I was out driving yesterday and at one point the wipers got stuck in the open position. I had to get out and manually move them back to closed. I'm thinking that's probably a bit more than a faulty blade...

com1

You know the wipers getting stuck kind of reminds me of a Mazda 323 I had years ago (actually decades ago). The wipers were squeaking badly even after changing the rubbers and they used to stick. Turned out that the wiper arm pivots were loose - as in, were not fixed tightly to the body of the car so there was lateral movement when the wipers were operating. Could be something as simple as tightening a nut or two.

Hermy

Quick update...

I replaced the Tricoflex with Bosch blades - twice the price but worth every penny to resolve the issue. I called the thread minor issues but when the blades are malfunctioning that badly it's a real headache!

Still no spare wheel but I'm sure one will turn up in time.

And installing the USB socket might be more trouble than it's worth from other similar threads I've read I'll knock that on the head for now.

One last thing. When the cars been parked up and then I drive off after the first couple of hundred metres there's always a light thud from underneath the car, like the sound of driving over a lightweight manhole cover. It only happens the once and it's not getting any louder. Any idea what that is?

colm_mcm

Next time you’re leaving the car overnight, leave it in gear with the handbrake off. See if the problem is still there

Ref the USB, does the car have a 3.5mm aux in socket?

Hermy

colm_mcm wrote: »

Next time you’re leaving the car overnight, leave it in gear with the handbrake off. See if the problem is still there

That's smart! I'll do that and report back.

Ref the USB, does the car have a 3.5mm aux in socket?

I'm embarrassed to admit I've just realised over the weekend that what I thought was just the blanking plate where the USB should go is actually the Aux socket so that's another thing sorted.:o

colm_mcm

You can get Bluetooth to 3.5mm yokes online.