2011 Honda Civic Coupe Owners Manual

Do you have fuel? Check the fuel gauge; the low fuel indicator may not be working.

There may be an electrical problem, such as no power to the fuel pump. Check all the fuses (see page

352

).

If you find nothing wrong, you will need a qualified technician to find the problem. See Towing on page

Emergency 358

10/06/24 17:07:09 31SVA650_350

Although this seems like a simple procedure, you should take several precautions.

A battery can explode if you do not follow the correct procedure, seriously injuring anyone nearby.

Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking materials away from the battery.

You cannot start a vehicle with an automatic transmission by pushing or pulling it.

To jump start your vehicle: 1.

Open the hood, and check the physical condition of the battery. In very cold weather, check the condition of the electrolyte. If it seems slushy or frozen, do not try jump starting until it thaws.

If a battery sits in extreme cold, the electrolyte inside can f reeze. Attempting to jump start with a f rozen battery can cause it to rupture.

2.

Turn off all the electrical accessories: heater, A/C, audio system, lights, etc. Put the transmission in neutral (manual) or Park (automatic), and set the parking brake.

Jump Starting

DX, DX-G, LX, SE, EX, EX-L

BOOSTER BATTERY

The numbers in the illustrations show you the order to connect the jumper cables.

CONTINUED

345

10/06/24 17:07:18 31SVA650_351

Jump Starting

Si

DX, DX-G, LX, SE, EX, EX-L

Si

BOOSTER BATTERY

3.

＋

) terminal on your

Connect one jumper cable to the positive ( battery. Connect the other end to the positive ( ) terminal on the ＋ booster battery.

6.

Start the vehicle. If the starter motor still operates slowly, check that the jumper cables have good metal-to-metal contact.

4.

−

Connect the second jumper cable to the negative ( ) terminal on the booster battery. Connect the other end to the grounding strap as shown. Do not connect this jumper cable to any other part of the engine.

5.

If the booster battery is in another vehicle, have an assistant start that vehicle and run it at a fast idle.

346

10/06/24 17:07:26 31SVA650_352

7.

Once your vehicle is running, disconnect the negative cable from your vehicle, then from the booster battery. Disconnect the positive cable from your vehicle, then from the booster battery.

Keep the ends of the jumper cables away from each other and any metal on the vehicle until everything is disconnected. Otherwise, you may cause an electrical short.

Jump Starting, If the Engine Overheats

If the Engine Overheats The reading of the vehicle’s temperature gauge should stay in the midrange. If it climbs to the red mark, you should determine the reason (hot day, driving up a steep hill, etc.).

If the vehicle overheats, you should take immediate action. The only indication may be the temperature gauge climbing to or above the red mark. Or you may see steam or spray coming from under the hood.

Driving with the temperature gauge reading at the red mark can cause serious damage to the engine.

Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.

Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.

1.

Safely pull to the side of the road. Put the transmission in neutral (manual) or Park (automatic), and set the parking brake. Turn off all accessories, and turn on the hazard warning lights.

2.

If you see steam and/or spray coming from under the hood, turn off the engine. Wait until you see no more signs of steam or spray, then open the hood.

CONTINUED

347

10/06/24 17:07:34 31SVA650_353

If the Engine Overheats

3.

If you do not see steam or spray, leave the engine running and watch the temperature gauge. If the high heat is due to overloading, the engine should start to cool down almost immediately. If it does, wait until the temperature gauge comes down to the midpoint, then continue driving.

4.

If the temperature gauge stays at the red mark, turn off the engine.

5.

Look for any obvious coolant leaks, such as a split radiator hose. Everything is still extremely hot, so use caution. If you find a leak, it must be repaired before you Emergency continue driving (see Towing ). 358

on page

6.

If you don’t find an obvious leak, check the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank (see page ). Add coolant if the level is 257
below the MIN mark.

348

7.

If there was no coolant in the reserve tank, you may need to add coolant to the radiator. Let the engine cool down until the reading reaches the middle of the temperature gauge, or lower, before checking the radiator.

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 radiator cap.

8.

Using gloves or a large heavy cloth, turn the radiator cap counterclockwise, without pushing down, to the first stop. After the pressure releases, push down on the cap, and turn it until it comes off.

9.

