DasBoot

Reliability always seems to be raised when it comes to Citroen. Sometimes I wonder if it is asked about in the UK because of the silly preoccupation of many "Brits" with our "traditional enemy" (which is really the US anyway). All the usual "cheese eating surrender monkey" rubbish, try spending a week or two with Tracy Chav from Essex and her wonderful ready meals and microwave to learn the real meaning of "enemy" (or was that "enema"). Regardless has anyone got a stratergy for reducing reliability problems? Alterations to service schedules, introduction of other routines, changes to specs or parts used, consumables used? In the past I have always done the following, used a full synthetic oil in conjuction with Slick 50 and a K&N Air filter, used engine flush every oil change to reduce the chance of clogging, lumps etc. Changed the Brake Fluid to DOT 5.1, used Braided Brake Hose and EBC Green Brake Shoes. Cleared and flushed the cooling system with top quality fluids, distilled water, and coolant lubrication. Identified possible problem in hosing in the engine bay and replaced with braided hose. Ensure the steering fluid is periodically change more often than recommended. With cars with LHM and hydraulic suspension checked the system fully, replaced any hosing with braided and ensured the correct working of the pump. I know this sounds like a bit OTT but between the alleged problems I've heard of in two of the main budget car makers in Europe, Citroen and Fiat a few hours extra initially, especially on second hand vehicles, can make the difference between being on the road and off it in the drive.