CITROEN C3 AIRCROSS 2021 Handbook (in English)
Manufacturer: CITROEN, Model Year: 2021, Model line: C3 AIRCROSS, Model: CITROEN C3 AIRCROSS 2021Pages: 244, PDF Size: 6.29 MB
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7– For more than 10 minutes, to use the equipment for approximately 30 minutes.
Let the engine run for the specified duration to 
ensure that the battery charge is sufficient.
To recharge the battery, avoid repeatedly or 
continuously restarting the engine.
A flat battery prevents the engine from starting.
For more information on the 
12 V battery, 
refer to the corresponding section.
Roof bars
For safety reasons and to avoid 
damaging the roof, it is essential to use 
the transverse bars approved for your vehicle.
Observe the fitting instructions and the 
conditions of use in the guide supplied 
with the roof bars.
Version without longitudinal 
bars
 
 
When fitting roof bars, use only the four fixing 
points located in the roof frame. The points are 
hidden by the vehicle doors when closed.
 
 
The roof bar fixings include a lug to be fitted into 
the hole at each fixing point.
Version with longitudinal 
bars
 
 
You must fit the transverse bars to the 
longitudinal bars at the fixing points under the 
longitudinal bars.
Sunroof
Check that the load does not pass below 
the roof bars so that it does not impede the 
movements of the sunroof.
Recommendations► Distribute the load uniformly , taking care to avoid overloading one of the sides.► Arrange the heaviest part of the load as close as possible to the roof.► Lash the load down securely and fit a warning flag if it overhangs the vehicle.
► Drive gently: the vehicle will be more susceptible to the effects of side winds 
(stability may be affected).  
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► Remove the roof bars once they are no longer needed.
Maximum load, distributed over the roof 
bars, for a loading height not exceeding 
40 cm:
– without longitudinal bars: 50 kg,– with longitudinal bars: 45 kg.
As this value may change, please verify the 
maximum load quoted on the note supplied 
with the roof bars.
If the height exceeds 40 cm, adapt the 
speed of the vehicle to the profile of the road 
to avoid damaging the roof bars and the 
mountings on the vehicle.
Be sure to refer to national legislation in order 
to comply with the regulations for transporting 
objects which are longer than the vehicle.
Bonnet
Stop &  Start
Before doing anything under the bonnet, 
you must switch off the ignition to avoid any 
risk of injury resulting from an automatic 
change to START mode.
The location of the interior bonnet  release lever prevents the bonnet being 
opened when the left-hand front door is 
closed.
When the engine is hot, handle the 
exterior safety catch and the bonnet stay 
with care (risk of burns), using the protected 
area.
When the bonnet is open, take care not to 
damage the safety catch.
Do not open the bonnet under very windy 
conditions.
Cooling of the engine when stopped
The engine cooling fan may start after 
the engine has been switched off.
Take care with objects or clothing that 
could be caught in the blades of the fan!
Opening 
  
 
► Open the left-hand front door .
► Pull the interior release lever, located at the bottom of the door frame, towards you. 
 
► Tilt the safety catch to the left and raise the bonnet. 
 
► Unclip the stay from its housing and place it in the support slot to hold the bonnet open.
Closing
► Hold the bonnet and pull out the stay from the support slot.
► Clip the stay in its housing.► Lower the bonnet and release it near the end of its travel.► Pull on the bonnet to check that it is locked correctly.
Because of the presence of electrical 
equipment under the bonnet, it is strongly 
recommended that exposure to water (rain, 
washing, etc.) be limited. 
Engine compartment
The engine represented is an example given for 
illustration purposes only.
The locations of the following elements may 
vary:
–  Air filter.–  Engine oil dipstick.– Engine oil filler cap.– Priming pump.
* Depending on engine.  
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7► Clip the stay in its housing.► Lower the bonnet and release it near the end of its travel.► Pull on the bonnet to check that it is locked correctly.
Because of the presence of electrical 
equipment under the bonnet, it is strongly 
recommended that exposure to water (rain, 
washing, etc.) be limited. 
Engine compartment
The engine represented is an example given for 
illustration purposes only.
The locations of the following elements may 
vary:
– Air filter.– Engine oil dipstick.– Engine oil filler cap.– Priming pump.
* Depending on engine.
Petrol engine 
 
