2012 Acura TSX tow

181
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before Driving
Driving Preparation .......................... 182
Maximum Load Limit........................ 185
Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation .......................... 187
Driving Safely with a Trailer .............. 189
Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 190
When Driving
Starting the Engine .......................... 191
Precautions While Driving................. 193
Automatic Transmission ................... 194Shifting ............................................ 195
Shifting ............................................ 199
Cruise Control ................................. 201
VSA
® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC
(Electronic Stability Control), System ...... 204
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) ... 206
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) -
Required Federal Explanation ........... 208
Braking
Brake System ................................... 210
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ........... 212Automatic transmissionManual transmission
Brake Assist System ......................... 213
Parking Your Vehicle
When Stopped ................................ 214
Parking ............................................ 214
Refueling
Fuel Information .............................. 215
How to Refuel ................................. 216
Fuel Economy.................................... 218
Improving Fuel Economy .................. 218
Accessories and Modifications
Accessories ...................................... 219
Modifications................................... 219

Continued
183
uuBefore DrivinguDriving Preparation
Driving
•Store or secure all items on board properly.
uCarrying too much cargo, or improperly storing it, can affect your vehicle’s
handling, stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe.
2Maximum Load Limit P. 185
•Do not pile items higher than the seat height.
uThey can block your view and may be thrown forward in the event of sudden
braking.
•Do not place anything in the front seat footwells. Make sure to secure the floor
mat.
uAn object or unsecured floor mat can interfere with your brake and accelerator
pedal operation while driving.
•If you have any animals on board, do not let them move around in the vehicle.
uThey may interfere with driving and a crash could occur.
•Securely close and lock all doors and the trunk.
2Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside P. 93
•Adjust your seating position properly.
uAdjust the head restraint, too.
2Adjusting the Seats P. 116
2Adjusting the Head Restraints P. 118
•Adjust the mirrors and steering wheel properly for your driving.
uAdjust them while sitting in the proper driving position.
2Adjusting the Mirror P. 114
2Adjusting the Steering Wheel P. 113
■
Interior Checks
1Interior Checks
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the trunk or tow a trailer, have the
aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified
technician.

185
uuBefore DrivinguMaximum Load Limit
Continued
Driving
Maximum Load LimitThe maximum load for your vehicle is 850 lbs (385 kg).
See Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver’s doorjamb.
This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit -
(1)Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle’s placard.
(2)Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers
that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3)Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4)The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs.
(1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
1Maximum Load Limit
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all accessories, all cargo, and the tongue
load.
2Specifications P. 304, 306
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle.
2Specifications P. 304, 306
3
WARNING
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.
Label Example

186
uuBefore DrivinguMaximum Load Limit
Driving
(5)Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
(6)If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
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 are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.Load Limits Example
Example1
Max Load
850 lbs
(385 kg)Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs
(68 kg x 2 = 136 kg)Cargo Weight
550 lbs
(249 kg)
Example2
Max Load
850 lbs
(385 kg)Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs
(68 kg x 5 = 340 kg)Cargo Weight
100 lbs
(45 kg)

187
Continued
Driving
Towing a TrailerTowing PreparationYour vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. Check the load limits before driving.
■
Total trailer weight
Maximum allowable weight of the trailer,
cargo, and everything in or on it must not
exceed 1,000 lbs (450 kg). Towing loads in
excess of this can seriously affect vehicle
handling and performance and can damage
the engine and drivetrain.
■
Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded
trailer on the hitch should be approximately
10% of the total trailer weight.
•Excessive tongue load reduces front tire
traction and steering control. Too little
tongue load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway.
•To achieve a proper tongue load, start by
loading 60% of the load toward the front
of the trailer and 40% toward the rear.
Readjust the load as needed.
■
Towing Load Limits
1Towing Load Limits
Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.
If a public scale is not available, add the estimated
weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer), and the
tongue load.
Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle’s first 600
miles (1,000 km).
Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
Gross weight information
2Vehicle Specifications P. 304, 306
3
WARNING
Exceeding any load limit or improperly
loading your vehicle and trailer can cause a
crash in which you can be seriously hurt or
killed.
Check the loading of your vehicle and
trailer carefully before starting to drive.
Total Load
Tongue Load

uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
188Driving
Towing equipment varies by the size of your trailer, how much load you are towing,
and where you are towing.■
Hitches
The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.
■
Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
■
Trailer brakes
There are two common types of trailer brakes: surge and electric. Surge brakes are
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet. If you choose electric brakes,
be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not attempt to attach trailer brakes to
your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as it will lower braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.
■
Additional towing equipment
Many states and provinces/territories require special outside mirrors when towing a
trailer. Even if mirrors are not required in your locale, you should install special
mirrors if visibility is restricted in any way.
■
Trailer light
Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and
local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the
requirements in the area where you plan to tow.
■
Towing Equipment and Accessories
1Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and local regulations.
Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qualified technician.

189
uuTowing a TraileruDriving Safely with a Trailer
Continued
Driving
Driving Safely with a Trailer•Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.
•Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2Towing Load Limits P. 187
•Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
•Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift while
driving.
•Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
•Check the pressures of the trailer tires, including the spare.
•Drive slower than normal.
•Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
•Use the
(D
position when towing a trailer on level roads.
•Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
•Allow more time and distance for braking.
•Do not brake or turn suddenly.
■
Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■
Towing Speeds and Gears
■
Turning and Braking
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer’s tires.
Automatic transmission models

uuTowing a TraileruTowing Your Vehicle
190Driving
•Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the red (Hot) mark, turn off the air
conditioning and reduce speed. Pull to the side of the road safely to cool down
the engine if necessary.
•Shift to the
(S
position if the transmission shifts frequently.
Towing Your VehicleYour vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs
to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.
2Emergency Towing P. 299
■
Driving in Hilly Terrain
1Driving in Hilly Terrain
If you use the paddle shifters when driving uphill and
downhill, select 3rd, 2nd, or 1st gear, depending on
the vehicle speed and road conditions. Do not use
4th and 5th gears.
If the automatic transmission fluid temperature
exceeds the specified limit, the transmission will also
automatically downshift to the 1st gear, even in the
sequential shift mode. The gear position indicator
blinks for a few seconds, then stays on.Gear Position Speed Range
1st
0 - 42 mph (0 - 67 km/h)
2nd,3rd 19 - 62 mph (30 - 100 km/h)
Automatic transmission models
Automatic transmission models