Fuel Economy FactorsThe following factors can lower your
vehicle's fuel economy:●Aggressive driving (hard
acceleration and braking)●Excessive idling, accelerating and
braking in stop-and-go traffic●Cold engine operation (engines are
more efficient when warmed up)●Driving with a heavy load or the air
conditioner running●Improperly inflated tiresImproving Fuel EconomyVehicle MaintenanceA properly maintained vehicle
maximizes fuel economy. Poor
maintenance can significantly reduce
fuel economy. Always maintain your
vehicle according to the maintenance
messages displayed on the
information display (seeOwner's
Maintenance Checks on page 190).
For example:
●Use the recommended viscosity
motor oil, displaying the API
Certification Seal (see page 193).●Maintain proper tire inflation -
An underinflated tire increases
‘‘ rolling resistance, ’’which reduces
fuel economy.●Avoid carrying excess weight in
your vehicle -It puts a heavier
load on the engine, increasing fuel
consumption.●Keep your vehicle clean -In
particular, a build-up of snow or
mud on your vehicle's underside
adds weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your fuel
economy.
Drive Efficiently●Drive moderately -Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering, and
hard braking increase fuel
consumption.●Observe the speed limit -
Aerodynamic drag has a big effect
on fuel economy 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.●Avoid excessive idling -Idling
results in 0 miles per gallon (0 kms
per liter).●Minimize the use of the air
conditioning system -The A/C
puts an extra load on the engine
which makes it use more fuel. Use
the fresh-air ventilation when
possible.
CONTINUED
Fuel Economy
147
Before Driving
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Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on top of the valve cover. Pour
in the oil slowly and carefully so you
do not spill. Clean up any spills
immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and
tighten it securely. Wait a few
minutes, and recheck the oil level on
the engine oil dipstick. Do not fill
above the upper mark; you could
damage the engine.Recommended Engine Oil
Oil is a major contributor to your
engine's performance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade 5W-20
detergent oil displaying the API
Certification Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute's latest requirements.
Honda motor oil is the preferred
5W-20 lubricant for your vehicle. It is
highly recommended that you use
Honda motor oil in your vehicle for
optimum engine protection. Make
sure the API Certification Seal says
‘‘
For Gasoline Engines. ’’
The oil viscosity or weight is
provided on the container's label.
5W-20 oil is formulated for year-
round protection of your vehicle to
improve cold weather starting and
fuel economy.
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
API CERTIFICATION SEAL
Ambient Temperature
CONTINUED
Adding Engine Oil
193
Maintenance
10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu
LOCK (Ignition Key Position)
......
79
Locks Anti-theft Steering Column
.......
79
Fuel Fill Door
..........................
143
Glove Box
...............................
100
Hatch
.......................................
81
Lockout Prevention
..................
81
Power Door
..............................
80
Tailgate
....................................
82
Low Coolant Level
......................
145
Lower Anchors
.............................
44
Low Fuel Indicator
.......................
61
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
...........................
58, 235
Lubricant Specifications Chart...
251
Luggage, Storing (cargo)
...........
151
M
Maintenance
..............................
183
Main Items and Sub Items
......
188
Minder
....................................
185
Minder Indicator
......................
59
Owner's Maintenance Checks
................................
190 Safety
......................................
184
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
................................
58, 236
Meters, Gauges
............................
64
Methanol in Gasoline
.................
142
Mirrors, Adjusting
........................
93
Modifications
.............................
150
Modifying Your Vehicle
.............
150
N
Neutral Gear Position
.................
162
New Vehicle Break-in
.................
142
NOTICE, Explanation of
................
i
Numbers, Identification
.............
248
O
Octane Requirement, Gasoline
.................................
142
Odometer
.....................................
65
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
..............................
180
Off-Road Precautions
..................
180 Oil
Change, How to
......................
194
Change, When to
....................
185
Checking Engine
....................
145
Life, Engine
.............................
185
Pressure Indicator
.............
58, 235
Selecting Proper Viscosity Chart
...................................
193
Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery
................................
258
ON (Ignition Key Position)
..........
79
Opening the Tailgate
....................
82
Outside Mirrors
...........................
93
Outside Temperature Indicator
....
68
Overhead Console
......................
101
Overheating, Engine
..................
233
Owner's Maintenance Checks
....
190
Oxygenated Fuels
......................
142
P
Panel Brightness Control
.............
72
Park Gear Position
.....................
161
Parking
......................................
165
Parking Brake
..............................
94
IndexVI10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu
Turn Signals
.................................
60
Turn Signals and Headlights
........
71
U
Unexpected, Taking Care of the
..........................................
221
Uniform Tire Quality Grading (U.S. only)
..............................
253
Unleaded Gasoline
.....................
142
Used Oil, How to Dispose of
......
195
V
Vanity Mirror
.............................
101
Vehicle Capacity Load
................
152
Vehicle Dimensions
...................
250
Vehicle Identification Number
...
248
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
®),
aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
VSA OFF Indicator
..................
172
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System
................................
172
VSA OFF Indicator
...................
62 VSA OFF Switch
.....................
173
VSA System Indicator
..............
62
Vehicle Storage
..........................
219
Ventilation
..................................
106
VIN
............................................
248
Viscosity, Oil
..............................
193
W
WARNING, Explanation of
...........
iii
Warning Labels, Location of
.........
53
Warranty Coverages
..................
265
Washer, Windshield Checking the Fluid Level
........
197
Operation
.................................
70
Wheels
.......................................
212
Adjusting the Steering
..............
74
Alignment and Balance
...........
215
Compact Spare
........................
222
Wrench, Nut
...........................
223
Windows Operating the Power
................
92
Rear, Defogger
.........................
74
Windshield Cleaning
...................................
70 Defroster
.................................
107
Washers
............................
70, 197
Wipers, Windshield Changing Blades
.....................
210
Operation
.................................
70
Worn Tires
.................................
214
Wrecker, Emergency Towing
....
244
IndexX10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu