2016 HONDA PILOT tires

98 || 99
DRIVING
DRIVING
DRIVING
Learn about preparation for driving, as well as other features.
Before Driving
Check the following items before you begin driving.
Exterior Checks
•  Make sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior
lights, or other parts of the vehicle.
•  Remove any frost, snow, or ice.
•  Make sure the hood is securely closed.
•  Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite flammable materials left u\
nder
the hood, causing a fire. If you’ve parked your vehicle for an exte\
nded period,
inspect and remove any debris that may have collected, such as dried grass
and leaves that have fallen or have been carried in for use as a nest by\
a small
animal. Also check under the hood for leftover flammable materials aft\
er you or
someone else has performed maintenance on your vehicle.
•  Make sure the tires are in good condition.
•  Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
Interior Checks
•  Store or secure all items on board properly.
•  Do not pile items higher than the seat height.
•  Do not place anything in the front seat footwells. Make sure to secure t\
he floor
mats.
•  If you have any animals on board, do not let them move freely around in \
the
vehicle.
•  Securely close and lock all doors and the tailgate.
•  Adjust your seating position, mirrors, and steering wheel properly.
•  Make sure items placed on the floor behind the front seats cannot roll\
under the
seats.
•  Everyone in the vehicle must fasten their seat belt.
•  Make sure that the indicators in the instrument panel come on when you s\
tart
the vehicle, and go off soon after.
If the doors are frozen shut, use warm water around the door edges to me\
lt any
ice. Do not try to force them open, as this can damage the rubber trim a\
round the
doors. When done, wipe dry to avoid further freezing.
NOTICE
Improper accessories or modifications 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 modifications.
WARNING
In addition:
•  During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation, avoid sudden acc\
eleration or
full throttle operation so as to not damage the engine or powertrain.
•  Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km). You should also follow this
when the brake pads are replaced.
Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other \
types of
vehicles.
To prevent rollovers or loss of control:
•  Take corners at slower speeds than you would with a passenger vehicle.
•  Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
•  Do not modify your vehicle in any way that you would raise the center of\
gravity.
•  Do not carry heavy cargo on the roof.
•  Never carry more than 165 lbs (75 kg) of cargo on the roof rack (Hond\
a
accessory).
Your vehicle has been designed primarily for use on pavement, however, its higher
ground clearance allows you to occasionally travel on unpaved roads. It \
is not
designed for trail-blazing, or other challenging off-road activities.
If you decide to drive on unpaved roads, you will find that it require\
s somewhat
different driving skills and that your vehicle will handle somewhat diff\
erently than
it does on pavement. Pay attention to the precautions and tips in this s\
ection, and
get acquainted with your vehicle before leaving the pavement.
Improperly operating this vehicle on or off pavement can cause a crash o\
r
rollover in which you and your passengers can be seriously injured or ki\
lled.
• Follow all instructions and guidelines in this owner’s guide.
• Keep your speed low, and don’t drive faster than conditions permit.
WARNING

100 || 101
DRIVING
DRIVING
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.
Maximum Load for Your Vehicle
LX, EX, and EX-L with AWD
The maximum load for your vehicle is 1340 lbs (608 kg).
Touring and Elite with AWD
The maximum load for your vehicle is 1173 lbs (532 kg).
All other models
See the Tire and Loading Information label on the driver’s doorjamb.
Label example
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 tow a
trailer, have the aiming readjusted at your dealer or by a qualified technici\
an. 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.
WARNING
This figure 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 figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage \
load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lbs. and
there will be five 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.
Load limits exampl e
Example 1
Max load
1,173 lbs (532 kg ) Passenger weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs (68 kg x 2 = 136 kg) Cargo
weight
873 lbs
(396 kg)
Example 2 Max load
1,173 lbs (532 kg ) Passenger weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs
(68 kg x 5 = 340 kg )Cargo weight

423 lbs
(192 kg )

