2012 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID Owners Manual

uuRefueling uHow to Refuel
224Driving
4. Remove the fuel fill cap slowly. If you hear a
release of air, wait until this stops, then turn
the knob slowly to open the fuel fill cap.
5. Place the fuel fill cap in the holder.
6. Insert the filler nozzle fully.
u When the tank is full, the fuel nozzle will
click off automatically. This leaves space
in the fuel tank in case the fuel expands
with a change in the temperature.
7. After filling, replace the fuel fill cap,
tightening it until you hear it click at least
once.
u Shut the fuel fill door by hand.
1How to Refuel
The filler nozzle automatically stops to leave space in
the fuel tank so that fuel does not overflow as a result
of changes in air temperature.
If the fuel nozzle keeps turning off when the tank is
not full, there may be a problem with the pump's fuel
vapor recovery system. Try filling at another pump. If
this does not fix the problem, consult a dealer.
Do not continue to add fuel af ter the nozzle has
automatically stopped. Additional fuel can exceed
the full tank capacity.
CapCap
Holder

225
Driving
Fuel EconomyImproving Fuel EconomyFuel economy depends on several conditions, including driving conditions, your
driving habits, the condition of your vehicle, and loading. Depending on these and
other conditions, you may or may not achieve the rated fuel economy of this vehicle.
You can optimize your fuel economy with proper maintenance of your vehicle.
Always maintain your vehicle in accordance with the messages displayed on the
multi-information display.
• Use the recommended viscosity engine oil, displaying the API Certification Seal.
• Maintain the specified tire pressure.
• Do not load the vehicle with excess cargo.
• Keep your vehicle clean. A buildup of snow or mud on your vehicle's underside
adds weight and increases wind resistance.■
Maintenance and Fuel Economy
1Improving Fuel Economy
Direct calculation is the recommended method to
determine actual fuel consumed while driving.
In Canada, posted fuel economy numbers are
established following a simulated test. For more
information on how this test is performed, please visit
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/
Miles driven Gallons of
fuel Miles per
Gallon
100 Liters Kilometers L per 100 km

226Driving
Accessories and ModificationsAccessoriesWhen installing accessories, check the following:
•Do not install accessories on the windshield. They can obstruct your view and
delay your reaction to driving conditions.
• Do not install accessories on the side pillars or across the side windows.
Accessories installed in these areas may interfere with proper operation of the
side curtain airbags.
• Be sure electronic accessories do not overload electrical circuits or interfere with
proper operation of your vehicle.
2 Fuses P. 289
•Before installing any electronic accessory, have the installer contact a dealer for
assistance. If possible, have a dealer inspect the final installation.ModificationsDo not modify your vehicle or use non-Honda components that can affect its
handling, stability, and reliability.
Overall vehicle performance can be affected. Always make sure all equipment is
properly installed and maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province,
territory, and local regulations.
1Accessories and Modifications
Honda Genuine accessories are recommended to
ensure proper operation on your vehicle.
3
WARNING
Improper accessories or modifications can
affect your vehicle's handling, stability, and
performance, and cause a crash in which
you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instruc tions in this owner's
manual regarding accessories and
modifications.

227
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 228
Safety When Performing Maintenance .... 229Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 230
Maintenance Minder™ .................... 231
Maintenance Under the HoodMaintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 235Opening the Hood ........................... 236
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 237
Oil Check ......................................... 238
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 239Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter .. 240
Engine Coolant ................................ 242
Transmission Fluid ............................ 244
Brake Fluid ....................................... 245
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 246
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 247
Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades .......................................... 252Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 254
Tire and Loading Information Label .. 255
Tire Labeling .................................... 255
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) .. 257Wear Indicators................................ 259 Tire Service Life ................................ 259
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 260
Tire Rotation .................................... 261
Winter Tires ..................................... 262
12 Volt Battery .................................. 263
Remote Transmitter Care
Replacing the Battery ....................... 264
Climate Control System Maintenance ...... 265Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 266
Exterior Care.................................... 268

228Maintenance
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and MaintenanceFor your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your \
warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and
inspection information.■
Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.
■
Periodic inspections
• Check the continuously variable transmission fluid level monthly.
2 Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Fluid P. 244
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2 Checking the Brake Fluid P. 245
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 254
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 247
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2Checking and Mainta ining Wiper Blades P. 252
■
Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are "certified" to
EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the multi-information display. 2 Maintenance Service Items P. 233
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com .
2 Authorized Manuals P. 303
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models

229
uuBefore Performing Maintenance uSafety When Performing Maintenance
Maintenance
Safety When Performing MaintenanceSome of the most important safety precautions are given here.
However, we cannot warn you of every conc eivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform
a given task.
• To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames
away from the battery and all fuel related parts.
• To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not
gasoline.
• Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the 12 volt
battery or compressed air.
• Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and can kill you.
u Only operate the engine if there is sufficient ventilation.
• The vehicle must be in a stationary condition.
u Make sure your vehicle is parked on level ground, the parking brake is set, and
the engine is off.
• Be aware that hot parts can burn you.
u Make sure to let the engine and exhau st system cool thoroughly before
touching vehicle parts.
• Be aware that moving parts can injure you.
u Do not start the engine unless instructed, and keep your hands and limbs away
from moving parts.
• Do not touch the IMA battery and wiring (orange).■
Maintenance Safety
■
Vehicle Safety
1Safety When Performing Maintenance
3
WARNING
Improperly maintaining this vehicle or
failing to correct a problem before driving
can cause a crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow th e inspection and
maintenance recommendations according
to the schedules in this owner's manual.
3
WARNING
Failure to properly fol low maintenance
instructions and precautions can cause you
to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and
precautions in this owner's manual.

230
uuBefore Performing Maintenance uParts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service
Maintenance
Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance ServiceThe use of Honda genuine parts and fluids is recommended when maintaining and
servicing your vehicle. Honda genuine parts are manufactured according to the
same high quality standards used in Honda vehicles.

231
Continued
Maintenance
Maintenance Minder™If the engine oil life is less than 15%, you will see the Maintenance Minder messages
appear on the multi-information display every time you turn the ignition switch to
ON
(w
. The messages notify you when to change the engine oil, or when to bring
your vehicle to a dealer for indicated maintenance services.
To Use Maintenance Minder
TM
Maintenance items, which should be serviced at the same time that you replace the
engine oil, appear on the multi-information display.
You can view them on the Maintenance info screen at any time.
1. Turn the ignition switch to ON
(w
.
2. Press the MENU button to go to the Vehicle Menu screen.
3. Select Vehicle Information with the button, then press the SOURCE button.
4. Press the SOURCE button again to go to the Maintenance info screen. The
engine oil life appears on the multi-information display.
■
Displaying the Engine Oil Life and Maintenance Items
1 Displaying the Engine Oil Life and Maintenance Items
Based on the engine operating conditions, the
remaining engine oil life is calculated and displayed
as a percentage.
There is a list of maintenance main and sub items you
can view on the multi-information display.
2 Maintenance Service Items P. 233
Displayed Engine Oil
Life (%)
Calculated Engine Oil Life (%)
100 100 to 91
90
90 to 81
80 80 to 71
70
70 to 61
60 60 to 51
50
50 to 41
40 40 to 31
30
30 to 21
20 20 to 16
15
15 to 11
10 10 to 6
5
5 to 1
00
+
50
Engine oilAir filters
2345
SOURCE
Button Button+
Sub Item Main
Item
Engine Oil Life
MENU
Button