Start the engine, and set the temperature control dial to maximum heat. Add coolant to the radiator up to the base of the filler neck. If you do not have the proper coolant mixture available, you can add plain water. Remember to have the cooling system drained and refilled with the proper mixture as soon as you can.

10.

11.

Put the radiator cap back on tightly. Run the engine, and check the temperature gauge. If it goes back to the red mark, the engine needs repair (see on page Towing

Emergency 358

).

If the temperature stays normal, check the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank. If it has gone down, add coolant to the MAX mark. Put the cap back on tightly.

10/06/24 17:07:43 31SVA650_354

Low Oil Pressure Indicator

This indicator should never come on when the engine is running. If it starts flashing or stays on, the oil pressure has dropped very low or lost pressure. Serious engine damage is possible, and you should take immediate action.

Running the engine with low oil pressure can cause serious mechanical damage almost immediately. Turn of f the engine as soon as you can saf ely get the vehicle stopped.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Low Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator

Safely pull off the road, and shut off the engine. Turn on the hazard warning indicators.

Let the vehicle sit for a minute. Open the hood, and check the oil level (see page ). An engine very low on oil can lose pressure during cornering and other driving maneuvers.

255

If necessary, add oil to bring the level back to the full mark on the dipstick (see page

300

).

Start the engine, and watch the oil pressure indicator. If it does not go out within 10 seconds, turn off the engine. There is a mechanical problem that needs to be repaired before you can continue driving (see 358

Emergency Towing ).

on page

Charging System Indicator

If the charging system indicator comes on brightly when the engine is running, the battery is not being charged.

Immediately turn off all electrical accessories. Try not to use other electrically operated controls such as the power windows. Keep the engine running; starting the engine will discharge the battery rapidly.

Go to a service station or garage where you can get technical assistance.

349

10/06/24 17:07:51 31SVA650_355

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

If the indicator comes on while driving, it means one

of the engine’s emissions control systems may have a problem. Even though you may feel no difference in your vehicle’s performance, it can reduce your fuel economy and cause increased emissions. Continued operation may cause serious damage.

If you have recently refueled your vehicle, the indicator coming on could be due to a loose or missing fuel fill cap. You will also see a ‘‘CHECK FUEL CAP’’ message on the information display. Tighten the cap until it clicks at least once. Tightening the cap will not turn the indicator off immediately; it can take several days of normal driving.

350

If the indicator comes on repeatedly, even though it may turn off as you continue driving, have your vehicle checked by the dealer as soon as possible.

If you keep driving with the malf unction indicator lamp on, you can damage your vehicle’s emissions controls and engine. Those repairs may not be covered by your vehicle’s warranties.

If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, the malfunction indicator lamp may also come on with the ‘‘D’’ indicator.

Readiness Codes Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness codes’’ that are part of the on-board diagnostics for the emissions systems. In some states, part of the emissions testing is to make sure

these codes are set. If they are not set, the test cannot be completed.

If the battery in your vehicle has been disconnected or gone dead, these codes may be erased. It can take several days of driving under various conditions to set the codes again.

To check if they are set, turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, without starting the engine. The malfunction indicator lamp will come on for 20 seconds. If it then goes off, the readiness codes are set. If it blinks five times, the readiness codes are not set. If possible, do not take your vehicle for an emissions test until the readiness codes are set. Emissions Testing Refer to more information (see page

for 376

).

10/06/24 17:07:57 31SVA650_356

U.S.

Canada

The brake system indicator normally comes on when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position and as a reminder to check the parking brake. It will stay on if you do not fully release the parking brake.

If the brake system indicator comes on while driving, the brake fluid level is probably low. Press lightly on the brake pedal to see if it feels normal. If it does, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop at a service station (see page

310

).

If the fluid level is low, take your vehicle to a dealer, and have the brake system inspected for leaks or worn brake pads.

Brake System Indicator

If the ABS indicator and the VSA system indicator (if equipped) come on with the brake system indicator, have your vehicle inspected by your dealer immediately.

However, if the brake pedal does not feel normal, you should take immediate action. A problem in one part of the system’s dual circuit design will still give you braking at two wheels. You will feel the brake pedal go down much farther before the vehicle begins to slow down, and you will have to press harder on the pedal.