130 || 131
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Overheating
If the temperature gauge needle is at the H mark, the engine suddenly lo\
ses power,
or steam or spray comes out from under the hood, your engine is overheat\
ing.
1. Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place. Turn
off all accessories and turn on the hazard warning
lights.
2. If steam or spray is not present: Keep the engine
running and open the hood.
If steam or spray is present: Turn off the engine and
wait until it subsides. Then, open the hood.
3. Check that the cooling fan is operating and stop the engine once the tem\
perature
gauge needle comes down. If the cooling fan is not operating, immediatel\
y stop
the engine.
4. Once the engine has cooled down, inspect the coolant level and check the\

cooling system components for leaks. If the coolant level in the reserve\
tank
is low, add coolant until it reaches the MAX mark. If there is no coolant in t\
he
reserve tank, make sure the radiator is cool, then cover the radiator ca\
p with a
heavy cloth and open the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to the base of the
filler neck, and put the cap back on.
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the temperature gauge.
If the temperature needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not g\
one down,
contact a dealer for repairs.
Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
WARNING
Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant \
to
spray out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiato\
r cap.
WARNING
Continuing to drive with the temperature gauge needle at the H mark may \
damage
the engine.
NOTICE
Reserve tank
MAX
MIN
Emergency Engine Stop*
The ENGINE START/STOP button may be used to stop the engine due to an
emergency situation even while driving. If you must stop the engine, cho\
ose one of
the following operations:
•  Press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for
two seconds, or
•  Firmly press the ENGINE START/STOP button two
times.
Emergency Towing
Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.
All models
Flat bed equipment: The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a tru\
ck. This is
the best way to transport your vehicle.
2WD models
Wheel lift equipment: The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the front
tires and lift them off the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground.\
This is an
acceptable way to tow your vehicle.
Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will cause serious dama\
ge. The
bumpers are not designed to support the vehicle’s weight.
Improper towing such as towing behind a motorhome or other motor vehicle\
can
damage the transmission.
NOTICE
*if equipped
The steering wheel will not lock. Because turning off the engine also di\
sables the
power assist the engine provides to the steering and braking systems, it\
will require
significantly more physical effort and time to steer and slow the vehi\
cle. Use both
feet on the brake pedal, if necessary, to slow the vehicle and stop immediately in a
safe place.
Do not press the button while driving unless it is absolutely necessary \
for the engine
to be switched off.

132 || 133
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Driving on an extremely underinflated tire can cause it to overheat. A\
n overheated
tire can fail. Always inflate your tires to the specified pressure.
NOTICE
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Monitors the tire pressure while you are driving.
If your vehicle’s tire pressure becomes significantly low,
the low tire pressure indicator comes on and a message
appears on the multi-information display. The specific
tire with low pressure is displayed.
What to Do
Stop your vehicle in a safe place. Check the tire pressure and adjust th\
e pressure
to the specified level. The specified tire pressure is on a label on\
the driver’s
doorjamb.
Tire Fill AssistYour vehicle gives you visual and audible alerts to help you adjust the t\
ire pressure
to its appropriate level when the vehicle is on.
While inflating: The system beeps and the exterior lights flash once every 5
seconds.
When the correct pressure is reached: The system beeps and the exterior lights
flash continuously for 5 seconds. Stop filling the tire.
If you overinflate: The system beeps and the exterior lights flash twice every 3
seconds.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – Required Federal Explanatio\
nEach tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthl\
y
when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the \
vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure\

label.
(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated \
on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine\
the
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped
with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates
a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the\

proper pressure.
Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat
and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenanc\
e,
and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even
if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator
to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This \
sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the \
malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be abl\
e
to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle \
that
prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or
more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement
or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.

