
352
uuWhen Driving uVSA ® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), System
Driving
VSA ® (Vehicle Stability Assist ), aka ESC (Electronic 
Stability Control), System
VSA® helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less 
than what was intended. It also assists in  maintaining traction on slippery surfaces. 
It does so by regulating  engine output and select ively applying the brakes.
When VSA ® activates, you may notice that the 
engine does not respond to the accelerator. 
You may also notice some noise from the 
hydraulic system. You will also see the 
indicator blink.
■VSA ® Operation
1 VSA ® (Vehicle Stability Assist),  aka ESC (Electronic Stability 
Control), System
The VSA® may not function properl y if tire type and 
size are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and 
type of tire, and the air pressures as specified.
When the VSA ® indicator comes on and stays on 
while driving, there may  be a problem with the 
system. While this may not interfere with normal 
driving, have your vehi cle checked by a dealer 
immediately.
VSA ® cannot enhance stability in all driving situations 
and does not control the entire braking system. You 
still need to drive and corner at speeds appropriate 
for the conditions and always leave a sufficient 
margin of safety.
The main function of the VSA ® system is generally 
known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The 
system also includes a  traction control function.
VSA® System 
Indicator 

362
uuBraking uABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Driving
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by 
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also 
balances the front-to-rear braking distri bution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal.  Let the ABS work for you by always 
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pe dal. This is sometimes referred to as 
“stomp and steer.”
■ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when  the ABS is working. Keep holding the 
pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you w ill need to press on the brake pedal very 
hard before the ABS activates. However,  you may feel the ABS activate immediately 
if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
When the vehicle speed goes unde r 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.
■ABS1ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
NOTICE
The ABS may not function correctly if you use an 
incorrect tire type and size.
When the  ABS indicator comes on while driving, 
there may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking is not affected, there is a 
possibility of the ABS not  operating. Have the vehicle 
checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the ti me or distance it takes 
to stop the vehicle. It only  helps with steering control 
during hard braking.
In the following cases, yo ur vehicle may need more 
stopping distance than a vehicle without the ABS:
•When driving on rough road surfaces, including 
when driving on uneven surf aces, such as gravel or 
snow.
•When tire chains are installed.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the 
engine compartment while system checks are being 
performed immediately after starting the engine or 
while driving. This is normal. 

378
Maintenance
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance
For your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle 
in good condition. If you become aware of  any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient 
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer. 
(Note, however, that service at a dealer  is not mandatory to keep your warranties in 
effect.) Refer to the separate maintena nce booklet for detailed maintenance and 
inspection information.
■Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance  trips, when washing the vehicle, or when 
refueling.
■Periodic inspections
• Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly.
2 Automatic Transmission Fluid  P. 399
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2 Checking the Brake Fluid  P. 400
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examin e the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires  P. 414
•Check the operation of the  exterior lights monthly.
2Replacing Light Bulbs  P. 402
•Check the condition of the wiper bl ades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 410
■Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of 
emissions control devices and systems may be 
done by any automotive repair establishment or 
individuals using parts that are “certified” to 
EPA standards.
According to state and fede ral regulations, failure to 
perform maintenance on the maintenance main 
items marked with # will  not void your emissions 
warranties. However, all ma intenance services should 
be performed in accordan ce with the intervals 
indicated by the information display
*/multi-
information display*.
2 Maintenance Service Items  P. 383
If you want to perform  complex maintenance tasks 
that require more skills  and tools, purchase the 
service manual.
2 Authorized Manuals  P. 474
If you want to perform ma intenance yourself, make 
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing ma intenance, update the records in 
the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models
* Not available on all models 

414
Maintenance
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires
To safely operate your vehicle, your tires must be of the proper type and size, in 
good condition with adequate tread, and properly inflated.
■Inflation guidelines
Properly inflated tires provide the best combination of handling, tread life, and comfort. 
Refer to the driver’s doorjamb label or spec ification’s page for the specified pressure.
Underinflated tires wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and 
are more likely to fail from overheating.
Overinflated tires make your vehicle ride harshly, are more prone to road hazards, 
and wear unevenly.
Every day before you drive, look at each of  the tires. If one looks lower than the 
others, check the pressure with a tire gauge.
At least once a month or before long trips, use a gauge to measure the pressure in 
all tires, including the spare. Even tires in good condition can lose 1 to 2 psi (10 to 
20 kPa, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf/cm
2) per month.
■Inspection guidelines
Every time you check inflation, also  examine the tires and valve stems.
Look for:
• Bumps or bulges on the side or in the tread. Replace the tire if you find any cuts, 
splits, or cracks in the si de of the tire. Replace it if you see fabric or cord.
• Remove any foreign objects  and inspect for air leaks.
• Uneven tread wear. Have a deal er check the wheel alignment.
• Excessive tread wear.
2 Wear Indicators  P. 419
•Cracks or other damage around valve stem.
1Checking Tires
Measure the air pressure when tires are cold. This 
means the vehicle has been parked for at least three 
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). If 
necessary, add or releas e air until the specified 
pressure is reached.
If checked when hot, tire pressure can be as much as 
4–6 psi (30–40 kPa, 0.3–0.4 kgf/cm
2) higher than if 
checked when cold.
Have a dealer check the tires if you feel a consistent 
vibration while driving. Ne w tires and any that have 
been removed and reinst alled should be properly 
balanced.
3WARNING
Using tires that are excessively worn or 
improperly inflated can cause a crash in 
which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instruction s in this owner’s 
manual regarding ti re inflation and 
maintenance. 

