Acura ILX (2021 year). Manual in english - page 34

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Checking and Maintaining Tires

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DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)

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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.

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.

■

Traction

■

Temperature

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Traction

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.

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Temperature

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.

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Checking and Maintaining Tires

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Wear Indicators

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Wear Indicators

The groove where the wear indicator is 
located is about 1/16 inch (about 1.6 mm) 
shallower than elsewhere on the tire. If the 
tread has worn so that the indicator is 
exposed, replace the tire. 

Worn out tires 

have poor traction on wet roads.

Tire Service Life

The life of your tires is dependent on many factors, including driving habits, road 
conditions, vehicle loading, inflation pressure, maintenance history, speed, and 
environmental conditions (even when the tires are not in use).

In addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance, it is 
recommended that you have annual inspections performed once the tires reach five 
years old. All tires, including the spare, should be removed from service after 10 
years from the date of manufacture, regardless of their condition or state of wear.

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Checking Tires

High speed driving

We recommend that you do not drive faster than the 
posted speed limits and conditions allow. If you drive 
at sustained high speeds (over 99 mph or 160 km/h), 
adjust the cold tire pressures as shown below to 
avoid excessive heat build up and sudden tire failure.

*1: Vehicle with 18 inch tires
*2: Vehicle with 17 inch tires

Tire Size

225/40R18 92V

*1

P215/45R17 87V

*2

Pressure

Front

38 psi (260 kPa, 2.6 kgf/cm

2

)

Rear

36 psi (250 kPa, 2.5 kgf/cm

2

)

Example of a Wear 
Indicator mark

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Tire and Wheel Replacement

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Tire and Wheel Replacement

Replace your tires with radials of the same size, load range, speed rating, and 
maximum cold tire pressure rating (as shown on the tire’s sidewall). Using tires of a 
different size or construction can cause certain vehicle systems such as the ABS and 
Vehicle Stability Assist

TM

 (VSA

®

) system to work incorrectly.

It is best to replace all four tires at the same time. If that isn’t possible, replace the 
front or rear tires in pairs.

Whenever you have a tire replaced or reset, make sure that the rubber valve stem is 
replaced and that the TPMS sensor is transferred from the old valve stem to the new 
one.
If you replace a wheel, make sure that the wheel’s specifications match those of the 
original wheels.

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Tire and Wheel Replacement

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WARNING

Installing improper tires on your vehicle can 
affect handling and stability. This can cause 
a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or 
killed.

Always use the size and type of tires 
recommended in this owner’s manual.

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Tire Rotation

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Tire Rotation

Rotating tires according to the maintenance messages on the multi-information 
display helps to distribute wear more evenly and increase tire life.

■

Tires without rotation marks

Rotate the tires as shown here.

■

Tires with rotation marks

Rotate the tires as shown here.

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Tire Rotation

Tires with directional tread patterns should only be 
rotated front to back (not from one side to the other).
Directional tires should be mounted with the rotation 
indication mark facing forward, as shown below.

Front

Direction Mark

Front

Front

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Checking and Maintaining Tires

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Winter Tires

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Winter Tires

If driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season marked 

M+S

 tires, snow tires, 

or tire chains; reduce speed; and maintain sufficient distance between vehicles when 
driving.

Be particularly careful when operating the steering wheel or brakes to prevent 
skidding.

Use tire chains, snow tires, or all season tires when necessary or according to the law.

When mounting, refer to the following points.

For winter tires:

•

Select the size and load ranges that are the same as the original tires.

•

Mount the tires to all four wheels.

For tire chains:

•

Install them on the front tires only.

•

Because your vehicle has limited tire clearance, we strongly recommend using the 
chains listed below:

•

Follow the chain manufacturer's instruction when installing. Mount them as 
tightly as you can.

•

Check that the chains do not touch the brake lines or suspension.

•

Drive slowly.

Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1032

Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1036

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Winter Tires

NOTICE

Traction devices that are the wrong size or improperly 
installed can damage your vehicle's brake lines, 
suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if they are 
hitting any part of the vehicle.

When tire chains are mounted, follow the chain 
manufacturer's instructions regarding vehicle 
operational limits.

