FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here at Forest Gate Group, we love hearing from our customers, so your comments and feedback are always welcome. If you have a question, we hope we've covered it in this section, so please have a browse.

How can I get a replacement Owners' Manual for my vehicle?

We have a range of manuals online that you can download and print. Please visit our Owners' Manuals section and select your vehicle's manual. If you'd prefer a glovebox-type manual, please contact the parts department at Forest Gate Group and we'll order a copy for you.

Where can I get the service history for the used Vauxhall I've bought?

A: If you purchased your vehicle with us, we'll be happy to help. However, depending on where the vehicle has been serviced, you may be able to get this information from the service department at the relevant Vauxhall Retailer. Find your nearest Vauxhall Retailer.

Where can I find technical specifications for my Vauxhall?

A: Please visit the Cars section or Vans section of our website and navigate to the vehicle information you need. If you need more help, please call .

Where can I find the towing weights for my vehicle?

You'll find this information under the vehicle specifications in your Owners' Manual, which will be in your glovebox pack. You can also find weight and load characteristics on the Vauxhall website. Navigate to the Features and Specifications section for your Vauxhall. If you do not have a manual please see: 'How can I get a replacement Owner's Manual for my vehicle'.

My radio is locked. How do I unlock it?

You'll need to enter your radio's security code, which you'll find on the car pass provided with your Vauxhall when you took delivery of it. (Please consult your Infotainment Manual for details.) If you don't have the code, please read the next question.

How can I obtain my radio code?

Please visit Forest Gate Group and take along some personal ID (for example, your passport or driving licence) and your V5 registration document, to prove you are the vehicle's registered keeper. These safeguards help us protect all Vauxhall owners and their radios. Please note that we will make a small charge for this service.

How do I find my vehicle's paint code?

The paint code is included in your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate which is fixed either to the pillar behind the driver's door, or on the top of the panel in front of the radiator when you lift the bonnet.

Can my car use E10 ethanol fuel?

E10 fuel can be used in all petrol-engine Vauxhall vehicles except models with the 2.2-litre direct-injection petrol engine (code Z22YH) used in Vectra, Signum and Zafira. These models can only use regular unleaded or premium unleaded petrol.

How do I keep my air-conditioning working efficiently?

Your Vauxhall's air conditioning unit should be regularly serviced, as with other vehicle parts. Over time the gas can become contaminated or the filters saturated, which can reduce the efficiency of the system. If not properly maintained, it can also harbour bacteria, fungi and mould. Forest Gate Group will quickly sort out these problems, using an air conditioning treatment that also leaves a pleasant odour.

What should my tyre pressures be?

Tyre pressures vary by model and by vehicle load. The right pressures for your Vauxhall can be found in your Owners' Manual, which was part of the glovebox literature that came with your vehicle when you bought it.

Where can I buy accessories and spare parts, and how much do they cost?

You can check prices and buy Vauxhall accessories from our website, or ask about accessories at Forest Gate Group. For spares, please visit the parts department at Forest Gate Group – and remember to bring your V5 registration document, as staff will need some vehicle details to ensure they supply the correct part.

Does my car come with a spare wheel or a tyre inflation kit? Can I order a spare wheel if I want to?

Some Vauxhalls come with a spare wheel as standard, so please check with Forest Gate Group. If your vehicle doesn't have a spare, it will have a tyre inflation kit which can be used to quickly restore mobility in the event of a puncture. (Some drivers prefer carrying a kit to a spare wheel, as it frees up boot space while helping to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.) For added peace of mind, we do offer a spare wheel as a low-cost option for most models or as a dealer accessory. Again, we will be pleased to help.

How often do I need to get my Vauxhall serviced?

You'll find this information in your Owners' Manual, which came with your Vauxhall when you took delivery of it. If you need help, please contact us on .

How do I clean my diesel particulate filter? (The filter light has illuminated.)

