2012 HONDA CIVIC fuel additives

234
Driving
Refueling
Fuel Information ■Fuel recommendation
Use of a lower octane gasoline can cause a persistent, heavy metallic knocking noise
that can lead to engine damage.
Use of a lower octane gasoline can cause occasional metallic knocking noise in the
engine and will result in decreased engine performance.
Use of a gasoline with a pump octane less than 87 can lead to engine damage. ■ Top tier detergent gasoline
Because the level of detergency and additives in gasoline vary in the market, Honda
endorses the use of “TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline” where available to help
maintain the performance and reliability of your vehicle. TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline meets a new gasoline standard jointly established by leading automotive
manufacturers to meet the needs of today’s advanced engines.
Unleaded gasoline, pump octane number 87 or higher
Unleaded premium gasoline, pump octane number 91 or higher
1Fuel Information
NOTICE
We recommend quality gasoline containing
detergent additives that help prevent fuel system and
engine deposits. In addition, in order to maintain
good performance, fuel economy, and emissions
control, we strongly recommend the use of gasoline
that does NOT contain harmful manganese-based
fuel additives such as MMT, if such gasoline is available.
Use of gasoline with these additives may adversely
affect performance, and cause the malfunction
indicator lamp on your instrument panel to come on.
If this happens, contact a dealer for service.
Some gasoline today is blended with oxygenates such
as ethanol. Your vehicle is designed to operate on
oxygenated gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol
by volume. Do not use gasoline containing methanol.
If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try
another service station or switch to another brand of
gasoline.1.8  engine models
2.4  engine models

Continued235
uuRefuelinguHow to Refuel
Driving
Qualifying gasoline retailers will, in most cases, identify their gasoline as having met
"TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline" standards at the retail location. This fuel is
guaranteed to contain the proper level of detergent additives and be free of metallic
additives. The proper level of detergent additives, and absence of harmful metallic
additives in gasoline, help avoid build-up of deposits in your engine and emission
control system.
For further important fuel-related information for your vehicle, or on information on
gasoline that does not contain MMT, visit www.hondacars.com. In Canada, visit
www.honda.ca for additional information on gasoline. For more information on top
tier gasoline, visit www.toptiergas.com .
■ Fuel tank capacity: 13.2 US gal (50 liters)
How to Refuel
1.Stop your vehicle with the service station
pump on the left side of the vehicle in the rear.
2. Turn off the engine.
3. Push on the fuel fill door release handle at
the foot of the driver’s seat.
uThe fuel fill door opens.
1How to Refuel
3WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive.
You can be burned or seriously injured
when handling fuel. • Stop the engine, and keep heat, sparks,
and flame away.
• Handle fuel only outdoors.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
Push

261
uuMaintenance Under the HooduEngine Coolant
Continued
Maintenance
Engine Coolant
This coolant is premixed with 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Do not add any
straight antifreeze or water.
We recommend you check the engine coolant level every time you refuel. Check the
reserve tank first. If it is completely empty, also check the coolant level in the
radiator. Add the engine coolant accordingly.1.Check the amount of coolant in the reserve tank.
2. If the coolant level is below the MIN mark,
add the specified coolant until it reaches the MAX mark.
3. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
Specified coolant: Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2
■Reserve Tank
1Engine Coolant
NOTICE
You will need a more concentrated coolant if you are
driving in extremely cold temperature below −31°F
(−35°C). Consult your Honda dealer for details about
a suitable coolant mixture.
If Honda antifreeze/coolant is not available, you may
use another major brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Check that it is a high quality
coolant recommended for aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda coolant can result
in corrosion, causing the cooling system to
malfunction or fail. Have the cooling system flushed
and refilled with Honda antifreeze/coolant as soon as
possible.
Do not add rust inhibitors or other additives to your
vehicle's coolant system. They may not be compatible
with the coolant or with the engine components.
2.4  engine models
All models
Reserve Tank
MAX
MIN

INDEX
337
INDEX
INDEX
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System).................. 231
Accessories and Modifications ................ 238
Accessory Power Sockets ......................... 137
Additives Coolant .................................................. 261
Engine Oil ............................................... 254
Washer ................................................... 267
Additives, Engine Oil ............................... 254
Adjusting
Armrest .................................................. 133
Front Seats.............................................. 126
Head Restraints ....................................... 129
Mirrors.................................................... 125
Rear Seats ............................................... 132
Steering Wheel ....................................... 124
Temperature ............................................. 85
Air Conditioning System (Heating and Cooling System) ...................................... 140
Cooling................................................... 142
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows .............................................. 142
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 291
Heating................................................... 141
Air Pressure .............................. 281, 325, 327
Airbags ....................................................... 35
Advanced Airbags ..................................... 41
After a Collision ........................................ 39
Airbag Care .............................................. 49
Event Data Recorder ................................. 21
Front Airbags (SRS) ................................... 38 Indicator ........................................ 46, 69, 73
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator .................. 47
Sensors...................................................... 35
Side Airbag Cutoff System ......................... 44
Side Airbag Off Indicator ........................... 48
Side Airbags .............................................. 42
Side Curtain Airbags .................................. 45
AM/FM Radio .................................... 149, 158
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .................. 231
Indicator .................................................... 69
Armrest ..................................................... 133
Audio Remote Controls ............................ 156
Audio System ............................................ 144
Adjusting the Sound ........................ 148, 157
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 145
Error Messages ........................................ 172
General Information ................................ 174
MP3/WMA/AAC ...................................... 167
Reactivating............................................. 146
Recommended CDs ................................. 174
Recommended Devices ............................ 176
Remote Controls ..................................... 156
Security Code .......................................... 146
Theft Protection....................................... 146
USB Adapter Cable .................................. 145
USB Flash Drives ...................................... 176
Authorized Manuals ................................. 335
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking ................. 105
Customize ................................... 88, 92, 106
Automatic Lighting .................................. 119
Automatic Transmission ........................... 214 Creeping ................................................. 214
Fluid ........................................................ 263
Kickdown ................................................ 214
Operating the Shift Lever................... 15, 216
Shift Lever Does Not Move ...................... 310
Shifting ................................................... 215
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 145
Average Fuel Economy ........................ 81, 84
Average Speed ........................................... 84
B
Battery ...................................................... 289
Charging System Indicator................. 67, 313
Jump Starting .......................................... 307
Maintenance (Checking the Battery) ........ 289
Maintenance (Replacing) ......................... 290
Belts (Seat) .................................................. 28
Beverage Holders ..................................... 136
Bluetooth ®
Audio ..................................... 170
Bluetooth ®
HandsFreeLink ®
..................... 177
Booster Seats (For Children) ...................... 61
Brake System ............................................ 229
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)................... 231
Brake Assist System ................................. 232
Fluid ........................................................ 266
Foot Brake............................................... 230
Indicator............................................ 66, 315
Parking Brake .......................................... 229
Brightness Control (Instrument Panel) .... 122