2013 HONDA CIVIC climate control

147
uuClimate Control System
*uUsing Automatic Climate Control
Controls
■Switching between the recirculation and fresh air modes
Press the (recirculation) button and switch the mode depending on
environmental conditions.
Recirculation Mode (indicator on): Recirculates air from the vehicle’s interior through
the system.
Fresh Air Mode (indicator off): Maintains outside ventilation. Keep the system in
fresh air mode in normal situations.
Pressing the (windshield defroster) button
turns the air conditioning system on and
automatically switches the system to fresh air
mode.
Press the button again to turn off, the
system returns to the previous settings.■To rapidly defrost the windows1.Press the button.
2. Press the button.■Defrosting the Windshield and Windows
1Using Automatic Climate Control
Pressing the button switches the climate control
system between on and off. When turned on, the
system returns to your last selection.
While in the ECON mode, the climate control system
has greater temperature fluctuations.1Defrosting the Windshield and Windows
For your safety, make sure you have a clear view
through all the windows before driving.
Do not set the temperature near the upper or lower
limit.
When cold air hits the windshield, the outside of the
windshield may fog up.
If the side windows fog up, adjust the vents so that
the air hits the side windows.1To rapidly defrost the windows
After defrosting the windows, switch over to fresh air
mode. If you keep the system in recirculation mode,
the windows may fog up from humidity. This
impedes visibility.

148
uuClimate Control System
*uAutomatic Climate Control Sensors
Controls
Automatic Climate Control Sensors
The automatic climate control system is
equipped with sensors. Do not cover or spill
any liquid on them.
Sunlight Sensor
Sensor

222
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Your Vehicle
Driving
• Closely watch your high temperature indicator. If the indicator remains on, turn
off the heating and cooling system
*/climate control system
* and reduce speed.
Pull to the side of the road safely to cool down the engine if necessary.
• Shift to the
(d position if the transmission shifts frequently.
Towing Your VehicleYour vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs
to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.2 Emergency Towing P. 344■Driving in Hilly TerrainAutomatic transmission models* Not available on all models

223
Continued
Driving
When DrivingStarting the Engine
1.Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2. Check that the shift lever is in
(P, then
depress the brake pedal.
u Although it is possible to start the vehicle
in
(N, it is safer to start it in
(P.
2. Check that the shift lever is in
(N. Then
depress the brake pedal with your right
foot, and the clutch pedal with your left
foot.
u The clutch pedal must be fully depressed
to start the engine.
1Starting the Engine
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in
thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters).
When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories such as the lights, heating and
cooling system
*/climate control system
*, and rear
defogger in order to reduce battery drain.
If you live in a region where winter is extremely cold,
an engine block heater will improve starting and
warming of the engine. If temperatures consistently
below -22
°F (-30
°C) are expected, the coolant
mixture should be changed to a higher concentration
to prevent freezing. Consult a dealer for details.
If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can
smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with
the engine or exhaust system.
Brake Pedal
Automatic transmission models
Brake Pedal
Clutch Pedal
Manual transmission models
* Not available on all models

232
uuWhen Driving uECON Button
*
Driving
ECON Button
*
The ECON button turns the ECON mode on and off.
The ECON mode helps you improve your fuel economy by adjusting the
performance of the engine, transmissi on, heating and cooling system/climate
control system, and cruise control.
*
* Not available on all models

253
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 254Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 255Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 256
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 257
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 265Opening the Hood ........................... 267
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 268
Oil Check ......................................... 269
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 271Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 272
Engine Coolant ................................ 275
Transmission Fluid ............................ 277
Brake/Clutch Fluid ............................ 280
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 281
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 282Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades .......................................... 295Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 297Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 298Tire Labeling .................................... 298DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)....... 300Wear Indicators................................ 302 Tire Service Life ................................ 302
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 303
Tire Rotation .................................... 304
Winter Tires ..................................... 305
Battery ............................................... 306
Remote Transmitter Care
*
Replacing the Button Battery ........... 307
Heating and Cooling System
*/Climate
Control System
* Maintenance ....... 308
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 309
Exterior Care.................................... 311
* Not available on all models

300
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uDOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
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) standard s. 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 exampl e, 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
1 Uniform Tire Quality GradingFor example:
Treadwear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A
All passenger car tires must conform
to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.

308Maintenance
Heating and Cooling System
*/Climate Control System
* Maintenance
Dust and Pollen Filter
*
The heating and cooling system
*/climate control system
* is equipped with a dust
and pollen filter that colle cts pollen, dust, and other debris in the air. The
Maintenance Minder
TM messages will let you know when to replace the filter.
We recommend that you replace the dust and pollen filter sooner when using your
vehicle in areas with high concentrations of dust.
1 Dust and Pollen Filter
*
If the airflow from the heating and cooling system
*/
climate control system
* deteriorates noticeably, and
the windows fog up easily, the filter may need to be
replaced. Please contact a dealer for replacement.
* Not available on all models