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. 32
. 32
. 40
. 37
. 46
. 38
. 39


Tethers


Using LATCH


..................................... .............................


. 45
. 41


Radiator Overheating Radio/Disc Sound System Radio/Disc/PC Card Sound


................... ...........


. 279
. 120


System


........................................ ... .................


Recommended Tire Pressures Radio Theft Protection Readiness Codes Rear Lights, Bulb


. 138
. 257
. 179
. 282, 308


...................


Replacement


Rear Seat Access Rear Seat, Folding Rear View Mirror Rear Window Defogger


.............................. ............................ .......................... .......................... .................


. 250
. 93
. 98
. 104
. 74


. 92
. 206
. 187
. 55, 57
. 86


................. .......................


................ ....... ........................................


Reclining the Seat-backs Recommended Shift Speeds Refueling Reminder Indicators Remote Transmitter Replacement Information Dust and Pollen Filter Engine Oil and Filter Fuses Light Bulbs Maintenance Minder Spark Plugs Tires and Wheels Wiper Blades


.............. ................ .......................................... ................................ ................ ................................ ...................... .............................


Replacing Seat Belts After a


Crash


............................................ ..........


Reporting Safety Defects Reserve Tank, Engine



. 253
. 236
. 284
. 246
. 225
. 296
. 262
. 253


. 20
. 314


Coolant


...............................


Restraint, Child Reverse Gear Position Reverse Lockout Rotation, Tire


............................... .................. ........................... ................................


. 191, 238
. 32
. 209
. 207
. 260


Index



Safety Belts Safety Defects, Reporting Safety Features


.................................. .........


................................. ........................................... ....................................... ............. ...............................


Safety Labels, Location of Safety Messages Seat Belts


.....................................


Airbags Seat Belts


. 8, 18
. 314
. 7
. 9
. 8
. 51
. ii . 8, 18
. 18


Additional Information Automatic Seat Belt


...............


Tensioners


............................... .....................................


Cleaning Lap/Shoulder Belt Maintenance Reminder Indicator and


................................


. 19
. 251
. 14, 19
. 20


................


Beeper


................................


System Components Use During Pregnancy Wearing a Lap/Shoulder


................... ...............


. 18, 57
. 18
. 16


Belt


.....................................


Seating Capacities Seats


......................... .................................................


. 14, 19
. 296
. 92


CONTINUED


VII


2008 Civic Coupe Main Menu 07/07/11 15:52:42 31SVA620 0329 


Index



Seats, Folding Rear Security System Selecting a Child Seat Serial Number Service Intervals Service Manual Service Station Procedures Setting the Clock Shift Lever Position Indicators Shift Lock Release Side Airbags


......................... ............................ ..................... ............................... ........................... ........................... ......... .......................... ... ........................ ................................ .......................... ..................


. 98
. 181
. 39
. 294
. 225
. 315
. 187
. 180
. 208
. 211
. 9, 26
. 29, 58
. 9, 28


Side Curtain Airbags Side Marker Lights, Bulb


Off Indicator


.............................. ............................... .................................. ..................................... ........... ................................


Replacement Signaling Turns Snow Chains Snow Tires Sockets, Accessory Power Sound System Spare Tire Inflating Specifications


...................................... ............................ .................................... ................................ ................................


Spark Plugs Specifications Speed Control


. 249
. 72
. 263
. 263
. 108
. 119


. 270
. 298
. 296
. 296
. 182


VIII


........................ Speed Limiter SRS, Additional Information


. 207, 210
.......... . 21
Additional Safety Precautions . 31
... . 30
Airbag Service ............................. Airbag System Components ...... . 21
How the Passenger Airbag


Off Indicator Works


How the Side Airbag Off


...............


. 29


Indicator Works


...................... . 29
How the SRS Indicator Works . 28
.. How Your Front Airbags


Work


. 23
......................................... How Your Side Airbags Work . 26
... How Your Side Curtain Airbags .........................................


............................. SRS Indicator START (Ignition Key Position) Starting the Engine


. 28
. 28, 58
.... . 78
....................... . 204


Work


In Cold Weather at High


Altitude


With a Dead Battery


.................................. ................ ........


. 204
. 277
. 279


Steam Coming from Engine Steering Wheel Adjustments Anti-theft Column Lock


................................ .............


Steering Wheel Buttons


.......


. 75
. 78
. 177, 182


Stereo Sound System Storing Your Vehicle Supplemental Restraint


................... ....................


