HONDA CR-V 2012 User Manual

2012 CR-V

Owner’s Manual

(Unlinked)

This document does not contain hyperlinks and may be formatted for printing instead of web use. This is due to changes in content and specifications of the vehicle that happen throughout the model year. This manual will be replaced with a hyperlinked version at the end of the model year.

P/N 00X31-T0A-

6000

This owner’s manual should be considered a permanent part of the vehicle and should remain with the vehicle when it is sold.

This owner’s manual covers all models of your vehicle. You may find descriptions of equipment and features that are not on your particular model.

Images throughout this owner’s manual (including the front cover) represent features and equipment that are available on some, but not all, models. Your particular model may not have some of these features.

This owner’s manual is for vehicles sold in the United States and Canada.

The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation.

2 Safe Driving P. 25

For Safe Driving P. 26 Seat Belts P. 31 Airbags P. 39

2 Instrument Panel P. 69

Indicators P. 70 Gauges and Displays P. 79

2 Controls P. 97

Setting the Clock P. 98 Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 100 Opening and Closing the Moonroof* P. 116 Adjusting the Seats P. 128 Climate Control System* P. 151

2 Features P. 155

Audio System P. 156 Audio System Basic Operation P. 159 General Information on the Audio System P. 210

2 Driving P. 245

Before Driving P. 246 Towing a Trailer P. 251 Parking Your Vehicle P. 277

Multi-View Rear Camera* P. 278

2 Maintenance P. 285

Before Performing Maintenance P. 286 Maintenance Minder™ P. 289 Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 316 Remote Control and Wireless Headphone Care

P. 331

2 Handling the Unexpected P. 339

Tools P. 340 If a Tire Goes Flat P. 341 Overheating P. 351 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking P. 353

2 Information P. 363

Specifications P. 364 Identification Numbers P. 366 Emissions Testing P. 369 Warranty Coverages P. 371

Contents

Child Safety P. 54 Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 67 Safety Labels P. 68

Opening and Closing the Tailgate P. 110 Security System P. 112 Opening and Closing the Windows P. 114 Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel P. 117 Adjusting the Mirrors P. 126 Interior Lights/Interior Convenience Items P. 138 Heating and Cooling System* P. 148

Rear Entertainment System* P. 193 Audio Error Messages P. 205 Audio Remote Controls P. 209 Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines P. 257 When Driving P. 259 Braking P. 273 Refueling P. 279 Fuel Economy P. 282 Accessories and Modifications P. 283

Maintenance Under the Hood P. 297 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 309 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 320 Battery P. 329 Remote Transmitter Care P. 330 Heating and Cooling System

Engine Does Not Start P. 347 Jump Starting P. 348 Shift Lever Does Not Move P. 350 Fuses P. 357 Emergency Towing P. 360

P. 214 Compass* P. 243

/Climate Control System* Maintenance P. 333 Cleaning P. 334

When You Cannot Open the Tailgate P. 361

Quick Reference Guide

Safe Driving

Instrument Panel

Controls

Features

Driving

Maintenance

Handling the Unexpected

Information

Index

P. 2

P. 25

P. 69

P. 97

P. 155

P. 245

P. 285

P. 339

P. 363

P. 375

Devices that Emit Radio Waves P. 367 Reporting Safety Defects P. 368 Authorized Manuals P. 373 Customer Service Information P. 374

Quick Reference Guide

❙ Hazard Warning Button

❙ ECON Button (P 125)

❙ Navigation System

() See Navigation System Manual

❙ Audio System (P 156)

❙ Heating and Cooling System

(P 148)

❙ Climate Control System

(P 151)

❙ Rear Window Defogger (P 124)

❙ Ignition Switch (P 117)

❙ Steering Wheel Adjustments

(P 125)

❙ (Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®)

System OFF) Button

(P 268)

❙ Heated Mirror Button

(P 124)

❙ System Indicators (P 70) ❙ Gauges (P 79) ❙ Information Display (P 80) ❙ Multi-Information Display

(P 83)

❙ Audio Display

Visual Index

Quick Reference Guide

❙ (SEL/RESET) Knob (P 80) ❙ Brightness Control (P 123)

❙ Wipers/Washers (P 121)

❙ Navigation System Voice Control Buttons

() See Navigation System Manual

❙ Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® System

Voice Control Buttons

(P 214)

❙ Horn (Press an area around .)

❙ MENU Button

(P 86)

❙ (+ / (- / / Buttons (P 86)

❙ SOURCE Button (P 86)

❙ (Display) Button

(P 83)

❙ Cruise Control Buttons (P 265)

❙ Headlights/Turn Signals (P 118) ❙ Fog Lights

(P 120)

* Not available on all models

Visual Index

Quick Reference Guide

❙ Power Door Lock Master Switch (P 105)

❙ Power Window Switches (P 114)

❙ Rearview Mirror (P 126)

❙ Interior Fuse Box (P 358)

❙ Parking Brake (P 273) ❙ Hood Release Handle (P 298)

❙ Accessory Power Socket

(P 141)

❙ Seat Heater Switches

(P 145)

❙ Shift Lever

Automatic Transmission

(P 262)

❙ Glove Box (P 139)

❙ Driver's Front Airbag (P 42)

❙ Door Mirror Controls (P 127)

