Maintenance -> Maintenance Under the Hood for Your Honda CR-V SUV Fourth Generation (2011-2015)

Maintenance Under the Hood  
Maintenance Items Under the Hood  
Engine Oil Dipstick  
(Orange)  
Engine Oil Fill Cap  
Brake Fluid  
(Black Cap)  
Washer Fluid  
(Blue Cap)  
Battery  
Engine Coolant  
Reserve Tank  
Radiator Cap  
440  
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOpening the Hood  
Opening the Hood  
1. Park the vehicle on level ground, and set  
the parking brake.  
1Opening the Hood  
Hood Release Handle  
NOTICE  
2. Pull the hood release handle under the  
lower left corner of the dashboard.  
u The hood will pop up slightly.  
Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are  
raised.  
The hood will strike the wipers, and may damage  
either the hood or the wipers.  
Pull  
When closing the hood, check that the hood is  
securely latched.  
3. Push up the hood latch lever in the center  
of the hood to release the lock mechanism,  
and open the hood.  
If the hood latch lever moves stiffly, or if you can  
open the hood without lifting the lever, the latch  
mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.  
Lever  
4. Remove the support rod from the clamp  
using the grip. Mount the support rod in  
the hood.  
Support Rod Grip  
When closing, remove the support rod, and  
stow it in the clamp, then gently lower the  
hood. Remove your hand at a height of  
approximately 12 inches (30 cm) and let the  
hood close.  
Clamp  
441  
 
uuMaintenance Under the HooduRecommended Engine Oil  
Recommended Engine Oil  
1Recommended Engine Oil  
Genuine Honda Motor Oil  
Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil with an API Certification Seal on the  
Engine Oil Additives  
Your vehicle does not require oil additives. In fact,  
they may adversely affect the engine performance  
and durability.  
container.  
Oil is a major contributor to your engine's  
performance and longevity. If you drive the  
vehicle with insufficient or deteriorated oil,  
the engine may fail or be damaged.  
This seal indicates the oil is energy conserving  
and that it meets the American Petroleum  
Institute’s latest requirements.  
Use a Genuine Honda Motor Oil or another  
commercial engine oil of suitable viscosity for  
the ambient temperature as shown here.  
Ambient Temperature  
Synthetic oil  
You may also use synthetic motor oil if it is labeled with the API Certification Seal  
and is the specified viscosity grade.  
442  
 
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOil Check  
Oil Check  
We recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel.  
1Oil Check  
Park the vehicle on level ground.  
Wait approximately three minutes after turning the engine off before you check the  
If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly  
add oil being careful not to overfill.  
oil.  
1. Remove the dipstick (orange handle).  
2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or  
paper towel.  
3. Insert the dipstick back all the way into its  
hole.  
4. Remove the dipstick again, and check the  
level. It should be between the upper and  
lower marks. Add oil if necessary.  
Upper Mark  
Lower Mark  
443  
 
uuMaintenance Under the HooduAdding Engine Oil  
Adding Engine Oil  
1. Unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap. 1Adding Engine Oil  
2. Add oil slowly.  
3. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and tighten  
it securely.  
If any oil spills, wipe it away immediately. Spilled oil  
may damage the engine compartment components.  
NOTICE  
4. Wait for three minutes and recheck the  
engine oil dipstick.  
Do not fill the engine oil above the upper mark.  
Overfilling the engine oil can result in leaks and  
engine damage.  
Engine Oil  
Fill Cap  
444  
 
uuMaintenance Under the HooduChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter  
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter  
You must change the engine oil and oil filter regularly in order to maintain the  
engine's lubrication. The engine may be damaged if they are not changed regularly.  
1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter  
NOTICE  
You may damage the environment if you do not  
dispose of the oil in a suitable way. If you are  
changing the oil by yourself, appropriately dispose of  
the used oil. Put the oil in a sealed container and take  
it to a recycling center. Do not throw the oil away  
into a garbage can or onto the ground.  
Change the oil and filter in accordance with the maintenance message on the  
information display*/multi-information display*/i-MID.  
1. Run the engine until it reaches normal  
operating temperature, and then turn the  
engine off.  
2. Open the hood and remove the engine oil  
fill cap.  
3. Remove the drain bolt and washer from  
the bottom of the engine, and drain the  
oil into a suitable container.  
Washer  
Drain Bolt  
Oil Filter  
* Not available on all models  
Continued  
445  
 
