Honda HR-V eHEV (2022 year). Manual in english - page 22

352

Driving

Before Driving

Driving Preparation

Check the following items before you start driving.

•

Make sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior 
lights, or other parts of the vehicle.

u

Remove any frost, snow, or ice.

u

Remove any snow on the roof, as this can slip down and obstruct your field of 
vision while driving. If frozen solid, remove ice once it has softened.

u

When removing ice from around the wheels, be sure not to damage the wheel 
or wheel components.

•

Make sure the bonnet is securely closed.

u

If the bonnet opens while driving, your front view will be blocked.

•

Make sure the tyres are in good condition.

u

Check air pressures, and check for damage and excessive wear.

2

Checking and Maintaining Tyres

 P. 541

•

Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.

u

There are blind spots from the inside.

■

Exterior Checks

1

Exterior Checks

NOTICE

When doors are frozen shut, use warm water around 
the door edges to melt any ice. Do not try to force 
them open, as this can damage the rubber trim 
around the doors. When done, wipe dry to avoid 
further freezing.

Do not pour warm water into the key cylinder.
You will be unable to insert the key if the water 
freezes in the hole.

Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite 
flammable materials left under the bonnet, causing a 
fire. If you’ve parked your vehicle for an extended 
period, inspect and remove any debris that may have 
collected, such as dried grass and leaves that have 
fallen or have been carried in for use as a nest by a 
small animal. Also, check under the bonnet for 
leftover flammable materials after you or someone 
else has performed maintenance on your vehicle.

Continued

353

uu

Before Driving

u

Driving Preparation

Driving

•

Store or secure all items on board properly.

u

Carrying too much luggage, or improperly storing it, can affect your vehicle’s 
handling, stability, stopping distance, and tyres, and make it unsafe.

2

Load Limit

 P. 355

•

Do not pile items higher than the seat height.

u

They can block your view and may be thrown forward in the event of sudden 
braking.

•

Do not place anything in the front seat footwells. Make sure to secure the floor 
mat.

u

An object or unsecured floor mat can interfere with your brake and accelerator 
pedal operation while driving.

•

If you have any animals on board, do not let them move around in the vehicle.

u

They may interfere with driving and a crash could occur.

•

Securely close all doors and the tailgate.

•

Adjust your seating position properly.

u

Adjust the head restraint, too.

2

Seats

 P. 207

2

Adjusting the Front Head Restraints

 P. 215

•

Adjust the mirrors and steering wheel properly.

u

Adjust them while sitting in the proper driving position.

2

Mirrors

 P. 203

2

Adjusting the Steering Wheel

 P. 202

■

Interior Checks

1

Interior Checks

The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not 
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry 
heavy items in the luggage area, have the aiming 
readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified technician.

You can adjust the low beam headlight angle by 
yourself.

2

Headlight Adjuster

*

 P. 192

Your vehicle is equipped with the automatic 
headlight adjusting system that automatically adjusts 
the vertical angle of the low beam headlights.

Models with headlight adjuster

Models without headlight adjuster

* Not available on all models

354

uu

Before Driving

u

Driving Preparation

Driving

•

Be sure items placed on the floor behind the front seats cannot roll under the 
seats.

u

They can interfere with the driver’s ability to operate the pedals, or the 
operation of the seats.

•

Everyone in the vehicle must fasten their seat belt.

2

Fastening a Seat Belt

 P. 50

•

Make sure that the indicators in the instrument panel come on when you start the 
vehicle, and go off soon after.

u

Always have a dealer check the vehicle if a problem is indicated.

2

Indicators

 P. 102

355

uu

Before Driving

u

Load Limit

Driving

Load Limit

When you load luggage, the total weight of the vehicle, all passengers, and luggage 
must not exceed the maximum permissible weight.

2

Specifications

 P. 610

The load for the front and rear axles also must not exceed the maximum permissible 
axle weight.

2

Specifications

 P. 610

1

Load Limit

3

WARNING

Overloading or improper loading can affect 
handling and stability and cause a crash in 
which you can be hurt or killed.

