2008 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID trailer

µµµ µ
µ µ
µ
Aggressive driving (hard
acceleration and braking)
Excessive idling, accelerating and
braking in stop-and-go traf f ic
Cold engine operation (engines
aremoreefficientwhenwarmed
up)
Driving with a heavy load or the
air conditioner running
Improperly inf lated tires
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.
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 multi-
inf ormation display (see
on page ).
For example: Idling
results in 0 miles per gallon. If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, you can
boost your f uel economy by up
shif ting as early as possible.
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.
Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering,
and hard braking increase fuel
consumption.
212
Fuel Economy Factors Use the recommended viscosity
motor oil, displaying the A PI
Certif ication Seal (see page).
Maintain proper tire inf lation
A void carrying excess weight in
your vehicle
K eep your vehicle clean
Improving Fuel Economy
Owner’s
Maintenance Checks Avoid excessive idling
Always drive in the highest gear
possible
Observe the speed limit
Drive moderately 215
Drive Ef f icient ly
Vehicle Maint enance
Fuel Economy
180
\f—\f—\fy


y
(#\fy\f
y
2008 Civic Hybrid

µ·
µ 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 yourvehiclewillbetowinga
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.
Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers f rom
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
Determine the combined weight
of the driver and passenger that
will be riding in your vehicle.
Locate the statement ‘‘The
combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX
kg or XXX lbs.’’ on your vehicle’s
placard.
Steps f or Determining Correct Load
Limit
See Tire And Loading Inf ormation
label attached to the driver’s
doorjamb.
The maximum load f or your vehicle
is 850 lbs (385 kg) f or U.S. vehicles,
and 395 kg for Canadian vehicles.
Label Example
This f igure includes the total weight
of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if
you are towing a trailer. (1)
(2)
(3)
(6)
(5)
(4)
CONT INUED
Load Limits
Carrying Cargo
Bef ore Driving
185
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 this
manual.
\f—\f—\fy

y
(#\fy\f
\fy
2008 Civic Hybrid

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
186
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)
\f—\f—\fy

y
(#\fy\f

y
2008 Civic Hybrid

This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
automatic transmissions (CVT). It
also includes important inf ormation
on parking your vehicle, the braking
system and the tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS).........................
Preparing to Drive .190
.......................
Starting the Engine .191
.
Automatic Transmission (CVT) .192
...........................................
Parking .198
.............................
Braking System .199
...............
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) .200
...........................
Towing a Trailer .201
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
......................................
(TPMS) .202
Driving
Driving
189
\f—\f—\fy

y
(#\fy\f
y
2008 Civic Hybrid

Your vehicle is not designed to tow a
trailer. Attempting to do so can void
your warranties.
If the ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator come on together,
and the parking brake is f ully
released, the EBD system may also
be shut down.
It only helps with steering
control during braking.
such as trying to take a
corner too f ast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe
speed f or the road and weather
conditions.
Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road.
on loose or
uneven surf aces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock.
Test your brakes as instructed on
page . If the brakes f eel normal,
drive slowly and have your vehicle
repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible. Avoid sudden hard braking
which could cause the rear wheels to
lock up and possibly lead to a loss of
control.
256
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Towing a Trailer
Towing a Trailer
Important Saf ety Reminders
A BS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle.
A BS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,
A BS cannot prevent a loss of
stability.
A vehicle with A BS may require a
longer distance to stop
Driving
201
\f—\f—\fy

y
(#\fy\f\fy
2008 Civic Hybrid

CONT INUED
..........
SRS, Additional Inf ormation .21
...
Additional Safety Precautions .32
.............................
Airbag Service .32
How the Passenger Airbag Of f
......................
Indicator Works .31
How the Side Airbag Of f ......................
Indicator Works .30
..
How the SRS Indicator Works .30
How Your Front Airbags
.........................................
Work .24
...
How Your Side Airbags Work .28
How Your Side Curtain
..........................
Airbags Work .29
........................
SRS Components .21
.............................
SRS Indicator .30,59
....
START (Ignition Key Position) .79
.......................
Starting the Engine .165
In Cold Weather at High ..................................
Altitude .191
................
With a Dead Battery .249
........
Steam Coming f rom Engine .251
Steering Wheel
..................................
Adjustment .75
.............
Anti-theft Column Lock .79
...................
Stereo Sound System .108
....................
Storing Your Vehicle .240 Supplemental Restraint
..................................
System.9,21
......................................
Servicing .32
.........................
SRS Indicator .30,59
...................
System Components .21
.........................................
SVC .113,138
..................................
Synthetic Oil .216
Taillights, Changing
..................................
Bulbs .226,227
.
Taking Care of the Unexpected .241
Technical Descriptions
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading .270
.....
Emissions Control Systems .275
.....................
Oxygenated Fuels .174
..........
State Emissions Testing .278
Three Way Catalytic
...............................
Converter .277
.................................
Tire Labeling .272
.......................
Temperature Gauge .65
..............
Tether Anchorage Points .47
............................
Thef t Protection .166
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter .277
..........................
Time, Setting the .168 ....................................
Tire Chains .238
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat .243
...........................
Tire Inf ormation .270
...............................................
Tires .233
..............................
Air Pressure .234
.........................
Checking Wear .235
..........................
Compact Spare .242
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading .270
......................................
Inf lation .233
..................................
Inspection .235
..............................
Maintenance .236
...................................
Replacing .236
......................................
Rotating .236
................................
Service Lif e .235
...........................................
Snow .238
............................
Specif ications .269
................................
Tire Chains .238
...................
Tools, Tire Changing .243
Towing
.....................................
A Trailer .201
..................
Emergency Towing .263
...........................
Traction Devices .238
Index
INDEX
T
VII
\f—\f—\fy

y
(#\fy\fy
2008 Civic Hybrid