2012 HONDA CIVIC lim

283
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuDOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
Continued
Maintenance
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety
Requirements. All tires are also graded for treadwear, traction,
and temperature performance according to Department of
Transportation (DOT) standards. The following explains these
gradings.
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width.
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in
driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
■Uniform Tire Quality Grading
■Treadwear
1Uniform Tire Quality Grading
For example:
Treadwear 200Traction AA
Temperature A
All passenger car tires must conform
to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.

285
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuWear Indicators
Maintenance
Wear IndicatorsThe groove where the wear indicator is
located is 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) shallower than
elsewhere on the tire. If the tread has worn so
that the indicator is exposed, replace the tire.
Worn out tires have poor traction on wet
roads.
Tire Service Life
The life of your tires is dependent on man y factors, including driving habits, road
conditions, vehicle loading, inflation pressure, maintenance history, speed, and
environmental conditions (even when the tires are not in use).
In addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance, it is
recommended that you have annual inspections performed once the tires reach five
years old. All tires, including the spare, should be removed from service after 10
years from the date of manufacture, regardless of their condition or state of wear.
1Checking Tires
High speed driving
We recommend that you do not drive faster than the
posted speed limits and conditions allow. If you drive
at sustained high speeds (over 118 mph or 190
km/h), adjust the cold tire pressures as shown below
to avoid excessive heat build up and sudden tire
failure.
*1: Optional for U.S. models (summer tires)
Tire SizeP215/45R17 87V
215/45ZR17 91W *1
Pressure 35 psi (240 kPa, 2.4 kgf/cm 2
)
2.4  engine modelsExample of a Wear
Indicator mark

288
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuWinter Tires
Maintenance
Winter Tires
If driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season marked ”M+S” tires, snow
tires, or tire chains; reduce speed; and maintain sufficient distance between vehicles when driving.
Be particularly careful when operating the steering wheel or brakes to prevent
skidding.
Use tire chains, snow tires, or all season tires when necessary or according to the law.
When mounting, refer to the following points.
For winter tires: • Select the size and load ranges that are the same as the original tires.
• Mount the tires to all four wheels.
For tire chains:• Install them on the front tires only.
• Because your vehicle has limited tire clearance, we strongly recommend using the
chains listed below:
• Follow the chain manufacturer's instruc tion when installing. Mount them as
tightly as you can.
• Check that the chains do not touch the brake lines or suspension.
• Drive slowly.
Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1030
Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1032
1Winter Tires
NOTICE
Traction devices that are the wrong size or improperly
installed can damage your vehicle's brake lines,
suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if they are
hitting any part of the vehicle.
When tire chains are mounted, follow the chain
manufacturer's instructions regarding vehicle
operational limits.
If your vehicle is equipped with summer tires, be
aware that these tires are not designed for winter
driving conditions. For more information, contact a dealer.
3WARNING
Using the wrong chains, or not properly
installing chains, can damage the brake
lines and cause a crash in which you can be
seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instruction s in this owner's
manual regarding the selection and use of
tire chains.
Models with P195/65R15 tires
Models with P205/55R16 tires
Models with P215/45R17 tires
Models with 215/45ZR17 tires

315
uuIndicator, Coming On/BlinkinguIf the Brake System Indicator Comes On
Handling the Unexpected
If the Brake System Indicator Comes On■Reasons for the indicator to come on
• The brake fluid is low.
• There is a malfunction in the brake system.
■ What to do when the indicator comes on while driving
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure. • If normal, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop.
• If abnormal, take immediate action. If necessary, downshift the
transmission to slow the vehicle using engine braking.
If the EPS Indicator Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
• Comes on when there is a problem with EPS.
• If you depress the accelerator pedal repeatedly to increase the engine
speed while the engine is idling, the indicator comes on, and
sometimes the steering wheel becomes harder to operate.
■ What to do when the indicator comes on
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and restart the engine.
If the indicator comes on and stays on, immediately have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
1If the Brake System Indicator Comes On
Have your vehicle repaired immediately.
It is dangerous to drive with low brake fluid. If there
is no resistance from the brake pedal, stop
immediately in a safe place. If necessary downshift
the gears.
If the brake system indicator and ABS indicator come
on simultaneously, the electronic brake distribution
system is not working. This can result in vehicle
instability under sudden braking.
Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer immediately.U.S.
Canada
1If the EPS Indicator Comes On
NOTICE
If you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an
extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel on
the full left or right position for a while, the system
heats up. The system goes into a protective mode,
and limits its performance. The steering wheel
becomes harder and harder to operate. Once the
system cools down, EPS is restored. Repeated
operation under these conditions can eventually
damage the system.