. 119
. 267


.................................. ......................................


System Servicing SRS Indicator System Components


.........................


...................


.........................................


.9,21
. 30
. 28, 58
. 21
. 124, 148
. 235


..................................


SVC Synthetic Oil


Taillights, Changing Bulbs .......... . 250
Taking Care of the Unexpected . 269
Technical Descriptions


DOT Tire Quality Grading Emissions Control Systems Oxygenated Fuels Three Way Catalytic


.... ..... .....................



Converter


.......................


. 299
. 305
. 187


Temperature Gauge Tether Anchor Points Theft Protection, Radio Three Way Catalytic


....................... ..................... ................


. 306, 307
. 68
. 45
. 179


Converter


...........................


Tilt the Steering Wheel


. 306, 307
. 75


..................


2008 Civic Coupe Main Menu 07/07/11 15:52:48 31SVA620 0330 


Index


Time, Setting the Tire Chains Tire, How to Change a Flat Tire Pressure Monitoring


.......................... .................................... .........


. 180
. 263
. 271


Tools, Tire Changing Towing


...................


. 271


A Trailer Emergency Wrecker


..................................... ................


. 221
. 290


Tires


System (TPMS)


........................ ...............................................


......................


Air Pressure Chains Checking Wear Compact Spare DOT Tire Quality Grading Inflation Inspection Labeling Low Tire Pressure


........................................ ......................... .......................... ...... ...................................... .................................. .....................................


. 218
. 255
. 255, 257
. 263
. 258
. 270
. 299
. 255
. 258
. 301


Indicator


...........................


.............................. ................................... ...................................... ................................ ........................................... ............................ ...................


Maintenance Replacing Rotating Service Life Snow Specifications Summer Tires TPMS Wear Wheels


......................................... ........................................... .......................................


. 61, 218
. 259
. 261
. 260
. 258
. 263
. 298
. 257, 262
. 218
. 260
. 264


Transmission


Checking Fluid Level,


Automatic


..............................


. 242


Checking Fluid Level,



Manual


..................


...................................


Fluid Selection Identification Number Shifting the Automatic Shifting the Manual


.............. ............. .................. ................................... ................... ....................................... ................................................ .................... ........................................ ............................ ....................................


. 243
. 242, 243
. 295
. 208
. 205
. 299
. 258
. 66
. 90
. 91
. 90
. 63
. 72


Emergency Opener Opening Open Indicator


Treadwear Treadwear Indicators Trip Meter Trunk


Turn Signals


Unexpected, Taking Care


of the


..........................................


. 269


Uniform Tire Quality Grading Unleaded Gasoline Used Oil, How to Dispose of Using a Booster Seat


.. . 299
. 186
........................ . 238
....... ...................... . 47



Vanity Mirror Vehicle Capacity Load Vehicle Dimensions Vehicle Identification Number Vehicle Storage Ventilation VIN Viscosity, Oil


................................ ................. ...................... .... ............................. ..................................... ................................................. ..................................


. 109
. 198
. 296
. 294
. 267
. 116
. 294
. 235


WARNING, Explanation of Warning Button, Hazard Warning Labels, Location of Warranty Coverages


............. ................ ......... ....................


. ii . 74
. 51
. 313


CONTINUED


IX


2008 Civic Coupe Main Menu 07/07/11 15:52:51 31SVA620 0331 


Index


Washer, Windshield


Checking the Fluid Level Indicator Operation


........ ....................................... .....................................


. 241
. 63
. 71


Wheels


Adjusting the Steering Alignment and Balance Compact Spare Replacing Wrench, Nut


............... ............ .......................... ................................... ..............................


. 75
. 259
. 270
. 261
. 272


Windows


Operating the Power Rear, Defogger


................ ...........................


. 100
. 74


Windshield Cleaning Defroster Washers


....................................... ................................... .......................................


. 71
. 118
. 71


Wipers, Windshield Changing Blades Operation


....................... .....................................


..............................


WMA Worn Tires Wrecker, Emergency Towing


.................................... .....


. 253
. 71
. 131, 151, 161
. 258
. 290



: U.S. only


2008 Civic Coupe Main Menu 07/07/11 15:52:53 31SVA620 0332 


2008 Civic Coupe Main Menu 07/10/30 14:11:34 31SVA620 0333 


Service Information Summary


Gasoline: DX, Canadian DX-G, LX, EX, EX-L: Unleaded gasoline, pump octane number of 87 or higher. Si: Premium unleaded gasoline, pump octane number of 91 or higher.


Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 US gal (50 )


Recommended Engine Oil: DX, Canadian DX-G, LX, EX, EX-L: API Premium grade 5W-20
detergent oil (see page 235


).


Oil change capacity (including filter):


3.9 US qt (3.7 )


Si: API Premium grade 5W-30
235
detergent oil (see page Oil change capacity (including filter):


).


4.6 US qt (4.4 )


Automatic Transmission Fluid: Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) (see page 242


).


Manual Transmission Fluid: Honda Manual Transmission Fluid preferred, or an SAE 10W-30
or 10W-40 motor oil as a temporary replacement (see page 243


).


Capacity (including differential): DX, Canadian DX-G, LX, EX, EX-L: 1.5 US qt (1.4 ) Si: 1.6 US qt (1.5 )


Power Steering Fluid: All models except Si and Canadian DX-G (M/T): Honda Power Steering Fluid preferred, or another brand of power steering fluid as a temporary replacement. Do not use ATF (see page


245


).


Brake Fluid: Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 preferred, or a DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid as a temporary replacement (see page


244


).


Tire Pressure (measured cold): DX, Canadian DX-G Front/Rear:


32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm )


LX, EX, EX-L Front/Rear:


Si Front/Rear:


32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm )


32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm )


Spare Tire:


60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm )


2008 Civic Coupe Main Menu 07/10/30 14:05:06 31SVA620 0001 


Owner’s Identification


OWNER


ADDRESS


STREET


CITY


STATE/PROVINCE


ZIP CODE/


POSTAL CODE


V. I. N.


DELIVERY DATE


DEALER NAME


ADDRESS


(Date sold to original retail purchaser)


DEALER NO.


STREET


CITY


STATE/PROVINCE


OWNER’S SIGNATURE


DEALER’S SIGNATURE


ZIP CODE/


POSTAL CODE


This owner’s manual should be considered a permanent part of the vehicle and should remain with the vehicle when it is sold.


This owner’s manual covers all models of the Civic 2-door. You may find descriptions of equipment and features that are not on your particular model.


The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation whatsoever.


POUR CLIENTS CANADIEN AVIS IMPORTANT: Si vous avez besoin d’un Manuel du Conducteur en français, veuillez demander à votre concessionnaire de commander le numéro de pièce 33SVAC21


2008 Civic Coupe Main Menu 07/07/11 15:06:47 31SVA620 0002 


Congratulations! Your selection of a 2008 Honda Civic was a wise investment. It will give you years of driving pleasure.


One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new vehicle is to read this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and convenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner’s manual in your vehicle so you can refer to it at any time.


Several warranties protect your new vehicle. Read the warranty booklet thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights and responsibilities.


Maintaining your vehicle according to the maintenance minder shown in the instrument panel helps to keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves your investment. When your vehicle needs maintenance, keep in mind that your dealer’s staff is specially trained in servicing the many systems unique to your vehicle. Your dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer any questions and concerns.


Introduction


As you read this manual, you will find information that is preceded by information is intended to help you avoid damage to your vehicle, other property, or the environment.


symbol. This


2008 Civic Coupe Main Menu 07/07/11 15:06:51 31SVA620 0003 


Introduction


California Proposition 65 Warning


WARNING: defects or other reproductive harm.


This product contains or emits chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth


Event Data Recorders This vehicle is equipped with one or more devices commonly referred to as event data recorders. These devices record front seat belt use, front passenger seat occupancy, airbag deployment data, and the failure of any airbag system component. This data belongs to the vehicle owner and may not be accessed by anyone else except as legally required or with the permission of the vehicle owner.


Service Diagnostic Recorders This vehicle is equipped with service-related devices that record information about powertrain performance. The data can be used to verify emissions law requirements and/or help technicians diagnose and solve service problems. It may also be combined with data from other sources for research purposes, but it remains confidential.


ii


2008 Civic Coupe Main Menu 07/07/11 15:07:02 31SVA620 0004 


Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And operating this vehicle safely is an important responsibility.


To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others.


Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining your vehicle. You must use your own good judgement.


A Few Words About Safety


You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms, including:


Safety Labels − Safety Messages


on the vehicle. − three signal words: These signal words mean:


preceded by a safety alert symbol DANGER WARNING


, or


CAUTION


and one of


You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.


You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.


