2008 HONDA CIVIC COUPE trailer

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Aggressive driving (hard
acceleration and braking)
Excessive idling, accelerating and
braking in stop-and-go traf f ic
Cold engine operation (engines
aremoreefficientwhenwarmedup)
Driving with a heavy load or the
air conditioner running
Improperly inf lated tires
The f ollowing f actors can lower your
vehicle’s f uel economy:
A properly maintained vehicle
maximizes f uel economy. Poor
maintenance can signif icantly reduce
f uel economy. Always maintain your
vehicle according to the maintenance
messages displayed on the
inf ormation display (see
on page ).
For example: Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering,
and hard braking increase fuel
consumption.
Aerodynamic drag has a big ef f ect
on f uel mileage at speeds above 45
mph (75 km/h). Reduce your
speed and you reduce the drag.
Trailers, car top carriers, roof
racks and bike racks are also big
contributors to increased drag.
If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, you can
boost your f uel economy by up
shif ting as early as possible.
Idling
results in 0 miles per gallon.
An under-inf lated tire increases
‘‘rolling resistance,’’ which reduces
f uel economy.
It puts a heavier
load on the engine, increasing f uel
consumption.
In
particular, a build-up of snow or
mud on your vehicle’s underside
adds weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your f uel
economy.
230
CONT INUED
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy Factors Use the recommended viscosity motor oil, displaying the A PI
Certif ication Seal (see page).
Improving Fuel Economy Owner’s
Maintenance Checks Drive moderately
Observe the speed limit
Always drive in the highest gear
possible
Avoid excessive idling
Maintain proper tire inf lation
A void carrying excess weight in
your vehicle
K eep your vehicle clean
234
Vehicle Maint enance Drive Ef f icient ly
Bef ore Driving
193
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Steps f or Determining Correct Load
Limit Locate the statement ‘‘The
combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX
kg or XXX lbs.’’ on your vehicle’s
placard.
Determine the combined weight
of the driver and passengers that
will be riding in your vehicle.
Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers f rom
XXX kg or XXX lbs. The resulting f igure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For
example, if the ‘‘XXX’’ amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be
f ive 150 lb. passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs.
(1,400 750 (5 150) = 650 lbs.)
Determine the combined weight
of luggage and cargo being loaded
on the vehicle. That weight may
not saf ely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load f rom your trailer will
be transf erred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of
your vehicle.
The maximum load f or your vehicle
is 850 lbs (385 kg) f or U.S. models
and 395 kg for Canadian models.
See Tire And Loading Inf ormation
label attached to the driver’s
doorjamb.
This f igure includes the total weight
of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if
you are towing a trailer.
Label Example
(1)
(2)
(3) (4)
(5)
(6)
Load Limits
Carrying Cargo
198
Overloading or improper
loading can affect handling and
stability and cause a crash in
which you can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in thismanual.
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In addition, the total weight of the
vehicle, all occupants, accessories,
cargo, and trailer tongue load must
not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Both
areonalabelonthedriver’s
doorjamb.
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Carrying Cargo
Bef ore Driving
199
Max Load (850 lbs) Cargo Weight
(550 lbs)
Max Load (850 lbs)
Max Load (850 lbs) Cargo Weight
(250 lbs)
Cargo Weight
(100 lbs)
Passenger Weight
(150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs)
Passenger Weight
(150 lbs x 4 = 600 lbs)
Passenger Weight
(150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs)
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Because of the low-prof ile tires
f itted to your vehicle, the alloy
wheels are closer to the ground.
Driving over a pothole or road
debris at too high a speed can
seriously damage a wheel. Slow
down under these conditions.
Curbs and steep inclines could
damage the f ront and rear
bumpers. Low curbs that do not
affect the average vehicle may be
high enough to hit the bumper on
your vehicle. The f ront or rear
bumper may scrape when trying to
drive onto an incline, such as a
steep driveway or trailer ramps.
Use caution if you ever drive your
vehicleonveryroughorrutted
roads. You could damage the
suspension and underbody by
bottoming out. Going too f ast over
parking lot ‘‘speed bumps’’ can
also cause damage.
Your vehicle is designed to give you
optimum handling and perf ormance
on well-maintained roads. As part of
this design, your vehicle has a
minimum of ground clearance and
very low-prof ile tires.
Driving Guidelines
Si model
202
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Your vehicle is not designed to tow a
trailer. Attempting to do so can void
your warranties.Your vehicle is not designed to be
towed behind a motor home. If your
vehicle needs to be towed in an
emergency, see page .
290
Towing a Trailer
Towing Your Vehicle
Driving
221
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Î
Î
Unexpected, Taking Care ..........................................
of the . 269 ..
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading . 299
........................
Unleaded Gasoline . 186
.......
Used Oil, How to Dispose of . 238
......................
Using a Booster Seat . 47
..........................
Time, Setting the . 180
....................................
Tire Chains . 263
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 271
Tire Pressure Monitoring
........................
System (TPMS) . 218
...............................................
Tires . 255
......................
Air Pressure . 255, 257
........................................
Chains . 263
.........................
Checking Wear . 258
..........................
Compact Spare . 270
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 299
......................................
Inf lation . 255
..................................
Inspection . 258
.....................................
Labeling . 301
Low Tire Pressure
...........................
Indicator . 61, 218
..............................
Maintenance . 259
...................................
Replacing . 261
......................................
Rotating . 260
................................
Service Lif e . 258
...........................................
Snow . 263
............................
Specif ications . 298
...................
Summer Tires . 257, 262
.........................................
TPMS . 218
...........................................
Wear . 260
.......................................
Wheels . 264 ...................
Tools, Tire Changing . 271
Towing
.....................................
A Trailer . 221
................
Emergency Wrecker . 290
Transmission Checking Fluid Level, ..............................
Automatic . 242
Checking Fluid Level,
...................................
Manual . 243
..................
Fluid Selection . 242, 243
..............
Identif ication Number . 295
.............
Shif ting the Automatic . 208
..................
Shif ting the Manual . 205
...................................
Treadwear . 299
...................
Treadwear Indicators . 258
.......................................
Trip Meter . 66
................................................
Trunk . 90
....................
Emergency Opener . 91
........................................
Opening . 90
............................
Open Indicator . 63
....................................
Turn Signals . 72 ................................
Vanity Mirror . 109
.................
Vehicle Capacity Load . 198
......................
Vehicle Dimensions . 296
....
Vehicle Identif ication Number . 294
.............................
Vehicle Storage . 267
.....................................
Ventilation . 116
.................................................
VIN . 294
..................................
Viscosity, Oil . 235
.............
WARNING, Explanation of . ii
................
Warning Button, Hazard . 74
.........
Warning Labels, Location of . 51
....................
Warranty Coverages . 313
CONT INUED
Index
INDEXU V W
IX
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