Follow all load limits and other loading 
guidelines in this manual.

357

Driving

Off-road Guidelines

General Information

Your vehicle has been designed primarily for use on pavement, however, its higher 
ground clearance allows you to occasionally travel on unpaved roads. It is not 
designed for trail-blazing, or other challenging off-road activities.

If you decide to drive on unpaved roads, you will find that it requires somewhat 
different driving skills and that your vehicle will handle somewhat differently than it 
does on pavement. Pay attention to the precautions and tips in this section, and get 
acquainted with your vehicle before leaving the pavement.

Important Safety Precautions

To avoid loss of control or rollover, be sure to follow all precautions and 
recommendations:

•

Be sure to store luggage properly and do not exceed your luggage load limits.

2

Load Limit

 P. 355

•

Whenever you drive, make sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts.

•

Keep your speed low, and never go faster than the conditions allow.

•

It’s up to you to continually assess the situation and drive within the limits.

1

Off-road Guidelines

Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result 
in a crash or a rollover.

2

Important Handling Information

 P. 42

2

Precautions While Driving

 P. 362

3

WARNING

Improperly operating this vehicle on or off 
pavement can cause an crash or rollover in 
which you and your passengers could be 
seriously injured or killed.

•

Follow all instructions and guidelines in 
this owner’s manual.

•

Keep your speed low, and don’t drive 
faster than conditions permit.

358

uu

Off-road Guidelines

u

Avoiding Trouble

Driving

Avoiding Trouble

•

Check Out Your Vehicle

 before you leave the pavement and make sure that all 

scheduled maintenance has been completed. Pay special attention to the 
condition of the tyres, and check the tyre pressures.

•

Remember

 the route you choose presents limits (too steep or bumpy), you have 

limits (driving skill and comfort), and your vehicle has limits (traction, stability, and 
power). Failing to recognise these limits will likely put you and your passengers in 
a hazardous situation.

•

Accelerating and Braking

 should be done slowly and gradually. Trying to start 

or stop too fast can cause a loss of traction and you could lose control.

•

Avoiding Obstacles and Debris

 in the road reduces the likelihood of a rollover 

or damage to your suspension or other components.

•

Driving on Slopes

 increases your risk of a rollover, particularly if you attempt to 

drive across a slope that is too steep. Going straight up or down a slope is usually 
the safest. If you can’t clearly see all conditions or obstacles on a slope, walk it 
before you drive it. If there is any doubt whether you can safely pass, don’t try it. 
Find another route. If you get stuck when climbing, do not try to turn around. 
Back down slowly following the same route you took up the hill.

•

Crossing a Stream

 - Avoid driving through deep water. If you encounter water 

in your route (a small stream or large puddle, for example), evaluate it carefully 
before going ahead. Make sure it is shallow, flowing slowly, and has firm ground 
underneath. If you are not sure of the depth or the ground, turn around and find 
another route. Driving through deep water can also damage your vehicle. The 
water can get into the transmission and differential, diluting the lubricant and 
causing an eventual failure. It can also wash the grease out of the wheel bearings.

•

If You Get Stuck

, carefully go in the direction that you think will get you 

unstuck. Do not spin the tyres as this will only make things worse and could 
damage the transmission. If you are unable to free yourself, your vehicle will need 
to be towed. Front and rear tow hooks are provided for this purpose.

359

Continued

Driving

When Driving

Turning on the Power

1.

Make sure the parking brake is applied.

u

The parking brake and brake system 
indicator (red) comes on for 30 seconds 
when you pull up the electric parking 
brake switch.

2.

Check that the transmission is in 

(

P

, then 

depress the brake pedal.

u

Although it is possible to start the vehicle 
in 

(

N

, it is safer to start it in 

(

P

.

1

Turning on the Power

Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when 
starting the power system.

The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in 
thinner air found at altitudes above 2,400 metres 
(8,000 feet).

When turning on the power system in cold weather, 
turn off all electrical accessories such as the lights, 
climate control system, and rear demister in order to 
reduce the 12-volt battery drain.

