
86 || 87
DRIVING
DRIVING
In addition:
• During the fi rst 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation, avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
• Avoid hard braking for the fi rst 200 miles (300 km). You should also follow this when the brake pads are replaced.
Natural Gas (CNG) models
Do not put large, heavy, or pointed objects in the trunk. When storing items, properly
secure them so that they do not move around while driving. The fuel tank\
is located
in the trunk, and although a partition separates the tank from the cargo\
space, large
items or loose items can damage the fuel tank and fuel system components\
. Maximum Load Limit
Carrying too much cargo or improperly storing it can affect your vehicle\
’s handling,
stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe.
The maximum load for your vehicle is 850 lbs (385 kg). See the Tire and Loading
Information label on the driver’s doorjamb.
Label example
This fi gure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer. Below are the
steps for determining the 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 fi gure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lbs. and
there will be fi ve 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1,400 - 750 (5 \
x 150)
= 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined 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 the Owner’s Manual on the Owner
Information CD or at owners.honda.com (U.S.) or myhonda.ca (Canada)
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.
Improper accessories or modifi cations can affect your vehicle’s handling, and
stability, and performance, and cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt \
or killed.
Follow all instructions in the vehicle owner’s manual regarding accessories and
modifi cations.
WARNING

88 || 89
DRIVING
DRIVING
Towing a Trailer
Your 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 befor\
e driving
(see page 87).
Civic HF, Coupe, and Natural Gas (CNG) models are not designed to tow a traile\
r.
Attempting to do so can void your warranties.
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 LoadThe 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.
Pre-tow Checklist
When preparing to tow, and before driving away, ensure the following:
• The vehicle has been properly serviced, and the suspension and the cooli\
ng system are in good operating condition.
• Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle’s fi rst 600 miles (1,000 km).
• The trailer has been properly serviced and is in good condition.
• All weights and loads are within limits. Never exceed the gross weight r\
atings.
• Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale. If a public scal\
e 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.
• The hitch, safety chains, and any other attachments are secure.
• All items in or on the trailer are properly secured and cannot shift whi\
le you drive.
Tongue Load
Total load
Tongue load
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 driv
e.
WARNING
Load limits exampleExample 1
Max load
850 lbs
( 385 kg) Passenger weight
1 50 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs
(68 kg x 2 = 136 kg) C
argo weig ht
550 lbs
(2 49 kg)
Exam ple 2
Max load
850 lbs
( 385 kg) Pass
enger wei ght
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs
(68 kg x 5 = 34 0 kg ) C
argo weig ht
100 lbs
(45 kg)
Overloading or improper loading can affect handling and stability and ca\
use a
crash in which you can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other loading guidelines in this guide.
W ARNING
The headlight aim on your vehicle was set by the factory , and does not need to be
adjusted. However , if you regularly carry heavy items in the cargo area or pull a
trailer , have the aiming readjusted at your dealer or by a qualifi ed technician.

