Any operation under the bonnet necessitates a number of safety precautions.

Be particularly careful both before and during all checks under the bonnet:

Allow the engine to cool down.
Keep children away from the vehicle.
Make sure that you possess the necessary tools and expertise.

Bonnet

Before opening the bonnet, make sure that your hands and clothing are protected. Allow the engine to cool down. Make sure that the bonnet is stable in the open position. Beware of gusts of wind that could cause the bonnet to fall and cause seriuous injuries.

Moving parts

There will be a certain number of moving parts when the engine is running. Even when the engine is switched off, the cooling fan could still operate without warning. Do not wear loose clothing (ties, scarfs, etc.), tie back long hair, all of which could become entangled in a pulley or be dragged into a drive belt.

Work in safety

The first rule of safety is to choose a suitable environment. Do not use open roads or public rights of way. Other traffic represents a hazard. If you need the engine running, work outdoors and not in a confined space as there is a health risk from exhaust gases. Make sure that your vehicle is not parked over inflammable materials (dry grass, fuels, etc.) as the very high temperatures associated with the catalytic converter could ignite them. Choose firm, level ground sheltered from the wind. Keep children away from the vehicle.

On the road

If a warning lamp comes on while you are driving, stop the vehicle with due regard to the safety of other road users and switch off the ignition.

Puncture

Switch on your hazard warning lamps and get all passengers away to a place of safety, well away from the traffic (for example behind crash barriers or on the grass verge). Position the jack correctly to ensure that the vehicle is stable. See "Changing a wheel". Never attempt any repairs under a vehicle that has been jacked up, without first supporting it on axle stands or some other reliable support.

Radiator

In normal usage, the coolant temperature reaches or exceeds 100 °C. Never remove the cap of a radiator that is hot: there is danger from projection of scalding liquid and steam. See "Levels". The antifreeze contained in the coolant lends it the following properties:

Protection against low temperatures (initial protection: -35 °C).
Anti-corrosion protection.
Resistance to high operating temperatures.

See the Maintenance Guide.

Oil

In normal use, the engine oil can exceed temperatures of 130 °C and thus can cause serious burns.

Exhaust system

Beware of the very high temperatures attained by the various components of the exhaust system (risk of burns).

Fuel cut-off switch

Your vehicle is equipped with a safety device which cuts off the fuel supply in the event of a collision.

Petrol

Be extremely careful when decanting or draining petrol or when repairing petrol leaks because of the high risk of fire.

Diesel fuel

The diesel fuel system of an HDi vehicle is a high pressure system. Any repair work must be carried out by suitably qualified personnel, such as can be guaranteed by the CITROËN network.

At all times:

Avoid attempting repairs while close to moving traffic. If this is absolutely necessary, take all possible precautions.
Ensure that your passengers seek safety away from the vehicle and off the roadway (road verges and motorway hard shoulders are not safe places).
Keep children away from the vehicle and in safety.
Operate the hazard lamps and erect warning signs.
Preferably summon assistance from a CITROËN-approved breakdown service.
For guaranteed quality and safety, use CITROËN products.