As the festive season nears motorists are acutely aware of traditional motoring tips, so PSA (Peugeot Citroen) have released its top ten tips for modern motoring this festive season.
- Radar-based safety systems: It's very easy to forget that your vehicle has a range of passive safety systems, including active cruise control. Ensure that any festive decorations for your vehicle do not obscure the radar or sonar-based units. These items could include red noses sitting over grille badges (which house radar units), or windscreen stickers that block radar units.
- Blind spot monitoring: While it's fun to adorn your vehicle with festive mirror covers ensure these are fitted correctly and do not obscure any warning indicators.
- Cruise Control with speed limiter: This feature can be particularly useful over long distances, giving the driver greater control of the vehicle while ensuring that upper speed limits are not exceeded. Simply set the speed limiter to the posted speed limit and continue to apply the throttle, the vehicle will then maintain the pre-set speed. Furthermore, when required the limiter can be overridden by full application of the throttle, before returning to the pre-set speed.
- DAB+ (Digital Radio): In areas where the DAB+ network is present DAB+ can provide you with more than just dedicated Christmas stations. Some stations broadcast live traffic updates to your vehicle's infotainment screen but, for those looking for entertainment, Elf Radio and Christmas Hope will provide you with all your carol needs.
- TPWS (Tyre Pressure Warning Sensors): Before setting off on your road trip ensure all of your tyres are set to the recommended pressures, and the system reset. While doing this it's also a good idea to check your spare wheel or tyre inflation kit to ensure everything is in good order. Furthermore, if the TPWS system does signal a problem check it immediately as it could save you from greater damage to your vehicle.
- Climate Control and Air Conditioning: Australian summers can be brutally hot, so ensure that your Climate Control or Air Conditioning System is in good order. A simple update to your cabin filter can have a marked impact on system performance. It's also important to note that many vehicles have automatic override of the stop-start system in extreme temperatures, or will priorities vehicle power over cooling performance under heavy acceleration – so plan your overtaking or acceleration points in advance to reduce undue load on the vehicle and system.
- Cooled Glove Boxes: Many Peugeot and Citroens have cooled glove boxes as standard. Use these to your advantage housing water bottles or fresh fruit on those long trips.
- Toll Passes: Vehicle windscreens are quite complex with some featuring dedicated mounting areas for your toll pass. To ensure your tag is fitted in the right place, consult your owner's manual. If fitted in the wrong place, you may find your toll tag will not function, leading to extra charges on an interstate road trip.
- HUD (Head-up display): Providing improved visibility, head up displays are a great way to convey information to the driver without moving your eyes away from the road. However, polarised sunglasses may block the incoming reflected light, rendering HUD useless. To avoid this check that your glasses offer polarisation at the right orientation for your vehicle's HUD unit.
- Connectivity: With many vehicles offering mobile and media device connectivity ensure you have the right cables and software to enjoy fully synchronised motoring. Always ensure that your device is contained within an approved cradle or mounting device to avoid any undue distractions or fines.
PSA Peugeot Citroen wish all motorists a safe and enjoyable festive season and recommend contacting your local dealer or owner's manual for any assistance with the features of your new vehicle.