2013 HONDA CIVIC towing

ContentsThis owner’s manual should be considered a permanent part of the
vehicle and should remain with the vehicle when it is sold.
This owner’s manual covers all models of your vehicle. You may find
descriptions of equipment and features that are not on your
particular model.
Images throughout this owner’s manual (including the front cover)
represent features and equipment that are available on some, but
not all, models. Your particular model may not have some of these
features.
This owner’s manual is for vehicles sold in the United States and
Canada.
The information and specifications included in this publication were
in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications
or design at any time without notice and without incurring any
obligation.
2Safe Driving P. 25For Safe Driving P. 26 Seat Belts P. 30 Airbags P. 372Instrument Panel P. 65Indicators P. 66 Gauges and Displays P. 772Controls P. 97Setting the Clock P. 98 Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 99
Opening and Closing the Moonroof
* P. 116
Adjusting the Seats P. 127
Climate Control System
* P. 146
2 Features P. 149Audio System P. 150 Audio System Basic Operation P. 153, 156
Bluetooth ® HandsFreeLink ®
* P. 181
2Driving P. 213Before Driving P. 214 Towing a Trailer P. 219
Rearview Camera
* P. 246 Refueling P. 247 Fuel Economy P. 250
2Maintenance P. 253Before Performing Maintenance P. 254 Maintenance Minder
TM P. 257
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 295
Heating and Cooling System
*/Climate Control System
* Maintenance P. 308
2 Handling the Unexpected P. 313Tools P. 314 If a Tire Goes Flat P. 315
Overheating P. 335 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking P. 3372Information P. 345Specifications P. 346 Identification Numbers P. 350
Emissions Testing P. 353 Warranty Coverages P. 355

Contents
Child Safety P. 50Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 62 Safety Labels P. 63Opening and Closing the Trunk P. 109 Security System P. 112 Opening and Closing the Windows P. 114
Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel P. 117 Adjusting the Mirrors P. 126
Interior Lights/Interior Convenience Items P. 135 Heating and Cooling
* P. 142
Audio Error Messages P. 175General Information on the Audio System P. 178When Driving P. 223 Braking P. 241 Parking Your Vehicle P. 245
Accessories and Modifications P. 251Maintenance Under the Hood P. 265 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 282
Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 297 Battery P. 306 Remote Transmitter Care
* P. 307
Cleaning P. 309
Engine Does Not Start P. 330 Jump Starting P. 331 Shift Lever Does Not Move P. 334
Fuses P. 341 Emergency Towing P. 344Devices that Emit Radio Waves P. 351 Reporting Safety Defects P. 352
Authorized Manuals P. 357 Customer Service Information P. 358
Quick Reference Guide
P. 2
Safe Driving
P. 25
Instrument Panel
P. 65
Controls
P. 97
Features
P. 149
Driving
P. 213
Maintenance
P. 253
Handling the Unexpected
P. 313
Information
P. 345
Index
P. 359

16Quick Reference Guide
Driving
(P 213)
2
1D3P
R
N
D
Release Button
Shift Lever
Depress the brake pedal and press the
release button to move out of
(P.
Move the shift lever without
pressing the release button. Press the release button to
move the shift lever.
Manual Transmission
* (P 229)
Automatic Transmission
* (P 227)
● Shift to
(P and depress the brake pedal when starting the engine.
● Shifting
Park
Turn off or start the engine.
Transmission is locked.
Reverse
Neutral
Transmission is not locked.
Drive
Normal driving.
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)

Quick Reference Guide19
Handling the Unexpected
(P 313)
Flat Tire
(P 315, 322)
● Park in a safe location and replace the
flat tire with the compact spare tire
* in
the trunk, or repair the flat tire using the
tire repair kit
*.
Indicators Come On (P 337)
● Identify the indicator and consult the
owner's manual.
Engine Won't Start (P 330)
● If the battery is dead, jump start using a
booster battery.Blown Fuse
(P 341)
● Check for a blown fuse if an electrical
device does not operate.
Overheating
(P 335)
● Park in a safe location. If you do not see
steam under the hood, open the hood,
and let the engine cool down.
Emergency Towing (P 344)
●Call a professional towing service if you
need to tow your vehicle.
* Not available on all models

213
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before DrivingDriving Preparation .......................... 214
Maximum Load Limit........................ 217
Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation .......................... 219
Driving Safely with a Trailer .............. 221
Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 222
When Driving
Starting the Engine .......................... 223
Precautions While Driving................. 225
Automatic Transmission ................... 226
Shifting .......................................... 227Automatic transmission models
Shifting .......................................... 229
ECON Button
*................................. 232
Cruise Control*............................... 233
VSA
® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC
(Electronic Stability Control), System ...... 236
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) ... 238
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation ......... 239
Braking
Brake System ................................... 241
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ........... 243
Brake Assist System.......................... 244Manual transmission models
Parking Your VehicleWhen Stopped ................................ 245
Rearview Camera
*............................ 246
Refueling
Fuel Information .............................. 247
How to Refuel ................................. 248
Fuel Economy
Improving Fuel Economy .................. 250
Accessories and Modifications Accessories ...................................... 251
Modifications................................... 251
* Not available on all models

217
uuBefore Driving uMaximum Load Limit
Continued
Driving
Maximum Load LimitThe maximum load for your vehicle is 850 lbs (385 kg).
See Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver's doorjamb.
This figure includ es 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 ava ilable 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 av ailable cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs.
(1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
1 Maximum Load Limit
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all accessories, all cargo, and the tongue
load.
2 Specifications P. 346, 348
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle. 2 Specifications P. 346, 348
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

218
uuBefore Driving uMaximum Load Limit
Driving
(5) Determine the combin ed 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. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
accessories, cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.Load Limits Example
Example1
Max Load 850 lbs
(385 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs (68 kg x 2 = 136 kg) Cargo Weight
550 lbs
(249 kg)
Example2 Max Load 850 lbs
(385 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs (68 kg x 5 = 340 kg) Cargo Weight
100 lbs
(45 kg)

219
Continued
Driving
Towing a TrailerYour vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void your
warranties.Towing PreparationYour vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. Check the load limits before driving.
■Total trailer weight
Maximum allowable weight of the trailer,
cargo, and everything in or on it must not
exceed 1,000 lbs (450 kg). Towing loads in
excess of this can seriously affect vehicle
handling and performance and can damage
the engine and drivetrain.■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.
■Towing Load LimitsHF modelExcept HF model
1Towing Load Limits
Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.
If a public scale is not available, add the estimated
weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer), and the
tongue load.
Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle's first 600
miles (1,000 km).
Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
Gross weight information
2 Vehicle Specifications P. 346, 348
3
WARNING
Exceeding any load limit or improperly
loading your vehicle and trailer can cause a
crash in which you can be seriously hurt or
killed.
Check the loading of your vehicle and
trailer carefully before starting to drive.
Total LoadTongue LoadTongue Load