2011 Honda Civic Hybrid Owners Manual

Before mounting the spare tire, wipe any dirt off the mounting surface of the wheel and hub with a clean cloth. Wipe the hub carefully; it may be hot from driving.

WHEEL NUT WRENCH

EXTENSION

9.

Use the extension and the wheel nut wrench as shown to raise the vehicle until the flat tire is off the ground.

10.

Remove the wheel nuts, then remove the flat tire. Handle the wheel nuts carefully; they may be hot from driving. Place the flat tire on the ground with the outside surface facing up.

Changing a Flat Tire

12.

Put on the spare tire. Put the wheel nuts back on finger-tight, then tighten them in a crisscross pattern with the wheel nut wrench until the wheel is firmly against the hub. Do not try to tighten the wheel nuts fully.

13.

Lower the vehicle to the ground, and remove the jack.

CONTINUED

315

10/06/24 20:19:20 31SNC650_321

Changing a Flat Tire

WING BOLT

SPACER CONE

18.

Store the jack in the tool case.

Loose items can fly around the interior in a crash and could seriously injure the occupants.

Store the wheel, jack, and tools securely before driving.

19.

Store the center cap in the trunk. Make sure it does not get scratched or damaged.

20.

Lower the trunk floor, then close the trunk lid.

14.

Tighten the wheel nuts securely in the same crisscross pattern. Have the wheel nut torque checked at the nearest automotive service facility. Tighten the wheel nuts to: 80 lbf·ft (108 N·m , 11 kgf·m)

For normal tire

For spare tire

15.

Place the flat tire face down in the spare tire well.

16.

Remove the spacer cone from the wing bolt, turn it over, and put it back on the bolt.

17.

Secure the flat tire by screwing the wing bolt back into its hole.

316

10/06/24 20:19:33 31SNC650_322

Diagnosing why the engine won’t start falls into two areas, depending on what you hear when you turn the ignition switch to the START (III) position:

You hear nothing, or almost nothing. The engine’s starter motor does not operate at all, or operates very slowly.

You can hear the starter motor operating normally, or the starter motor sounds like it is spinning faster than normal, but the engine does not start up and run.

Nothing Happens or the Starter Motor Operates Very Slowly When you turn the ignition switch to the START (III) position, you do not hear the normal noise of the engine trying to start. You may hear a clicking sound, a series of clicks, or nothing at all. Check these things:

Check the transmission interlock. The transmission must be in Park or neutral or the starter will not operate.

Turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. Turn on the headlights, and check their brightness. If the headlights are very dim or do not come on at all, the battery is discharged. See Jump Starting

on page

319

If the Engine Won’t Start

Turn the ignition switch to the START (III) position. If the headlights do not dim, check the condition of the fuses. If the fuses are OK, there is probably something wrong with the electrical circuit for the ignition switch or starter motor. You will need a qualified technician to determine the problem. See Emergency Towing

on page

333

If the headlights dim noticeably or go out when you try to start the engine, either the 12 volt battery is discharged or the connections are corroded. Check the condition of the 12 volt battery and terminal connections (see page can then try jump starting the vehicle from a booster 12 volt battery (see page

). You

309

319

).

317

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

327

).

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

Emergency 333

10/06/24 20:19:42 31SNC650_323

If the Engine Won’t Start

The Starter Operates Normally In this case, the starter motor’s speed sounds normal, or even faster than normal, when you turn the ignition switch to the START (III) position, but the engine does not run.

Are you using a properly coded key? An improperly coded key will cause the immobilizer system indicator in the instrument panel to blink rapidly (see page ).

59

Are you using the proper starting Starting the procedure? Refer to Engine 259

on page

318

10/06/24 20:19:55 31SNC650_324

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

To jump start your vehicle:

1.

Open the hood, and check the physical condition of the 12 volt battery.

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 your vehicle by pushing or pulling it.