You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions.


Safety Headings


− Safety Precautions.


such as Important Safety Reminders or Important


Safety Section Instructions −


such as Driver and Passenger Safety.


− how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.


This entire book is filled with important safety information carefully.



please read it


iii


2008 Civic Coupe Main Menu


Contents


2008 Civic Coupe Online Reference Owner's Manual


Owner's Identification Form


Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... i A Few Words About Safety .............................................................................................................................. iii Your Vehicle at a Glance (main controls) .................................................................................................... 3
Driver and Passenger Safety (seat belts, SRS, and child protection) .................................................... 5 Instruments and Controls (indicators, gauges, dashboard, and steering column) ................................ 53 Features (heating and cooling, audio, steering wheel, security, and cruise control) ............................ 113 Before Driving (fuel, vehicle break-in, and cargo loading) ...................................................................... 185 Driving (engine and transmission operation) ................................................................................................ 201 Maintenance (minder, fluid checking, minor services, and vehicle storage)........................................... 223 Taking Care of the Unexpected (flat tire, dead battery, overheating, and fuses) ............................. 269 Technical Information (vehicle specifications, tires, and emissions controls) ....................................... 293 Warranty and Customer Relations (U. S. and Canada only) (warranty and contact information) ... 311 Authorized Manuals (U. S. only) (how to order) ......................................................................................... 315 Index ............................................................................................................................... ........................................ I


Service Information Summary ( fluid capacities and tire pressures)


00X31-SVA-6210


07/07/11 15:07:31 31SVA620 0007 


Overview of Contents


Contents A convenient reference to the sections in this manual.


Your Vehicle at a Glance A quick reference to the main controls in your vehicle.


Driver and Passenger Safety Important information about the proper use and care of your vehicle’s seat belts, an overview of the supplemental restraint system, and valuable information on how to protect children with child restraints.


Instruments and Controls Explains the purpose of each instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use the controls on the dashboard and steering column.


Features How to operate the heating and air conditioning system, the audio system, and other convenience features.


Before Driving What gasoline to use, how to break- in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo.


Driving The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park.


Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada only) A summary of the warranties covering your new vehicle, and how to contact us for any reason. Refer to your warranty manual for detailed information.


Maintenance The maintenance minder shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer for maintenance service. There is also a list of things to check and instructions on how to check them.


Taking Care of the Unexpected This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and details how to handle them.


Technical Information ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.


Authorized Manuals (U.S. only) How to order manuals and other technical literature.


Index


Service Information Summary A summary of the information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.


2008 Civic Coupe Main Menu 07/07/11 15:07:39 31SVA620 0008 


INSTRUMENT PANEL (P.55, 56) INDICATORS GAUGES


(P.65)


DRIVER’S FRONT AIRBAG (P.9, 23)


MIRROR CONTROLS (P.104)



POWER DOOR LOCK MASTER SWITCH * (P.80)


POWER WINDOW SWITCHES (P.100)



HOOD RELEASE HANDLE (P.188)


A/T model is shown.



If equipped


Your Vehicle at a Glance


HAZARD WARNING BUTTON


(P.74)


MOONROOF SWITCH (P.102)



CLOCK



(P.180)


PASSENGER’S FRONT AIRBAG


(P.9, 23)


AUDIO SYSTEM * (P.119)


HEATING/COOLING CONTROLS (P.114)



FUEL FILL DOOR/ TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE (P.187, 90)


ACCESSORY POWER SOCKETS (P.108)


AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (P.208) MANUAL TRANSMISSION (P.205)


2008 Civic Coupe Main Menu 07/07/11 15:07:47 31SVA620 0009 


Your Vehicle at a Glance


HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS (P.72)


WINDSHIELD WIPERS/WASHERS (P.71)


INSTRUMENT PANEL BRIGHTNESS (P.73) DISPLAY CHANGE BUTTON (P.66)


SEL/RESET BUTTON (P.65)


MIRROR CONTROLS * (P.104)


VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA) SYSTEM OFF SWITCH * (P.217)


HORN *


STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENTS


(P.75)


REMOTE AUDIO CONTROLS *


(P.177)


NAVIGATION SYSTEM VOICE CONTROL BUTTONS



PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR (P.29)


REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER (P.74) HEATED MIRRORS (P.105)



HAZARD WARNING BUTTON (P.74)


CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS (P.182)



ACCESSORY POWER SOCKET (P.108)


AUXILIARY INPUT JACK * (P.178)


Only on vehicles equipped with navigation system. Refer to the navigation system manual. To use the horn, press the center pad of the steering wheel. If equipped.


