Preparing for a car trip
Always perform an external visual inspection of the vehicle before starting the engine and moving it. Make sure that nothing is blocking the vehicle's movement, that all windows and lighting lenses are clean. Check the condition of the tires and the air pressure in them. Also check the windshield washer fluid level. Make sure that there are no oil or water stains on the ground under the engine and transmission components.
Regularly, in accordance with the Maintenance Schedule (see Chapter 1) check engine fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, brake/clutch fluid).
Once you are in the driver's seat, do the following:
- Close all doors and lock them;
- Adjust the positions of the seat and headrests (see Section 12), steering column and door rear-view mirrors (see section 17);
- Make sure that the external lighting fixtures are functioning properly;
- Check the proper functioning of the instrument cluster elements;
- Make sure that the control lamps and indicator lights in the instrument cluster operate properly when the ignition is turned on (see Section 16);
- Set the operating mode of the audio system, ventilation, heating and air conditioning system in advance, and close the lids of all storage compartments.
- Fasten your seat belt and make sure all passengers follow your example.
- Before starting to move, do not forget to release the parking brake - make sure that the corresponding indicator lamp is switched off (see Section 16).
Requirements for the physical condition of the driver
Do not drive a car while intoxicated, as alcohol dulls the acuity of perception of external influences, reduces reaction and impairs coordination of movements.
Do not drive after taking medications that reduce alertness or increase drowsiness, or when you are ill, overexcited or tired.
Starting the engine
To start the engine, follow the procedures below:
- a) Set the parking brake;
- b) Engage neutral gear (manual transmission)/move the selector lever to position "P" or "N" (AT). On models equipped with the Easytronic robotic gearbox, the engine can only be started when the lever is in position "N";
- c) On diesel models, turn the ignition key to position II and wait until the pre-glow indicator lamp goes out (see Section 16);
- d) On models equipped with a manual transmission, depress the clutch pedal to facilitate engine starting;
- e) On models equipped with AT and Easytronic, depress the foot brake pedal;
- f) Without pressing the gas pedal, turn the key in the ignition switch to the right until it stops (position III). As soon as the engine starts, release the key immediately;
- g) If starting fails within 10 seconds or if the engine stalls again, wait at least 30 seconds with the key removed from the ignition switch and try starting again as described above;
- h) On petrol models with unstable speeds (for example, when misfiring) to avoid failure of the catalytic converter (see Section 28) try to turn on the engine only for a short time and do not allow heavy loads. Immediately diagnose the engine management systems using special equipment and eliminate the malfunction;
- i) On diesel models, if the mixture does not ignite regularly, hold the starter key until the engine starts to run at a steady speed, but not more than 20 seconds. If the engine does not start during this time, remove the key from the ignition switch, then repeat the procedure for warming up and starting the engine (see above). Note: If the fuel in the tank is completely used up, the starting process after refueling takes significantly longer (up to 1 minute), - in this case, air is removed from the fuel system (see Chapter 1, Section 8);
- j) Do not turn the engine with the starter for more than 30 seconds at a time, otherwise the starter may be damaged;
- k) If starting the engine is difficult at very low or very high ambient temperatures, use the accelerator pedal to make starting easier;
- l) In summer, in hot weather, when starting the engine within 30 minutes after it has been stopped, the start must be done with the gas pedal fully depressed;
- m) Let the engine idle for at least 30 seconds before driving off. To gradually warm up the engine, start driving at moderate speeds, especially in cold weather.
Note: When warming up, the engine runs in fast idle mode - be careful when starting off. As the engine warms up, the RPM decreases.
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