Honda Accord Coupe L4 (2011 year). Instruction

Your tires have wear indicators
molded into the tread. When the
tread wears down, you will see a 1/2
inch (12.7 mm) wide band across the
tread. This shows there is less than
1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread left on
the tire.

A tire this worn gives very little
traction on wet roads. You should
replace the tire if you can see three
or more tread wear indicators.

Every time you check inflation, you
should also examine the tires for
damage, foreign objects, and wear.

You should look for:

Bumps or bulges in the tread or
side of the tire. Replace the tire if
you find either of these conditions.

Cuts, splits, or cracks in the side
of the tire. Replace the tire if you
can see fabric or cord.

Excessive tread wear.

We strongly recommend that you do
not drive faster than the posted
speed limits and conditions allow. If
you ever drive in a sanctioned
competitive event at sustained high
speeds (over 118 mph or 190 km/h),
be sure to adjust the cold tire
pressures as shown below. If you do
not, excessive heat can build up and
cause sudden tire failure.

Tire Size

Cold Tire Pressure

Tire Inspection

Tires

High Speed Driving

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TREAD WEAR INDICATOR

INDICATOR LOCATION MARKS

P235/45R18 94V

35 psi (240 kPa ,

2.4 kgf/cm )

P225/50R17 93V

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In addition to proper inflation,
correct wheel alignment helps to
decrease tire wear. If you find a tire
is worn unevenly, have your dealer
check the wheel alignment.

Have your dealer check the tires if
you feel a consistent vibration while
driving. A tire should always be
rebalanced if it is removed from the
wheel. When you have new tires
installed, make sure they are
balanced. This increases riding
comfort and tire life. For best results,
have the installer perform a dynamic
balance.

The service life of your tires is
dependent on many factors,
including, but not limited to, 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 your regular
inspections and inflation pressure
maintenance, it is recommended that
you have annual inspections
performed once the tires reach five
years old. It is also recommended
that all tires, including the spare, be
removed from service after 10 years
from the date of manufacture,
regardless of their condition or state
of wear.

The last four digits of the TIN (tire
identification number) are found on
the sidewall of the tire and indicate
the date of manufacture (See

on page

426

Tires

Tire Maintenance

Tire Service Life

Tire

Labeling

382

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To help increase tire life and
distribute wear more evenly, rotate
the tires according to the
maintenance messages displayed on
the information display.
Move the tires to the positions
shown in the illustration each time
they are rotated. If you purchase
directional tires, rotate only front-to-
back.

When the tires are rotated, make
sure the air pressures are checked.

Tire Rotation

Tires

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(For Non-directional
Tires and Wheels)

(For Directional
Tires and Wheels)

Front

Improper wheel weights can damage
your vehicle’s aluminum wheels. Use
only Honda wheel weights f or
balancing.

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Replace your tires with radial tires of
the same size, load range, speed
rating, and maximum cold tire
pressure rating (as shown on the
tire’s sidewall).

Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on
your vehicle can reduce braking
ability, traction, and steering
accuracy. Using tires of a different
size or construction can cause the
ABS and vehicle stability assist
system (VSA) to work inconsistently.

Replacement wheels are available at
your dealer.

It is best to replace all four tires at
the same time. If that is not possible
or necessary, replace the two front
tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
affect your vehicle’s handling.

If you ever replace a wheel, make
sure that the wheel’s specifications
match those of the original wheels.

Also be sure you use only TPMS
specific wheels. If you do not, the
tire pressure monitoring system will
not work on that tire.

The ABS and VSA system work by
comparing the speed of each wheel.
When replacing tires, use the same
size originally supplied with the
vehicle. Tire size and construction
can affect wheel speed and may
cause the system to activate.

Replacing Tires and Wheels

Tires

384

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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＋

Tires marked ‘‘M

S’’ or ‘‘All

Season’’ on the sidewall have an all-
weather tread design suitable for
most winter driving conditions.