Diesel engine 
 
1. Screenwash fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Battery
5. Remote earth point (-)
6. Fusebox
7. Air filter
8. Engine oil filler cap
9.Engine oil dipstick
10. Priming pump *
The Diesel fuel system operates under 
very high pressure.
All work on this circuit must be carried out 
only by a CITROËN dealer or a qualified 
workshop.
Checking levels
Check all of the following levels regularly in 
accordance with the manufacturer's service 
schedule. Top them up if required, unless 
otherwise indicated.
If a level drops significantly, have the 
corresponding system checked by a CITROËN 
dealer or a qualified workshop.
The fluids must comply with the  manufacturer's requirements and with 
the vehicle's engine.
Take care when working under the  bonnet, as certain areas of the engine 
may be extremely hot (risk of burns) and the 
cooling fan could start at any time (even with 
the ignition off).  
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Used products
Avoid prolonged contact of used oil or fluids with the skin.
Most of these fluids are harmful to health and 
very corrosive.
Do not discard used oil or fluids into sewers or onto the ground.
Empty used oil into the containers reserved 
for this purpose at a CITROËN dealer or a 
qualified workshop.
Engine oil
The level is checked, with the engine  having been switched off for at least 30 
minutes and on level ground, either using the oil 
level indicator in the instrument panel when the 
ignition is switched on (for vehicles equipped 
with an electric gauge), or using the dipstick.
It is normal to top up the oil level between two 
services (or oil changes). It is recommended 
that you check the level, and top up if necessary, 
every 3,000 miles (5,000 km).
In order to maintain the reliability of the 
engine and emissions control system, 
never use additives in the engine oil.
Checking using the dipstick
For the location of the dipstick, please refer 
to the illustration of the corresponding engine 
compartment.
► Grasp the dipstick by its coloured grip and pull it out completely.► Wipe the end of the dipstick using a clean, lint-free cloth. 
 