If your vehicle is equipped with summer tires, be 
aware that these tires are not designed for winter 
driving conditions. For more information, contact a 
dealer.

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WARNING

Using the wrong chains, or not properly 
installing chains, can damage the brake 
lines and cause a crash in which you can be 
seriously injured or killed.

Follow all instructions in this owner's 
manual regarding the selection and use of 
tire chains.

Models with P215/45R17 87V tires

Models with 225/40R18 92V tires

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Battery

Checking the Battery

The condition of the battery is monitored by a 
sensor located on the negative terminal of the 
battery. If there is a problem with this sensor, 
the multi-information display will display a 
warning message. If this happens, have your 
vehicle inspected by a dealer.

Check the battery terminals for corrosion 
monthly.

If your vehicle’s battery is disconnected or goes dead:

•

The audio system is disabled.

2

Reactivating the audio system

 P. 184

•

The clock resets.

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Clock

 P. 110

Charging the Battery

Disconnect both battery cables to prevent damaging your vehicle's electrical system. 
Always disconnect the negative (–) cable first, and reconnect it last.

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Battery

WARNING: 

Battery post, terminals, 

and related accessories contain lead 
and lead compounds.

Wash your hands after handling.

When you find corrosion, clean the battery terminals 
by applying a baking powder and water solution. 
Clean the terminals with a damp towel. Cloth/towel 
dry the battery. Coat the terminals with grease to 
help prevent future corrosion.

When replacing the battery, the replacement must be 
of the same specifications.
Consult a dealer for more information.

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WARNING

The battery gives off explosive hydrogen 
gas during normal operation.

A spark or flame can cause the battery to 
explode with enough force to kill or 
seriously hurt you.

When conducting any battery 
maintenance, wear protective clothing and 
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do 
it.

Battery

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Remote Transmitter Care

Replacing the Button Battery

If the indicator does not come on when the button is pressed, replace the battery.

1.

Remove the built-in key.

2.

Remove the upper half of the cover by 
carefully prying on the edge with a coin.

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Wrap a coin with a cloth to prevent 
scratching the keyless access remote.

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Remove carefully to avoid losing the 
buttons.

3.

Make sure to replace the battery with the 
correct polarity.

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Replacing the Button Battery

NOTICE

An improperly disposed of battery can damage the 
environment. Always confirm local regulations for 
battery disposal.

Replacement batteries are commercially available or 
at a dealer.

3

WARNING

CHEMICAL BURN HAZARD
The battery that powers the remote 
transmitter can cause severe internal burns 
and can even lead to death if swallowed.
Keep new and used batteries away from 
children.
If you suspect that a child has swallowed 
the battery, seek medical attention 
immediately.

Models without remote control engine start system

Battery type: CR2032

Battery

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Remote Transmitter Care

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Replacing the Button Battery

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If the indicator does not come on when the button is pressed, replace the battery.

1.

Remove the built-in key.

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As a convenience, lightly place masking 
tape over the remote buttons to hold 
them in place.

2.

Remove the upper half of the cover by 
carefully prying on the edge with a coin.

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Wrap a coin with a cloth to prevent 
scratching the transmitter.

3.

Press down on the center of the assembly 
and remove the battery.

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When removing the button battery, be 
careful not to touch parts around it.

4.

Make sure to replace the battery with the 
correct polarity.

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Replacing the Button Battery

NOTICE

The Remote transmitter is equipped with two 
batteries: A standard replaceable CR2032 coin 
button battery and an integral non-replaceable 
rechargeable battery. To prevent permanent damage 
to the rechargeable battery, replace the CR2032 
battery every three to four years.

Models with remote control engine start system

Models with remote control engine start system

Battery type: CR2032

Battery

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Climate Control System Maintenance

Air Conditioning

To ensure proper and safe operation, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE 
J2845) recommends that the refrigerant system only be serviced by trained and 
certified technicians.

Never repair or replace the air conditioning evaporator (cooling coil) with one 
removed from a used or salvaged vehicle.

New replacement mobile air conditioning evaporators must be certified (and 
labeled) as meeting SAE Standard J2842.