333
Continued
Information
Warranty Coverages
■
U.S. Owners
Your new vehicle is co vered by these warranties:
New Vehicle Limited Warranty

334
uuWarranty Coveragesu
Information
Replacement Battery Limited Warranty

341
INDEX
Keys............................................................. 99
Lockout Prevention ................................. 102
Master Keys .............................................. 99
Number Tag............................................ 100
Rear Door Won’t Open ........................... 104
Remote Transmitter ................................ 101
Types and Functions.................................. 99
Valet Key ................................................ 100
Won’t Turn ............................................... 19
Kickdown (Automatic Transmission) ...... 214
L
Language (HFL) ........................................ 178
LATCH (Child Seats) ................................... 55
Lights ................................................ 118, 268
Automatic............................................... 119
Bulb Replacement ................................... 268
Daytime Running Lights .......................... 120
Fog Lights ............................................... 120
High-Beam Indicator ................................. 73
Interior.................................................... 134
Light Switches......................................... 118
Lights On Indicator.................................... 73
Turn Signals ............................................ 118
Load Limits ............................................... 205
Locking/Unlocking ..................................... 99
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking .... ............. 105
Childproof Door Locks ............................ 104
From Inside ............................................. 103
From Outside .......................................... 101 Keys .......................................................... 99
Using a Key ............................................. 102
Lockout Prevention System ...................... 102
Low Battery Charge .................................. 313
Low Fuel Indicator ...................................... 68
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 66, 313
Lower Anchors ............................................ 55
Lubricant Specifications Chart ......... 324, 326
Luggage (Maximum Load Limit) ............. 205
M
Maintenance ............................................. 239
Battery .................................................... 289
Brake/Clutch Fluid ................................... 266
Cleaning.................................................. 292
Coolant ................................................... 261
Heating and Cooling System.................... 291
Maintenance Minder™............................ 243
Oil ........................................................... 255
Precautions.............................................. 240
Radiator .................................................. 262
Remote Transmitter ................................. 290
Replacing Light Bulbs............................... 268
Safety ...................................................... 241
Service Items ................................... 245, 249
Tires ........................................................ 280
Transmission Fluid ................................... 263
Under the Hood ...................................... 251
Malfunction Indicator Lamp .............. 67, 314
Manual Transmission ................................ 217 Map Lights
................................................ 134
Maximum Load Limit ............................... 205
Meters, Gauges ........................................... 78
Mirrors ...................................................... 125
Adjusting ................................................ 125
Door ....................................................... 125
Exterior ................................................... 125
Interior Rearview ..................................... 125
Modifications (and Accessories) .............. 238
Moonroof ................................................. 116
MP3 ........................................... 151, 161, 167
Multi-Information Display ......................... 82
N
Numbers (Identification) .......................... 328
O
Odometer ............................................. 80, 83
Oil (Engine) ............................................... 254
Adding .................................................... 257
Checking................................................. 255
Displaying Oil Life ............................ 243, 247
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 66, 313
Recommended Engine Oil ....................... 254
Viscosity .................................................. 254
Opening/Closing Hood....................................................... 253
Moonroof ............................................... 116
Power Windows ...................................... 114

343
INDEX
SRS Airbags (Airbags)................................ 38
Starting the Engine .................................. 211
Does Not Start ........................................ 306
Engine Switch Buzzer .............................. 117
Jump Starting ......................................... 307
Steering Wheel ........................................ 124
Adjusting ................................................ 124
Stopping ................................................... 233
Summer Tires ............................................ 288
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ....... 38
Switches (Around the Steering Wheel) ............................. 2, 3, 117
System Message Indicator ......................... 72
T
Tachometer ................................................ 78
Temperature
High Temperature Indicator ....... ............... 69
Low Temperature Indicator ....................... 74
Outside Temperature Display .................... 85
Temperature Sensor .................................. 85
Time (Setting) ............................................. 98
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) ..................................................... 225
Indicator ............................. 71, 72, 316, 317
Tires .......................................................... 280
Air Pressure............................. 281, 325, 327 Checking and Maintaining ...................... 280
Inspection ............................................... 280
Labeling .................................................. 281 Puncture (Flat Tire)................................... 299
Regulations ............................................. 283
Rotation .................................................. 287
Spare Tire ................................ 299, 325, 327
Summer .................................................. 288
Tire Chains .............................................. 288
Wear Indicators ....................................... 285
Winter ..................................................... 288
Tools .......................................................... 298
Towing a Trailer ....................................... 207
Equipment and Accessories ..................... 208
Load Limits .............................................. 207
Towing Your Vehicle ................................ 210
Emergency .............................................. 321
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring
System) .................................................... 225
Indicator .............................. 71, 72, 316, 317
Transmission ..................................... 215, 217
Automatic ............................................... 215
Fluid ................................................ 263, 264
Manual.................................................... 217
Number ................................................... 328
Shift Position Indicator ....................... 67, 216
Trip Meter ............................................. 80, 83
Troubleshooting ....................................... 297
Blown Fuse ...................................... 318, 319
Brake Pedal Vibrates .................................. 19
Buzzer Sounds When Opening Door .......... 20
Emergency Towing .................................. 321
Engine Won’t Start .................................. 306
Noise When Braking .................................. 20 Overheating ............................................ 311
Premium Gasoline ........................... 234, 326
Puncture/Flat Tire .................................... 299
Rear Door Won’t Open...................... 19, 104
Select Lever Won’t Move ......................... 310
Warning Indicators .................................... 66
Trunk ......................................................... 109
Lid........................................................... 109
Light Bulb........................................ 324, 326
Turn Signals .............................................. 118
Indicators (Instrument Panel) ..................... 73
U
Unlocking the Doors ................................ 101
Unlocking the Front Doors from the Inside ......................................... 11
USB Adapter Cable ........................... 144, 145
USB Flash Drives ....................................... 176
VValet Key ................................................... 100
Vanity Mirrors ............................................... 5
Vehicle Identification Number ................ 328
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®
).................. 223
Off Button............................................... 224
Off Indicator.............................................. 70
System Indicator ........................................ 70
Viscosity (Oil) ............................ 254, 325, 327
VSA ®
(Vehicle Stability Assist) .................. 223