► Reinsert the dipstick and push fully down, then pull it out again to visually check the oil 
level: the correct level is between marks  A (max) and B (min).
Do not start the engine if the level is:
– above mark A: contact a CITROËN dealer or a 
qualified workshop.
– below mark B: top up the engine oil 
immediately.
Oil grade
Before topping up or changing the engine 
oil, check that the oil is suitable for the engine 
and complies with the recommendations in 
the service schedule supplied with the vehicle 
(or available from your CITROËN dealer and 
qualified workshops).
Use of non-recommended oil may invalidate 
the contractual warranty in the event of 
engine failure.
Topping up the engine oil level
The location of the oil filler cap is shown in the 
corresponding underbonnet layout view.
► Add oil in small quantities, avoiding any spills on engine components (risk of fire).► Wait a few minutes before checking the level again using the dipstick.► Add more oil if necessary .► After checking the level, carefully refit the oil filler cap and the dipstick in its tube.
During the 30 minutes after topping up 
the oil, the check performed with the oil 
level indicator in the instrument panel when 
the ignition is switched on is not valid.
Brake fluid
The level of this fluid should be close to 
the "MAX" mark. If not, check the brake 
pad wear.
To know how often the brake fluid should be 
replaced, refer to the manufacturer's servicing 
schedule.
Clean the cap before removing it to refill. 
Use only DOT4 brake fluid from a sealed 
container.
Engine coolant
It is normal to top up this fluid between two services.
The check and top-up must only be done with 
the engine cold.
A low level presents a risk of serious damage to 
the engine.
The level of this fluid should be close to the 
"MAX" mark but should never exceed it.
If the level is close to or below the " MIN” mark, it 
is essential to top up.
When the engine is hot, the temperature of this 
fluid is regulated by the fan.
As the cooling system is pressurised, wait at 
least one hour after switching off the engine 
before carrying out any work.
In order to avoid the risk of scalding if you need 
to top up in an emergency, wrap a cloth around 
the cap and unscrew the cap by two turns to 
allow the pressure to drop.
Once the pressure has dropped, remove the cap 
and top up to the required level.
Cooling of the engine when stopped
The engine cooling fan may start after 
the engine has been switched off.
Take care with objects or clothing that 
could be caught in the blades of the fan!
Screenwash fluid
Top up to the required level when  necessary.  
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7Engine coolant
It is normal to top up this fluid between two services.
The check and top-up must only be done with 
the engine cold.
A low level presents a risk of serious damage to 
the engine.
The level of this fluid should be close to the 
"MAX" mark but should never exceed it.
If the level is close to or below the " MIN” mark, it 
is essential to top up.
When the engine is hot, the temperature of this 
fluid is regulated by the fan.
As the cooling system is pressurised, wait at 
least one hour after switching off the engine 
before carrying out any work.
In order to avoid the risk of scalding if you need 
to top up in an emergency, wrap a cloth around 
the cap and unscrew the cap by two turns to 
allow the pressure to drop.
Once the pressure has dropped, remove the cap 
and top up to the required level.
Cooling of the engine when stopped
The engine cooling fan may start after 
the engine has been switched off.
Take care with objects or clothing that 
could be caught in the blades of the fan!
Screenwash fluid
Top up to the required level when necessary.
Fluid specification
The fluid must be topped up with a ready-to-use 
mixture.
In winter (temperatures below zero), a liquid 
containing an agent to prevent freezing must 
be used which is appropriate for the prevailing 
conditions, in order to protect the elements of the 
system (pump, tank, ducts, jets, etc.).
Filling with pure water is prohibited under 
all circumstances (risk of freezing, 
limestone deposits, etc.).
Diesel fuel additive (Diesel 
with particle filter)
On reaching the minimum level in the particle filter additive tank, this warning 
lamp comes on fixed, accompanied by an 
audible warning and a message warning that the 
additive level is too low.
Topping up
This additive must be topped up without delay by 
a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
AdBlue (BlueHDi)
An alert is triggered when the reserve level is 
reached.
For more information on the  AdBlue range 
indicators, refer to the corresponding section.
To avoid the vehicle being immobilised in 
accordance with regulations, you must top up the 
AdBlue tank.
For more information on the  Supply of AdBlue, 
refer to the corresponding section.
Checks
Unless otherwise indicated, check these 
components in accordance with the 
manufacturer's service schedule and according 
to your engine.
Otherwise, have them checked by a CITROËN 
dealer or a qualified workshop.
Only use products recommended by 
CITROËN or products of equivalent 
quality and specification.
In order to optimise the operation of 
components as important as those in the 
braking system, CITROËN selects and offers 
very specific products.
12 V battery
The battery does not require any maintenance.
However, check regularly that the terminals 