uuMaintenance Under the HooduChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter  
4. Remove the oil filter and dispose of the remaining oil.  
5. Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to the engine contact surface.  
u If it is stuck, you must detach it.  
1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter  
You will need a special wrench to replace the oil  
filter. You can buy this wrench from a dealer.  
6. Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the contact surface of the engine block,  
and install a new oil filter.  
u Apply a light coat of new engine oil to the oil filter gasket.  
7. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then reinstall the drain bolt.  
u Tightening torque:  
When installing the new oil filter, follow the  
instructions supplied with the oil filter.  
Reinstall the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine. The  
low oil pressure indicator should go off within five  
seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine, and check  
your work.  
30 lbf∙ft (40 N∙m, 4.0 kgf∙m)  
8. Pour the recommended engine oil into the engine.  
u Engine oil change capacity (including filter):  
4.6 US qt (4.4 L)  
9. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely and start the engine.  
10. Run the engine for a few minutes, and then check that there is no leak from the  
drain bolt or oil filter.  
Be sure to verify that the oil filter is designed for your  
vehicle. A genuine Honda oil filter is recommended  
for optimum lubrication flow and filtration properties  
to assure the reliability of the engine.  
11. Stop the engine, wait for three minutes, and then check the oil level on the  
dipstick.  
u If necessary, add more engine oil.  
446  
uuMaintenance Under the HooduEngine Coolant  
Engine Coolant  
1Engine Coolant  
Specified coolant: Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2  
If Honda antifreeze/coolant is not available, you may  
use another major brand non-silicate coolant as a  
temporary replacement. Check that it is a high quality  
coolant recommended for aluminum engines.  
Continued use of any non-Honda coolant can result  
in corrosion, causing the cooling system to  
malfunction or fail. Have the cooling system flushed  
and refilled with Honda antifreeze/coolant as soon as  
possible.  
This coolant is premixed with 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Do not add any  
straight antifreeze or water.  
We recommend you check the engine coolant level every time you refuel. Check the  
reserve tank first. If it is completely empty, also check the coolant level in the  
radiator. Add the engine coolant accordingly.  
Reserve Tank  
Do not add rust inhibitors or other additives to your  
vehicle's cooling system. They may not be compatible  
with the coolant or with the engine components.  
1. Check the amount of coolant in the reserve  
tank.  
MAX  
Reserve  
Tank  
MIN  
2. If the coolant level is below the MIN mark,  
add the specified coolant until it reaches  
the MAX mark.  
3. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.  
Continued  
447  
 
uuMaintenance Under the HooduEngine Coolant  
1Radiator  
Radiator  
1. Make sure the engine and radiator are  
cool.  
3
WARNING  
Radiator Cap  
Removing the radiator cap while the  
engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray  
out, seriously scalding you.  
2. Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise to  
relieve any pressure in the cooling system.  
Do not push the cap down when turning.  
3. Push down and turn the radiator cap  
counterclockwise to remove it.  
Always let the engine and radiator cool  
down before removing the radiator cap.  
4. The coolant level should be up to the base  
of the filler neck. Add coolant if it is low.  
5. Put the radiator cap back on, and tighten it  
fully.  
6. Pour coolant into the reserve tank until it  
reaches the MAX mark. Put the cap back  
on the reserve tank.  
NOTICE  
Pour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill  
any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can  
damage components in the engine compartment.  
448  
 
uuMaintenance Under the HooduTransmission Fluid  
1Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid  
Transmission Fluid  
Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid  
NOTICE  
Specified fluid: Honda HCF-2 Transmission Fluid  
Do not mix HCF-2 with other transmission fluids.  
Using a transmission fluid other than HCF-2 may  
adversely affect the operation and durability of your  
vehicle’s transmission, and damage the transmission.  
Any damage caused by using a transmission fluid that  
is not equivalent to HCF-2 is not covered by Honda’s  
new vehicle warranty.  
Have a dealer check the fluid level and replace if necessary.  
449  
 