If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can 
smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle 
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with 
the engine or exhaust system.

The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from 
theft.
If an improperly coded key (or other device) is used, 
the power system does not activate.

2

Immobilizer System

 P. 174

When you set the power mode to ON, you may feel 
the brake pedal slightly sink down. This is normal.

a

Electric Parking Brake Switch

a

Brake Pedal

uu

When Driving

u

Turning on the Power

360

Driving

3.

Without depressing the accelerator pedal, 
press the 

POWER

 button while depressing 

the brake pedal.

4.

Check the 

 (ready) indicator.

u

Keep depressing the brake pedal until 
the 

 indicator comes on.

u

The 

 indicator comes on when the 

power system is on and you can start 
driving.

u

If the outside temperature is extremely 
low, you cannot drive until conditions are 
improved. In this case, the 

 indicator 

does not come on and a warning 
message appears on the driver 
information interface.

2

Indicators

 P. 102

1

Turning on the Power

Bring the keyless remote close to the 

POWER

 button 

if the battery in the keyless remote is weak.

2

If the Keyless Remote Battery is Weak

 

P. 584

The power system may not activate if the keyless 
remote is subjected to strong radio waves.

Do not hold the 

POWER

 button to start the power 

system.
If the power system does not start, wait at least 30 
seconds before trying again.

The engine may not run when the vehicle is ready for 
driving.
You can start driving with the 

 indicator on.

If you press the 

POWER

 button while depressing the 

brake pedal with the 

 indicator on, the power 

mode is set to VEHICLE OFF and you cannot start 
driving.

2

Ready Indicator

 P. 107

361

uu

When Driving

u

Turning on the Power

Driving

1.

Keeping your right foot on the brake pedal, check that the 

 indicator is on, 

then put the transmission into 

(

D

. Select 

(

R

 when reversing.

2.

With the electric parking brake applied, release the brake pedal and gently 
depress the accelerator pedal.

u

Make sure the parking brake and brake system indicator (red) goes off.

2

Parking Brake

 P. 471

■

Hill start assist system

Hill start assist keeps the brake engaged briefly to help to prevent the vehicle from 
rolling on inclines as you move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator.
Put the transmission into 

(

D

, 

 when facing uphill, or 

(

R

 when facing downhill, 

then release the brake pedal.

You can turn the power system off when the vehicle is completely stopped.

1.

Put the transmission into 

(

P

.

2.

Press the 

POWER

 button.

■

Starting to Drive

■

Stopping the Power System

1

Starting to Drive

You can also release the parking brake by pressing 
the electric parking brake switch while depressing the 
brake pedal. When facing downhill, you can start 
your vehicle more smoothly by manually releasing it 
with the electric parking brake switch than by 
releasing it with the accelerator pedal.

As a hybrid vehicle, the sounds and vibrations from 
the engine may be absent even though the vehicle is 
ready for driving. It also makes you fail to recognise 
that you can start.
Make sure to check if the 

 indicator is on before 

you start to drive.

1

Hill start assist system

Hill start assist may not prevent the vehicle from 
rolling downhill on a very steep or slippery slope, and 
will not operate on small inclines.

Hill start assist is not a replacement for the parking 
brake.

Hill start assist will operate even when VSA is 
switched off.

B

362

uu

When Driving

u

Precautions While Driving

Driving

Precautions While Driving

Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. 
To prevent rollovers or loss of control:

•

Take corners at slower speeds than you would with a passenger vehicle.

•

Avoid sharp turns and abrupt manoeuvres whenever possible.

•

Do not modify your vehicle in any way that you would raise the centre of gravity.

Visibility becomes low when it is foggy. When you drive, turn on the low beam 
headlights even during the daytime. Slow down, using the road line in the centre, 
guard rails, and the taillights of the vehicle ahead of you as your driving guide.

If a strong side wind drifts your vehicle while driving, hold the steering wheel tight. 
Slowly decelerate your vehicle and keep your vehicle in the middle of the road. Be 
careful with wind gusts especially when your vehicle is exiting a tunnel, driving on a 
bridge or river bank, and driving through an open area like a quarry, and when a 
large lorry is passing by.

