2013 HONDA CIVIC SEDAN light

uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
220
Driving
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 brak es: 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 electronica lly actuated. Do not attempt to attach trailer brakes to
your vehicle's hydraulic system, as it wi ll lower braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.
■Additional towing equipment
Many states and provinces/te rritories 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 wi th 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 Accessories1 Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipmen t is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meet s 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 trail er tires, including the spare.
• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits fo r 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 Know 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

223Continued
Driving
When Driving
Starting 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 peda l 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 altit udes 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. Cons ult a dealer for details.
If the exhaust system s ounds 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 PedalAutomatic transmission models
Brake Pedal
Clutch Pedal
Manual transmission models
* Not available on all models

227
uuWhen Driving uShifting
Continued
Driving
Shifting
Change the shift positi on in accordance with your driving needs.
■Shift lever positions
Automatic 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 in crease engine braking
(the transmission is locked in 1st gear)
Release Button

uuWhen Driving uShifting
228
Driving
■Shift Lever Operation1Shift Lever Operation
NOTICEWhen you change the shift lever from (D to (R and
vice versa, come to a co mplete stop and keep the
brake pedal depressed.
Operating the shift lever before the vehicle has come
to a complete standstill ca n damage the transmission.
Use the shift lever position indicator to check the
lever position before pulling away.
Whichever position the shift lever is in when driving,
a blinking
(D indicator indicates a transmission
problem.
Avoid sudden acceleration and have the transmission
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.
The fuel supply may be cut off if you drive at engine
speeds in or over the tac hometer’s red zone (engine
speed limit). If this happen s, you may experience a
slight jolt.
It may not be possible to operate the shift lever if the
brake pedal is applied while the shift lever release
button is held down.
Depress the brake pedal first.Tachometer's red zone Shift Lever Position Indicator
Depress the brake pedal and press
the shift lever release button to
shift.
Shift without pressing the shift lever
release button.
Press the shift lever release button
and shift.

uuWhen Driving uShifting
230
Driving
When you are not shifting, do not rest your
foot on the clutch pedal. This can cause your
clutch to wear out faster. 5-speed manual
transmission1Shifting
Recommended Shift Points
Driving in the highest gear that allows the engine to
run and accelerate smoothly helps to optimize fuel
economy and effective emissions control. The
following shift points are recommended:
If you exceed the maximu m speed for the gear you
are in, the engine speed will enter into the
tachometer's red zone. Wh en this happens, you may
experience a slight jolt. Shift Up Normal Acceleration
1st to 2nd15 mph (24 km/h)
2nd to 3rd 27 mph (43 km/h)
3rd to 4th39 mph (63 km/h)
4th to 5th 53 mph (85 km/h)
Shift Up Normal Acceleration
1st to 2nd17 mph (27 km/h)
2nd to 3rd 29 mph (46 km/h)
3rd to 4th37 mph (59 km/h)
4th to 5th 43 mph (69 km/h)
5th to 6th49 mph (79 km/h)
5-speed manual transmission models
6-speed manual transmission models
6-speed manual
transmission

241Continued
Driving
Braking
Brake System
Use the parking brake to keep the vehicle stationary when parking.
To apply:
Pull the lever fully up without pressing the
release button.
To release:
1. Pull the lever slightly, and press and hold
the release button.
2. Lower the lever down all the way, then
release the button.
■Parking Brake1Parking Brake
NOTICERelease the parking brake fu lly before driving. The
rear brakes and axle can be damaged if you drive
with the parking brake applied.
If you start driving without fully releasing the parking
brake, a buzzer sounds as a warning, and RELEASE
PARKING BRAKE appears on the i-MID
*.
Always apply the parking brake when parking.
* Not available on all models

uuBraking uBrake System
242
Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with front di sc brakes. The brakes on the rear wheels may
be disc or drum, depending on the model. A vacuum power assist helps reduce the
effort needed on the brake pedal. The bra ke assist system increases the stopping
force when you depres s the brake pedal hard in an em ergency situation. The anti-
lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when braking very hard.
2Brake Assist System P. 244
2 ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) P. 243
■Foot Brake1Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, the brake pads need to be
replaced. Have the vehicl e checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brak e pedal while going down a
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your
foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to a
lower gear. With manual transmission use a lower
gear for greater engine braking.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectivenes s over time and reduce pad
life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.