1 : 2 : 3 :


* * *


2008 Civic Coupe Main Menu 07/07/11 15:07:51 31SVA620 0010 


Driver and Passenger Safety


This section gives you important information about how to protect yourself and your passengers. It shows you how to use seat belts. It explains how your airbags work. And it tells you how to properly restrain infants and children in your vehicle.


Important Safety Precautions Your Vehicle’s Safety Features Protecting Adults and Teens


......... ....... ......... 1. Close and Lock the Doors ..... 2. Adjust the Front Seats ........... 3. Adjust the Seat-Backs ............ 4. Adjust the Head Restraints ... 5. Fasten and Position the Seat .....................................


Belts


. 6
. 7
. 11
. 11
. 11
. 12
. 13


. 14


6. Maintain a Proper Sitting


Position


. 15
. 16
Advice for Pregnant Women Additional Safety Precautions . 16


................................ ..... ...


Additional Information About


Your Seat Belts


....................... . 18
.. Seat Belt System Components . 18
Lap/Shoulder Belt ...................... . 19
Automatic Seat Belt


Tensioners


Seat Belt Maintenance


Additional Information About


............................... ...............


. 19
. 20


Your Airbags


........................... ......


. 21
. 21


Airbag System Components How Your Front Airbags


Work


Work


. 23
How Your Side Airbags Work . 26
How the Side Curtain Airbags


......................................... ...


......................................... . 28
How the SRS Indicator Works . 28
.. How the Side Airbag Off


Indicator Works


...................... How the Passenger Airbag Off ...................... ............................. ...


. 29
Airbag Service . 30
Additional Safety Precautions . 31


Indicator Works


. 29


Protecting Children



General


Guidelines


................................


. 32


All Children Must Be


Restrained


...............................


. 32


All Children Should Sit in a


Back Seat


................................. The Passenger’s Front Airbag ......... If You Must Drive with Several ...................................


Can Pose Serious Risks


Children


If a Child Requires Close


. 33


. 33


. 35


Attention


. 35
Additional Safety Precautions . 35


.................................. ...


Protecting Infants and Small


Children


Selecting a Child Seat Installing a Child Seat


. 37
. 37
. 38
. 39
. 40
. 41
. 43
. 45
. 46
. 46
. 47


Protecting Infants Protecting Small Children


With LATCH With a Lap/Shoulder Belt With a Tether


................................... ....................... ......... ..................... .................... ............................... ......... .............................. ........... Checking Seat Belt Fit ............... Using a Booster Seat .................. When Can a Larger Child Sit in ......................................... ... ............. ...................................


. 48
Additional Safety Precautions . 49
. 50
. 51


Carbon Monoxide Hazard Safety Labels


Protecting Larger Children


Front


2008 Civic Coupe Main Menu 07/07/11 15:08:01 31SVA620 0011 


Important Safety Precautions


You’ll find many safety recommendations throughout this section, and throughout this manual. The recommendations on this page are the ones we consider to be the most important.


Always Wear Your Seat Belt A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags are designed to supplement seat belts, not replace them. So even though your vehicle is equipped with airbags, make sure you and your passengers always wear your seat belts, and 14
wear them properly (see page


).


Restrain All Children Children age 12 and under should ride properly restrained in a back seat, not the front seat. Infants and small children should be restrained in a child seat. Larger children should use a booster seat and a lap/ shoulder belt until they can use the belt properly without a booster seat (see pages


32


49


).



Be Aware of Airbag Hazards While airbags can save lives, they can cause serious or fatal injuries to occupants who sit too close to them, or are not properly restrained. Infants, young children, and short adults are at the greatest risk. Be sure to follow all instructions and warnings in this manual.


Don’t Drink and Drive Alcohol and driving don’t mix. Even one drink can reduce your ability to respond to changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse with


every additional drink. So don’t drink and drive, and don’t let your friends drink and drive, either.


Control Your Speed Excessive speed is a major factor in crash injuries and deaths. Generally, the higher the speed, the greater the risk, but serious injuries can also occur at lower speeds. Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the maximum speed posted.


Keep Your Vehicle in Safe Condition Having a tire blowout or a mechanical failure can be extremely hazardous. To reduce the possibility of such problems, check your tire pressures and condition frequently, and perform all regularly scheduled maintenance (see page


225


).