415
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uTire and Loading Information Label
Continued
Maintenance
Tire and Loading Information Label
The label attached to the driver’s doorj amb provides necessary tire and loading 
information.
Tire Labeling
The tires that came on your vehicle have a 
number of markings. Those you should be 
aware of are described below.
Whenever tires are replaced,  they should be replaced with tires of the same size.
1Tire and Loading Information Label
The tire and loading informat ion label attached to the 
driver’s doorjamb contains:
aThe number of people your vehicle can carry.
bThe total weight your vehicle can carry. Do not 
exceed this weight.
cThe original tire sizes for front, rear, and spare.
dThe proper cold tire pressure for front, rear, and 
spare.
Label 
Example
2
34
Example Tire Size
Tire 
Identification 
Number (TIN)
Maximum 
Tire Load
Maximum 
Tire Pressure
Tire Size
■Tire Sizes
1 Tire Sizes
Following is an example  of tire size with an 
explanation of what  each component means.
P235/60 R18 102T
P: Vehicle type (P indi cates passenger vehicle).
235: Tire width in millimeters.
60: Aspect ratio (the tire’s section height as a 
percentage of its width).
R: Tire construction code (R indicates radial).
18: Rim diameter in inches.
102: Load index (a numerical  code associated with 
the maximum load the tire can carry).
T: Speed symbol (an alphabe tical code indicating the 
maximum speed rating).  

uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uTire Labeling
416
Maintenance
The tire identification number (TIN) is a gr oup of numbers and letters that look like 
the example in the side co lumn. TIN is located on the sidewall of the tire.
Cold Tire Pressure  – The tire air pressure when the vehicle has been parked for at 
least three hours or driven  less than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Load Rating  – Means the maximum load that a ti re is rated to carry for a given 
inflation pressure.
Maximum Inflation Pressure  – The maximum tire air pressure that the tire can 
hold.
Maximum Load Rating  – Means the load rating for a tire at the maximum 
permissible inflation pr essure for that tire.
Recommended Inflation Pressure  – The cold tire inflation pressure recommended 
by the manufacturer.
Treadwear Indicators (TWI)  – Means the projections within the principal grooves 
designed to give a visual indication of the degrees of wear of the tread.
■Tire Identification Number (TIN)
■Glossary of Tire Terminology
1 Tire Identification Number (TIN)
DOT B97R FW6X 2209
DOT: This indicates that the tire meets all 
requirements of the  U.S. Department of 
Transportation.
B97R: Manufacturer's identification mark.
FW6X: Tire type code.
22 09: Date of manufacture.
Year
Week 

420
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uTire and Wheel Replacement
Maintenance
Tire and Wheel Replacement
Replace your tires with radials of the sa me size, load range, speed rating, and 
maximum cold tire pressure ra ting (as shown on the tire’s sidewall). Using tires of a 
different size or construction can cause the ABS, VSA ® (vehicle stability assist), hill 
start assist, and the VTM-4r
* system to work incorrectly.
It is best to replace all four tires at the  same time. If that isn’t possible, replace the 
front or rear tires in pairs.
Make sure that the wheel’s specifications match thos e of the original wheels.
If you replace a wheel, only use TPMS sp ecified wheels approved for your vehicle.
1Tire and Wheel Replacement
3WARNING
Installing improper tires on your vehicle can 
affect handling and stability. This can cause 
a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or 
killed.
Always use the size and type of tires 
recommended in this owner’s manual.
* Not available on all models 

422
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uWinter Tires
Maintenance
Winter Tires
If driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season marked “M+S” tires, snow 
tires, or tire chains; reduce speed; and ma intain sufficient distance between vehicles 
when driving.
Be particularly careful when operating  the steering wheel or brakes to prevent 
skidding.
Use tire chains, snow tires, or all season ti res when necessary or according to the law.
When mounting, refer to  the following points.
For winter tires:
• Select the size and load ranges that  are the same as the original tires.
• Mount the tires to all four wheels.
For tire chains:
• Install them on the front tires only.
• Because your vehicle has limited tire clearance, we strongly recommend using the 
chains listed below:
• Follow the chain manufacturer's instruction when installing. Mount them as 
tightly as you can.
• Check that the chains do not to uch the brake lines or suspension.
• Drive slowly.
Cable-type: QCC Premium Cobra 1046P
1Winter Tires
NOTICE
Traction devices that are th e wrong size or improperly 
installed can damage your vehicle's brake lines, 
suspension, body, and wheels.  Stop driving if they are 
hitting any part  of the vehicle.
When tire chains are mounted, follow the chain 
manufacturer's instructi ons regarding vehicle 
operational limits.
If your vehicle is equipp ed with summer tires, be 
aware that these tires are not designed for winter 
driving conditions. For more information, contact a 
dealer.
3WARNING
Using the wrong chains, or not properly 
installing chains, can damage the brake 
lines and cause a crash in which you can be 
seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instruction s in this owner's 
manual regarding the selection and use of 
tire chains.