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Ease of use and comfort03
Air distribution
1.Windscreen demisting/de-icing vents
2. Front side window demisting/de-icing vents
3. Adjustable and closable side air vents
4. Adjustable and closable central air vents
5. Air outlets to the front footwells
6. Air outlets to the rear footwells
7. Adjustable and closable air vents
Advice
Using the ventilation and air conditioning
system
► To ensure that air is distributed evenly,
keep the external air intake grilles at the base
of the windscreen, the nozzles, the vents, the
air outlets and the air extractor in the boot free
from obstructions.
► Do not cover the sunshine sensor located
on the dashboard; this sensor is used to
regulate the automatic air conditioning
system.
► Operate the air conditioning system for at
least 5 to 10 minutes once or twice a month to
keep it in good working order.
► If the system does not produce cold air,
switch it off and contact a dealer or a qualified
workshop.
When towing a large load on a steep gradient
in high temperatures, switching off the air
conditioning increases the available engine
power, enhancing the towing capacity.
Avoid driving for too long with the
ventilation off or with prolonged operation
of interior air recirculation. Risk of misting and
deterioration of the air quality!
If the interior temperature is very high
after the vehicle has stood for a long
time in the sunshine, air the passenger
compartment for a few moments.
Put the air flow control at a setting high
enough to quickly change the air in the
passenger compartment.
Condensation created by the air
conditioning results in a discharge of
water underneath the vehicle. This is perfectly
normal.
Servicing the ventilation and air
conditioning system
► Ensure that the passenger compartment
filter is in good condition and have the filter
elements replaced regularly.
We recommend using a composite passenger
compartment filter. Its specific active additive
helps protect against polluting gases and bad
smells.
► To ensure correct operation of the
air conditioning system, have it checked
according to the recommendations in the
Manufacturer’s service schedule.
Stop & Start
The heating and air conditioning systems
only operate when the engine is running.
Temporarily deactivate the Stop & Start
system to maintain a comfortable temperature
in the passenger compartment.
For more information on the Stop &
Start system, refer to the corresponding
section.
Rechargeable hybrid vehicles
Intensive use of the air conditioning
reduces the vehicle range in Electric mode.
Ventilation with the ignition on
When the ignition is switched on, the ventilation
system and the air flow 2 and air distribution
3 settings in the passenger compartment are
97Driving06
► Do not stop and do not switch off the engine.
On leaving the flooded road, as soon as safety
conditions allow, make several light brake
applications to dry the brake discs and pads.
If in doubt about the state of your vehicle, contact
a dealer or a qualified workshop.
Towing
Driving with a trailer places greater
demands on the towing vehicle and
particular care must be taken.
Do not exceed the maximum towable
weights.
At altitude: reduce the maximum load by 10%
per 1,000 metres of altitude; the lower air
density at high altitudes decreases engine
performance.
New vehicle: do not tow a trailer until the
vehicle has driven at least 620 miles
(1,000 kilometres).
If the outside temperature is high, let the
engine idle for 1 to 2 minutes after the
vehicle comes to a stop, to help it to cool.
Before setting off
Nose weight
► Distribute the load in the trailer so that the
heaviest items are as close as possible to the axle
and the nose weight (at the point where it joins
your vehicle) approaches the maximum permitted
without exceeding it.
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
and the headlamp beam height of your vehicle.
If a genuine towing device is used, the
rear parking sensors will be deactivated
automatically to avoid the audible signal.
When driving
Cooling
Towing a trailer uphill causes the coolant
temperature to increase. The maximum towable
load depends on the gradient and the exterior
temperature. The fan’s cooling capacity does not
increase with engine speed.
► Reduce speed and lower the engine speed to
limit the amount of heating produced.
► Pay constant attention to the coolant
temperature.
If this warning lamp and the STOP
warning lamp come on, stop the
vehicle and switch off the engine as soon as
possible.
Brakes
Using the engine brake is recommended to limit
the overheating of the brakes. Braking distances
are increased when towing a trailer.
Side wind
Bear in mind that the vehicle will be more
susceptible to wind when towing.
Anti-theft protection
Electronic immobiliser
The keys contain a code, which must be
recognised by the vehicle before starting is
possible.
If the system malfunctions, indicated by the
display of a message, the engine will not start.
Contact a dealer.
Starting/switching off the
engine
The electronic key must be present in the
passenger compartment.
If the electronic key is not detected, a message
is displayed.