Slow down by shifting to a lower gear, and pull to the side of the road when it is safe. Because of the long distance needed to stop, it is hazardous to drive the vehicle. You should have it towed and repaired as soon as possible (see Towing 358

Emergency ).

on page

If you must drive the vehicle a short distance in this condition, drive slowly and carefully.

351

10/06/24 17:08:04 31SVA650_357

Fuses

INTERIOR

UNDER-HOOD

TAB

FUSE LABEL

The vehicle’s fuses are contained in two fuse boxes.

The interior fuse box is on the driver’s lower left side.

The under-hood fuse box is in the engine compartment on the driver’s side, next to the brake fluid reservoir. To open it, push the tabs as shown.

352

356

and

Checking and Replacing Fuses If something electrical in your vehicle stops working, check for a blown fuse first. Determine from the chart on pages , or the diagram on the fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses control that device. Check those fuses first, but check all the fuses before deciding that a blown fuse is the cause. Replace any blown fuses, and check if the device works.

357

10/06/24 17:08:11 31SVA650_358

FUSE

BLOWN

FUSE

BLOWN

Fuses

1.

Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK (0) position. Make sure the headlights and all other accessories are off.

2.

Remove the cover from the fuse box.

3.

Check each of the large fuses in the under-hood fuse box by looking through the top at the wire inside. Removing these fuses requires a Phillips-head screw- driver.

4.

Check the smaller fuses in the under-hood fuse box and all the fuses in the interior fuse box by pulling out each one with the fuse puller provided on the back of the under-hood fuse box cover.

FUSE PULLER

CONTINUED

353

10/06/24 17:08:17 31SVA650_359

Fuses

BLOWN

5.

Look for a blown wire inside the fuse. If it is blown, replace it with one of the spare fuses of the same rating or lower.

354

If you cannot drive the vehicle without fixing the problem, and you do not have a spare fuse, take a fuse of the same rating or a lower rating from one of the other circuits. Make sure you can do without that circuit temporarily (such as the accessory power socket).

If you replace the blown fuse with a spare fuse that has a lower rating, it might blow out again. This does not indicate that anything is wrong. Replace the fuse with one of the correct rating as soon as you can.

Replacing a f use with one that has a higher rating greatly increases the chances of damaging the electrical system. If you do not have a replacement f use with the proper rating f or the circuit, install one with a lower rating.

6.

If the replacement fuse of the same rating blows in a short time, there is probably a serious electrical problem in your vehicle. Leave the blown fuse in that circuit and have your vehicle checked by a qualified technician.

10/06/24 17:08:21 31SVA650_360

SPARE FUSES

FUSE PULLER

Your vehicle has spare fuses on the back of the under-hood fuse box cover.

AllmodelsexceptDXandCanadian DX-G If the driver’s power window fuse is removed, the AUTO function of the driver’s window will be disabled. You should reset the AUTO feature (see page

105

).

Fuses

355

10/06/24 17:08:27 31SVA650_361

Fuse Locations

UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX

No.

Amps. 100 A (70 A) 60 A 50 A 30 A 30 A 40 A 50 A 40 A

＊

Circuits Protected

＊

Main Fuse EPS Option Main Ignition Switch Main ABS/VSA Motor ABS/VSA F/S

Headlight Main Power Window Main

356

No. Amps.

− 20 A 30 A 20 A 40 A 40 A 10 A 15 A 15 A − − 7.5 A −

(15 A) 15 A 15 A 7.5 A 15 A 7.5 A 10 A

10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23

Circuits Protected

Not Used Sub Fan Motor Main Fan Motor (A/T) Main Fan Motor (M/T) Rear Defroster Blower Hazard FI Sub Stop, Horn Not Used Not Used Oil Level Sensor Not Used Audio Amp Ignition Coil FI Main MG Clutch DBW Interior Light Back Up

＊

＊ ＊

1 : 2 :

EX-L and Si models If equipped

10/06/24 17:08:36 31SVA650_362

INTERIOR FUSE BOX

No.