uuMaintenance Under the HooduBrake Fluid  
Brake Fluid  
1Brake Fluid  
Specified fluid: Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3  
NOTICE  
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not compatible with your  
vehicle's braking system and can cause extensive  
damage.  
Checking the Brake Fluid  
The fluid level should be between the MIN  
and MAX marks on the side of the reservoir.  
Brake Reservoir  
If the specified brake fluid is not available, you should  
use only DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid from a sealed  
container as a temporary replacement.  
MAX  
MIN  
Using any non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion  
and decrease the longevity of the system. Have the  
brake system flushed and refilled with Honda Heavy  
Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as soon as possible.  
If the brake fluid level is at or below the MIN mark,  
have a dealer inspect the vehicle for leaks or worn  
brake pad as soon as possible.  
450  
 
uuMaintenance Under the HooduRefilling Window Washer Fluid  
1Refilling Window Washer Fluid  
Refilling Window Washer Fluid  
Check the amount of window washer fluid by looking at the reservoir.  
If the level is low, fill the washer reservoir.  
NOTICE  
Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water  
solution in the windshield washer reservoir.  
Antifreeze can damage your vehicle's paint. A  
vinegar/water solution can damage the windshield  
washer pump.  
Canadian models with information display  
If the washer fluid is low, the washer level indicator comes on.  
Canadian models with multi-information display  
If the washer fluid is low, a message appears on the multi-information display.  
Pour the washer fluid carefully. Do not overflow the reservoir.  
451  
 
Replacing Light Bulbs  
Headlight Bulbs  
When replacing, use the following bulbs.  
1Headlight Bulbs  
High beam headlight: 60 W (HB3)  
NOTICE  
Halogen bulbs get very hot when lit.  
Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the glass can cause  
the bulb to overheat and shatter.  
Low beam headlight: 55 W (H11 for halogen bulb type)  
High Beam Headlight  
1. Push the tab to remove the coupler.  
2. Rotate the old bulb to the left to remove.  
3. Insert a new bulb into the headlight  
assembly and turn it to the right.  
4. Insert the coupler into the connector of the  
bulb.  
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not  
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry  
heavy items in the cargo area or tow a trailer, have  
the aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified  
technician.  
Bulb  
When replacing a halogen bulb, handle it by its base,  
and protect the glass from contact with your skin or  
hard objects. If you touch the glass, clean it with  
denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.  
Tab  
Coupler  
452  
 
uuReplacing Light BulbsuFog Light Bulbs*  
Low Beam Headlights  
1. Push the tab to remove the coupler.  
2. Rotate the old bulb to the left to remove.  
3. Insert a new bulb into the headlight  
assembly and turn it to the right.  
4. Insert the coupler into the connector of the  
bulb.  
Bulb  
Coupler  
Tab  
Fog Light Bulbs*  
1Fog Light Bulbs*  
When replacing, use the following bulbs.  
NOTICE  
Halogen bulbs get very hot when lit. Oil, perspiration,  
or a scratch on the glass can cause the bulb to  
overheat and shatter.  
Fog Light: 35 W (H8 for halogen bulb type)  
1. Pull the hole of the cover with your finger,  
then remove it.  
Cover  
When replacing a halogen bulb, handle it by its  
plastic case, and protect the glass from contact with  
your skin or hard objects. If you touch the glass, clean  
it with denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.  
Hole  
* Not available on all models  
Continued  
453  
 