Dust and Pollen Filter

The climate control system is equipped with a dust and pollen filter that collects 
pollen, dust, and other debris in the air. The Maintenance Minder

TM

 messages will let 

you know when to replace the filter.

We recommend that you replace the dust and pollen filter sooner when using your 
vehicle in areas with high concentrations of dust.

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Climate Control System Maintenance

NOTICE

Vented refrigerant is harmful to the environment.
To avoid refrigerant from venting, never replace the 
evaporator with one removed from a used or 
salvaged vehicle.

Refrigerant in your vehicle’s air conditioning system is 
flammable and can be ignited during servicing if 
proper procedures are not followed.

The air conditioner label is found under the hood:

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Safety Labels

 P. 70

2

Specifications

 P. 602

Canadian models

: Caution

: Flammable 

Refrigerant
: Requires Registered 

Technician to Service
: Air Conditioning 

System

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Dust and Pollen Filter

If the airflow from the climate control system 
deteriorates noticeably, and the windows fog up 
easily, the filter may need to be replaced. Please 
contact a dealer for replacement.

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Cleaning

Interior Care

Use a damp cloth with a mixture of mild detergent and warm water to remove dirt. 
Use a clean cloth to remove detergent residue.

Use a soft brush with a mixture of mild soap and warm water to clean the seat belts. 
Let the belts air dry. Wipe the openings of the seat belt anchors using a clean cloth.

■

Cleaning Seat Belts

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Interior Care

Do not spill liquids inside the vehicle. Electrical 
devices and systems may malfunction if liquids are 
splashed on them.

Do not use silicone based sprays on electrical devices 
such as audio devices and switches. Doing so may 
cause the items to malfunction or cause a fire inside 
the vehicle.
If a silicone based spray is inadvertently used on 
electrical devices, consult a dealer.

Depending on their composition, chemicals and 
liquid aromatics may cause discoloration, wrinkles, 
and cracking to resin-based parts and textiles.
Do not use alkali solvents or organic solvents such as 
benzene or gasoline.

After using chemicals, make sure to gently wipe them 
away using a dry cloth.
Do not place used cloths on top of resin based parts 
or textiles for long periods of time without washing.

Opening

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Cleaning

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Interior Care

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Wipe using a glass cleaner.

The front and rear floor mats hook over floor 
anchors, which keep them from sliding 
forward. To remove a mat for cleaning, turn 
the anchor knobs to the unlock position. 
When reinstalling the mat after cleaning, turn 
the knobs to the lock position.

Do not put additional floor mats on top of 
the anchored mats.

■

Cleaning the Window

■

Floor Mats

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Cleaning the Window

Wires are mounted to the inside of the rear window. 
Wipe along the same direction as the wires with a 
soft cloth so as not to damage them.

Be careful not to spill fluids, such as water or glass 
cleaner, on or around the cover of both the front 
sensor camera and the rainfall/light

*

 sensor.

2

Automatic Operation (automatic lighting 
control)

 P. 144

2

Automatic Intermittent Wipers

*

 P. 151

2

Front Sensor Camera

 P. 493

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Floor Mats

If you use any floor mats that were not originally 
provided with your vehicle, make sure they are 
designed for your specific vehicle, fit correctly, and 
are securely anchored by the floor anchors.
Position the rear seat floor mat properly. If not 
properly positioned, the floor mat can interfere with 
the front seat functions.

Unlock

Lock

* Not available on all models

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Cleaning

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Interior Care

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To properly clean leather:

1.

Use a vacuum or soft dry cloth first to remove any dirt or dust.

2.

Clean the leather with a soft cloth dampened with a solution comprised of 90% 
water and 10% neutral soap.

3.

Wipe away any soap residue with a clean damp cloth.

4.

Wipe away residual water and allow leather to air dry in the shade.

■

Maintaining Genuine Leather

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Maintaining Genuine Leather

It is important to clean or wipe away dirt or dust as 
soon as possible. Spills can soak into leather resulting 
in stains. Dirt or dust can cause abrasions in the 
leather. In addition, please note that some dark 
colored clothing can rub onto the leather seats 
resulting in discoloration or stains.

