2000 Acura TL brakes

Towing a Trailer
Driving Safety With a Trailer
The added weight, length, and height of a trailer will affect your
vehicle's handling and performance, so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.
For your safety and the safety ofothers, take time to practice driving
maneuvers before heading for the open road, and follow the guidelines
discussed below.
Towing Speeds and Gears
Drive slower than normal in all
driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
Use the D
5 or D4 positions when
towing a trailer on level roads. D
3 is
the proper shift lever position to use
when towing a trailer in hilly terrain. (See "Driving on Hills" in the next
column for additional gear
information.) Making Turns and Braking
Make turns more slowly and wider
than normal. The trailer tracks a smaller arc than your vehicle, and it
can hit or run over something the
vehicle misses. Allow more time and distance for braking. Do not brake or
turn suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknife or turn over.
Driving on Hills
When climbing hills, closely watch your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red (Hot) mark, turn the airconditioning off, reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.
If the transmission shifts frequently
between 4th and 5th gears while
going up a hill, shift to D
4. And if the
transmission shifts frequently
between 3rd and 4th gears, shift to D
3.
If you must stop when facing uphill,
use the foot brake or parking brake. Do not try to hold the vehicle in
place by pressing on the accelerator, as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and shift down to 2nd gear. Do not "ride" the brakes, and
remember it will take longer to slow
down and stop when towing a trailer.
CONTINUED
Driving

Maintenance Schedule
The Maintenance Schedule specifieshow often you should have your carserviced and what things need
attention. It is essential that you have
your car serviced as scheduled to retain its high level of safety,dependability, and emissions control
performance. The services and time or distance
intervals shown in the maintenanceschedule assume you will use your
vehicle as normal transportation for passengers and their possessions.
You should also follow these recommendations:
• Avoid exceeding your car's load limit. This puts excess stress on
the engine, brakes, and manyother parts of your car. The load
limit is shown on the label on the driver's doorjamb.
• Operate your car on reasonable roads within the legal speed limit.
• Drive your car regularly over a distance of several miles(kilometers).
• Always use unleaded gasoline with the proper octane rating (see page 146). Which Schedule to Follow:
Service your car according to the
time and mileage periods on one of
the Maintenance Schedules on the
following pages. Select the schedule
for "Severe Conditions" if most of
your driving is done under one or more of the conditions listed on that
page. Otherwise, follow the schedule
for "Normal Conditions."
Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions
Service at the indicated
distance or time — whichever
comes first.miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugsReplace timing belt*
1, and inspect water pump
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment Replace air conditioning filter*
2Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month) 15
24
12 30
48 24 45
72
36 60
96
4875
120 60 90
144 72 105
168
84 120
192
96
Replace every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
•
•
Adjust only if noisy
•
•
•
• •
•
•
• •
•
•
• •
•
• •
•
• •
•
• •
Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Visually inspect the following items:
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots Suspension components
Driveshaft bootsBrake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids Cooling system hoses and connections
#Exhaust system#Fuel lines and connections
U.S. Owners
Follow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if thesevere driving conditions
specified in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance
Schedule do not apply.
NOTE: If you only OCCASIONALLY drive under a
"severe" condition, you should
follow the Normal Conditions Maintenance Schedule.
Canadian Owners
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule for Severe Conditions.
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page\
191.
* 1: See Timing Belt on page 227 to determine need for replacement.
* 2: See Air Conditioning Filter on page 226 for replacement information under special conditions.
Maintenance
• • • • • •\
• •
• • • • • •\
• •
• • • • • •\
• •

Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the\
items in A, B, C as required for each distance/time interval. Follow thisschedule if the severe driving conditions described in the Severe Condit\
ions Schedule on the next page do not apply.
Canadian owners: Follow the schedule for Severe Conditions.
NOTE:• Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.• Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, if noisy. # : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page 191.
* 1 : See Timing Belt on page 227 to determine need for replacement.
* 2 : See Air Conditioning Filter on page 226 for replacement information under special conditions.
Maintenance
7,500 mi/12,000 km/1 yr15,000 mi/24,000 km/-
22,500 mi/36,000 km/1½, yrs
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
37,500 mi/60,000 km/2½ yrs 45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
52,500 mi/84,000 km/3½ yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
67,500 mi/108,000 km/4½yrs
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
82,500 mi/132,000 km/5½ yrs
90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 yrs
97,500 mi/156,000 km/6½ yrs
105,000 mi/168,000 km/7 yrs
112,500 mi/180,000 km/7½ yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/8 yrs Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.Do items in A.
Do items in A, B, C.
Do items in A.
Replace coolant. Replace brake fluid.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B, C.
Do items in A. Replace coolant. Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replace brake fluid. Replace transmissionfluid. Do items in A, B, C.
Do items in A.
Replace timing belt*1, inspect water pump. Replace coolant. lnspect valve clearance. Check idle speed. Replace spark plugs.Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B, C.
A Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on paqe 231 ).
B Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check for leaks.
# Inspect cooling system hoses and connections.
# Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
C Replace air cleaner element.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace air conditioning filter.*
2