uuReplacing Light BulbsuFog Light Bulbs*  
2. Remove the screw using a Phillips-head  
screwdriver and carefully pull the fog light  
assembly out of the bumper.  
Screw  
3. Push the tab to remove the coupler.  
4. Rotate the old bulb to the left to remove.  
5. Insert new bulb.  
Bulb  
Tab  
Coupler  
454  
uuReplacing Light BulbsuFront Turn Signal/Side Marker Light/Parking Light Bulbs  
Models without smart entry system  
Front Turn Signal/Side Marker Light/Parking Light  
Bulbs  
When replacing, use the following bulbs.  
Front Turn Signal/Side Marker Light/Parking Light: 28/8 W (Amber)  
1. Turn the socket to the left and remove it,  
then remove the old bulb.  
2. Insert a new bulb.  
Bulb  
Socket  
455  
uuReplacing Light BulbsuFront Turn Signal/Side Marker Light Bulbs  
Models with smart entry system  
Front Turn Signal/Side Marker Light Bulbs  
When replacing, use the following bulbs.  
Front Turn Signal/Side Marker Light: 28/8 W (Amber)  
1. Turn the socket to the left and remove it,  
then remove the old bulb.  
2. Insert a new bulb.  
Bulb  
Socket  
Models with smart entry system  
Parking Light Bulbs  
Parking light bulbs are LED type. Have an authorized Honda dealer inspect and  
replace the light bulbs.  
456  
uuReplacing Light BulbsuSide Turn Signal/Emergency Indicator Light Bulbs*  
Side Turn Signal/Emergency Indicator Light Bulbs*  
Door mirrors have the side turn lights. Have an authorized Honda dealer inspect and  
replace the light assembly.  
Brake Light, Taillight, Back-Up Light, Rear Turn  
Signal Light and Lower Rear Side Marker Light Bulbs  
When replacing, use the following bulbs.  
1Brake Light, Taillight, Back-Up Light, Rear Turn Signal Light and  
Lower Rear Side Marker Light Bulbs  
Lower Rear Side Marker/Brake/Taillight: 21/5W  
Back-Up Light: 21W  
Rear Turn Signal Light: 21W (Amber)  
1. Use a Phillip-head screwdriver to remove  
the bolts.  
Bolts  
Cap  
2. Pull the light assembly out of the rear pillar.  
If it is difficult to remove the light assembly, remove  
the cap.  
* Not available on all models  
Continued  
457  
 
uuReplacing Light BulbsuBrake Light, Taillight, Back-Up Light, Rear Turn Signal Light and Lower Rear Side Marker Light Bulbs  
3. Turn the socket to the left and remove it.  
Remove the old bulb.  
4. Insert a new bulb.  
Bulb  
Socket  
Guide  
5. Reinstall the light assembly by sliding it on  
to the guide on the body.  
458  
uuReplacing Light BulbsuUpper Rear Side Marker/Taillight Bulbs  
Upper Rear Side Marker/Taillight: 3CP  
1. Remove the lower taillight assembly.  
2 Brake Light, Taillight, Back-Up Light, Rear Turn Signal Light and Lower Rear  
Side Marker Light Bulbs P. 457  
2. Use a Phillip-head screwdriver to remove  
the bolt.  
3. Pull the light assembly out of the rear pillar.  
Bolt  
4. Turn the socket to the left and remove it.  
Remove the old bulb.  
5. Insert a new bulb.  
Socket  
Bulb  
459  
uuReplacing Light BulbsuRear License Plate Light Bulb  
Rear License Plate Light Bulb  
When replacing, use the following bulb.  
Rear License Plate Light: 3CP  
1. Push the left edge of the lens to the right  
and pull out the license light assembly.  
2. Push the tabs to remove the lens.  
3. Remove the old bulb.  
Tab  
4. Insert a new bulb.  
Bulb  
Tab  
Lens  
High-Mount Brake Light Bulb  
High-mount brake light bulbs are LED type. Have an authorized Honda dealer  
inspect and replace the light bulbs.  
460  
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades  
Checking Wiper Blades  
If the wiper blade rubber has deteriorated, it will leave streaks and the hard surfaces  
of the blade may scratch the window glass.  
Changing the Front Wiper Blade Rubber  
1Changing the Front Wiper Blade Rubber  
1. Lift the driver side wiper arm first, then the  
NOTICE  
Avoid dropping the wiper arm; it may damage the  
windshield.  
passenger side.  
2. Push the lock tab up.  
3. Slide the blade from the wiper arm.  
Lock Tab  
Continued  
461  
 