are correctly tightened (versions without quick 
release terminals) and that the connections are 
clean.  
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For more information on the precautions 
to take before any work on the 12 V battery, refer to the corresponding section.
Versions equipped with Stop & Start are fitted with a 12 V lead-acid battery of specific technology and specification.
Its replacement should be carried out only by 
a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
Passenger compartment 
filter
Depending on the environment and the use of the vehicle (e.g. dusty atmosphere, 
city driving), change it twice as often, if 
necessary .
A clogged passenger compartment filter 
can adversely affect air conditioning 
system performance and generate 
undesirable odours.
Air filter
Depending on the environment and the use of the vehicle (e.g. dusty atmosphere, 
city driving), change it twice as often, if 
necessary .
Oil filter
Change the oil filter each time the engine oil is changed.
Particle filter (Diesel)
When the particle filter is approaching saturation, this warning lamp comes on 
temporarily, accompanied by a message warning 
of the risk of filter clogging.
As soon as the traffic conditions permit, 
regenerate the filter by driving at a speed of at 
least 37 mph (60 km/h) until the warning lamp goes off.
If the warning lamp stays on, this 
indicates a low Diesel additive level.
For more information on  Checking levels, 
refer to the corresponding section.
Following prolonged operation of the 
vehicle at very low speed or at idle, you 
may, in exceptional circumstances, notice the 
emission of water vapour at the exhaust while 
accelerating. This has no impact on the 
vehicle’s behaviour or the environment.
New vehicle
During the first few particle filter 
regeneration operations, you may notice a 
"burning" smell. This is perfectly normal.
Manual gearbox
The gearbox does not require any maintenance (no oil change).
Automatic gearbox
The gearbox does not require any maintenance (no oil change).
Brake pads
Brake wear depends on the style of driving, particularly in the case of vehicles 
used in town, over short distances. It may be 
necessary to have the condition of the brakes 
checked, even between vehicle services.
Unless there is a leak in the circuit, a drop in the 
brake fluid level indicates that the brake pads 
are worn.
After washing the vehicle, moisture, or in  wintry conditions, ice can form on the 
brake discs and pads: braking efficiency may 
be reduced. Gently dab the brakes to dry and 
defrost them.
Brake disc wear
For information on checking brake disc 
wear, contact a CITROËN dealer or a 
qualified workshop.
Manual parking  brake
If you notice excessive brake lever travel or decreased effectiveness, the parking 
brake must be adjusted, even between two 
services.
This system must be checked by a CITROËN 
dealer or a qualified workshop.
Wheels and tyres
The inflation pressure of all tyres, including the spare wheel, must be 
checked on "cold” tyres.
The pressures indicated on the tyre pressure 
label are valid for "cold" tyres. If you have driven 
for more than 10 minutes or more than 6 miles 
(10 kilometres) at over 31 mph (50 km/h), add 0.3 bar (30 kPa) to the values indicated on the 
label.
Under-inflation increases fuel 
consumption. Non-compliant tyre 
pressure causes premature wear on tyres and 
has an adverse effect on the vehicle's road 
holding - risk of an accident!
Driving with worn or damaged tyres reduces the 
braking and road holding performance of the 
vehicle. It is recommended to regularly check the 
condition of the tyres (tread and sidewalls) and 
wheel rims as well as the presence of the valves.
When the wear indicators no longer appear set 
back from the tread, the depth of the grooves is 
less than 1.6 mm; it is imperative to replace the 
tyres.
Using different size wheels and tyres from those 
specified can affect the lifetime of tyres, wheel 
rotation, ground clearance, the speedometer 
reading and have an adverse effect on road 
holding.
Fitting different tyres on the front and rear axles 
can cause the ESC to mistime.  
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7Wheels and tyres
The inflation pressure of all tyres, including the spare wheel, must be 
checked on "cold” tyres.
The pressures indicated on the tyre pressure 
label are valid for "cold" tyres. If you have driven 
for more than 10 minutes or more than 6 miles 
(10 kilometres) at over 31 mph (50 km/h), add 0.3 bar (30 kPa) to the values indicated on the 
label.
Under-inflation increases fuel 
consumption. Non-compliant tyre 
pressure causes premature wear on tyres and 
has an adverse effect on the vehicle's road 
holding - risk of an accident!
Driving with worn or damaged tyres reduces the 
braking and road holding performance of the 
vehicle. It is recommended to regularly check the 
condition of the tyres (tread and sidewalls) and 
wheel rims as well as the presence of the valves.
When the wear indicators no longer appear set 
back from the tread, the depth of the grooves is 
less than 1.6 mm; it is imperative to replace the 
tyres.
Using different size wheels and tyres from those 
specified can affect the lifetime of tyres, wheel 
rotation, ground clearance, the speedometer 
reading and have an adverse effect on road 
holding.
Fitting different tyres on the front and rear axles 
can cause the ESC to mistime.
AdBlue® (BlueHDi) 
 
