2012 HONDA CIVIC Tire

25
uuFor Safe DrivinguImportant Safety Precautions
Safe Driving
■Pay appropriate attention to the task of driving safely
Engaging in cell phone conversation or other activities that keep you from paying
close attention to the road, other vehicles, and pedestrians could lead to a crash.
Remember, situations can change quickly, and only you can decide when it is safe to
divert some attention away from driving. ■ Control your speed
Excessive speed is a major factor in crash injuries and deaths. Generally, the higher
the speed, the greater the risk, but serious injuries can also occur at lower speeds.
Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the maximum speed posted. ■ Keep your vehicle in safe condition
Having a tire blowout or a mechanical failure can be extremely hazardous.
To reduce the possibility of such problems, check your tire pressures and condition
frequently, and perform all regularly scheduled maintenance.

71
uuIndicatorsu
Continued
Instrument Panel
IndicatorNameOn/BlinkingExplanationMessage*
Trunk Open
Indicator
●
Comes on for a few seconds if you turn
the ignition switch to ON
(w , then goes
off.
● Comes on if the trunk is not completely
closed.
●Goes off when the trunk is closed.
EPS (Electric
Power
Steering
System)
Indicator● Comes on when you turn the ignition
switch to ON
(w , and goes off when the
engine starts.
● Comes on if there is a problem with the
EPS (Electric Power Steering System).
●
Stays on constantly or does not
come on at all - Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer. 2If the EPS Indicator Comes On
P. 315
Daytime
Running
Lights
Indicator *●
Comes on for a few seconds when you
turn the ignition switch to ON
(w , then
goes off.
● Comes on if there is a problem with the
DRL system.
●
Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
2Daytime Running Lights P. 120
—
TPMS
Indicator
●
Comes on for a few seconds when you
turn the ignition switch to ON
(w .
● Comes on if there is a problem with the
TPMS, or when a compact spare tire is
temporarily installed.
●Stays on constantly or does not
come on at all - Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer. If the vehicle is
fitted with a compact spare, get your
regular tire repaired or replaced and put
back on your vehicle as soon as you can.
—
U.S.
models onlyModels with
information
display
* Not available on all models

72
uuIndicatorsu
Instrument Panel
IndicatorNameOn/BlinkingExplanationMessage*
Low Tire Pressure
Indicator
Low Tire Pressure/ TPMS
Indicator
●
Comes on for a few seconds when you
turn the ignition switch to ON
(w .
● Comes on if the tire pressure of any of the
tires becomes significantly low.
● Comes on for a while and then goes off
when a compact spare tire is temporarily
installed.
● Blinks for about one minute, and then
stays on if there is a problem with the
TPMS, or when a compact spare tire is
temporarily installed.
●
Comes on while driving - Stop in a
safe place, check tire pressures, and
inflate the tire(s) if necessary.
● Blinks and remains on - Have the
vehicle checked by a dealer. If the
vehicle is fitted with a compact spare,
get your regular tire repaired or
replaced and put back on your vehicle
as soon as you can.
System
Message
Indicator *
●
Comes on for a few seconds when you
turn the ignition switch to ON
(w , then
goes off.
● Comes on along with a beep when a
problem is detected. A system message on
the multi-information display appears at
the same time.
● While the indicator is on, press the
(display/information) button to
see the message again.
● Refer to the Indicators information in
this chapter when a system message
appears on the multi-information
display. Take the appropriate action for the message.
● The multi-information display does not return
to the normal screen unless the warning is
canceled, or the button is pressed.
—
U.S.
models only
Models with
information
display
Models with
multi-
information
display
Models with information display
Models with multi-information displayModels with multi-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

202
Driving
Before Driving
Driving Preparation
Check the following items before you start driving. •Make sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior
lights, or other parts of the vehicle.
uRemove any frost, snow, or ice.
uRemove any snow on the roof, as this can slip down and obstruct your field of
vision while driving. If frozen solid, remove ice once it has softened.
uWhen removing ice from around the wheels, be sure not to damage the wheel
or wheel components.
• Make sure the hood is securely closed.
uIf the hood opens while driving, your front view will be blocked.
• Make sure the tires are in good condition.
uCheck air pressure, check for damage and excessive wear.
2 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 280
• Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
uThere are blind spots from the inside.
■Exterior Checks1Exterior Checks
NOTICE
When doors are frozen shut, use warm water around
the door edges to melt any ice. Do not try to force
them open, as this can damage the rubber trim
around the doors. When done, wipe dry to avoid further freezing.
Do not pour warm water into the key cylinder.
You will be unable to insert key if the water freezes in
the hole.

Continued203
uuBefore DrivinguDriving Preparation
Driving
•Store or secure all items on board properly.
uCarrying too much cargo, or improp erly storing it, can affect your vehicle's
handling, stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe. 2 Maximum Load Limit P. 205
• 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.
2 Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside P. 103
• Adjust your seating position properly.
uAdjust the head restraint, too.
2 Adjusting the Seats P. 126
2 Adjusting the Head Restraints P. 129
• Adjust the mirrors and steering wheel properly for your driving.
uAdjust them while sitting in the proper driving position.
2 Adjusting the Mirrors P. 125
2 Adjusting the Steering Wheel P. 124
■Interior Checks1Interior 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.
* Not available on all models

205
uuBefore DrivinguMaximum Load Limit
Continued
Driving
Maximum Load Limit The maximum load for your vehicle is 850 lbs (385 kg).
See Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver's doorjamb.
This figure includ es 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 ava ilable 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 av ailable 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. 2 Specifications P. 324, 326
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle. 2 Specifications P. 324, 326
3WARNING
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

207
Continued
Driving
Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void your
warranties.
Towing Preparation
Your 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
HF model
Except HF model
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).
3WARNING
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 LoadTongue Load