2008 Civic Coupe Table Of ContentsMain Menu 07/07/11 15:08:09 31SVA620 0012 


(1)


(3)


(4)


(6)


(9)


(8)


(11)


(7)


(5)


(2)


(12)


(8)


(10)


(7)


(2)


(1) Safety Cage (2) Crush Zone (3) Seats and Seat-Backs (4) Head Restraints (5) Collapsible Steering Column (6) Seat Belts (7) Front Airbags (8) Side Airbags (9) Side Curtain Airbags (10) Front Seat Belt Tensioners (11) Door Locks (12) Front Seat Belt Buckle


Tensioners


Your Vehicle’s Safety Features


Your vehicle is equipped with many features that work together to protect you and your passengers during a crash.


Some features do not require any action on your part. These include a strong steel framework that forms a safety cage around the passenger compartment, front and rear crush zones, a collapsible steering column, and tensioners that tighten the front seat belts in a crash.


However, you and your passengers can’t take full advantage of these features unless you remain sitting in a proper position and alwayswear . In fact, some safety yourseatbelts features can contribute to injuries if they are not used properly.


The following pages explain how you can take an active role in protecting yourself and your passengers.


2008 Civic Coupe Table Of ContentsMain Menu 07/07/11 15:08:20 31SVA620 0013 


Your Vehicle’s Safety Features


Seat Belts Your vehicle is equipped with seat belts in all seating positions.


Your seat belt system also includes an indicator on the instrument panel and a beeper to remind you and your passengers to fasten your seat belts.


WhyWearSeatBelts Seat belts are the single most effective safety device for adults and larger children. (Infants and smaller children must be properly restrained in child seats.)


Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even though your vehicle has airbags.


In addition, most states and all Canadian provinces require you to wear seat belts.


Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even though your vehicle has airbags.


Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts and wear them properly.


When properly worn, seat belts:


Keep you connected to the vehicle so you can take advantage of the vehicle’s built-in safety features.


Help protect you in almost every type of crash, including frontal, side, and rear impacts and rollovers.


Help keep you from being thrown against the inside of the vehicle and against other occupants.


Keep you from being thrown out of the vehicle.


Help keep you in a good position should the airbags ever deploy. A good position reduces the risk of injury from an inflating airbag and allows you to get the best advantage from the airbag.


Of course, seat belts cannot completely protect you in every crash. But in most cases, seat belts can reduce your risk of serious injury.


WhatYouShouldDo: Always wear your seat belt, and make sure you wear it properly.


2008 Civic Coupe Table Of ContentsMain Menu 07/07/24 19:15:10 31SVA620 0014 


Airbags


Your Vehicle’s Safety Features


Your vehicle has a supplemental restraint system (SRS) with front airbags to help protect the heads and chests of the driver and a front seat passenger during a moderate to severe frontal collision (see page 23
for more information on how your front airbags work).


Your vehicle also has side airbags to help protect the upper torso of the driver or a front seat passenger during a moderate to severe side impact (see page information on how your side airbags work).


for more


26


In addition, your vehicle has side curtain airbags to help protect the heads of the driver, front passenger, and passengers in the outer rear seating positions during a moderate to severe side impact (see page for more information on how 28
your side curtain airbags work).


CONTINUED


2008 Civic Coupe Table Of ContentsMain Menu 07/07/11 15:08:32 31SVA620 0015 


Your Vehicle’s Safety Features


Always wear


Whatyoushoulddo: your seat belt properly, and sit upright and as far back from the steering wheel as possible while allowing full control of the vehicle. A front passenger should move their seat as far back from the dashboard as possible.


The rest of this section gives more detailed information about how you can maximize your safety.


Remember, however, that no safety system can prevent all injuries or deaths that can occur in a severe crash, even when seat belts are properly worn and the airbags deploy.


The most important things you need to know about your airbags are:


Airbagsdonotreplaceseatbelts. They are designed to supplement the seat belts.


Airbagsoffernoprotectioninrear impacts,orminorfrontalorside collisions.


To do


Airbagscanposehazards. their job, airbags must inflate with tremendous force. So while airbags help save lives, they can cause minor injuries or more serious or even fatal injuries if occupants are not properly restrained or sitting properly.


10


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Introduction The following pages provide instructions on how to properly protect the driver, adult passengers, and teenage children who are large enough and mature enough to drive or ride in the front.