To respect the environment and ensure 
compliance with the Euro 6 standard, without 
adversely affecting the performance or fuel 
consumption of its Diesel engines, CITROËN 
has taken the decision to equip its vehicles 
with a system that associates SCR (Selective 
Catalytic Reduction) with a Diesel Particle Filter 
(DPF) for the treatment of exhaust gases.
SCR System
Using a liquid called AdBlue® that contains 
urea, a catalytic converter turns up to 85% of 
the nitrogen oxides (NOx) into nitrogen and 
water, which are harmless to health and the 
environment.
The AdBlue® is contained in  a special 
tank holding about 17 litres. 
Its capacity allows a driving range of 
approximately 5,600 miles (9,000 km), which 
may vary considerably  depending on your 
driving style.
An alert system is triggered once the reserve 
level is reached: it is then possible to drive for a 
further 1,500 miles (2,400 km) before the tank is empty and the vehicle blocked.
If the estimated distance travelled by the vehicle 
between two services is greater than 12,500 
miles (20,000 km), it will be necessary to top up 
the AdBlue.
For more information on the  Warning 
and indicator lamps  and the associated 
alerts, or the Indicators, please refer to the 
corresponding sections.
Once the AdBlue® tank is empty, a 
system required by legislation prevents 
starting of the engine.
If the SCR system is faulty, the level of 
emissions from the vehicle will no longer meet 
the Euro 6 standard: the vehicle becomes 
polluting.
In the event of a confirmed SCR system 
malfunction, it is essential to visit a CITROËN 
dealer or a qualified workshop. After 680 
miles (1,100 km), a device is automatically 
activated to prevent the engine from starting.
In both cases, a range indicator indicates 
the distance that can be travelled before the 
vehicle is stopped.  
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Freezing of the AdBlue®
AdBlue® freezes at temperatures below 
around -11°C.
The SCR system includes a heater for the 
AdBlue
® tank, allowing you to continue driving 
in very cold conditions.
Supply of AdBlue®
It is recommended that the AdBlue® be topped 
up as soon as the first alert is issued indicating 
that the reserve level has been reached.
For the correct operation of the SCR 
system:
– Use only AdBlue® fluid that meets the ISO 
22241 standard.
– Never transfer AdBlue® to another container 
as it would lose its purity.
– Never dilute  AdBlue® with water.
It is possible to obtain AdBlue
® from a CITROËN 
dealer or a qualified workshop.
You can also visit a service station  equipped with AdBlue® pumps specially 
designed for passenger vehicles.
Never top up from an AdBlue® dispenser 
reserved for heavy goods vehicles.
Recommendations on storage
AdBlue® freezes at about -11°C and deteriorates 
above +25°C. Containers should be stored in a 
cool area and protected from direct sunlight.
Under these conditions, the fluid can be kept for 
at least a year.
If the fluid has frozen, it can be used once it has 
completely thawed out at room temperature.
Never store AdBlue® containers in your 
vehicle.
Precautions for use
AdBlue® is a urea-based solution. This fluid is 
non-flammable, colourless and odourless (when 
kept in a cool place).
In the event of contact with the skin, wash the 
affected area with soap and running water. In the 
event of contact with the eyes, immediately rinse 
the eyes with large amounts of water or with an 
eye wash solution for at least 15 minutes. Seek 
medical attention if you feel a persistent burning 
sensation or irritation.
If swallowed, immediately wash out the mouth 
with clean water and then drink plenty of water.
In certain conditions (high temperature, for 
example), the risk of release of ammonia cannot 
be excluded: do not inhale the fluid. Ammonia 
vapours have an irritant effect on mucous 
membranes (eyes, nose and throat).
Store AdBlue® out of the reach of 
children, in its original container.
Procedure
Before starting the top-up procedure, ensure that 
the vehicle is parked on a flat and level surface.
In wintry conditions, ensure that the temperature 
of the vehicle is above -11 °C. Otherwise, the AdBlue® may be frozen and therefore cannot 
be poured into its tank. Park your vehicle in a 
warmer area for a few hours to allow the top-up 
to be carried out.
Never pour AdBlue® into the Diesel fuel 
tank.
If any AdBlue® is splashed, or if there are 
any spillages on the bodywork, rinse 
immediately with cold water or wipe with a 
damp cloth.
If the fluid has crystallised, clean it off using a 
sponge and hot water.
Important: in the event of a top-up after 
a breakdown because of a lack of 
AdBlue, it is essential to wait around 5 
minutes before switching on the ignition, 
without opening the driver’s door, 
unlocking the vehicle, introducing the key 
into the ignition switch, or introducing the 
key of the “Keyless Entry and Starting ” system into the passenger compartment .
Switch on the ignition, then wait for 10 
seconds before starting the engine.
►  Switch off the ignition and remove the key from the switch to switch off the engine.
or
► With Keyless Entry and Starting, press the "START/STOP" button to switch off the engine. 
 
