2001 HONDA ACCORD SEDAN trailer

Towing a Trailer

Additional Trailer Equipment Many states and Canadian provinces
require special outside mirrors when
towing a trailer. Even if they don't,
you should install special mirrors if
you cannot clearly see behind you, or if the trailer creates a blind spot.
Ask your trailer sales or rental agency if any other items are
recommended or required for your
towing situation. Pre-Tow Checklist
When preparing to tow, and before driving away, be sure to check the
following: The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, and cooling system
are in good operating condition. All weights and loads are within
limits (see pages 211 and 212). The hitch, safety chain, and any
other attachments are secure. All items on and in the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shift
while you drive. The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are workingproperly. Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inflated (see page 269),and the trailer tires and spare are
inflated as recommended by the
trailer maker.
Driving

Towing a Trailer

Driving Safely 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 requiressome special driving skills and

techniques.

For your safety and the safety ofothers, take time to practice driving
maneuvers before heading for theopen 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.
If you have an automatic
transmission, use D4 position when
towing a trailer on level roads. D3 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 nearsthe 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 automatic transmission shifts
frequently between 3rd and 4th
gears while going up a hill, shift to
D3.
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, andremember it will take longer to slowdown and stop when towing a trailer.

Driving

Towing a Trailer

Handling Crosswinds and Buffeting

Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause trailer swaying. When being passed by a
large vehicle, keep a constant speed and steer straight ahead. Do not try
to make quick steering or braking
corrections.

Backing Up
Always drive slowly and have someone guide you when backing up.Grip the bottom of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the left
to get the trailer to move to the left, and turn the wheel right to move the
trailer to the right.
Parking

Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including firmly setting the
parking brake and putting the
transmission in Park (automatic) or in 1st or Reverse (manual). Also,
place wheel chocks at each of the
trailer's tires.

Driving

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 car top carrier, or driving in
mountainous conditions.Driving on muddy, dusty, or
de-iced roads.

Canadian Owners

Follow the Maintenance

Schedule for Severe Conditions.

# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 223.
* 1 : See timing belt on page 267 to determine need for replacement.
* 2 : Balancer belt applies to 4-cylinder models only.
*3 : See air conditioning filter on page 266 for replacement information under special driving conditions.

Maintenance

Index

Tires................................................ 267 Air Pressure............................... 268

Checking Wear.......................... 270

Compact Spare........................... 298
DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 331 Inflation....................................... 268
Inspection................................... 270Replacing.................................... 271
Rotating....................................... 271

Snow............................................273
Specifications............................. 328
Tools, Tire Changing.................... 297

Towing
ATrailer......................................211
Emergency Wrecker................. 320

Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator...............................
56, 207

Operation................................... 207

Transmission Checking Fluid Level,Automatic...................... 247, 248
Checking Fluid Level,
Manual.................................... 248

Fluid Selection .................. 247, 248
Identification Number............... 319
Shifting the Automatic.............. 196
Shifting the Manual................... 195

Treadwear...................................... 329

Trip Meter........................................ 59

Trunk................................................. 80
Opening the..................................

80

Open Monitor Light.................... 56
Turn Signals..................................... 64

Underside, Cleaning...................... 293

Unexpected, Taking Care
of the........................................... 295

Uniform Tire Quality Grading..... 329
Unleaded Gasoline......................... 178

Upholstery Cleaning...................... 292

Used Oil, How to Dispose of........ 238
Vanity Mirror................................. 105
Vehicle Capacity Load .................. 189
Vehicle Dimensions....................... 326
Vehicle Identification Number..... 324
Vehicle Storage.............................. 287

VIN.................................................. 324
Vinyl Cleaning................................ 293

Viscosity, Oil................................... 235

WARNING, Explanation of.............. ii

Warning Labels, Location of.......... 50
Warranty Coverages*................... 341
Washer, Windshield Checking the Fluid Level......... 246Operation...................................... 65
Washing.......................................... 290
Waxing and Polishing................... 289
Wheels Adjusting the Steering................ 66
Alignment and Balance............. 270Compact Spare........................... 296
Wrench....................................... 298
Windows
Cleaning......................................292

Operating the Power................... 97
Rear, Defogger............................ 66
Windshield Cleaning........................................ 64
Washers........................................ 66