2014 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE Owners Manual

Features and controls
3-169
3 Assist grips
N00559000074
These grips are to support the body by hand while seated in the
vehicle.
CAUTION
!
Do not use the assist grips when getting into or out
of the vehicle. The assist grips could detach causing
you to fall.
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4
Driving safety
Fuel economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 2
Driving, alcohol and drugs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 2
Floor mat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 3
Vehicle preparation before driving. . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 5
Safe driving techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 6
Driving during cold weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 6
Braking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 7
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 8
Loading information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 9
Cargo loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 13
Trailer towing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 14
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4-2 Driving safety
4Fuel economy
N00628800178
Fuel economy is dependent on many factors. Your personal
driving habits can have a significant effect on your fuel con-
sumption. Several recommendations for achieving the greatest
fuel economy are listed below.

Whenever accelerating from a stop, always accelerate
slowly and smoothly.

When parked for even a short period, do not idle the
engine. Shut it off.

Plan your trips to avoid unnecessary stops.

Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressures.

For freeway driving, maintain a speed of approximately
50 mph (80 km/h) when traffic, roadway and weather con-
ditions safely permit.

Keep your air filter clean and your vehicle lubricated
according to the recommendations in this manual.

Always keep your vehicle well maintained. A poorly
maintained engine wastes fuel and costs money.

Never overload your vehicle.
Driving, alcohol and drugs
N00628900049
Drunk driving is one of the most frequent causes of accidents.
Your driving ability can be seriously impaired even with blood
alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you have been
drinking, don’t drive. Ride with a designated non-drinking
driver, call a cab or a friend, or use public transportation.
Drinking coffee or taking a cold shower will not make you
sober.
Similarly, prescription and nonprescription drugs affect your
alertness, perception and reaction time. Consult with your doc-
tor or pharmacist before driving while under the influence of
any of these medications.
WA R N I N G
!
NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE.
Your perceptions are less accurate, your reflexes are
slower and your judgment is impaired.
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Driving safety
4-3
4 Floor mat
N00628600046
The original equipment floor mat provided with your vehicle
was specifically designed for your vehicle. Always properly
position the floor mat and assure it does not interfere with
operation of the pedals. Always use the retaining clip on the
driver’s floorboard to secure the floor mat. When used, this clip
will help prevent the floor mat from moving forward and possi-
bly interfering with the operation of the pedals. To prevent the
floor mat from moving forward and possibly interfering with
the operation of the pedals, Mitsubishi genuine floor mats are
recommended.
To install the floor mat
N00628700047
1. Place the floor mat to fit the shape of the floorboard.
2. Align the floor mat with the installation holes over the
retaining clips.
3. Secure the floor mat with retaining clips.NOTE
The shape of the mat and the number of retaining clips
may vary depending on the vehicle model.
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4-4 Driving safety
4
WA R N I N G
!
If a floor mat is the wrong size or is not properly
installed, it can interfere with the operation of the
pedals. Interference with the pedals can cause unin-
tended acceleration and/or increased stopping dis-
tances resulting in a crash and injury. Always make
sure the floor mat does not interfere with the accel-
erator or brake pedal.
Always use the retaining clip on the driver’s floor-
board to secure the floor mat.
Always install the mat with the correct side facing
down.
Never install a second mat over or under an existing
floor mat.
Do not use a floor mat designed for another model
vehicle even if it is a Mitsubishi genuine floor mat.
WA R N I N G
!
Before driving, be sure to check the following:
• Periodically check that the floor mat is properly
secured with the retaining clips.
If you remove the floor mat while cleaning the
inside of your vehicle or for any other reason,
always check the condition of the floor mat after it
has been reinstalled.
• While the vehicle is stopped with the engine off,
check that the floor mat is not interfering with the
pedals by depressing the pedals fully.
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Driving safety
4-5
4 Vehicle preparation before driving
N00629000702
For a safer and more enjoyable trip, always check for the fol-
lowing:Seat belts and seats
Before starting the vehicle, make certain that you and all
passengers are seated and wearing their seat belts properly
(with children in the rear seat, in appropriate restraints),
and that all the doors and the liftgate are locked.

Move the driver’s seat as far backward as possible, while
keeping good visibility, and good control of the steering
wheel, brakes, accelerator, and controls. Check the instru-
ment panel indicators and multi-information display for
any possible problem.

Similarly, the front passenger seat should also be moved
as far back as possible.

Make sure that infants and small children are properly
restrained in accordance with all laws and regulations.DefrostersCheck these by selecting the defroster mode, and set the blower
switch on high. You should be able to feel the air blowing
against the windshield.
Refer to “Defrosting or defogging (windshield, door win-
dows)” on page 5-15, 5-26.
TiresCheck all the tires for heavy tread wear or uneven wear pat-
terns. Look for stones, nails, glass, or other objects stuck in the
tread. Look for any tread cuts or sidewall cracks. Check the
wheel nuts for tightness, and the tires (including spare tire) for
proper pressure. Replace your tires before they are heavily
worn out.
On vehicles equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system,
there is a risk of damage to the tire inflation pressure sensors
when the tire is replaced on the rim. Tire replacement should,
only be performed by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer.LightsHave someone watch while you turn all the exterior lights on
and off. Also check the turn signal indicators and high-beam
indicators on the instrument panel.Fluid leaksCheck the ground under the vehicle after parking overnight, for
fuel, water, oil, or other leaks. Make sure all the fluid levels are
correct. Also, if you can smell fuel, you need to find out why
immediately and have it fixed.
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4-6 Driving safety
4Safe driving techniques
N00629200137
Even this vehicle’s safety equipment, and your safest driving,
cannot guarantee that you can avoid an accident or injury.
However, if you give extra attention to the following areas, you
can better protect yourself and your passengers:

Drive defensively. Be aware of traffic, road and weather
conditions. Leave plenty of stopping distance between
your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

Before changing lanes, check your mirrors, your blind
spots, and use your turn-signal light.

While driving, watch the behavior of other drivers, bicy-
clists, and pedestrians.

Always obey applicable laws and regulations. Be a polite
and alert driver. Always leave room for unexpected
events, such as sudden braking.

If you plan to drive in another country, obey their vehicle
registration laws and make sure you will be able to get the
right fuel.
Driving during cold weather
N00629400474

Check the battery. At the same time, check the terminals
and wiring. During extremely cold weather, the battery
will not be as strong. Also, the battery power level may
drop because more power is used for cold starting and
driving.
Before driving the vehicle, check to see if the engine runs
at the proper speed and if the headlights are as bright as
normally. Charge or replace the battery if necessary. Dur-
ing extreme cold weather, it is possible that a very low
battery could freeze.

Warm the engine sufficiently. After starting the engine,
allow a short warm-up time to distribute oil to all cylin-
ders. Then drive your vehicle slowly.

Stay at low speeds at first so that the manual transaxle oil
or the automatic transaxle fluid has time to spread to all
the lubrication points.

Manual transaxle can be harder to shift in cold weather
conditions. This is normal and shifting will get easier as
the transaxle warms up.
WA R N I N G
!
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen gas. Any
spark or flame can cause the battery to explode,
which could cause serious injury or death.
Always wear protective clothes and a face mask
when working with your battery, or let a skilled
mechanic do it.
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