uuChecking and Maintaining Wiper BladesuChanging the Front Wiper Blade Rubber  
4. Slide the wiper blade out from its holder by  
pulling the tabbed end out.  
Blade  
5. Remove the retainers from the rubber blade  
that has been removed, and mount to a  
new rubber blade.  
Retainer  
Blade  
Top  
u Correctly align the rubber protrusion and  
the retainer grooves.  
6. Slide the new wiper blade onto the holder  
from the bottom end.  
Indent  
u The tab on the holder should fit in the  
indent of the wiper blade.  
7. Slide the wiper blade onto the wiper arm  
until it clicks.  
Tab  
8. Lower the passenger side wiper arm first,  
then the driver side.  
462  
uuChecking and Maintaining Wiper BladesuChanging the Rear Wiper Blade Rubber  
Changing the Rear Wiper Blade Rubber  
1. Raise the rear wiper arm up and away from  
1Changing the Rear Wiper Blade Rubber  
the rear window.  
NOTICE  
Avoid dropping the wiper arm; it may damage the  
rear window.  
2. Pull up the lock tab and release the wiper  
arm.  
Lock Tab  
3. Slide the wiper blade out from the end with  
the indent.  
Blade  
Continued  
463  
 
uuChecking and Maintaining Wiper BladesuChanging the Rear Wiper Blade Rubber  
4. Remove the retainers from wiper blade and  
mount to a new rubber blade.  
Retainer  
Rubber  
5. Slide the wiper blade onto the holder.  
u Make sure it is engaged correctly, then  
install the wiper blade assembly onto the  
wiper arm.  
464  
Checking and Maintaining Tires  
Checking Tires  
To safely operate your vehicle, your tires must be of the proper type and size, in  
good condition with adequate tread, and properly inflated.  
1Checking Tires  
3
WARNING  
Inflation guidelines  
Using tires that are excessively worn or  
improperly inflated can cause a crash in  
which you can be seriously hurt or killed.  
Properly inflated tires provide the best combination of handling, tread life, and comfort.  
Refer to the driver’s doorjamb label or specification’s page for the specified pressure.  
Follow all instructions in this owner’s  
manual regarding tire inflation and  
maintenance.  
Underinflated tires wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and  
are more likely to fail from overheating.  
Overinflated tires make your vehicle ride harshly, are more prone to road hazards,  
and wear unevenly.  
Measure the air pressure when tires are cold. This  
means the vehicle has been parked for at least three  
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). If  
necessary, add or release air until the specified  
pressure is reached.  
Every day before you drive, look at each of the tires. If one looks lower than the  
others, check the pressure with a tire gauge.  
At least once a month or before long trips, use a gauge to measure the pressure in  
all tires, including the spare. Even tires in good condition can lose 1 to 2 psi (10 to  
20 kPa, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf/cm2) per month.  
If checked when hot, tire pressure can be as much as  
4–6 psi (30–40 kPa, 0.3–0.4 kgf/cm2) higher than if  
checked when cold.  
Inspection guidelines  
Have a dealer check the tires if you feel a consistent  
vibration while driving. New tires and any that have  
been removed and reinstalled should be properly  
balanced.  
Every time you check inflation, also examine the tires and valve stems.  
Look for:  
Bumps or bulges on the side or in the tread. Replace the tire if you find any cuts,  
splits, or cracks in the side of the tire. Replace it if you see fabric or cord.  
Remove any foreign objects and inspect for air leaks.  
Uneven tread wear. Have a dealer check the wheel alignment.  
Excessive tread wear.  
2 Wear Indicators P. 470  
Cracks or other damage around valve stem.  
465  
 
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuTire and Loading Information Label  
Tire and Loading Information Label  
The label attached to the driver’s doorjamb provides necessary tire and loading  
information.  
1Tire and Loading Information Label  
The tire and loading information label attached to the  
driver’s doorjamb contains:  
a
b
The number of people your vehicle can carry.  
The total weight your vehicle can carry. Do not  
exceed this weight.  
Label  
Example  
c
d
The original tire sizes for front, rear, and spare.  
The proper cold tire pressure for front, rear, and  
spare.  
1Tire Sizes  
Tire Labeling  
Following is an example of tire size with an  
explanation of what each component means.  
215/70R16 100S  
215: Tire width in millimeters.  
70: Aspect ratio (the tire’s section height as a  
percentage of its width).  
The tires that came on your vehicle have a  
number of markings. Those you should be  
aware of are described below.  
Example  
Tire Size  
Tire  
Identification  
Number (TIN)  
Maximum  
Tire Load  
R: Tire construction code (R indicates radial).  
16: Rim diameter in inches.  
Maximum  
Tire Pressure  
Tire Size  
100: Load index (a numerical code associated with  
the maximum load the tire can carry).  
S: Speed symbol (an alphabetical code indicating the  
maximum speed rating).  
Tire Sizes  
Whenever tires are replaced, they should be replaced with tires of the same size.  
466  
   