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 electrical accessories: heater, A/C, climate control, audio system, lights, etc. Put the transmission in Park, and set the parking brake.

Jump Starting

BOOSTER BATTERY

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

3.

＋

) terminal on your

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

CONTINUED

319

10/06/24 20:20:04 31SNC650_325

Jump Starting

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.

320

If your vehicle’s 12 volt battery is disconnected or goes dead, the IMA battery level gauge reading will not be correct the next time you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. It will show less than the actual level temporarily. It will show the correct level after you drive for at least 30 minutes.

6.

7.

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

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.

10/06/24 20:20:16 31SNC650_326

The reading on 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.).

When the instant fuel economy is shown on the display, the temperature gauge will interrupt on the display and blink for several times if the coolant temperature rises to 224°F (118°C) or more. At the same time, the beeper sounds once.

If your 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 your 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 Park, and set the parking brake. Turn off all the accessories, and turn on the hazard warning lights.

If the Engine Overheats

2.

3.

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.

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 reading comes down to the midpoint, then continue driving.

4.

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

CONTINUED

321

10/06/24 20:20:25 31SNC650_327

If the Engine Overheats

5.

6.

7.

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 ). 333

on page

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 246
below the MIN mark.

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.

322

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.

9.

Start the engine, and set the interior temperature to maximum. 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.

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.

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 Towing on page

Emergency 333

).

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 20:20:34 31SNC650_328

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

The engine running generates the oil pressure. When the Auto Idle Stop is activated, the engine is stopped, the oil pressure is dropped, and the low oil pressure indicator does not come on.

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

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.

245

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

285

).

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 333

Emergency Towing ).

on page

323

10/06/24 20:20:42 31SNC650_329

Charging System Indicator

If the charging system indicator comes on brightly

when the engine is running, the 12
volt battery is not being charged.

If the Auto Idle Stop is active for an extended period, the charging system indicator may come on. If it happens, start the engine.

The charging system indicator may also come on if the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) battery charge drops below a desired level and the engine starts to recharge the battery.

This indicator may blink after you start the vehicle in the morning when the temperature is below − blinking when the IMA battery warms up.

30°C). It will stop

20°F (

−

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.

324

10/06/24 20:20:51 31SNC650_330

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.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

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

If your vehicle’s battery has been disconnected or gone dead, these codes are 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 348

).

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. This indicator may also come on with the ‘‘D’’ indicator.

Readiness Code 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.

325

10/06/24 20:21:00 31SNC650_331

Brake System Indicator

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

292

).

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

326

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 333

Emergency ).

on page

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

If the ABS indicator comes on with the brake system indicator, have your vehicle inspected by your dealer immediately.

If the brake system indicator (amber) comes on with the parking brake system indicator (red) with the parking brake released, there may be a malfunction with the power-assist feature. When the power-assist feature malfunctions, the brake indicator (red) comes on and a buzzer sounds for a second. The power-assist feature may stop when the brake effect is weak. Stop your vehicle immediately at a safe place and contact a dealer.

10/06/24 20:21:07 31SNC650_332

INTERIOR

UNDER-HOOD (PRIMARY)

UNDER-HOOD (SECONDARY)

FUSE LABEL

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

The interior fuse box is underneath the steering column.

TAB

The primary and secondary under- hood fuse boxes are in the engine compartment on the driver’s side.

Fuses

327

10/06/24 20:21:17 31SNC650_333

Fuses

and

Checking and Replacing Fuses If something electrical in your vehicle stops working, the first thing you should check for is a blown fuse. Determine from the chart on pages , or the diagram on the 331
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.

332

328

FUSE

BLOWN

BLOWN

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 primary under-hood fuse box by looking through the top at the wire inside. Remove the screws with a Phillips-head screwdriver.

10/06/24 20:21:26 31SNC650_334

BLOWN

FUSE PULLER

4.

