2010 HONDA ELEMENT suspension

Modifying Your Vehicle
Removing parts from your vehicle, or
replacing components with some
non-Honda components could
seriously affect your vehicle's
handling, stability, and reliability.
Some examples are:● Lowering the vehicle with a non-
Honda suspension kit that
significantly reduces ground
clearance can allow the
undercarriage to hit speed bumps
or other raised objects, which
could cause the airbags to deploy.
● Raising your vehicle with a non-
Honda suspension kit can affect
the handling and stability. ●
Non-Honda wheels, because they
are a universal design, can cause
excessive stress on suspension
components, and are not
compatible with the tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS).
● Larger or smaller wheels and tires
can interfere with the operation of
your vehicle's anti-lock brakes and
other systems.
● Modifying your steering wheel or
any other part of your vehicle's
safety features can make the
systems ineffective.
If you plan to modify your vehicle,
consult your dealer.
Accessories and Modifications
206
Table of Contents

Pre-Tow Checklist
When preparing to tow, and before
driving away, be sure to check thefollowing:● The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, cooling system, and
lights are in good operatingcondition.
● The trailer has been properly
serviced and is in good condition.
● All weights and loads are within
limits (see pages 232 and 233).
● The hitch, safety chains, and any
other attachments are secure.
● All items in or on the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shift
while you drive. ●
Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inflated (see page 271),
and the trailer tires and spare are
inflated as recommended by the
trailer maker. 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 requires
some special driving skills andtechniques.
For your safety and the safety of
others, take time to practice driving
maneuvers before heading for the
open road, and follow the guidelinesbelow.
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 the D 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’’on the
next page for additional gearinformation.)
Towing a Trailer
236
Table of Contents

Check Out Your Vehicle
Before you leave the pavement, be
sure to do all scheduled maintenance
and service, and inspect your vehicle
for any problems. Pay special
attention to the condition of the tires,
and check the tire pressures.
After you return to the pavement,
carefully inspect your vehicle to
make sure there is no damage that
could make driving it unsafe.
Recheck the condition of the tires
and the tire pressures. Remember
The route presents limits (too steep
or bumpy roads). You have limits
(driving skill and comfort). And your
vehicle has limits (traction, stability,
and power).
Driving off-highway can be
hazardous if you fail to recognize
limits and take the properprecautions.Accelerating and Braking
For better traction on all surfaces,
accelerate slowly and gradually build
up speed. If you try to start too fast
on wet soil, mud, snow, or ice, you
might not have enough traction to
get underway, and you may dig
yourself a hole. Starting with the shift
lever in second (2) gear will help you
have a smoother start on snow or ice.
Keep in mind that you will usually
need more time and distance to
brake to a stop on unpaved surfaces.
Avoid hard braking. Do not
‘‘pump ’’
the brakes; let the anti-lock braking
system pump them for you. Avoiding Obstacles
Debris on the road can damage your
suspension or other components.
Because your vehicle has a high
center of gravity, driving over a large
obstacle, or allowing a wheel to drop
into a deep hole can cause your
vehicle to tip or roll over.
Driving on Slopes
If you can't clearly see all conditions
or obstacles on a slope, walk the
slope before you drive on it. If you
have any doubt whether or not you
can safely drive on the slope, don't
do it. Find another route.
If you are driving up a hill and find
that you cannot continue,
do not try to
turn around.
Your vehicle could roll
over. Slowly back down the hill,
following the same route you took up
the hill.
CONTINUED
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
239
Driving
Table of Contents

Symbol Maintenance Main ItemsA ●
Replace engine oilꭧ1
B ●
Replace engine oilꭧ1and oil filter
● Inspect front and rear brakes
● Check parking brake adjustment
● Inspect these items:
● Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
● Suspension components
● Driveshaft boots
● Brake hoses and lines (including ABS/VSA)
● All fluid levels and condition of fluids
● Exhaust system
＃
●Fuel lines and connections＃
ꭧ1: If the message ‘‘SERVICE ’’does not appear more than 12 months after the
display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
＃ : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page 248.
NOTE: ●
Independent of the maintenance message in the information display,
replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
● Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
● Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy. Symbol Maintenance Sub Items
1 ●
Rotate tires
2 ●
Replace air cleaner element
If you drive in dusty conditions, replace
every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
● Replace dust and pollen filter
If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace every
15,000 miles (24,000 km).
● Inspect drive belt
3 ●
Replace transmission fluid
Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher transmission
and transfer temperatures. This requires transmission
and transfer fluid changes more frequently than
recommended by the maintenance minder. If you
regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions,
have the transmission and transfer fluid changed at
60,000 miles (100,000 km), then every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) (For A/T only).
4 ●
Replace spark plugs
● Inspect valve clearance
5 ●
Replace engine coolant
6 ●
Replace rear differential fluid (4WD model only)
Maintenance Minder
Maintenance Minder
249
Table of Contents

Tire Chains
Mount tire chains on your tires when
required by driving conditions or
local laws. Install them only on the
front tires.
On all models except SC
Because your vehicle has limited tire
clearance, use only SAE Class‘‘S ’’
cable-type traction devices, with
rubber chain tensioners, on the front
tires. Use traction devices only when
required by driving conditions or
local laws. Make sure they are the
correct size for your tires. Metal link-type ‘‘chains ’’should not be used.
Traction devices that are the wrong size
or improperly installed can damage
your vehicle's brake lines, suspension,
body, and wheels. Stop driving if they
are hitting any part of the vehicle.
On SC model
Because your vehicle has limited tire
clearance, Honda strongly
recommends using the chains listed
below, made by Security Chain
Company (SCC).
Cable-type: SCC Super Z6 SZ 139 When installing cables, follow the
manufacturer's instructions, and
mount them as tight as you can.
Make sure they are not contacting
the brake lines or suspension. Drive
slowly with them installed. If you
hear them coming into contact with
the body or chassis, stop and
investigate. Remove them as soon as
you begin driving on cleared roads.
Using the wrong chains, or not
properly installing chains, can
damage the brake lines and
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner's manual regarding the
selection and use of tire chains.
Tires
276
Table of Contents