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Cleaning

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Exterior Care

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Exterior Care

Dust off the vehicle body after you drive. Regularly inspect your vehicle for scratches 
on painted surfaces. A scratch on a painted surface can result in body rust. If you 
find a scratch, promptly repair it.

Wash the vehicle regularly. Wash more frequently when driving in the following 
conditions:

•

If driving on roads with road salt.

•

If driving in coastal areas.

•

If tar, soot, bird droppings, insects, or tree sap are stuck to painted surfaces.

•

Make sure to follow the instructions indicated on the automated car wash.

•

Fold in the door mirrors.

•

For models equipped with automatic intermittent wipers, turn the wipers off.

•

Keep sufficient distance between the cleaning nozzle and the vehicle body.

•

Take particular care around the windows. Standing too close may cause water to 
enter the vehicle interior.

•

Do not spray high pressure water directly into the engine compartment. Instead, 
use low pressure water and a mild detergent.

■

Washing the Vehicle

■

Using an Automated Car Wash

■

Using High Pressure Cleaners

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Washing the Vehicle

Do not spray water into the air intake vents. It can 
cause a malfunction.

Air Intake Vents

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Cleaning

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Exterior Care

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A good coat of automotive body wax helps protect your vehicle’s paint from the 
elements. Wax will wear off over time and expose your vehicle’s paint to the 
elements, so reapply as necessary.

If you get gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery fluid on resin coated parts, they 
may be stained or the coating may peel. Promptly wipe it away using a soft cloth and 
clean water.

Wipe using a glass cleaner.

Aluminum is susceptible to deterioration caused by salt and other road 
contaminants. When necessary, as early as possible use a sponge and mild detergent 
to wipe away these contaminants. Do not use a stiff brush or harsh chemicals 
(including some commercial wheel cleaners). These can damage the protective finish 
on aluminum alloy wheels, resulting in corrosion. Depending on the type of finish, 
the wheels also may lose their luster or appear burnished. To avoid water stains, 
wipe the wheels dry with a cloth while they are still wet.

■

Applying Wax

■

Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts

■

Cleaning the Window

■

Maintaining Aluminum Wheels

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Applying Wax

NOTICE

Chemical solvents and strong cleaners can damage 
the paint, metal, and plastic on your vehicle. Wipe 
away spills immediately.

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Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts

Ask a dealer about the correct coating material when 
you want to repair the painted surface of the parts 
made of resin.

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Cleaning

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Exterior Care

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The inside lenses of exterior lights (headlights, brake lights, etc.) may fog temporarily 
if you have driven in the rain, or after the vehicle has been run through a car wash. 
Dew condensation also may build up inside the lenses when there is a significant 
enough difference between the ambient and inside lens temperatures (similar to 
vehicle windows fogging up in rainy conditions). These conditions are natural 
processes, not structural design problems in the exterior lights.
Lens design characteristics may result in moisture developing on the light lens frame 
surfaces. This also is not a malfunction.
However, if you see large amounts of water accumulation, or large water drops 
building up inside the lenses, have your vehicle inspected by a dealer. 

■

Fogged Exterior Light Lenses

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Accessories and Modifications

Accessories

When installing accessories, check the following:

•

Do not install accessories on the windshield. They can obstruct your view and 
delay your reaction to driving conditions.

•

Do not install any accessories over areas marked SRS Airbag, on the sides or backs 
of the front seats, on front or side pillars, or near the side windows. 
Accessories installed in these areas may interfere with proper operation of the 
vehicle’s airbags or may be propelled into you or another occupant if the airbags 
deploy.

•

Be sure electronic accessories do not overload electrical circuits or interfere with 
proper operation of your vehicle.

2

Fuses

 P. 596

•

Before installing any electronic accessory, have the installer contact a dealer for 
assistance. If possible, have a dealer inspect the final installation.

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Accessories and Modifications

Acura Genuine accessories are recommended to 
ensure proper operation on your vehicle.

3

WARNING

Improper accessories or modifications can 
affect your vehicle's handling, stability, and 
performance, and cause a crash in which 
you can be seriously hurt or killed.

Follow all instructions in this owner's 
manual regarding accessories and 
modifications.