Check the smaller fuses in the under-hood fuse boxes and all the fuses in the interior fuse box by pulling out each one with the fuse puller provided in the primary under-hood fuse box.

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. The spare fuses are provided on the back of the under-hood fuse cover.

Fuses

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 or radio).

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.

CONTINUED

329

10/06/24 20:21:31 31SNC650_335

Fuses

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 with your vehicle. Leave the blown fuse in that circuit, and have your vehicle checked by a qualified technician.

When the audio system is disabled, the clock setting in the audio system will be canceled. You will need to reset the clock according to the instructions in the audio system section in this owner’s manual.

330

10/06/24 20:21:40 31SNC650_336

UNDER-HOOD PRIMARY FUSE BOX

No.

Amps.

Circuits Protected

UNDER-HOOD SECONDARY FUSE BOX

Fuse Locations

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

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

Headlight Main Power Window Main Booster Motor Sub Fan Motor Main Fan Motor Rear Defogger Blower Hazard FI Sub Stop and Horn IG Coil (EX) IG Coil (IN) Oil Level Not Used Not Used IG Coil FI Main MG Clutch DBW Interior Light Back Up

No.

Amps.

Circuits Protected

100 A 70 A 60 A 50 A 30 A 40 A

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

No.

Amps.

Circuits Protected

10 A 7.5 A 15 A

IMA2
IMA1
Booster MS

331

10/06/24 20:21:50 31SNC650_337

Fuse Locations

INTERIOR FUSE BOX

No.

Amps.

Circuits Protected

− 20 A 20 A −

10 A 20 A 15 A − 20 A (7.5 A) (7.5 A)

17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
: Optional in U.S.

(15 A) 15 A 20 A − 20 A 20 A − 7.5 A 10 A 7.5 A 30 A

Left Headlight Low Beam Headlight High Main Small (Main) Not Used Headlight Low Main (HAC) STS Not Used Door Lock Driver’s Power Window Not Used Rear ACC Socket ACC Passenger’s Power Window Not Used Right Rear Power Window Left Rear Power Window Not Used ACC, Radio HAC Daytime Running Light Wiper

＊

No.

Amps.

Circuits Protected

No.

Amps.

Circuits Protected

Power Window Fuel Pump IG1 ACG ABS/VSA Unit Seat Heater Not Used TPMS Not Used

＊

＊

7.5 A 15 A 10 A 7.5 A 15 A − 7.5 A −

332

10
11
12
13
14
15
16

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

ODS METER SRS Right Headlight High Beam Left Headlight High Beam Small (Interior) Small (Exterior) Right Headlight Low Beam

10/06/24 20:22:02 31SNC650_338

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 tires (front) and lift them off the ground. The other two tires remain on the ground. acceptable way to tow your vehicle.

This is an

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

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

Emergency Towing

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

With the front wheels on the ground, it is best to tow the vehicle no farther than 50 miles (80 km), and keep the speed below 35 mph (55 km/h).

CONTINUED

333

10/06/24 20:22:06 31SNC650_339

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.

334

10/06/24 20:22:10 31SNC650_340

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

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

. 336
. 338

(U.S. Vehicles)

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

. 340

Uniform Tire Quality

Grading Treadwear Traction Temperature

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

. 340
. 340
. 340
. 341
. 341

(TPMS)

−

Explanation

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

. 343

Technical Information

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

System

System

Onboard Refueling Vapor

. 345
. 345

. 345

. 345

Recovery

. 345
Exhaust Emissions Controls . 346
. 346

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

PGM-FI System Ignition Timing Control

System

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

(EGR) System

Three Way Catalytic

. 346

. 346

Converter

Replacement Parts

. 346
........................... .................... . 346
.. Three Way Catalytic Converter . 347
. 348
Emissions Testing ........................

335

10/06/24 20:22:16 31SNC650_341

Identification Numbers

Your vehicle has several identifying numbers 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.

