2013 HONDA CIVIC towing

uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
220Driving
Towing equipment varies by the size of your trailer, how much load you are towing,
and where you are towing.■Hitches
The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.■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.■Trailer brakes
There are two common types of trailer brakes: surge and electric. Surge brakes are
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet. If you choose electric brakes,
be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not attempt to attach trailer brakes to
your vehicle's hydraulic system, as it will lower braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.■Additional towing equipment
Many states and provinces/territories require special outside mirrors when towing a
trailer. Even if mirrors are not required in your locale, you should install special
mirrors if visibility is restricted in any way.■Trailer light
Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and
local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the
requirements in the area where you plan to tow.■Towing Equipment and Accessories
1 Towing 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.

221
uuTowing a Trailer uDriving Safely with a Trailer
Continued
Driving
Driving Safely with a Trailer• Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.
• Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2 Towing Load Limits P. 219
•Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift while
driving.
• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
• Check the pressures of the trailer tires, including the spare.
• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
• Use the
(D position when towing a trailer on level roads.
• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.
■Things You Need To Kn ow Before Towing a Trailer■Towing Speeds and Gears■Turning and Braking
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer's tires.
Automatic transmission models

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

227
uuWhen Driving uShifting
Continued
Driving
ShiftingChange the shift position in accordance with your driving needs.■Shift lever positionsAutomatic transmission models
1Shifting
You cannot turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0 and
remove the key unless the shift lever is in
(P.
The vehicle may move forward very slightly even in
(N while the engine is cold.
Depress the brake pedal firmly and, when necessary,
apply the parking brake.
Park
Used when parking or starting the
engine
Reverse
Used when reversing
Neutral
Used when idling
Drive
Used for normal driving (gears change
between 1st and 5th automatically)
Drive (D3)
Used when:●Going up or down hills●Towing a trailer in hilly terrain
Second
Used to increase engine braking
(the transmission is locked in 2nd gear)
First
Used to further increase engine braking
(the transmission is locked in 1st gear)
Release Button

313
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
ToolsTypes of Tools .................................. 314
If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire ......................... 315
Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire....... 322
Engine Does Not Start Checking the Engine ........................ 330
Jump Starting .................................... 331
Shift Lever Does Not Move .............. 334
Overheating
How to Handle Overheating ............. 335 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes
On ............................................. 337If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 337
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks ................................... 338If the Brake System Indicator Comes On ....... 339If the EPS System Indicator Comes On .... 339If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks........................ 340 Fuses
Fuse Locations ................................. 341
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 343
Emergency Towing ........................... 344

322
uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uTemporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
Handling the Unexpected
Temporarily Repairing a Flat TireThis vehicle is not equipped with a spare tire. If the tire has a large cut or is otherwise
severely damaged, you will need to have the vehicle towed. If the tire only has a
small puncture, from a nail for instance, you can use the temporary tire repair kit so
that you can drive to the nearest service station for a more permanent repair.
If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually
to reduce speed. Then stop in a safe place.
1. Park the vehicle on firm, level, and non-slippery surface and apply the parking
brake.
2. Put the shift lever in
(P.
3. Turn on the hazard warning lights and turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0.
u When towing a trailer, unhitch the trailer.
■Getting Ready to Temporarily Repair the Flat TireModels with tire repair kit
1Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
The kit should not be used in the following situations.
Instead, contact a dealer or a roadside assistant to
have the vehicle towed.•The tire sealant has expired.•More than two tires are punctured.•The puncture or cut is larger than 3/16 inch (4mm).•The tire side wall is damaged or the puncture is
outside the tire contact area.•Damage has been caused by driving with the tire
extremely under inflated.•The tire bead is no longer seated.•The rim is damaged.
Do not remove a nail or screw that punctured the
tire. If you remove it from the tire, you may not be
able to repair the puncture using the kit.NOTICEDo not use a puncture-repairing agent other than the
one provided in the kit that came with your vehicle. If
a different agent is used, you may permanently
damage the tire pressure sensor.
When the puncture is:
Kit Use
Smaller than 3/16 inch (4 mm)
Yes
Larger than 3/16 inch (4 mm)
No
Contact
Area
Instruction
Manual
Air Only Hose (Black) Speed Restriction Label Repair Notification Label
Pressure Relief
Button Inflator Switch
Selector Switch
SEALANT/AIR side Sealant/Air Hose (Clear) AIR ONLY side
Power Plug
Pressure Gauge
Tire Sealant
Expiration Date

Continued
327
uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uTemporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
Handling the Unexpected
4. Recheck the air pressure using the air only
hose on the compressor.
5. Turn the selector switch to AIR ONLY.
u Do not turn the air compressor on to
check the pressure.
2 Inflating An Under-inflated Tire P. 328
6.If the air pressure is:
• Less than 19 psi (130 kPa):
Do not add air or continue driving. The
leak is too severe. Call for help and have
your vehicle towed.
2 Emergency Towing P. 344•32 psi (220 kPa) or more:
Continue driving for another 10 minutes
or until you reach the nearest service
station. Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
u If the air does not go down after the 10
minute driving, you do not need to check
the pressure any more.
• Greater than 19 psi (130kPa), but less
than 32 psi (220 kPa):
Turn the air compressor on to inflate the
tire until the tire pressure reaches 32 psi
(220 kPa).
Then drive carefully for 10 more minutes
or until you reach the nearest service
station. Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
u You should repeat this procedure as long
as the air pressure is within this range.
7. Repackage and properly stow the kit.
1Distributing the Sealant in the Tire
3
WARNING
Running the engine with the vehicle in an
enclosed or even partly enclosed area can
cause a rapid build-up of toxic carbon
monoxide.
Breathing this colorless, odorless gas can
cause unconsciousness and even death.
Only run the engine to power the air
compressor with the vehicle outdoors.
Air Only Hose

330Handling the Unexpected
Engine Does Not StartChecking the EngineIf the engine does not start, check the starter.
Starter condition
Checklist
Starter doesn’t turn or turns
over slowly.
The battery may be dead. Check
each of the items on the right and
respond accordingly.
Check brightness of the interior light.
Turn on interior lights and check brightness.●If the interior lights are dim or do not come on at all
2Battery P. 306
●If the interior lights come on normally
2 Fuses P. 341
The starter turns over normally
but the engine doesn’t start.
There may be a problem with the
fuse. Check each of the items on
the right and respond accordingly.
Review the engine start procedure.
Follow its instructions, and try to start the engine again.2 Starting the Engine P. 223Check the immobilizer system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.2Immobilizer System P. 112Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank.2 Fuel Gauge P. 77Check the fuse.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.2Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 343If the problem continues:2Emergency Towing P. 344
1Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehicle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle to jump start it.
2 Jump Starting P. 331