For the best performance in snowy
or icy conditions, you should install
snow tires or tire chains. They may
be required by local laws under
certain conditions.

If you mount snow tires on your
vehicle, make sure they are radial
tires of the same size and load range
as the original tires. Mount snow
tires on all four wheels. The traction
provided by snow tires on dry roads
may be lower than your original tires.
Check with the tire dealer for
maximum speed recommendations.

Mount tire chains on your tires when
required by driving conditions or
local laws. Install them only on the
front tires.

Because your vehicle has limited tire
clearance, Honda strongly
recommends using the chains listed
below, made by Security Chain
Company (SCC).

See page

for DOT tire quality

grading information, and page

for tire size information.

Tires

V6 models:

Wheels

Cable-type:

4-cylinder models:

SCC Radial Chain
SC1036

V6 models:
Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain

SC1040

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Wheel and Tire Specifications

Winter Driving

Snow Tires

Tire Chains

Tires

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18 x 8J

P235/45R18 94V

17 x 7 1/2J

P225/50R17 93V

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Clean the wheels as you would the
rest of the exterior. Wash them with
the same solution, and rinse them
thoroughly.

When installing chains, follow the
manufacturer’s instructions, and
mount them as tight as you can.
Make sure they are not contacting
the brake lines or suspension. Drive
slowly with them installed. If you
hear them coming into contact with
the body or chassis, stop and
investigate. Remove them as soon as
you begin driving on cleared roads.

Aluminum alloy wheels have a
protective clear-coat that keeps the
aluminum from corroding and
tarnishing. Cleaning the wheels with
harsh chemicals (including some
commercial wheel cleaners) or a stiff
brush can damage the clear-coat. To
clean the wheels, use a mild
detergent and a soft brush or sponge.

Wheels

Tires

386

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.

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.

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−

Check the condition of the battery
monthly by looking at the test
indicator window. The label on the
battery explains the test indicator’s
colors.

Check the terminals for corrosion (a
white or yellowish powder). To
remove it, cover the terminals with a
solution of baking soda and water. It
will bubble up and turn brown. When
this stops, wash it off with plain
water. Dry off the battery with a
cloth or paper towel. Coat the
terminals with grease to help prevent
future corrosion.

Battery posts,

terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds.

If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damaging your vehicle’s
electrical system. Always disconnect
the negative (

) cable first, and

reconnect it last.

If additional battery maintenance is
needed, see your dealer or a
qualified mechanic.

The location of the test indicator
window varies between
manufacturers.

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WARNING:

Wash your hands after handling.

Checking the Battery

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TEST INDICATOR WINDOW

V6 models

TEST INDICATOR WINDOW

4-cylinder models

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Fill the fuel tank.

Wash and dry the exterior
completely.

Clean the interior. Make sure the
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.

If you need to park your vehicle for
an extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it for storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors.

If your vehicle’s battery is
disconnected, or goes dead, the time
setting may be lost. To reset the time,
see page

If your vehicle’s battery is
disconnected or goes dead, the audio
system may disable itself. The next
time you turn on the radio, you will
see ‘‘ENTER CODE’’ in the
frequency display. Use the preset
buttons to enter the code (see page

The navigation system will also
disable itself. The next time you turn
on the ignition switch, the system
will require you to enter a PIN
before it can be used. Refer to the
navigation system manual.

241

240

On models with navigation system

Checking the Battery, Vehicle Storage

Vehicle Storage

388

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.

Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled
technician do the battery
maintenance.

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Support the front wiper blade
arms with a folded towel or rag so
they do not touch the windshield.

To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and trunk seals. Also, apply a
vehicle body wax to the painted
surfaces that mate with the door
and trunk seals.

Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made
from a porous material such as
cotton. Non-porous materials, such
as plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.

Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in reverse
(manual) or Park (automatic).

If possible, periodically run the
engine until it reaches full
operating temperature (the
cooling fans cycle on and off
twice). Preferably, do this once a
month.