144 || 145
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Minder Service Codes
These codes indicate what services are due on your vehicle.
*1: If the message Maintenance Due Now does not appear more than 12 months after the display
is reset, change the engine oil every year.
#: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.
*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every \
15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3:
If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of s\
oot in the air from industryand diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A
Replace engine oi l*1
BReplace engine oil*1 and oil lter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Inspect suspension components
Inspect driveshaft boots
Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)
Inspect all uid levels and condition of uids
Inspect exhaust system#
Inspect fuel lines and connection s#
*4:If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110°F, 43°\
C), in very low temperatures
(under -20°F, -29°C), or towing a trailer, replace every 60,000 \
miles/100,000 km.
*5:Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towin\
g results in higher level
of mechanical (Shear) stress to uid. This requires differential \
uid changes more frequently
than recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your \
vehicle under these
conditions, have the differential uid changed at 7,500 miles (12,00\
0 km), then every 15,000 miles
(24,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Sub Items
1
Rotate tires
2Replace air cleaner element*2
Replace dust and pollen lter*3
Inspect drive belt
3
Replace transmission uid, transfer uid
4Replace spark plug s
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump*4
Inspect valve clearance
5
Replace engine coolant
6Replace rear differential ui d*, *5
*
*if equipped
Under the Hood
Opening the Hood
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set the
parking brake.
2. Pull the hood release handle under the lower left
corner of the dashboard.
3. Push up the hood latch lever in the center of the
hood to release the lock mechanism, and open
the hood.
4. Remove the support rod from the clamp using the
grip. Mount the support rod in the hood.
When closing, remove the support rod, and
stow it in the clamp, then gently lower the hood.
Remove your hand at a height of approximately
12 inches (30 cm) and let the hood close.
Brake fluid (black cap)
Battery
Engine oil fill cap
Lever
Support rod Grip
Clamp
Pull
Washer fluid
Engine coolant
reservoir tank Engine oil dipstick
(orange)
Radiator cap
Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are raised. The hood will strik\
e the
wipers, and may damage either the hood or the wipers.
Do not open the hood while the Auto Idle Stop* function is activated.
NOTICE
*if equipped

152 || 153
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Changing the Rear Wiper Blade Rubber
1. Raise the wiper arm off.
2. Slide the wiper blade out from the end with the
indent.
3. Remove the retainers from the wiper blade, and
mount to a new rubber blade.
4. Slide the new wiper blade onto the holder. Make
sure it is engaged correctly, then install the wiper
blade assembly onto the wiper arm.
Blade
Retainer
Rubber
Tire Information
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, trea\
d life, and
comfort. Refer to the driver’s doorjamb label or the specifications (see page
160) 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 lowe\
r than the
others, check the pressure with a tire gauge.
•  Measure the air pressure when tires are cold. This means the vehicle has been
parked for at least 3 hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). If n\
ecessary, add
or release air until the specified pressure is reached. If checked whe\
n hot,
tire pressure can be as much as 4-6 psi (30-40 kPa, 0.3-0.5 kgf/cm
2) higher than
checked when cold.
•  At least once a month or before long trips, use a gauge to measure the p\
ressure
in all tires, including the spare. Even tires in good condition can lose\
1-2 psi
(10-20 kPa, 0.1-0.2 kgf/cm
2) per month.
Inspection Guidelines
Every time you inflate the tires, check for the following:
•  Any damage to tires, including bumps, bulges, cuts, splits, or cracks in\
the side
or tread. Remove any foreign objects and inspect for air leaks. Replace \
tires if
you see fabric or cord.
•  Uneven or excessive tread wear. Have a dealer check the wheel alignment.
•  Cracks or other damage around the valve stems.
Wear Indicators
The groove where the wear indicator is located is
1/16 inch (1.6 mm) shallower than elsewhere on the
tire. If the tread has worn so low that the indicator is
exposed, replace the tire. Worn out tires have poor
traction on wet roads.
Example of a wear
indicator mark

