Help with the Show me, Tell me Questions
I have detailed below some pictures to help you do the Show me, Tell me questions in my car - The Citroen C3 1.4HDI VTR+ (this may differ from other cars). For full size printable copies click on the images below.
Demisting the front and rear windows
The picture to the left shows how you should set the controls to demist the windows.
The controls for the Citroen C3 are quite simple in this regard. On starting the engine you should twist all three dials fully clockwise (right) and press the buttons highlighted on the image to the left which will then activate the rear heated screen and switch on the air conditioning.
This will ensure the air conditioning is activated to maximise clearing the interior windows of the car.
Headlights and Main Beam
To activate main beam, the ignition should be on (don't start the engine). Switch the lights on by twisting the end of the indicator stalk two clicks so that it looks like the image below. Green lights shown on the picture to the left will illuminate to confirm the lights are on dipped beam.
You should then pull the
indicator stalk towards you until it clicks and let go. Main beam is confirmed by the blue light illuminating on the dashboard. To turn this off, pull the
indicator stalk towards you again.
Switching on the rear Fog Light
To activate the rear fog light, the ignition should be on (don't start the engine). Switch the lights on by twisting the end of the indicator stalk two clicks (as explained above). Then turn the inner sleeve two twists away from you - the first twist turns on the front fog lights and the second twist switches on the rear fog light.
The rear fog light is confirmed by the orange fog light symbol on the dashboard highlighted in the picture above. Fog lights should only be used visibility is seriously reduced which is when visibility is less than 100 metres.
ABS Warning Light
If there is a problem with the antilock braking system (ABS), a warning light will appear on the dashboard (see picture to the left). This will come on briefly when you turn the ignition on but should go out.
If the light illuminates when you are driving this will indicate a fault with the ABS and you should have this checked.
Wash the windscreen
To wash the windscreen using washers and wipers you should pull the wiper stalk located to right of the steering wheel towards you.
The picture to the left identifies where this is.
Check the Direction Indicators
To checkthe direction indicator bulbs are working you should switch on the hazard warning lights by pressing the button shown in the picture on the left. You should then carefully walk around the car and check all six bulbs are flashing.
When you are driving if you notice your indicator flashing quicker than usual there is likely to be an indicator bulb which has failed.
Checking the tyre pressures
The recommended tyre pressure for my car (Ford Fiesta Titanium) can be found in the manufacturer's guide located in the glove box. They can also be found on the door frame of the front passenger door.
Tyre pressures should be checked when they are cold so as to get an accurate reading and to do this a reliable pressure gauge should be used - like the one shown in the picture to the left.
Don't forget to check the spare and refit the valve caps afterwards.
Tyre condition and tread depth
You should check the tyres for any damage. There should be no cuts or bulges in the tyre.
The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the breadth of the tyre and all the way around the tyre.
The purpose of tyre tread is to allow water to escape when driving in wet weather and to ensure the tyres remain in contact with the road.