Amps. 7.5 A 15 A 10 A 7.5 A (15 A) (20 A) (7.5 A)

−

Circuits Protected

Power Window Fuel Pump IG1 ACG ABS/VSA Heated Seats Front Fog Lights TPMS Not Used

＊

＊

＊

Fuse Locations

No. 17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38

Amps. 10 A 20 A 15 A − 20 A − −

(20 A) 20 A 20 A (20 A) (15 A) 15 A 20 A

− − − − 7.5 A 10 A 7.5 A 30 A

＊

If equipped

No. Amps. 7.5 A

10
11
12
13
14
15
16

7.5 A 10 A 10 A 10 A 7.5 A 7.5 A 10 A

Circuits Protected

ODS (Occupant Detection System) Meter SRS Right Headlight High Beam Left Headlight High Beam Small Lights (Interior) Small Lights (Exterior) Right Headlight Low Beam

＊

Circuits Protected Left Headlight Low Beam Headlight High Beam Main Small Lights Main Not Used Headlight Low Beam Main Not Used Not Used Moonroof Door Lock Driver’s Power Window HAC Option Rear Accessory Socket Accessory Front Passenger’s Power Window Not Used Not Used Not Used Not Used Accessory, Radio IG2 HAC Daytime Running Lights Front Wiper

＊

357

10/06/24 17:08:48 31SVA650_363

Emergency Towing

If your vehicle needs to be towed, call a professional towing service or organization. Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain. It is very dangerous.

There are two ways to tow your vehicle:

−

Flat-bedEquipment loads your vehicle on the back of a truck. transport your vehicle.

This is the best way to

The operator

−

The tow

Wheel-liftEquipment truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the front tires and lift them off the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. way to tow your vehicle.

This is an acceptable

358

If, due to damage, your vehicle must be towed with the front wheels on the ground, do this:

Manualtransmission:

Shift the transmission to neutral. Leave the ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I) position so the steering wheel does not lock. Release the parking brake.

Automatictransmission:

Start the engine. Shift to the D position and hold for 5 seconds, then to N. Turn off the engine. Leave the ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I) position so the steering wheel does not lock. Release the parking brake.

Improper towing preparation will damage the transmission. Follow the above procedure exactly. If you cannot shif t the transmission or start the engine (automatic transmission), your vehicle must be transported with the f ront wheels of f the ground.

With the front wheels on the ground, do not tow the vehicle more than 50
miles (80 km), and keep the speed below 35 mph (55 km/h).

Do not tie down the vehicle at an angle that would allow the towing cables to contact the vehicle’s front bumper. To avoid possible damage, protect the front bumper with tape.

If your vehicle is equipped with a front spoiler, remove it before towing so it is not damaged.

10/06/24 17:08:51 31SVA650_364

Emergency Towing

Trying to lif t or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed to support the vehicle’s weight.

The steering system can be damaged if the steering wheel is locked. Leave the ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I) position, and make sure the steering wheel turns f reely bef ore you begin towing.

359

10/06/24 17:08:53 31SVA650_365

360

10/06/24 17:08:58 31SVA650_366

The diagrams in this section give you the dimensions and capacities of your vehicle and the locations of the identification numbers. It also includes information you should know about your vehicle’s tires and emissions control systems.

Identification Numbers Specifications DOT Tire Quality Grading

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

. 362
. 364

(U.S. Vehicles)

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

. 367

Uniform Tire Quality

Grading Treadwear Traction Temperature

.................................. ................................. ...................................... ............................. Tire Labeling ................................. Tire Pressure Monitoring System

. 367
. 367
. 367
. 368
. 369

(TPMS)

−

Explanation

Required Federal ............................

. 371

Technical Information

Emissions Controls ....................... The Clean Air Act ..................... Crankcase Emissions Control .................................... Evaporative Emissions Control ....................................

System

System

Onboard Refueling Vapor

. 373
. 373

. 373

. 373

Recovery

. 373
Exhaust Emissions Controls . 374
. 374

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

PGM-FI System Ignition Timing Control

System

................................ Exhaust Gas Recirculation ...................

(EGR) System

Three Way Catalytic

. 374

. 374

Converter

Replacement Parts

. 374
........................... .................... . 374
.. Three Way Catalytic Converter . 375
........................ . 376
Emissions Testing

361

10/06/24 17:09:02 31SVA650_367

Identification Numbers

Your vehicle has several identifying numbers located in various places.

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is the 17-digit number your dealer uses to register your vehicle for warranty purposes. It is also necessary for licensing and insuring your vehicle. The easiest place to find the VIN is on a plate fastened to the top of the dashboard. You can see it by looking through the windshield on the driver’s side. It is also on the certification label attached to the driver’s doorjamb, and is stamped on the engine compartment bulkhead. The VIN is also provided in bar code on the certification label.

To access the VIN in the engine compartment, slide the lid on the back of the engine compartment. Make sure to close the lid before closing the hood.

362

LID

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN)

CERTIFICATION LABEL

10/06/24 17:09:07 31SVA650_368

The engine number is stamped into the engine block. It is on the front.

The transmission number is on a label on top of the transmission.

DX, DX-G, LX, SE, EX, and EX-L

Si

Identification Numbers

ENGINE NUMBER

AUTOMATIC/MANUAL TRANSMISSION NUMBER

ENGINE NUMBER

MANUAL TRANSMISSION NUMBER

363

10/06/24 17:09:20 31SVA650_369

Specifications

Dimensions Length Width Height Wheelbase Track

Front Rear

Seating Capacities Total Front Rear

175.5 in (4,457 mm) 68.9 in (1,751 mm) 55.0 in (1,396 mm) 104.3 in (2,650 mm) 59.0 in (1,499 mm) 60.1 in (1,526 mm)

Engine Type

Bore x Stroke

Displacement

Compression ratio

Spark plugs

＊

Spark plugs

＊

Weights Gross vehicle weight rating

See the certification label attached to the driver’s doorjamb.

＊ ＊

1 : 2 :

DX, DX-G, LX, SE, EX, EX-L Si

364

Water cooled 4-stroke

SOHC i-VTEC , DOHC i-VTEC ＊ 4-cylinder gasoline engine

＊

3.19 x 3.44 in (81.0 x 87.3 mm) 3.39 x 3.39 in (86 x 86 mm) ＊

＊

110 cu-in (1,799 cm ) 122 cu-in (1,998 cm )

＊

＊

＊

＊

10.5
11.0
IZFR6K-11S SKJ20DR-M11S IFR7G-11KS SK22PR-M11S

NGK: DENSO: NGK: DENSO:

10/07/05 13:36:44 31SVA650_370

Capacities Fuel tank Engine coolant

Change ＊

Total

A/T M/T

A/T M/T

Engine oil

Change ＊

Including filter Without filter

Total

Change

Total

Change Total

Manual transmission fluid

Automatic transmission fluid Windshield washer reservoir 1 : ＊

13.2 US gal (50 )

Approx. 1.45 US gal (5.5 ) 1.37 US gal (5.2 ) 1.19 US gal (4.5 ) ＊ 1.88 US gal (7.1 ) 1.72 US gal (6.5 ) 1.80 US gal (6.8 ) ＊

＊ ＊

3,

＊ ＊

3,

＊ ＊

3,

＊ ＊

3,

＊ ＊

3,

＊ ＊

3,

3.9 US qt (3.7 ) 4.6 US qt (4.4 ) ＊ 3.7 US qt (3.5 ) 4.4 US qt (4.2 ) ＊ 4.8 US qt (4.5 ) 5.8 US qt (5.5 ) ＊ 1.5 US qt (1.4 ) 1.6 US qt (1.5 ) ＊ 1.7 US qt (1.6 ) 1.8 US qt (1.7 ) ＊ 2.5 US qt (2.4 ) 6.08 US qt (5.75 )

＊ ＊

3,

＊ ＊

3,

＊ ＊

3,

U.S. Vehicles Canada Vehicles

2.6 US qt (2.5 ) 4.8 US qt (4.5 )

Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the engine Reserve tank capacity: 0.11 US gal (0.4 ) Excluding the oil remaining in the engine U.S.: DX, LX, EX, EX-L Canada: DX-G, SE

Canada: DX-G, SE, EX-L Si

4 : 6 :

＊ ＊

＊ ＊ ＊

2 : 3 : 5 :

Specifications

Air Conditioning Refrigerant type Charge quantity Lubricant oil type

HFC-134a (R-134a) −

14.1 15.9 oz (400 450 g)

−

SP-10

＊

Lights Headlights (HI) Headlights (LO) Front turn signal/Side marker/ Parking light Fog lights Rear turn signal lights Stop/Taillights Rear side marker lights Back-up lights High-mount brake light ＊ License plate lights Ceiling light Spotlights Trunk light 1 : ＊

U.S. DX and LX Canada: DX-G, SE EX, EX-L, Si:

12 V 12 V 12 V

12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V

− − −

− − − − − − − − − −

(HB3) (HB4)

60 W 51 W 28/8 W

(Amber)

(H11) (Amber)

55 W 21 W 21/5 W 3 CP 18 W 21 W 3 CP 8 W 8 W 5 W

Replacement of the light should be done by your dealer.

＊

2 : If equipped

365

10/07/05 13:37:00 31SVA650_371

Specifications

Battery Capacity

＊ ＊ ＊

1 : 2 : 3 :

U.S.: DX, LX, EX, EX-L Canada: DX-G, SE, EX-L Si

Fuses Interior

Under-hood

Alignment Toe-in

Camber

Caster

Front Rear Front Rear

Front

12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V

− − − −

36 AH/5 HR 38 AH/5 HR 45 AH/20 HR 47 AH/20 HR

＊

＊ ＊

2,

＊

＊ ＊

2,

Tires Size

Front/Rear

Pressure

Spare

Front/Rear Spare

＊

＊

＊

P195/65R15 89H P195/65R15 89S P205/55R16 89H P215/45R17 87V 215/45ZR17 91W T125/70D15 95M ＊ T135/80R16 101M

＊

＊

＊

32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm ) 60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm )

See page 357 or the fuse label attached to the dashboard. See page 356 or the fuse box cover.

0.00 in (0.0 mm) 0.08 in (2.0 mm)

− −

0° 0°45’ 1°30’ 7°

＊

＊

＊

＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊

＊

1 :

U.S.: DX Canada: DX-G with automatic transmission Canada: DX-G with manual transmission LX, SE, EX, EX-L Si (all season tires) Optional for U.S. Si (summer tires) U.S.: DX, LX, EX Canada: DX-G, SE 7 : U.S.: EX-L and Si

2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6 :

Canada: EX-L and Si

＊ ＊

LX, Canadian DX-G (M/T), SE, EX, EX-L

1 : 2 : DX, Canadian DX-G (A/T)

366

10/06/24 17:10:11 31SVA650_372

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 between 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.

DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)

Treadwear The treadwear grade is a compara- tive rating based on the wear rate of the 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) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual condi- tions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.

Traction The 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 concrete. 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, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.

367

10/06/24 17:10:16 31SVA650_373

DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)

Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.

Temperature The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

368

10/06/24 17:10:27 31SVA650_374

The tires that came on your vehicle have a number of markings. Those you should be aware of are described below.

Tire Labeling Example

(1)

Tire Labeling

89

−

Load index (a numerical code associated with the maximum load the tire can carry).

−

Speed symbol (an alphabetical code indicating the maximum speed rating).

TireSize Whenever tires are replaced, they should be replaced with tires of the same size. Following is an example of tire size with an explanation of what each component means.

P205/55R16 89H

−

Vehicle type (P indicates passenger vehicle).

205

−

Tire width in millimeters.

55

−

Aspect ratio (the tire’s section height as a percentage of its width).

(4)

(3)

(2)

(1)

−

Tire construction code (R indicates radial).

16

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Rim diameter in inches.

(1) Tire Size (2) Tire Identification Number (TIN) (3) Maximum Tire Pressure (4) Maximum Tire Load

CONTINUED

369

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Tire Labeling

TireIdentificationNumber(TIN) The tire identification number (TIN) is a group of numbers and letters that look like the following example. TIN is located on the sidewall of the tire.

DOT B97R FW6X 2202

DOT

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This indicates that the tire meets all requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

B97R

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Manufacturer’s identification mark.

FW6X

2202

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Tire type code.

Date of manufacture. Year Week

370

Recommended Inflation Pressure The cold tire inflation pressure recommended by the manufacturer.

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Treadwear Indicators (TWI) − Means the projections within the principal grooves designed to give a visual indication of the degrees of wear of the tread.

Glossary of Tire Terminology Cold Tire Pressure pressure when the vehicle has been parked for at least three hours or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km).

The tire air

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Load Rating Means the maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure.

Maximum Inflation Pressure The maximum tire air pressure that the tire can hold.

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Maximum Load Rating Means the load rating for a tire at the maximum permissible inflation pressure for that tire.

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Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

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Required Federal Explanation

U.S.modelsonly Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly 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