Block the rear wheels.

If the vehicle is to be stored for a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are off the ground.

Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).

Disconnect the battery.

Vacuum dirt and dust from the
leather frequently. Pay close
attention to the pleats and seams.
Clean the leather with a soft cloth
dampened with a 90% water and 10%
neutral wool detergent solution.
Then buff it with a clean, dry cloth.
Remove any dust or dirt on leather
surfaces immediately.

EX-L and all V6 models

Leather

Vehicle Storage, Interior Care

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This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you information about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also find instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.

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Compact Spare Tire

. 392

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

Changing a Flat Tire

. 393

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

If the Engine Won’t Start

. 398

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

Jump Starting

. 400

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

If the Engine Overheats

. 403

.........

Low Oil Pressure Indicator

. 405

..........

Charging System Indicator

. 405

.......

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

. 406

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

Brake System Indicator

. 407

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

Fuses

. 408

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

Fuse Locations

. 412

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

Emergency Towing

. 415

Taking Care of the Unexpected

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Use the compact spare tire as a
temporary replacement only. Get
your regular tire repaired or replaced,
and put it back on your vehicle as
soon as you can.

Follow these precautions:

Replace the tire when you can see
the tread wear indicator bars. The
replacement tire should be the same
size and design, mounted on the
same wheel. The spare tire is not
designed to be mounted on a regular
wheel, and the spare wheel is not
designed for mounting a regular tire.

Check the air pressure of the
compact spare tire every time you
check the other tires. It should be
inflated to:

Never exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).

This tire gives a harsher ride and
less traction on some road
surfaces. Use greater caution
while driving.

Do not mount snow chains on the
compact spare tire.

Do not use your compact spare
tire on another vehicle unless it is
the same make and model.

The low tire pressure indicator
comes on and stays on after you
replace the flat tire with the
compact spare tire. After several
miles (kilometers) driving with the
compact spare tire, the TPMS
indicator comes on and the low
tire pressure indicator goes off.

Compact Spare Tire

392

INDICATOR LOCATION MARK

TREAD WEAR INDICATOR BAR

60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm )

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If you have a flat tire while driving,
pull over safely. Drive slowly along
the shoulder until you get to an area
far away from traffic lanes.

Turn on the hazard warning lights,
and turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position. Have all
passengers get out of the vehicle
while you change the tire.

Take the tool kit out of the trunk.

Unscrew the wing bolt and take
the spare tire out of its well.

Park the vehicle on firm, level, and
non-slippery ground. Put the
transmission in Park (automatic)
or reverse (manual). Apply the
parking brake.

The tools are in the trunk. Open
the trunk and raise the trunk floor
by pulling up the strap.

Changing a Flat Tire

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JACK

SPARE TIRE

TOOL KIT

TRUNK FLOOR

STRAP

The vehicle can easily roll off
the jack, seriously injuring
anyone underneath.

Follow the directions for
changing a tire exactly, and
never get under the vehicle
when it is supported only by the
jack.

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Take the jack out of the tool kit
case.

Loosen each wheel nut 1/2 turn
with the wheel nut wrench.

Place the jack under the jacking
point nearest the tire you need to
change. Turn the end bracket
clockwise until the top of the jack
contacts the jacking point. Make
sure the jacking point tab is
resting in the jack notch.

Changing a Flat Tire

394

JACK

WHEEL NUT

JACKING POINTS

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CONTINUED

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

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.

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.

11.

10.

Changing a Flat Tire

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WHEEL WRENCH

EXTENSION

BRAKE HUB

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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.

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

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:

Remove the center cap before
storing the flat tire in the trunk
well.

15.

12.

13.

14.

Changing a Flat Tire

396

CENTER CAP

80 lbf·ft (108 N·m , 11 kgf·m)

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Honda Accord Coupe L4 (2011 year). Instruction - part 25