The compact family-sized Citroën C3 that was manufactured between 2010 and 2016 includes a seemingly wheezy 82bhp 1199cc three-cylinder petrol engine that’s not turbocharged (there is a turbocharged version which has 110bhp). In return for a 0-60mph time of almost 14 seconds, you get over 60mpg and road tax of only £20 per year. Also, you get what we think is a straightforward engine to service, although having a timing belt that runs through the engine oil and can potentially swell and break up may not be everyone’s idea of reliable motoring.
The following steps were photographed at AES near York, where proprietor Mark Shipman has serviced and repaired many a C3. He says that the recommended service interval for the timing belt may be different on some models and he has seen belt failure on cars with as little as 40,000 miles. We also discovered some peculiarities, such as the spark plugs, which usually require a 14mm socket, but on this occasion, needed a 16mm.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
› jack › axle stands (or ramp) › oil drain bowl › 8-10mm sockets/spanners › 8mm Hex tool/ bit › 16mm spark plug socket with extension bars › screwdrivers › pry bar › battery tester or multimeter › spray grease
