6-26 For emergencies
6
Towing the vehicle by a tow truck
Towing a front-wheel drive vehicle with front wheels off
the ground (Type C)Release the parking brake.
Set the selector lever to the “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
CAUTION
!This vehicle must not be towed by a tow truck using
sling lift type equipment (Type A) as illustrated.
Using a sling lift will damage the bumper and front
end.This vehicle must not be towed with the driving
wheels on the ground (Type B) as illustrated.
This could result in the driving system damage.Do not tow all-wheel drive vehicles with the rear
wheels on the ground (Type C) as illustrated. This
could result in the driving system damage or vehicle
may jump at the carriage.
If you tow all-wheel drive vehicles, use only Type D
or E equipment.
All-wheel drive vehicles cannot be towed with only
the front or rear tires on the ground even if it is in
“2WD” or “TARMAC” drive mode.[For front-wheel drive vehicle equipped with the
active stability control (ASC)]
If the vehicle is towed with the ignition switch in the
“ON” position and only the front wheels raised off
the ground (Type C), the ASC may operate, result-
ing in an accident. When towing the vehicle with the
front wheels raised, keep the ignition switch in the
“LOCK” or “ACC” position.
BK0150600US.book 26 ページ 2012年3月30日 金曜日 午前10時43分
For emergencies
6-27
6 Operation under adverse driving conditions
N00837200718
If your vehicle becomes stuck in sand, mud or
snowIf your vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Rock your vehicle back
and forth to free it.
Do not rev the engine or spin the wheels. Constant efforts to
free a stuck vehicle can cause overheating and transaxle fail-
ure. Let the engine idle for a few minutes to cool the transaxle
before trying again.
If your vehicle is still stuck after several rocking attempts, call
for help.
On wet roads
WA R N I N G
!When trying to rock your vehicle out of a stuck posi-
tion, make sure that there are no people nearby. The
rocking motion can make your vehicle suddenly
lurch forward or backward, and injure any
bystanders.
CAUTION
!Avoid flooded roads. Water is often deeper than it
looks, and you could be seriously hurt by driving
into flood water.When driving in rain, on water-covered roads, or
through a car wash, water could get into the brake
discs and make them fail temporarily. In such cases,
lightly press the brake pedal to see if they are work-
ing properly. If they are not, press the pedal lightly
several times while driving to dry the brake pads or
linings, then check them again.When driving in rain, a layer of water may form
between the tires and the road surface (hydroplan-
ing). This loosens your tires’ grip on the road, mak-
ing it difficult to steer or brake properly. When
driving on a wet road:
• Drive your vehicle at a safe speed.
• Do not drive on worn tires.
• Always keep the tires at the correct inflation pres-
sures.
BK0150600US.book 27 ページ 2012年3月30日 金曜日 午前10時43分
6-28 For emergencies
6
On snowy or icy roadsWhen driving on a road covered with snow or ice, use
snow tires. Tire chains cannot be used on your vehicle.
There may be state or local regulations about using snow
tires. Always check the regulations in your local area
before using them. Refer to “Snow tires” on page 7-32
and “Tire chains” on page 7-32.
Drive slowly. Do not make sudden starts or stops, sharp
turns, or slam on the brakes.
Allow extra distance between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you, and avoid sudden braking.
If a skid occurs when the accelerator pedal is depressed,
take your foot off the pedal. Steer gently in the direction
of the skid.
Your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system
(ABS). Hold the brake pedal down firmly and keep it
depressed. Do not pump the brake pedal which will result
in reduced braking performance.
After parking on snowy or icy road, it may be difficult to
move your vehicle due to freeze-up of the brake. Depress
the accelerator pedal little by little to move the vehicle
after confirming safety of the vehicle.
On a bumpy or rutted roadDrive as slow as possible when driving on bumpy, rutted
roads or over potholes.
CAUTION
!Do not depress the accelerator pedal rapidly. The
vehicle could start moving when it breaks free from
the ice, possibly resulting in an accident.
CAUTION
!Driving on bumpy, rutted roads or over potholes can
damage the tires and wheels.
Wheels with low-profiles tires or under-inflated tires
are especially at risk for damage.
BK0150600US.book 28 ページ 2012年3月30日 金曜日 午前10時43分
7
Vehicle care and maintenance
Service precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 2
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 3
Engine hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 4
View of the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 7
Engine oil and oil filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 8
Engine coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 12
Air cleaner filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 14
Automatic transaxle fluid (if so equipped) . . . . . .7- 16
Continuously variable transmission (CVT) fluid
(if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 18
Transfer oil (All-wheel drive models) . . . . . . . . . .7- 18
Rear axle oil (All-wheel drive models) . . . . . . . . .7- 19
Washer fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 19
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 20
Power steering fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 21
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 21
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 24
Brake pedal free play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 33
Parking brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 33
Wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 34
Emission-control system maintenance. . . . . . . . . .7- 35General maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 37
For cold and snowy weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 39
Fusible links . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 39
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 40
Replacement of light bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 48
Vehicle care precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 78
Cleaning the inside of your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 79
Cleaning the outside of your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 81
BK0150600US.book 1 ページ 2012年3月30日 金曜日 午前10時43分
7-24 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Tires
N00939200494
It is important to familiarize yourself with the following terms:
Cold tire pressure:
• The measured pressure after the vehicle has been parked
for at least three hours,
or
• The measured pressure when the vehicle is driven less
than 1 mile (1.6 km) after having been parked for three
hours.
Maximum pressure: the maximum permissible cold tire
inflation pressure for this tire.
Recommended inflation pressure: the inflation pressure
for optimum tire performance.Intended outboard sidewall:
• The sidewall that contains a whitewall, bears white let-
tering or bears manufacturer, brand, and/or model name
molding that is higher or deeper than the same molding
on the other sidewall of the tire, or
• The outward facing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire that
has a particular side that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Passenger car tire: a tire intended for use on passenger
cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and trucks, that
have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000
pounds or less.
