2012 HONDA ODYSSEY Tire

27
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.

78
uuIndicatorsu
Instrument Panel
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.
—
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.
Indicator
Name
On/Blinking
Explanation
Message
*
Models with
information
displayModels with
information
displayModels with
multi-
information
display
Models with information displayModels with multi-information display
Models with multi-information display

128
uuOpening and Closing the Sliding DoorsuOpening/Closing the Power Sliding Doors
*
Controls
Opening/Closing the Power Sliding Doors
*
The power sliding doors can be operated by pressing the power sliding door button
on the remote transmitter, pressing the power sliding door switches on the
dashboard or door pillars, or using the door handle.
The power sliding doors can be operated when:
•The sliding door main switch is in the ON position.
•The power sliding door is unlocked.
•The fuel fill door is closed (on the driver side sliding door only).
•The key is not in the ignition switch when using the remote transmitter.
•The shift lever is in
(P
, the brake pedal is depressed, or the parking brake is
applied (with the ignition switch in ON
(w
) when using the power sliding door
switches on the dashboard.
1Opening/Closing the Power Sliding Doors
If you move the shift lever out of P, and release the
brake pedal and the parking brake:
While opening – The sliding door stops and is left
ajar.
While closing – The beeper sounds until the door
closes.
Check that passengers, especially children, do not
have their hands on the sliding doors or on the door
pillars before its operation. If someone is caught in
the opening or closing sliding door, it can cause
serious injury.
Before replacing a rear tire, turn the power sliding
door main switch to OFF.
Operate the power sliding doors only when the
vehicle is at a complete stop. Make sure you apply the
brake when rear passengers are boarding or exiting.
* Not available on all models

285
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before Driving
Driving Preparation .......................... 286
Maximum Load Limit........................ 289
Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation .......................... 291
Driving Safely with a Trailer .............. 295
Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 296
When Driving
Starting the Engine .......................... 297
Precautions While Driving................. 299
Automatic Transmission ................... 300
Shifting ............................................ 301Cruise Control ................................. 303
VSA
® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC
(Electronic Stability Control), System ...... 306
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) ... 308
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) -
Required Federal Explanation ......... 309BSI (Blind Spot Information) System
*.... 312
Braking
Brake System ................................... 314
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ........... 316
Brake Assist System.......................... 317
Parking Your Vehicle
When Stopped................................. 318Parking ............................................ 318
Parking Sensor System
*................... 319
Rearview Camera
*............................ 323
Rearview Display Image ................... 324
Refueling
Fuel Information .............................. 325
How to Refuel ................................. 326
Fuel Economy.................................... 328
Improving Fuel Economy .................. 328
Accessories and Modifications
Accessories ...................................... 329
Modifications................................... 329
* Not available on all models

286Driving
Before DrivingDriving PreparationCheck 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, and check for damage and excessive wear.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 370
•Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
uThere are blind spots from the inside.■
Exterior Checks
1Exterior Checks
NOTICEWhen 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.

Continued
287
uuBefore DrivinguDriving Preparation
Driving
•Store or secure all items on board properly.
uCarrying too much cargo, or improperly storing it, can affect your vehicle's
handling, stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe.
2Maximum Load Limit P. 289
•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 tailgate.
2Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside P. 114
•Adjust your seating position properly.
uAdjust the head restraint, too.
2Adjusting the Seats P. 154
2Adjusting the Head Restraints P. 157
•Adjust the mirrors and steering wheel properly for your driving.
uAdjust them while sitting in the proper driving position.
2Adjusting the Mirrors P. 152
2Adjusting the Steering Wheel P. 151
■
Interior Checks
1Interior 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 cargo area or tow a trailer, have
the aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified
technician.

289
uuBefore DrivinguMaximum Load Limit
Continued
Driving
Maximum Load LimitThe maximum load for your vehicle is 1,340 lbs (608 kg).
See Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver's doorjamb.
This figure includes 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 available 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 available 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.
2Specifications P. 420
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle.
2Specifications P. 420
3
WARNING
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

uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
292Driving
■
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.
■
Hitches
The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.
■
Weight distribution hitches
A weight distributing hitch is not recommended for use with your vehicle.
An improperly adjusted weight distributing hitch may reduce handling, stability, and
braking performance.
■
Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
Tongue LoadTongue Load
■
Towing Equipment and Accessories
1Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and local regulations.
Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qualified technician.