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuTire Labeling  
1Tire Identification Number (TIN)  
Tire Identification Number (TIN)  
DOT B97R FW6X 2209  
The tire identification number (TIN) is a group of numbers and letters that look like  
the example in the side column. TIN is located on the sidewall of the tire.  
DOT: This indicates that the tire meets all  
requirements of the U.S. Department of  
Transportation.  
B97R: Manufacturer's identification mark.  
FW6X: Tire type code.  
22 09: Date of manufacture.  
Glossary of Tire Terminology  
Cold Tire Pressure – The tire air pressure when the vehicle has been parked for at  
least three hours or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km).  
Load Rating – Means the maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given  
inflation pressure.  
Year  
Week  
Maximum Inflation Pressure – The maximum tire air pressure that the tire can  
hold.  
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.  
467  
 
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuDOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)  
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)  
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  
1Uniform Tire Quality Grading  
For example:  
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall  
between tread shoulder and maximum section width.  
Treadwear 200  
Traction AA  
Temperature A  
Treadwear  
The treadwear grade is a comparative 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 conditions 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.  
All passenger car tires must conform  
to Federal Safety Requirements in  
addition to these grades.  
468  
 
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuDOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)  
1Traction  
Traction  
Warning: The traction grade  
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.  
assigned to this tire is based on  
and does not include acceleration,  
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak  
traction characteristics.  
1Temperature  
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.  
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.  
469  
   
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuWear Indicators  
Wear Indicators  
The groove where the wear indicator is  
Example of a Wear  
Indicator mark  
located is 1/16 inch (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.  
470  
 
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuTire and Wheel Replacement  
1Tire and Wheel Replacement  
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 the ABS, vehicle stability assist (VSA®), hill  
start assist, and the AWD* system to work incorrectly.  
3
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.  
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.  
Always use the size and type of tires  
recommended in this owner’s manual.  
Make sure that the wheel’s specifications match those of the original wheels.  
If you replace a wheel, only use TPMS specified wheels approved for your vehicle.  
* Not available on all models  
471  
 
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuTire Rotation  
Tire Rotation  
Rotating tires according to the maintenance messages on the information display*/  
multi-information display*/intelligent multi-information display (i-MID) helps to  
distribute wear more evenly and increase tire life.  
1Tire 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.  
Tires without rotation marks  
Rotate the tires as shown here.  
Front  
Front  
Direction Mark  
Tires with rotation marks  
Rotate the tires as shown here.  
Front  
* Not available on all models  
472  
 
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuWinter Tires  
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.  
1Winter Tires  
3
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.  
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.  
Follow all instructions in this owner's  
manual regarding the selection and use of  
tire chains.  
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:  
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.  
Models with 215/70R16 tires  
Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1042  
Models with 225/65R17 or P225/60R18 99H tires  
Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain TC2111MM  
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.  
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.  
473  
 
Battery  
Checking the Battery  
Check the battery condition monthly and check the terminals for corrosion.  
1Battery  
3
WARNING  
If your vehicle's battery is disconnected or goes dead:  
The audio system is disabled.  
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen  
gas during normal operation.  
2 Reactivating the audio system P. 210  
The clock resets.  
2 Clock P. 128  
The navigation system* is disabled.  
A spark or flame can cause the battery to  
explode with enough force to kill or  
seriously hurt you.  
2 Refer to the navigation system manual  
When conducting any battery  
maintenance, wear protective clothing and  
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do  
it.  
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.  
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.  
Please consult a dealer for more information.  
* Not available on all models  
474