Light truck (LT) tire: a tire designated by its manufacturer
as primarily intended for use on lightweight trucks or mul-
tipurpose passenger vehicles.
Tread: portion of a tire that comes into contact with the
road.
Tread rib: a tread section running circumferentially
around a tire.
Tread separation: pulling away of the tread from the tire
carcass.
Carcass: the tire structure, except tread and sidewall rub-
ber which, when inflated, bears the load.
Sidewall: portion of a tire between the tread and bead.
Section width: the linear distance between the exteriors of
the sidewalls of an inflated tire, excluding elevations due
to labeling, decoration, or protective bands.
Bead: the part of the tire that is made of steel wires,
wrapped or reinforced by ply cords and that is shaped to
fit the rim.
Ply: a layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.
Cord: the strands forming the plies in the tire.
WA R N I N G
!Driving with tires that are worn, damaged or
improperly inflated is dangerous.
These type tire conditions will adversely affect vehi-
cle performance.
These type tire conditions can also cause a tread sep-
aration or blowout which may result in an accident
causing serious injury or death.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.
BK0150600US.book 24 ページ 2012年3月30日 金曜日 午前10時43分
Vehicle care and maintenance
7-25
7
Rim: a metal support for a tire or a tire and tube assembly
upon which the tire beads are seated.
Rim diameter: nominal diameter of the bead seat.
Groove: the space between two adjacent tread ribs.Tire Markings
Size DesignationEXAMPLE: P215/65R15
NOTEEuropean/Japanese metric tire sizing is based on Euro-
pean/Japanese design standards. Tires designed to these
standards have the tire size molded into the sidewall
beginning with the section width. The letter “P” is
absent from this tire size designation. Example:
215/65R15 96H.
LT (Light Truck) -metric tire sizing is based on U.S.A.
design standards. The size designation for LT-metric
tires is the same as for P-metric tires except for the let-
ters “LT” that are molded into the sidewall preceding
the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.
Temporary spare tires are high pressure compact spares
designed for temporary emergency use only. Tires
designed to this standard have the letter “T” molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Exam-
ple: T145/80D18 103M.PPassenger car tire size based on U.S.A. design
standards
215 Section width in millimeters (mm)
65Aspect ratio in percent (%)
Ratio of section height to section width of tire.
RConstruction code
• “R” means radial construction.
• “D” means diagonal or bias construction.
15 Rim diameter in inches (in)
BK0150600US.book 25 ページ 2012年3月30日 金曜日 午前10時43分
7-26 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Service DescriptionEXAMPLE: 95H
Maximum LoadMaximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is
designed to carry.Maximum PressureMaximum Pressure indicates the maximum permissible
cold tire inflation pressure for this tire.
Tire Identification Number (TIN)The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire but
the date code may only be on one side. Look for the TIN on
the outboard side of tires as mounted on the vehicle. If the
TIN is not found on the outboard side then you will find it
on the inboard side of the tire.
EXAMPLE: DOT MA L9 ABCD 1504
95Load index
A numerical code associated with the maximum
load a tire can carry.
HSpeed symbol
A symbol indicating the range of speeds at
which a tire can carry a load corresponding to its
load index under certain operating conditions.
The maximum speed corresponding to the speed
symbol should only be achieved under specified
operating conditions. (i.e. tire pressure, vehicle
loading, road conditions and posted speed lim-
its)
WA R N I N G
!Overloading of your tire is dangerous. Overload-
ing can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling,
and increase your stopping distance. Use tires of
the recommended load capacity for your vehicle.
Never overload them.
DOTDepartment of Transportation
This symbol certifies that the tire is in compli-
ance with the U.S. Department of Transporta-
tion tire safety standards, and is approved for
highway use.
MACode representing the tire manufacturing loca-
tion. (2 digits)
L9
ABCDCode representing the tire size. (2 digits)
Code used by tire manufacturer. (1 to 4 digits)
15Number representing the week in which the tire
was manufactured. (2 digits)
04Number representing the year in which the tire
was manufactured. (2 digits)
BK0150600US.book 26 ページ 2012年3月30日 金曜日 午前10時43分
Vehicle care and maintenance
7-27
7
Treadwear, Traction and Temperature GradesTr e a d w e a r
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 example, 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 rel-
ative performance of tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions 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.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B
and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
Te m p e r a t u r e
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, repre-
senting the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degen-
erate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can
lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.
109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance
on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
Tire inflation pressures
N00939300815
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential for the safe and satis-
factory operation of your vehicle. The wrong tire pressure will
cause problems in three major areas:
Safety
Too little pressure increases flexing in the tire and can
cause tire failure. Too much pressure can cause a tire to
lose its ability to cushion shock. Objects on the road and
potholes could then cause tire damage that may result in
tire failure.
Economy
The wrong tire pressure can cause uneven wear patterns in
the tire tread. These abnormal wear patterns will reduce
the tread life, and the tire will have to be replaced sooner.
Too little pressure also makes it harder for the tire to roll,
and this uses up more fuel.
Ride comfort and vehicle stability
The superior riding experience built into your vehicle
partly depends on the correct tire pressure. Too much
pressure gives an uncomfortable and jarring ride. Too lit-
tle pressure feels as if your vehicle is slow to respond.
Unequal tire pressures can make steering your vehicle
uneven and unpredictable.
The tire pressure for your vehicle under normal driving condi-
tions is listed on the placard attached to the driver’s door sill.
(Refer to “Tire and loading information placard” on page 9-4.)
BK0150600US.book 27 ページ 2012年3月30日 金曜日 午前10時43分