► With the vehicle unlocked and the fuel filler flap open, turn the blue cap of the AdBlue® tank 
a quarter turn anti-clockwise.
Filling up
►  With a container of AdBlue®: after checking 
the expiry date, read the instructions on the 
label carefully before pouring the contents of the 
container into the vehicle's AdBlue tank.►  With an  AdBlue® pump: introduce the nozzle 
and fill the tank until the nozzle automatically 
cuts out.
In order not to overfill the AdBlue® tank:
–  Add between 10 and 13 litres using AdBlue® containers.  
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7► Switch off the ignition and remove the key from the switch to switch off the engine.
or
► With Keyless Entry and Starting, press the "START/STOP" button to switch off the engine. 
 
► With the vehicle unlocked and the fuel filler flap open, turn the blue cap of the AdBlue® tank 
a quarter turn anti-clockwise.
Filling up
► With a container of  AdBlue®: after checking 
the expiry date, read the instructions on the 
label carefully before pouring the contents of the 
container into the vehicle's AdBlue tank.► With an  AdBlue® pump: introduce the nozzle 
and fill the tank until the nozzle automatically 
cuts out.
In order not to overfill the AdBlue® tank:
– Add between 10 and 13 litres using AdBlue® containers.
– Stop after the nozzle’ s first automatic cut-out, if you are refilling at a service station.
The system only registers AdBlue® top-ups of 5 litres or more.
If the AdBlue® tank is completely empty 
– which is confirmed by the message 
"Top up AdBlue: Starting impossible" – it is essential to add at least 5 litres.
After refilling
► Perform the same sequence of operations in reverse order.
Do not dispose of AdBlue® containers in 
the household waste.
Place them in a container reserved for this 
purpose or take them back to where you 
purchased them.
Advice on care  and 
maintenance
General recommendations
Observe the following recommendations to avoid 
damaging your vehicle.
Exterior
Never use a high-pressure jet wash in 
the engine compartment, due to the risk 
of damaging electrical components.
Do not wash the vehicle in strong sunshine or 
extremely cold conditions.
When washing the vehicle at an 
automatic roller-brush car wash, be sure 
to lock the doors and, depending on version, 
remove the electronic key and deactivate the 
“hands-free” function (“Hands-Free Tailgate 
Access”).
When using a pressure washer, hold the 
lance at least 30 cm from the vehicle 
(particularly when cleaning areas containing 
chipped paint, sensors or seals).
Promptly clean up any stains containing 
chemicals liable to damage the vehicle's paint 
(including tree resin, bird droppings, insect 
secretions, pollen and tar).
If justified by the environment, clean the 
vehicle more frequently to remove salty 
deposits (in coastal areas), soot (in industrial 
estates) and mud (in wet or cold areas). 
These substances can be highly corrosive.
Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified 
workshop if you require advice on removing 
stubborn stains requiring special products 
(such as tar or insect removers).  
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Preferably, have paint touch-ups performed 
by a CITROËN dealer or a qualified 
workshop.
Interior
When washing the vehicle, never use a 
water hose or high-pressure washer to 
clean the interior.
Liquids carried in cups or other open 
containers can spill, presenting a risk of 
damage if they come into contact with the 
controls in the dashboard and centre console. 
Take care!
Bodywork
High-gloss paint
Do not use abrasive products or 
solvents, petrol or oil to clean the 
bodywork.
Never use an abrasive sponge to clean 
stubborn stains. Risk of scratching the 
paintwork!
Do not apply polish in strong sunshine, or to 
plastic or rubber parts.
Use a soft sponge and soapy water or a 
pH neutral product.
Gently wipe the bodywork with a clean 
microfibre cloth.
Apply polish with the vehicle clean and dry.
Comply with the instructions for use stated on 
the product.
Decals
(Depending on version)
Do not use a high pressure washer to 
clean the vehicle. Risk of damaging or 
detaching the decals!
Use a high-flow hose at a temperature 
between 25°C and 40°C.
Sweep the jet of water across the surface to 
be cleaned, perpendicular to it.
Rinse the vehicle with demineralised water.