2012 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE tow

4-6 Driving safety
4Braking
N00629500260
All the parts of the brake system are critical to safety. Have the
vehicle serviced by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or
a repair facility of your choice at regular intervals according to
the “WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.When brakes are wetCheck the brake system while driving at a low speed immedi-
ately after starting, especially when the brakes are wet, to con-
firm they work normally.
A film of water can be formed on the brake discs and prevent
normal braking after driving in heavy rain or through large
puddles, or after the vehicle is washed. If this occurs, dry the
brakes out by driving slowly while lightly depressing the brake
pedal.When driving in cold weatherOn snowy roads, ice can form on the braking system, making
the brakes less effective. While driving in such conditions, pay
close attention to preceding and following vehicles and to the
condition of the road surface. From time to time, lightly
depress the brake pedal and check how effective the brakes are.When driving downhillIt is important to take advantage of the engine braking by shift-
ing to a lower gear while driving on steep downhill roads in
order to prevent the brakes from overheating.
Parking
N00629600274
Parking on a hillWhen parking on a hill, set the parking brake, and turn the
front wheels toward the curb on a downhill, or away from the
curb on an uphill.
If necessary, apply chocks to wheels.For vehicles with manual transaxlePlace the gearshift lever into the “R” (Reverse) position when
parking on a downhill slope, into the 1st position when parking
on an uphill slope.For vehicles with automatic transaxleBe sure that the parking brake is firmly set when parked and
that the selector lever is in the “P” (PARK) position.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking brake
before moving the selector lever to the “P” (PARK) position.
This prevents loading the parking brake against the transaxle
gear. When this happens, it is difficult to move the selector
lever out of the “P” (PARK) position.
BK0132701US.book 6 ページ ２０１０年１２月６日　月曜日　午後２時３分

4-10 Driving safety
4
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
N00630200081
1.
Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-
pants 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 pas-
sengers 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 1400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lbs. passengers in your vehicle, the amount
of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650
lbs. (1400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and
cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may
not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from
your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Con-
sult this manual to determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.
NOTE

The above steps for determining correct load limit
were written in accordance with U.S.A. regulations.
For your vehicle, please determine correct load limit
bearing in mind the following differences:
• Your vehicle’s seating capacity is 4 people.
•Your vehicle cannot tow a trailer, so step 6 is irrele-
vant.
BK0132701US.book 10 ページ ２０１０年１２月６日　月曜日　午後２時３分

Driving safety
4-13
4 Trailer towing
N00629800188
WA R N I N G
!
Do not use this vehicle for trailer towing. It may not
be possible to maintain control or adequate braking.
BK0132701US.book 13 ページ ２０１０年１２月６日　月曜日　午後２時３分

5-72 Comfort controls
5

In the following circumstances, moisture can form on
compact discs and inside the audio system, preventing
normal operation.
• When there is high humidity (for example, when it is
raining).
• When the temperature suddenly rises, such as right after
the heater is turned on in cold weather.
In this case, wait until the moisture has had time to dry
out.

When the CD player is subjected to violent vibrations,
such as during off-road driving, the tracking may not
work.

When storing compact discs, always store them in their
separate cases. Never place compact discs in direct sun-
light, or in any place where the temperature or humidity is
high.

Never touch the flat surface of the disc where there isn’t a
label. This will damage the disc surface and could affect
the sound quality. When handling a compact disc, always
hold it by the outer edge and the center hole.
To clean a disc, use a soft, clean, dry cloth. Wipe directly
from the center hole toward the outer edge. Do not wipe in
a circle. Never use any chemicals such as benzine, paint
thinner, a disc spray cleaner, or an anti-static agent on the
disc.