■

Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle

■

In a Fog

■

In a Strong Wind

1

Precautions While Driving

CAUTION: 

Do not drive on the road where water is 

deep. Driving through deep water will cause damage 
to the engine and electrical equipment and the 
vehicle will break down.

NOTICE

Do not operate the shift lever while pressing the 
accelerator pedal. You could damage the 
transmission.

NOTICE

If you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an 
extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel in 
the full left or right position for a while, the electric 
power steering (EPS) system heats up. The system 
goes into a protective mode, and limits its 
performance. The steering wheel becomes harder 
and harder to operate. Once the system cools down, 
the EPS system is restored.
Repeated operation under these conditions can 
eventually damage the system.

If the power mode is set to ACCESSORY while 
driving, the power system will shut down and all 
steering and brake power assist functions will stop, 
making it difficult to control the vehicle.

Do not select 

(

N

 while driving as you will lose 

regenerative braking (and acceleration) performance.

363

uu

When Driving

u

Precautions While Driving

Driving

The road is slippery when raining. Avoid hard braking, rapid acceleration, and 
abrupt steering and be more cautious when driving. It is likely to experience 
hydroplaning phenomenon if you are driving on a rutted road with puddles. Do not 
drive in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine or driveline, 
or cause electrical component failure.

If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location. 
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.

■

In Rain

■

Other Precautions

1

Precautions While Driving

During the first 1,000 km (625 miles) of operation, 
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so 
as not to damage the engine or powertrain.

Avoid hard braking for the first 300 km (200 miles) 
after purchasing your new vehicle or replacing the 
brake pads or rotors, to allow for proper break-in.

1

Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle

Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result 
in a crash or a rollover.

2

Important Handling Information

 P. 42

2

Precautions While Driving

 P. 362

1

In Rain

Be careful when hydroplaning phenomenon occurs. 
When you drive on a road covered with water at 
excessive speed, a layer of water builds between the 
tyres and the road surface. If this occurs, the vehicle 
cannot respond to control inputs such as steering, 
and braking.

Slowly decelerate when you shift down. If the road is 
slippery, sudden regenerative braking can cause the 
tyres to skid.

364

uu

When Driving

u

Transmission

Driving

Transmission

As with a conventional petrol-powered vehicle with an automatic transmission, this 
vehicle will creep.
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed when stopped.

Quickly depressing the accelerator pedal while driving uphill may cause the vehicle 
to react similar to an automatic transmission vehicle, unexpectedly increasing vehicle 
speed. Depress the accelerator pedal carefully, especially on slippery roads and 
curves.

■

Creeping

■

Kickdown

365

uu

When Driving

u

Shifting

Continued

Driving

Shifting

Change the shift position in accordance with your driving needs.

■

Shift positions

(

P

Park

Used when parking or turning the power on 
or off.

(

R

Reverse

Used when reversing.

(

N

Neutral

Transmission is not locked.

(

D

Drive

Used for normal driving.

•

The deceleration paddle selector can be 
used temporarily.

•

The deceleration paddle selector can be 
used when 

SPORT

 mode is on.

Drive (B)

•

Used when driving down a long hill and to 
increase regenerative braking.

•

The deceleration paddle selector can be 
used.

1

Shifting

While the High Voltage battery level is full, or the 
High Voltage battery temperature is low, 
regenerative braking may become less effective.

The beeper sounds and the message appears on the 
driver information interface when you depress the 
accelerator pedal with the shift position in 

(

N

.

2

Driver Information Interface Warning and 
Information Messages

 P. 120

Change the shift position to 

(

D

 or 

(

R

 with the brake 

pedal depressed.

You cannot change the power mode from ON to 
VEHICLE OFF unless the shift lever is in 

(

P

.

You may occasionally find that it takes longer than 
usual for the vehicle to start moving when you select 

(

R

, release the brake pedal, and/or depress the 

accelerator pedal. This may occur when the High 
Voltage battery level is extremely low, and does not 
indicate a vehicle malfunction.