The VIN is also located on the engine bulkhead. Slide the cover on the engine compartment bulkhead to view the VIN. Always close the cover when finished.

336

COVER

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN)

CERTIFICATION LABEL

10/06/24 20:22:23 31SNC650_342

The engine number is stamped into the engine block.

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

The IMA Motor Number is stamped on the motor housing.

Identification Numbers

ENGINE NUMBER

IMA MOTOR NUMBER

TRANSMISSION NUMBER

337

10/06/24 20:22:38 31SNC650_343

Specifications

Dimensions Length Width Height Wheelbase Track

Front Rear

Weights Gross vehicle weight rating

Seating Capacities Total Front Rear

Engine Type

Bore x Stroke Displacement Compression ratio Spark plugs

338

177.3 in (4,504 mm) 69.0 in (1,752 mm) 56.3 in (1,430 mm) 106.3 in (2,700 mm) 59.1 in (1,501 mm) 60.2 in (1,529 mm)

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

Water cooled 4-stroke SOHC i-VTEC gasoline engine with Hybrid Electric

2.87 x 3.15 in (73.0 x 80.0 mm)

82 cu-in (1,339 cm )

Capacities Fuel tank

Engine coolant Engine oil

Automatic transmission fluid Windshield washer reservoir

Change ＊ Total Change ＊

Including filter Without filter

Total Change Total

Approx. 12.3 US gal (46.6 ) 1.255 US gal (4.75 ) 1.59 US gal (6.0 )

3.4 US qt (3.2 ) 3.2 US qt (3.0 ) 4.0 US qt (3.8 ) 3.0 US qt (2.8 ) 5.4 US qt (5.1 )

U.S. Vehicles Canada Vehicles

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

＊

1 :

＊

2 :

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

10.8
(NGK)

ILFR6J-11K SK20HPR-L11

(DENSO)

10/06/24 20:22:59 31SNC650_344

Air Conditioning Refrigerant type Charge quantity Lubricant oil type

Lights Headlights

High Low

Front turn signal/side marker lights Rear turn signal lights Brake/Taillights (in fenders) Back-up lights Rear side marker lights Taillights (in trunk lid) License plate lights Ceiling light Spotlights Trunk light

12 Volt Battery Capacity

HFC-134a (R-134a) −

14.1 15.9 oz (400 450 g)

−

SE-10Y

(HB3) (HB4)

60 W 51 W 24/2.2 CP

21 W 21/5 W 21 W 2 CP 3 CP 5 W 8 W 8 W 5 W

12 V 12 V

− −

35 AH/20 HR 28 AH/5 HR

Specifications

See page 332 or the fuse label attached to the inside of the fuse box door under the steering column. See page 331 or the fuse box cover.

Front Rear Front Rear Front

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

− −

0°3’ 1°39’ 7°6’

Front/Rear Spare Front/Rear Spare

P195/65R15 89S T135/80D15 99M

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

Fuses Interior

Under-hood

Alignment Toe-in

Camber

Caster

Tires Size

Pressure

339

10/06/24 20:23:08 31SNC650_345

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.

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.

340

10/06/24 20:23:19 31SNC650_346

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.

DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles), Tire Labeling

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.

Tire Labeling 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)

(1)

(4)

(3)

(2)

(1) (2) (3) (4)

Tire Size Tire Identification Number (TIN) Maximum Tire Pressure Maximum Tire Load

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Tire Labeling

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

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).

FW6X

−

Tire type code.

2202

−

Date of manufacture. Year Week

Glossary of Tire Terminology

P195/65R15 89S

−

Vehicle type (P indicates passenger vehicle).

195

−

Tire width in millimeters.

65

−

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

−

Tire construction code (R indicates radial).

15

−

Rim diameter in inches.

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

−

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

B97R

−

Manufacturer’s identification mark.

342

−

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

−

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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Tire Labeling, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

−

Required Federal Explanation

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.

−

Required Federal

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 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 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.

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