The diesel particulate filter system in your Vauxhall filters harmful soot particles out of exhaust gases. It includes a self-cleaning function that runs automatically during driving when the filter needs cleaning. This can take up to 25 minutes and fuel consumption may be higher during this time. You may also notice an emission of odours and smoke and an increase in heat, which is a normal part of the process.

The control indicator ('!') will flash if the diesel particulate filter needs cleaning and your previous journey hasn't enabled automatic cleaning. If this happens, just carry on driving, keeping your engine speed above 2,000 revolutions per minute and shifting down if necessary. The filter-cleaning process will start - and we recommend you don't stop the journey or switch off the engine until it's finished.

If the cleaning process is repeatedly interrupted:

1. Your engine may be damaged. Cleaning takes the shortest amount of time at high engine speeds and loads, and the control indicator light ('!') will turn off as soon as self-cleaning is complete.
2. Diesel fuel will pass into the sump and you'll notice a higher oil level when you check it. (This is one reason to check your oil level regularly.) For short journeys, please check more often and, if you find your oil level has increased, change the oil.

For more about the diesel particulate filter, please refer to your Owners' Manual.

Where can I find practical 'how-to' information about my Vauxhall?

You'll find step-by-step video guides at the Vauxhall Drivers' Centre.

I have a fault with my Vauxhall. Is this covered by the warranty?

To find out, please arrange to bring your vehicle to Forest Gate Group, and we will inspect and quickly diagnose any issues. We will advise whether your warranty covers any repair needed and talk through your options to agree the most convenient solution.

When my New Vehicle Warranty runs out, what are my options?

Your New Vehicle Warranty is covered for 3 years/60,000 miles on cars and car derived vans, or 3 years/100,000 miles for heavy vans (the first 12 months is unlimited mileage). The Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty is valid for vehicles registered on or after 1 August 2010 for the first registered owner of all new Vauxhall Passenger cars, for the Lifetime of the Vehicle, up to a maximum of 100,000 miles, for more information please read the Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty terms.
We will be happy to explain any options regarding providing further cover and help identify the best plan for you and your vehicle.

How do I maintain my rust perforation?

The warranty is dependent on the anti-perforation inspections specified in the Service and Warranty Booklet having been performed, without omission, by a Vauxhall Authorised Repairer and must be documented by corresponding entries in the Service and Warranty Booklet.

How do I maintain my paint warranty?

The paintwork of your vehicle is exposed to many environmental influences which may result in damage to the exterior paint work. Regular washing and waxing of your vehicle will maintain the vehicles condition. Any defect must be reported to a Vauxhall Authorised Repairer as soon as discovered and within the warranty period. Paintwork damage should be immediately rectified.

Is my vehicle warranty transferable between owners?

The New Vehicle Warranty is covered for 3 years/60,000 miles on cars and car derived vans, or 3 years/100,000 miles for heavy vans, (the first 12 months is unlimited mileage).The New Vehicle Warranty is transferrable between owners.

The Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty is valid for vehicles registered on or after 1 August 2010 for the first registered owner of all new Vauxhall Passenger cars, for the Lifetime of the Vehicle, up to a maximum of 100,000 miles, please read the Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty terms.

Do I get Roadside Assistance with my new Vauxhall?

Yes. All new Vauxhalls are automatically covered for the duration of your standard first-year warranty period, starting from your vehicle's original registration date. Find out more about Roadside Assistance.

How will I know if my vehicle is affected by a safety recall?

If your vehicle is affected by a safety recall we will send a letter to the vehicle's registered keeper, asking that the repair work is completed as quickly as is convenient. If you still have concerns, please don't hesitate to contact Forest Gate Group.

How can I get in touch with you?

At Forest Gate Group, we're committed to providing you with an excellent customer experience. If we don't live up to our promise, we want you to let us know so we can try and fix it. If you're not happy with the way we've handled your issue and wish to complain further:

1. Please make an appointment to discuss the matter with the Managing Director.
2. In the unlikely event that you're still not happy with the answer, or the action proposed to put things right, please contact our Customer Assistance Centre where we'll spare no effort to ensure your complete satisfaction. You can contact Customer Assistance on 0844 369 0112