100 || 101
DRIVING
DRIVING
Natural Gas (CNG) models
Fuel Information
Compressed natural gas that meets NFPA-52 and SAE J1616 standards is
required.
Slow filling
• 6.96 gasoline gallon equivalent (3,000 psi)
• 7.77 gasoline gallon equivalent (3,600 psi)
Fast filling
• 5.84 gasoline gallon equivalent (3,000 psi)
• 6.51 gasoline gallon equivalent (3,600 psi)
Your vehicle runs on compressed natural gas (CNG). The CNG in your vehi\
cle is
stored under high pressure. The system is designed to hold gas at the ma\
ximum
of 3,600 psi/24,800 kPa, and you should never smell gas or hear a hissin\
g sound
unless you are refueling. If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound at an\
y other
time, shut down the CNG system immediately.
Your vehicle’s fuel tank meets the safety standards of NGV-2/NFPA-52/DOT NHTSA
FMVSS 304.
To ensure that your Civic Natural Gas vehicle receives CNG fuel with qual\
ity equal
to or above the NFPA-52 and SAE J1616 fuel standards, Honda only recommends
that your vehicle be refueled at a public commercial-grade CNG refueling\
station. Public stations offer an approximately fi ve minute refueling time, and the
assurance of natural gas quality meeting NFPA and SAE standards.
For information on the locations of the CNG fuel stations, visit either \
www.afdc.
energy.gov/afdc/fuels/natural_gas_locations.html or www.cngprices.com, or call
NGVAmerica at (202) 824-7360. In California, visit www.cngvc.org.
The location of the CNG pump can vary from station to station, may not b\
e clearly
marked, or be readily accessible during certain hours. It is recommended\
that you
call the station (the number should be displayed with the address infor\
mation) to
verify the location and availability of the CNG pump before you arrive.
Have an authorized dealer or certifi ed NGV technician inspect the fuel tank every
three years, or 36,000 miles, whichever comes fi rst, and replace it 15 years from
its production date. Do not use an expired tank or reuse the old tank fo\
r other
purposes. After a collision, have the fuel tank inspected by an authoriz\
ed dealer or
certifi ed NGV technician.
Compressed natural gas is highly fl ammable and explosive. You can be burned
or seriously injured if leaking natural gas is ignited.
If you suspect a leak, have your vehicle immediately inspected and repai\
red by
an authorized Honda Civic Natural Gas dealer.
WARNING
Using fast fi ll equipment at temperature below -4°F (-20°C) may damage the fu\
el
system, potentially causing a leak.
NOTICE
How to RefuelSlow filling
It takes about an hour and a half per GGE (Gasoline Gallon Equivalent)\
to fi ll up the
fuel tank. This method can be done using a vehicle refueling appliance.
Fast filling
It takes about 3–5 minutes to fi ll up the fuel tank. This method is usually available
at stations designed to refuel natural gas vehicles. During fast fi lling, the natural
gas is warmed, causing the pressure in the tank to rise and reduces the \
amount of
fuel you can put in. The steps for fast fi lling are described below.
1. The fuel fi ll door is located at the left rear of the vehicle. Park next to the service pump that is most
accessible.
2. Turn off the engine.
3. Push the fuel fi ll door release handle near the bottom of the driver’s seat. The fuel fi ll door opens.
4. Remove the receptacle dust cap from the fuel receptacle.
5. Securely connect the CNG fi ll nozzle to the fuel receptacle.
6. Turn the lever until the arrows on the nozzle point to each other, then follow the instructions on the
refueling station to begin refueling. You may hear
a chattering sound; this is normal. If you hear or
see fuel/vapor leaking from the nozzle-receptacle
connection, stop refueling immediately.
7. Refueling will stop automatically when the tank is full. Follow the instructions on the refueling station
to turn it off.
8. Disconnect the CNG fi ll nozzle from the fuel receptacle by slowly turning the lever on the nozzle
180 degrees. You may hear a brief hissing sound as
a small amount of gas escapes, and may detect a
slight gas odor. This is normal.
9. After fi lling, replace the receptacle dust cap on the fuel receptacle securely. Close the fuel lid door.
Fuel receptacle
Receptacle
dust cap

110 || 111
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Replacing the Flat Tire
1. Remove the wheel nuts, wheel cover (if necessary), and fl at tire.
2. Mount the compact spare tire. Replace the wheel nuts, and lightly tighten them.
3. Lower the vehicle and remove the jack. Tighten the wheel nuts in the order indicated in the
image. Go around, tightening the nuts, two to
three times in this order. Do not overtighten the
wheel nuts.
If you drive with the spare tire installed, the
low tire pressure/TPMS indicator appears. The
indicator stays on until a regular tire is installed.
Storing the Flat Tire 1. Remove the center cap, if necessary.
2. Open the trunk. Place the fl at tire face down in the spare tire well.
3. Remove the spacer cone from the wing bolt, fl ip it over, and insert it back on the bolt. Secure the fl at
tire with the wing bolt.
4. Securely put the jack and wheel nut wrench back in the tool case. Store the case in the trunk.
Loose items can fl y around the interior in a crash and can seriously injure the
occupants.
Store the wheel, jack, and tools securely before driving.
W ARNING
Civic Si models: Do not mount the compact spare tire on the front, as it\
may
damage the differential. If a front tire goes fl at, replace it with the rear tire from
the same side, and mount the compact spare tire in the rear .
NOTICE
For full-
size tire
For compact
spare tire
Wing bolt
spacer
cone
Tire Repair Kit*
If a tire has a small puncture, you can use the tire repair kit to tempo\
rarily repair it.
The puncture must be smaller than 3/16-inch (4 mm) and not in the tire\
sidewall. Go
to a dealer to have the full-size tire permanently repaired or replaced.\
Before Repairing the Tire
1. Park the vehicle on a fi rm, level, non-slippery surface.
2. Move the shift lever to Park (P), and apply the parking brake.
3. Turn on the hazard warning lights, and turn off the vehicle.
Getting Ready to Repair the Tire1. Open the trunk fl oor lid.
2. Remove the kit from the case.
3. Place the kit face up on fl at ground near the punctured tire and away from traffi c. Do not place
the kit on its side.
4. Follow the instructions in the kit to repair the tire.
*if equipped
Do 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 permanentl\
y damage
the tire pressure sensor .
Do not operate the temporary tire repair kit compressor for more than 15\
minutes.
The accessory power socket and compressor can overheat and become
permanently damaged.
NOTICE
Running the engine with the vehicle in an enclosed or even partly enclos\
ed
area can cause a rapid build-up of toxic carbon monoxide.
Breathing this colorless, odorless gas can cause unconsciousness and eve\
n
death. Only run the engine to power the air compressor with the vehicle \
outdoors.
W ARNING