2012 HONDA CIVIC Parking

118
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluTurn Signals
Controls
Turn SignalsThe turn signals can be used when the ignition
switch is in ON
(w.
Light Switches
Rotating the light switch turns the lights on
and off, regardless of the position of the
ignition switch. ■High beams
Push the lever forward until you hear a click. ■ Low beams
When in high beams, pull the lever back to
return to low beams.■ Flashing the high beams
Pull the lever back, and release it.
Right Turn
Left Turn
■Manual Operation
1Light Switches
If you remove the key from the ignition switch while
the lights are on, a chime sounds when the driver’s
door is opened.
When the lights are on, the lights on indicator in the
instrument panel will be on. 2 Lights On Indicator P. 73
Do not leave the lights on when the engine is off
because it will cause the battery to discharge.
High Beams
Flashing the high beams
Low Beams
Turns on side marker, tail, and
rear license plate lights
Turns on headlights, parking, side
marker, tail, and rear license plate lights

119
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluLight Switches
Controls
Automatic lighting control can be used when
the ignition switch is in ON
(w.
When you turn the light switch to
#Y , the
headlights and other exterior lights will switch
on and off automatically depending on the
ambient brightness.
The headlights, all other exterior lights, and the instrument panel lights turn off
within 15 seconds after you remove the key and close the driver's door.
If you turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0 with the headlight switch on, but do not
open the door, the lights turn off after 10 minutes (3 minutes, if the switch is in the
#Y position).
The lights turn on again when you unlock or open the driver's door. If you unlock
the door, but do not open it within 15 seconds, the lights go off. If you open the
driver's door, you will hear a lights on reminder chime.
■Automatic Lighting Control *1Automatic Lighting Control
We recommend that you turn on the lights manually
when driving at night, in a dense fog, or in dark areas
such as long tunnels or parking facilities.
The light sensor is in the location shown below.
Do not cover this light sensor with anything;
otherwise, the automatic lighting system may not
work properly.
You can change the AUTO light sensitivity and
automatic lighting off timer setting using the multi-
information display.
2 Customized Features P. 86
Light Sensor
■Automatic Lighting Off Feature
* Not available on all models

120
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluFog Lights*
Controls
Fog Lights *
When the low beam headlights are on, turn
the fog light switch on to use the fog lights.
Daytime Running Lights
The high beam headlights come on slightly dimmer than normal when the following
conditions have been met:•The ignition switch is in ON
(w .
• The headlight switch is off, or in .
• The parking brake is released.
The lights remain on even if you set the parking brake. Turning off the ignition
switch will turn off the daytime running lights.
The high beam headlights return to the origin al brightness once the headlight
switch is turned on.
1Fog Lights
When the fog lights are on, the indicator in the
instrument panel will be on.
They go off when the headlights turn off, or when
the daytime running lights are on. 2 Fog Light Indicator *
P. 73
Fog Light Switch
* Not available on all models

122
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluBrightness Control
Controls
Brightness ControlWhen the parking lights are turned on and the
ignition switch is in ON
(w, you can use the
brightness control knob to adjust instrument
panel brightness.
Brighten: Turn the knob to the right.
Dim: Turn the knob to the left.
You will hear the beeper when the brightness
reaches minimum or maximum. The
information display *
/multi-information
display *
will return to its original state several
seconds after you adjust the brightness. ■ Brightness level indicator
The brightness level is shown on the
information display *
/multi-information
display *
while you are adjusting it.
1Brightness Control
Instrument panel brightness varies, depending on
whether the exterior lights are on or off. The
instrument panel dims to reduce glare when they are on.
Pressing the (SEL/RESET) knob or the
(display/information) button *
switches the display.
If you turn the knob to the right until the brightness
display is up to max, the beeper sounds. This cancels
the reduced instrument panel brightness when the
parking lights are on.
The brightness can be set differently for when the
exterior lights are on, and when they are off.
Control Knob
On multi-information display
On information display
* Not available on all models

201
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before Driving Driving Preparation .......................... 202
Maximum Load Limit........................ 205
Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation .......................... 207
Driving Safely with a Trailer .............. 209
Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 210
When Driving Starting the Engine .......................... 211
Precautions While Driving................. 213
Automatic Transmission ................... 214 Shifting .......................................... 215
Shifting .......................................... 217
Cruise Control *
............................... 220
VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC
(Electronic Stability Control), System ...... 223
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) ... 225
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation ......... 226
Braking
Brake System ................................... 229
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ........... 231
Automatic transmission models
Manual transmission models
Brake Assist System ......................... 232
Parking Your Vehicle
When Stopped ................................ 233
Parking ............................................ 233
Refueling Fuel Information .............................. 234
How to Refuel ................................. 235
Fuel Economy .................................... 237
Improving Fuel Economy .................. 237
Accessories and Modifications
Accessories ...................................... 238
Modifications................................... 238
* Not available on all models

209
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.
2 Towing Load Limits P. 207
• 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 Kn ow 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

211
Continued
Driving
When Driving
Starting the Engine
1.Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2. Check that the shift lever is in
(P , then
depress the brake pedal.
uAlthough it is possible to start the vehicle
in
(N , it is safer to start it in (P.
2. Check that the shift lever is in
(N . Then
depress the brake pedal with your right
foot, and the clutch pedal with your left foot.
uThe clutch pedal must be fully depressed
to start the engine.
1Starting the Engine
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in
thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters).
When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories such as the lights, heating and cooling *
system, and rear defogger in order to reduce
battery drain.
If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can
smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with
the engine or exhaust system.
Brake PedalAutomatic transmission models
Brake Pedal
Clutch Pedal
Manual transmission models
* Not available on all models

uuWhen DrivinguStarting the Engine
212
Driving
3. Turn the ignition switch to START (e
without depressing the accelerator pedal.
1. Keeping your right foot on the brake pedal, release the parking brake. Check that
the brake system indicator has gone off.
2 Parking Brake P. 229
2. Put the shift lever in
(D . Select (R when reversing.
3. Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelerator pedal to pull
away.
1Starting the Engine
Do not hold the key in START
(e for more than 15
seconds. • If the engine does not start right away, wait for at
least 10 seconds before trying again.
• If the engine starts, but then immediately stops,
wait at least 10 seconds before repeating step 3
while gently depressing the accelerator pedal.
Release the accelerator pedal once the engine starts.
The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from
theft. If an improperly coded key (or other device) is
used, the engine's fuel system is disabled. 2 Immobilizer System P. 112
■Starting to Drive
Automatic transmission models