
Continued547
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
Driving
■Tongue load
The 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.
Towing equipment varies by th e size of your trailer, how much load you are towing, 
and where you are towing.
■Hitches
The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.
■Weight distribution hitches
Your vehicle is designed to tow without the need for a load distributing hitch. If you 
wish to use one, please consult your trailer maker for  proper installation and set-up.
Improper set-up could degrade the handling,  stability, and braking performance of 
your vehicle.
To n gue LoadTongue Load
■Towing Equipment and Accessories1Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipmen t is properly installed and 
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and lo cal regulations.
Consult your trai ler maker for prope r installation and 
setup of the equipment.
Improper installation and setup can affect the 
handling, stability, and br aking performance of your 
vehicle.
Consult your traile r sales or rental agency if any other 
items are recommended or required for your towing 
situation.
The lighting and wiring of tra ilers can vary by type 
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only 
be installed by a qua lified technician.
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576
uuWhen Driving uVehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
Driving
Vehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA ®), aka Electronic 
Stability Control (ESC), 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 brake system. You will also see the 
indicator blink.
■VSA ® Operation
1 Vehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control 
(ESC), 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 ® system indicator comes on and stays 
on while driving, there ma y 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
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646
uu Braking uAnti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Driving
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, a nd 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. Depress the brake 
pedal and keep holding the pedal firmly dow n. On dry pavement, you will need to 
press on the brake pedal very hard before  the ABS activates. However, you may feel 
the ABS activate immediately if yo u are trying to stop on snow or ice.
ABS may activate when you depress  the brake pedal when driving on:
• Wet or snow covered roads.
• Roads paved with stone.
• Roads with uneven surfaces, such as potholes, cracks, manholes, etc.
When the vehicle speed goes unde r 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.
■ABS1Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
NOTICE
The ABS may not function correctly if you use a tire of 
the wrong size or type.
If the ABS  indicator comes on while driving, there 
may be a problem with  the system. While normal 
braking will not be affected, there is a possibility that 
the ABS will not operati ng. Have your vehicle 
checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS is not designed  for the purpose of reducing 
the time or distance it takes for a vehicle to stop: It is 
designed to limit brake lo ckup which can lead to 
skidding and loss of steering control.
In the following cases, yo ur vehicle may need more 
distance to stop than a vehicle without the ABS:
•You are driving on rough or uneven road surfaces, 
such as gravel or snow.
•The tires are equipped  with snow chains.
The following may be observed with the ABS system:
•Motor sounds coming from the engine 
compartment when the brakes are applied, or 
when system checks are being performed after the 
engine has been  started and while the vehicle 
accelerates.
•Brake pedal and/or the vehicle body vibration when 
ABS activates.
These vibrations and sounds are normal to ABS 
systems and are no cause for concern.
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666
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 an y 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.)
■Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance tri ps, when washing the vehicle, or when 
refueling.
■Periodic inspections
• Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2 Brake Fluid  P. 686
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examin e the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires  P. 699
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2 Replacing Light Bulbs  P. 688
•Check the condition of the wiper bl ades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 695
■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 driver  information interface.
2 Maintenance Service Items  P. 672
If you want to perform  complex maintenance tasks 
that require more skills a nd tools, you can purchase a 
subscription to the Service Express website at 
www.techinfo.honda.com .
2 Authorized Manuals  P. 772
If you want to perform ma intenance yourself, make 
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenanc e, update the records in 
the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models
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699
Maintenance
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires
To safely operate your vehicle, your tire s 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 labe l or specifications page for the specified 
pressure.
Underinflated tires wear unev enly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and 
are more likely to fail from overheating.
Overinflated tires make your vehicle ride ha rshly, 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 1-2 psi (10-20 kPa, 
0.1-0.2 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 side 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. 704
•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.
Check the spare tire pressu re once a month or before 
long trips.
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.
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700
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uTire and Loading Information Label
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 as shown.
Whenever tires are replaced, they should be replaced with tires of the same size.
1 Tire 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
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).
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701
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uTire Labeling
Maintenance
The tire identification number (TIN) is a group of numbers and letters that look like 
the example in the side column. 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 pressure 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
1Tire 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
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705
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uTire and Wheel Replacement
Maintenance
Tire and Wheel Replacement
Replace your tires with radials of the same size, load range, speed rating, and 
maximum cold tire pressure rating (as shown  on the tire’s sidewall). Using tires of a 
different size or construction can cause ce rtain vehicle systems such as the ABS and 
Vehicle Stability Assist
TM (VSA ®) 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.
If you replace a wheel, only use TPMS spec ified wheels approved for your vehicle.
Make sure that the wheel’s specifications match those of the original wheels.
1 Tire 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.
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