Do not use a ball point pen, felt pen, pencil, etc. to write
on the label surface of the disc.
BK0132701US.book 72 ページ ２０１０年１２月６日　月曜日　午後２時３分

6
For emergencies
If the vehicle breaks down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6- 2
Jump-starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6- 2
Engine overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6- 6
Tools and jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6- 8
How to change a tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6- 9
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6- 20
Operation under adverse driving conditions . . . . .6- 22
BK0132701US.book 1 ページ ２０１０年１２月６日　月曜日　午後２時３分

6-2 For emergencies
6If the vehicle breaks down
N00836300174
If your vehicle breaks down on the road, move to the shoulder
and turn on the hazard warning flashers. If there is no shoulder,
or the shoulder is not safe, drive in the right lane slowly, with
the hazard lights flashing, until you come to a safe stopping
place. Keep the flashers flashing. If the engine stops/fails If the engine stops, there will be no power assist to the steering
and brakes, making these difficult to use.

The brake booster will not work, so the brakes will not
grip well. The brake pedal will be harder to press than
usual.

Since there is no power steering assist, the steering wheel
will be hard to turn.When the engine fails at the intersection Get help from your passengers, bystanders, etc. to push the
vehicle and move it to a safe zone.
Jump-starting the engine
N00836400638
If the engine cannot be started because the battery is weak or
dead, you can start it with the battery from another vehicle
using jumper cables.
1. Take off any metal jewelry such as watch bands or brace-
lets that might make an accidental electrical contact.
2. Position the vehicles close enough together so that the
jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t
touching each other.
WA R N I N G
!
When using jumper cables to start a vehicle, follow
the procedures and be very cautious.
CAUTION
!
Do not try to start your vehicle by pushing or tow-
ing. Vehicles with automatic transaxles cannot be
started this way. Pushing or towing a vehicle that
has a manual transaxle may overheat and damage
the catalytic converter. Also, there is more risk of an
accident when a vehicle is being pushed or towed.
CAUTION
!
Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt bat-
tery. If the other system isn’t 12-volt, both systems
can be damaged.
BK0132701US.book 2 ページ ２０１０年１２月６日　月曜日　午後２時３分

6-8 For emergencies
6Tools and jack
N00836600223
StorageThe tools and jack are stowed beneath the luggage floor board
of the cargo area (trunk).
Tools
N00832600108
NOTE
When returning the tools to the tool bag, place each one in
its own pocket.
1- Tools
2- Jack
1- Tool bag
2- Bar
3- Wheel nut wrench
BK0132701US.book 8 ページ ２０１０年１２月６日　月曜日　午後２時３分

For emergencies
6-11
6
Spare tire information
N00849600285
Compact spare tireThe compact spare tire is designed to save space in the cargo
area (trunk). Its lighter weight makes it easier to use if a flat tire
occurs.
WA R N I N G
!
Tires, including spare tire, degrade over time with
age even when they are not being used.
It is recommended that tires over 6 years generally
be replaced even if damage is not obvious.
CAUTION
!
While the compact spare tire is stowed, the inflation
pressure should be checked at least once a month to
assure that it remains at the recommended inflation
pressure. See the tire and loading information plac-
ard attached to the driver’s door sill.
Refer to “Tire and loading information placard” on
page 9-4.
Driving with an improperly inflated tire can cause
an accident. If you have no choice but to drive with
an under-inflated tire, keep your speed down and
avoid sudden steering or braking, if possible. Inflate
the tire to the correct pressure as soon as possible.
Refer to “Tire inflation pressures” on page 7-23.
The compact spare tire should only be used tempo-
rarily. When the compact spare tire is used, the tire
pressure monitoring system will not work properly.
See an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer as soon
as possible to replace or repair the original tire.
If your vehicle has aluminum type wheels, you can
use the same wheel nuts on the compact spare tire
wheel.
Do not go over 50 mph (80 km/h) when driving with
the compact spare tire.
Avoid fast starting and braking when driving with
the compact spare tire.
Do not drive through automatic car washes and over
obstacles that could possibly damage the underside
of your vehicle. Because the compact spare tire is
smaller than the original tire, there is less clearance
between the ground and your vehicle.
BK0132701US.book 11 ページ ２０１０年１２月６日　月曜日　午後２時３分