36


32



for important


See pages guidelines on how to properly protect infants, small children, and larger children who ride in your vehicle.


Close and Lock the Doors 1. After everyone has entered the vehicle, be sure the doors are closed and locked.


Your vehicle has a door- open indicator on the


instrument panel to indicate when either door is not tightly closed.


Locking the doors reduces the chance of someone being thrown out of the vehicle during a crash, and it helps prevent passengers from accidentally opening a door and falling out.


Locking the doors also helps prevent an outsider from unexpectedly opening a door when you come to a stop.


for how to lock the


79


See page doors, and page open indicator works.


63


for how the door-


Some models have the auto door locking/unlocking feature. For more information, see page


81


Protecting Adults and Teens


2.


Adjust the Front Seats


Adjust the driver’s seat as far to the rear as possible while allowing you to maintain full control of the vehicle. Have a front passenger adjust their seat as far to the rear as possible.


CONTINUED


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Protecting Adults and Teens


If you sit too close to the steering wheel or dashboard, you can be seriously injured by an inflating front airbag, or by striking the steering wheel or dashboard.


The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend that drivers allow at least 10 inches (25 cm) between the center of the steering wheel and the chest. In addition to adjusting the seat, you can adjust the steering wheel up and down, and in and out (see page


75


).


If you cannot get far enough away from the steering wheel and still reach the controls, we recommend that you investigate whether some type of adaptive equipment may help.


12


Sitting too close to a front airbag can result in serious injury or death if the front airbags inflate.


Always sit as far back from the front airbags as possible.


Once your seat is adjusted correctly, rock it back and forth to make sure the seat is locked in position.


See page 92
front seats.


for how to adjust the


3.


Adjust the Seat-Backs


Adjust the driver’s seat-back to a comfortable, upright position, leaving ample space between your chest and the airbag cover in the center of the steering wheel.


Passengers with adjustable seat- backs should also adjust their seat- back to a comfortable, upright position.


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Reclining the seat-back too far can result in serious injury or death in a crash.


Adjust the seat-back to an upright position, and sit well back in the seat.


Reclining a seat-back so that the shoulder part of the belt no longer rests against the occupant’s chest reduces the protective capability of the belt. It also increases the chance of sliding under the belt in a crash and being seriously injured. The farther a seat-back is reclined, the greater the risk of injury.


92
See page seat-backs.


for how to adjust the


4.


Adjust the Head Restraints


Adjust the driver’s head restraint so the center of the back of your head rests against the center of the restraint.


Have passengers adjust their head restraints properly as well. Taller persons should adjust their restraint as high as possible.


Protecting Adults and Teens


Improperly positioning head restraints reduces their effectiveness and you can be seriously injured in a crash.


Make sure head restraints are in place and positioned properly before driving.


Properly adjusted head restraints will help protect occupants from whiplash and other crash injuries.


95


for how to adjust the


See page head restraints and how the driver’s and front passenger’s active head restraints work.


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Protecting Adults and Teens


5.


Fasten and Position the Seat Belts


Insert the latch plate into the buckle, then tug on the belt to make sure the belt is securely latched. Check that the belt is not twisted, because a twisted belt can cause serious injuries in a crash.


Position the lap part of the belt as low as possible across your hips, then pull up on the shoulder part of the belt so the lap part fits snugly. This lets your strong pelvic bones take the force of a crash and reduces the chance of internal injuries.


If necessary, pull up on the belt again to remove any slack, then check that the belt rests across the center of your chest and over your shoulder.


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This spreads the forces of a crash over the strongest bones in your upper body.


Improperly positioning the seat belts can cause serious injury or death in a crash.


Make sure all seat belts are properly positioned before driving.


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Neverplacetheshoulderportionofa lap/shoulderbeltunderyourarmor behindyourback. very serious injuries in a crash.


This could cause


If a seat belt does not seem to work properly, it may not protect the occupant in a crash.


Nooneshouldsitinaseatwithan Using a seat inoperativeseatbelt. belt that is not working properly can result in serious injury or death. Have your dealer check the belt as soon as possible.


18


for additional


See page information about your seat belts and how to take care of them.


6.


Maintain a Proper Sitting Position


After all occupants have adjusted their seats and head restraints, and put on their seat belts, it is very important that they continue to sit upright, well back in their seats, with their feet on the floor, until the vehicle is parked and the engine is off.


Sitting improperly can increase the chance of injury during a crash. For example, if an occupant slouches,

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