3

WARNING

The vehicle can roll away if left unattended 
without confirming that Park is engaged.
A vehicle that rolls away could cause a crash 
resulting in serious injury or death.
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal 
until you have confirmed that 

(

P

 is shown 

on the shift position indicator.

a

Release Button

B

uu

When Driving

u

Shifting

366

Driving

■

Shift Operation

1

Shift Operation

NOTICE

When you change 

(

D

 to 

(

R

 and vice versa, come to 

a complete stop and keep the brake pedal depressed.
Operating the shift position before the vehicle has 
come to a complete standstill can damage the 
transmission.

Use the shift position indicator to check the lever 
position before pulling away.

If the indicator of the currently selected shift position 
is blinking simultaneously, there is a problem with the 
transmission.
Avoid sudden acceleration and have the transmission 
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.

When shifting positions in extremely low 
temperatures −30°C, there may be a short delay 
before the shift position is displayed. Always confirm 
you are in the correct shift position before driving.

It may not be possible to operate the shift lever if the 
brake pedal is applied while the shift lever release 
button is held down.
Depress the brake pedal first.

a

M

 Indicator

b

Deceleration Paddle Selector Indicator

c

Shift Position Indicator (Transmission System Indicator)

a

Depress the brake pedal and press the shift lever release button to shift.

b

Shift without pressing the shift lever release button.

c

Press the shift lever release button and shift.

367

uu

When Driving

u

Deceleration Paddle Selector

Continued

Driving

Deceleration Paddle Selector

When you release the accelerator pedal, you can control the rate of deceleration 
without removing your hands from the steering wheel. Using the deceleration 
paddle selector situated on the steering wheel, you can sequentially shift through 
four stages of deceleration.
When descending a hill, you can use the deceleration paddle selector to help 
maintain the rate of deceleration, thereby allowing you to keep a safe distance 
between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

■

Deceleration Paddle Selector Operation

1

Deceleration Paddle Selector

3

CAUTION

Rapidly increasing the deceleration rate by 
quickly shifting the deceleration paddle 
selector can cause the tyres to skid, 
resulting in a crash that could injure or kill 
someone.

Always maintain a reasonable rate of 
deceleration.

a

Deceleration Paddle Selector Indicator

b

Deceleration Stage

c

Paddle Selector

uu

When Driving

u

Deceleration Paddle Selector

368

Driving

■

When the shift position is in 

(

D

If you pull back the paddle selector, the rate of deceleration will increase 
temporarily, and the stage will appear on the gauge.
The deceleration paddle selector will cancel automatically and the deceleration 
paddle selector indicator on the gauge will disappear when you drive at a constant 
speed or slow to a near stop.

■

When the shift position is in 

(

D

 and drive mode is SPORT

If you choose 

SPORT

 mode, the rate of deceleration will increase and the stage 

along with 

M

 will appear.

When you want to cancel the deceleration paddle selector, change out of 

SPORT

 

mode. When cancelled, the deceleration paddle selector indicator on the gauge 
disappears.

■

When the shift position is in 

If you change the shift position to 

, the rate of deceleration will increase and the 

stage along with 

M

 will appear.

When you want to cancel the deceleration paddle selector, change the shift position 
to 

(

D

 and change out of 

SPORT

 mode. When cancelled, the deceleration paddle 

selector indicator on the gauge disappears.

1

Deceleration Paddle Selector

In the following situations, the stage may not change 
and the stage icon will blink even if you pull back the 
selector. The deceleration stage may decrease or 
cancel automatically when:

•

The High Voltage battery is fully charged or its 
temperature is too cold or too hot.

•

The speed of the vehicle is beyond the deceleration 
range with SPORT mode off.

•

Hybrid system protection is needed.

You cannot use the deceleration paddle selector 
when ACC with Low Speed Follow is in operation.
If either paddle selector is operated while driving, 
ACC with Low Speed Follow will cancel 
automatically.

If you pull back the right and left paddle selector at 
the same time, the deceleration stage may not 
change.

B

B