Service at the indicated
distance or time — whichever
comes first. miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Clean (o) or replace ( • ) air cleaner element Use normal schedule except in dusty conditons
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt*
1-*, and inspect water pump
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace air conditioning filter*
2Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month) 15
24 12 30
48
24 45
72
3660
96
48 75
120 60 90
144
72 105
168
84 120
192
96
Replace every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
O •
O • O •
Adjust only if noisy
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
O •
•
•
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
•
• •
•
•
•
•
••
•
••
•
•
• •
•
•
••
•
•
Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Visually inspect the following items:
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, Suspension components
Driveshaft boots and boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and conditions of fluids Cooling system hoses and connections
'Exhaust system
'Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls
Vehicle underbody Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
U.S. Owners
Follow the Severe Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if you
drive your vehicle MAINLY
under one or more of the
following conditions:
• Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per trip or, in freezing
temperatures, driving less
than 10 miles (16 km) per trip.
• Driving in extremely hot[over 90°F (32° C)] conditions.
• Extensive idling or long periods of stop-and-go driving.
• Trailer towing, driving with a roof rack, or driving in
mountainous conditions.
• Driving on muddy, dusty, orde-iced roads.
Canadian Owners
Follow the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, \
page 191.
* 1: See Timing Belt on page 227 to determine need for replacement.
* 2: See Air Conditioning Filter on page 226 for replacement information under special conditions.
Maintenance
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions• • • • • • • \
•

Use this schedule if your vehicle is MAINLY driven in any of the followi\
ng Severe Conditions, or normally driven in Canada; otherwise use the No\
rmalSchedule. Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes fir\
st. Do the items in A, B, C, D as required for each distance/time.
3,750 mi/6,000 km/-7,500 mi/12,000 km/6 mos 11,250 mi/18,000 km/-
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yr
18,750 mi/30,000 km/-
22,500 mi/36,000 km/1½ yrs
26,250 mi/42,000 km/-
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
33,750 mi/54,000 km/-
37,500 mi/60,000 km/2½ yrs
41,250 mi/66,000 km/-
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
48,750 mi/78,000 km/-
52,500 mi/84,000 km/3½ yrs
56,250 mi/90,000 km/-
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
63,750 mi/102,000 km/-
67,500 mi/108,000 km/4½ yrs
71,250 mi/114,000 km/-
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
78,750 mi/126,000 km/- Do items in A.
Do items in A, B. Do items in A.

CIean air cleaner element. Do items in A, B, C.Do items in A. Do items in A, B.Do items in A.
Do items in A, B, C, D.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace coolant. Replace brake fluid.

CIean air cleaner element. Do items in A, B, C.Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
'
Replace timing belt*1, inspect water pump.Do items in A, B, C, D.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.

Replace coolant, Clean air cleaner element.Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
NOTE:• Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.• Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, if noisy.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
Severe Conditions:• Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per trip or, in freezingtemperatures, driving less than 10 miles (16 km) per trip.• Driving in extremely hot (over 90°F/32°C) conditions.
• Extensive idling or long periods of stop-and-go driving.• Trailer towing, driving with a roof rack, or driving in mountainous conditions.
• Driving, on muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads.
A
B• Replace engine oil and filter. Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 231 ). Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components. Inspect driveshaft boots.
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, lastcolumn, page 191.
* 1 : See Timing Belt on page 227 to determine need for replacement.
* 2 : See Air Conditioning Filter on page 226 for replacement
information under special conditions.
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)

Owner Maintenance Checks
You should check the followingitems at the specified intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perform any check, turn to the page given. • Engine oil level — Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page 150.
• Engine coolant level — Check the radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 151.
• Windshield washer fluid — Check the level in the reservoir monthly.If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers frequently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
for fuel. See page 212 .
• Automatic transmission — Check the fluid level monthly. See page213.
• Brakes — Check the fluid level monthly. See page 214 . • Tires — Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
229.
• Lights — Check the operation of the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate lights monthly. See
page 234.
Maintenance

Tires
Winter DrivingTires that are marked "M+S" or "All Season" on the sidewall have an
all-weather tread design. They
should be suitable for most winter
driving conditions. Tires without
these markings are designed for optimum traction in dry conditions.
They may not provide adequate performance in winter driving.
For the best performance in snowyor icy conditions, you should install
snow tires or tire chains. They may
be required by local laws under certain conditions.
Snow Tires
If you mount snow tires on your
Acura, make sure they are radial tires of the same size and load rangeas the original tires. Mount snow
tires on all four wheels to balance
your car's handling in all weather conditions. Keep in mind the traction
provided by snow tires on dry roads
may not be as high as your car's original equipment tires. You should
drive cautiously even when the roads
are clear. Check with the tire dealer
for maximum speed recommen- dations.
Traction Devices
Mount traction devices only when
required by driving conditions or
local laws. Make sure they are the correct size for your tires. Install
them only on the front tires.
Because your Acura has limited tire
clearance, mount only SAE class "S"
cable-type traction devices.Link-type "chains" should not be
used. No matter how tight they seem
to be installed, they can come into contact with the body andsuspension, causing serious damage. When installing traction devices,
follow the manufacturer'sinstructions and mount them as
tightly as you can. Drive slowly with
them installed. If you hear them coming in contact with the body or
chassis, stop and investigate. Make
sure the traction devices are
installed tightly, and that they are
not contacting the brakes or suspension.
Remove them as soon as you start driving on cleared roads.
Cables that are the wrong size or
improperly installed can damage your
car's brake lines, suspension, body, and
wheels. Stop driving if they are hitting
any part of the car.
Maintenance
NOTICE