2011 HONDA CR-Z Owners Manual

216
Driving
When Driving TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
U.S. models only
Monitors the tire pressure while you are driving. If your vehicle’s tire pressure becomes significantly low, the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator comes on and a message appears on the multi-information display.“CHECK TIRE PRESSURE” is displayed when a tire has significantly low pressure.
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
Conditions such as low ambient temperature and altitude change directly affect tire pressure and can trigger the low tire pressure/ TPMS indicator to come on.
If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks P. 3 0 3
Tire pressure checked and inlated in: Warm weather can become under-inlated in

•
colder weather. Cool weather can become over-inlated in

•
warmer weather.
The low tire pressure/TPMS indicator will not come on as a result of over inlation.
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217
Driving
When Driving Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation
U.S. models only
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.) As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a signiicantly under-inlated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inlation also reduces fuel eficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inlation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
continued
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218
Driving
When Driving Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.
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219
Driving
Braking
Brake System
Parking Brake
■
Use the parking brake to keep the vehicle stationary when parking.
To apply: Pull the lever fully up without pressing the release button. To release:
Pull the lever slightly, and press and hold
1.
the release button. Lower the lever down all the way, then
2.
release the button.
Parking Brake
NOTICE Release the parking brake fully before driving. The rear brakes and axle can be damaged if you drive with the parking brake applied. If you start driving without fully releasing the parking brake, a buzzer sounds as a warning, and "RELEASE PARKING BRAKE" appears on the multi-information display. Always apply the parking brake when parking.When the outside temperature is extremely cold, do not apply the parking brake to prevent it from freezing, and do the following:
Automatic transmission model Put the shift lever in , then place a block or other
wheel chock to stop the wheels from turning.
Manual transmission model Put the shift lever in or , then place a block
or other wheel chock to stop the wheels from turning.
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Driving
Braking Brake System
Foot Brake
■
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A power assist helps reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases the stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency situation. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when braking very hard.
Brake Assist System P.222
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) P.221
Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water, or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the pedal several times. If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when applying the brakes, the brake pads need to be replaced. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brake pedal while going down a long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to a lower gear. With manual transmission use a lower gear for greater engine braking. Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.
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221
Driving
Braking ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
ABS
■
Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you can do. The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading. You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This is sometimes referred to as “stomp and steer.”
ABS Operation
■
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately if you are trying to stop on snow or ice. When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
NOTICE The ABS may not function correctly if you use an incorrect tire type and size. When the ABS indicator comes on while driving, there may be a problem with the system.While normal braking is not affected, there is a possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer immediately. The ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering control during hard braking. In the following cases, your vehicle may need more stopping distance than a vehicle without ABS: When driving on rough road surfaces, including

•
when driving on uneven surfaces, such as gravel or snow.When tire chains are installed.

•
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being performed immediately after starting the engine or while driving. This is normal.
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222
Driving
Braking Brake Assist System
Brake Assist System
Brake Assist System
■
Designed to assist the driver by generating greater braking force when you depress the brake pedal hard during emergency braking.
Brake Assist System Operation
■
Press the brake pedal firmly for more powerful braking. When brake assist operates, the pedal may wiggle slightly and an operating noise may be heard. This is normal. Keep holding the brake pedal firmly down.
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223
Driving
Parking Your Vehicle
When Stopped
Parking Your Vehicle
Do not park your vehicle near lammable objects, such as dry grass, oil, or timber.Heat from the exhaust can cause a ire.
When Stopped
Automatic transmission (CVT) model NOTICE
The following can damage the transmission: Depressing the accelerator and brake pedals

•
simultaneously. Holding the vehicle in place when facing uphill

•
by depressing the accelerator pedal. Moving the shift lever into

•
before the vehicle
stops completely.
Always use the parking brake when you park your vehicle.
1.
Make sure the parking brake is set firmly, or your vehicle may roll if parked on
2.
an incline.
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