Citroen C3: Practical information / 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).

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.

• Take the dipstick by its coloured grip and pull it out completely.
• Wipe the end of the dipstick using a clean, non-fluffy cloth.
• Refit the dipstick and push fully down, then pull it out again to make the visual check: the correct level is between marks A and B.

A = MAX

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 the oil or changing the oil, check that the oil is the correct grade for your engine and conforms to the manufacturer's recommendations.

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.

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.