load capacity CITROEN C3 2009 Owners Manual

Page 42 of 209

3
COMFORT
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR VENTILATION AND AIR
CONDITIONING
In order for these systems to be fully effective, follow the operation and
maintenance guidelines below:

 To obtain an even air distribution, take care not to obst ruct the exterior
air intake grilles located at the base of the windscreen, th e nozzles,
the vents and the air outlets, as well as the air extractor lo cated in the
boot.

 Do not cover the sunshine sensor, located on the dashboard; this is
used for regulation of the air conditioning system.

 Operate the air conditioning system for 5 to 10 minutes, on ce or twice a
month to keep it in perfect working order.

 Ensure that the passenger compartment fi lter is i n good condition and have
the fi lter elements replaced regularly (refer to th e "Checks" section).
We recommend the use of a combined passenger compa rtment fi lter.
Thanks to its special active additive, it contribut es to the purifi cation of the air
breathed by the occupants and the cleanliness of th e passenger compart-
ment (reduction of allergic symptoms, bad odours an d greasy deposits).

 To guarantee correct operation of the air conditioning syste m, you are
also advised to have it checked regularly.

 If the system does not produce cold air, do not use it and contact a
CITROËN dealer.
When towing the maximum load on a steep gradient in high temperatures,
switching off the air conditioning permits the recovery of engi ne power and
therefore improvement of the towing capacity. If after an extended stop in sun-
shine, the interior temperature is
very high, fi rst ventilate the cabin
for a few moments.
Put the air fl ow control at a set-
ting high enough to quickly
change the air in the cabin.
The air conditioning system
does not contain chlorine and
does not present any danger to
the ozone layer.
The condensation created by
the air conditioning results in a
discharge of water under the
vehicle which is perfectly normal.

Page 153 of 209

11
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
We recommend the use of genu-
ine CITROËN towbars and their
harnesses that have been tested
and approved from the design
stage of your vehicle, and that
the fi tting of the towbar is en-
trusted to a CITROËN dealer.
If the trailer is not fi tted by a
CITROËN dealer, it is imperative
that it is fi tted using the electri-
cal pre-equipment installed at
the rear of the vehicle, in accord-
ance with the manufacturer's in-
structions.
TOWING A TRAILER,
A CARAVAN, ETC.
The rear parking assistance will
be deactivated automatically if
a genuine CITROËN towbar is
used.
Towbar suitable for the attachment of a
trailer or caravan with additional lighting
and signalling.
Your vehicle is primarily designed for
transporting people and luggage, but it
may also be used for towing a trailer.
Driving with a trailer subjects the towing
vehicle to more signifi cant stress and its
driver must be particularly careful.
Driving advice
Distribution of loads

 Distribute the load in the trailer so
that the heaviest items are as close
as possible to the axle and the nose
weight approaches the maximum
permitted without exceeding it.
Air density decreases with altitude, thus
reducing engine performance. Above
1 000 metres, the maximum towing load
must be reduced by 10 % and so on for
every 1 000 metres of altitude.
Refer to the "Technical Data" section for
details of the weights and towing loads
which apply to your vehicle.
Side wind

 Take into account the increased
sensitivity to side wind.
Cooling
Towing a trailer on a slope increases
the temperature of the coolant.
As the fan is electrically controlled, its
cooling capacity is not dependent on
the engine speed.

 To lower the engine speed, reduce
your speed. The maximum towing load on a long
slope depends on the gradient and the
ambient temperature.
In all cases, pay attention to the coolant
temperature.

 If the warning lamp and the

STOP warning lamp come
on, stop the vehicle and
switch off the engine as
soon as possible.
Braking
Towing a trailer increases the braking
distance.
Tyres

 Check the tyre pressures of the towing
vehicle and of the trailer, observing the
recommended pressures.
Lighting

 Check the electrical signalling on
the trailer.