154 || 155
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Tire and Loading Information Label
The label attached to the driver’s doorjamb provides necessary tire and
loading information. Using tires that are excessively worn or improperly inflated can cause\

a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner’s manual regarding tire inflation
and maintenance
.
WARNING
Original
tire sizes
Number of
people your
vehicle can
carry Proper cold
tire pressure
Total weight
your vehicle
can carry
(do not exceed)
Tire and Wheel Replacement
Replace your tires with radials of the same size, load range, speed rati\
ng, and
maximum cold tire pressure rating (as shown on the tire’s sidewall). Using tires
of a different size or construction can cause certain vehicle systems 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.
If you change or replace a wheel, make sure that the wheel’s specifications match
those of the original wheels. Only use TPMS-specified wheels approved \
for your
vehicle.
Installing improper tires on your vehicle can affect handling and stabil\
ity.
This can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Always use the size and type of tires recommended in the Owner’s Manual.
WARNING
Tire Service LifeThe life of your tires is dependent on many factors, including driving h\
abits, road
conditions, vehicle loading, inflation pressure, maintenance history, speed, and
environmental conditions (even when the tires are not in use).
In addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance,\
it is
recommended that you have annual inspections performed once the tires re\
ach
five years old. All tires, including the spare, should be removed from\
service after
10 years from the date of manufacture, regardless of their condition or \
state of
wear.
Winter TiresIf driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season tires marked “M\
+S”, snow
tires, or tire chains; reduce speed; and maintain sufficient distance \
between
vehicles when driving. For winter tires, select the size and load ranges\
that are the
same as the original tires, and mount them to all four wheels.
Tire ChainsInstall tire chains on the front tires only. Because your vehicle has limited tire
clearance, we strongly recommend using the following chains: Cable type: SCC
Cable Chain ZT735. Mount chains as tightly as you can, and make sure that they
do not touch the brake lines or suspension.
Traction devices that are the wrong size or improperly installed can dama\
ge your
vehicle’s brake lines, suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if they are hitting
any part of the vehicle.
NOTICE
Using the wrong chains, or not properly installing chains, can damage th\
e
brake lines and cause a crash in which you can be seriously injured or k\
illed.
Follow all instructions in this guide regarding the selection and use of\
tire
chains.
WARNING

156 || 157
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Tire Labeling
The tires that came on your vehicle have a number of markings. Those you\

should be aware of are described below.
Here is an example of what each marking means:
P235/60R18 102V
•  P: vehicle type (P indicates passenger
vehicle)
•  235: tire width in millimeters
•  60: aspect ratio (tire section height as a
percentage of its width)
•  R: tire construction code (radial)
•  18: rim diameter in inches
•  102: load index (code indicating maximum
load tire can carry)
•  V: speed symbol (code indicating maximum speed rating)
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The tire identification number
(TIN) is a group of numbers
and letters that look like the
example below. TIN is located
on the sidewall of the tire.
Glossary of Tire TerminologyCold 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 – The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a gi\
ven
inflation pressure.
Maximum Inflation Pressure – The maximum tire air pressure that the\
tire
can hold.
Maximum Load Rating – The load rating for a tire at the maximum
permissible inflation pressure for that tire.
Recommended Inflation Pressure – The cold tire inflation pressure\

recommended by the manufacturer.
Treadwear Indicators (TWI) – The projections within the principal gr\
ooves
designed to give a visual indication of the degrees of wear of the tread\
.
Tire size
Tire
identication
number (TIN)
Maximum
tire load
Maximum
tire pressure
Tire size
DOT B97R FW6X 2209\n
DOT: This in\ficat\bs t\nhat th\b tir\b m\b\bts all
r\bquir\bm\bnts of th\b U.S\n. D\bpartm\bnt of
Transportation.
B97R: Manufactur\br’s \ni\f\bntifcation mark
FW6X: Tir\b typ\b co\f\b
22 09: Dat\b of Transp\nortation

Year
Week
DOT Tire Quality Grading
The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety Requirements. All\
tires are
also graded for treadwear, traction, and temperature performance according
to Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. The following explains these
gradings.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall betwee\
n tread
shoulder and maximum section width.
For example:
Treadwear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.
TreadwearThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of th\
e 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) tim\
es as well
on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance \
of
tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, servi\
ce practices,
and differences in road characteristics and climate.
TractionThe 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 concre\
te. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
WARNING: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hy\
droplaning,
or peak traction characteristics.