❙ Driver’s Pocket

❙ Passenger's Front Airbag

(P 42)

❙ Fuel Fill Door Release Handle (P 280)

Quick Reference Guide

❙ Seat Belt to Secure a Child Seat (P 63)

❙ Seat Belt (Installing a Child Seat) (P 62)

❙ Sun Visors ❙ Vanity Mirrors

❙ Moonroof Switch

(P 116)

❙ Map Lights (P 138)

❙ Front Seat (P 128)

❙ Seat Belts (P 31)

❙ Side Airbags (P 46)

❙ Rear Seat (P 135) ❙ LATCH to Secure a Child Seat (P 59)

❙ Ceiling Light (P 138)

❙ Side Curtain Airbags (P 49)

❙ Coat Hook (P 142) ❙ Grab Handle

❙ Sunglasses Holder (P 144)

❙ Seat Belt with Detachable Anchor (P 36)

❙ Rear Entertainment System

(P 193)

❙ Cargo Area Light (P 138)

❙ Accessory Power Socket (P 141) ❙ Console Side Pocket

❙ USB Adapter Cable (P 157) ❙ Auxiliary Input Jack

(P 157)

❙ Accessory Power Socket

(P 141)

* Not available on all models

Visual Index

Quick Reference Guide

❙ Audio Antenna (P 158) ❙ Windshield Wipers (P 121, 316)

❙ Door Lock/Unlock Control (P 102)

❙ Headlights (P 118, 309)

❙ How to Refuel (P 280) ❙ High-Mount Brake Light (P 315)

❙ Tailgate Release Button (P 111)

❙ Opening/Closing the Tailgate

(P 110)

❙ Rear Wiper (P 122, 318)

❙ Back-Up Lights (P 312)

❙ Brake/Taillights (P 312)

❙ Rear Turn Signal Lights (P 312) ❙ Rear Side Marker Lights (P 312)

❙ Power Door Mirrors (P 127)

❙ Maintenance Under the Hood (P 297)

❙ Fog Lights

(P 120, 310)

❙ Multi-View Rear Camera

(P 278)

❙ Front Turn Signal/Parking Lights (P 118, 312) ❙ Side Marker Lights (P 118, 311)

❙ Tires (P 320, 341)

Quick Reference Guide

Eco Assist System (P 125)

Ambient Meter

● Changes color to reflect your driving style. Green: Fuel efficient driving Yellow: Moderate acceleration/ deceleration White: Aggressive acceleration/ deceleration

● The ambient meter color changes in accordance with your brake or accelerator pedal operation.

ECON Button (P 125)

Helps maximize fuel economy.

ECON Mode Indicator (P 77)

Comes on when the ECON button is pressed.

* Not available on all models

Quick Reference Guide

Safe Driving (P 25)

Airbags (P 39)

● Your vehicle is fitted with airbags to help protect you and your passengers during a moderate-to-severe collision.

Child Safety (P 54)

● All children 12 and younger should be seated in the rear seat.

● Smaller children should be properly restrained in a forward-facing child seat.

● Infants must be properly restrained in a rear-facing child seat.

Exhaust Gas Hazard (P 67)

● Your vehicle emits dangerous exhaust gases that contain carbon monoxide. Do not run the engine in confined spaces where carbon monoxide gas can accumulate.

Before Driving Checklist (P 30)

● Before driving, check that the front seats, head restraints, steering wheel, and mirrors have been properly adjusted.

Seat Belts (P 31)

● Fasten your seat belt and sit upright well back in the seat.

● Check that your passengers are wearing their seat belts correctly.

Fasten your lap belt as low as possible.

Quick Reference Guide

Instrument Panel (P 69)

System Indicators

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

Low Oil Pressure Indicator

Charging System Indicator

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Indicator

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) System Indicator

VSA® OFF Indicator

Low Tire Pressure Indicator

Lights Reminders

Lights On Indicator

High Beam Indicator

Fog Light Indicator

Immobilizer System Indicator

Seat Belt Reminder Indicator

System Indicators

Cruise Control Indicator

Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator

Supplemental Restraint System Indicator

Side Airbag Off Indicator

Door Open Indicator

Cruise Main Indicator

Tachometer

Speedometer

Fuel Gauge

Security System Alarm Indicator

Shift Lever Position Indicator

Low Fuel Indicator

Gauges (P 79)/Information Display (P 80)/ Multi-Information Display

(P 83)/System Indicators (P 70)

Tailgate Open Indicator

ECON Mode Indicator

TPMS Indicator

Maintenance Minder Indicator

Washer Level Indicator

Ambient Meter

Temperature Gauge

Electric Power Steering (EPS) Indicator

Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Indicators

AWD System Indicator

System Indicators

Canada

U.S.

Canada

U.S.

* Not available on all models

Quick Reference Guide

Controls (P 97)

Turn Signal Control Lever

Right

Left

Light Control Switches

Low Beam

High Beam

Flashing

Wiper/Washer Control Lever

Adjustment Ring

: Long Delay : Short Delay

MIST OFF INT: Low speed with intermittent LO: Low speed wipe HI: High speed wipe

Pull toward you to spray washer fluid.

Turn Signals (P 118)

Lights (P 118)

Wipers and Washers

(P 121)

Quick Reference Guide

Selector Switch

Adjustment Switch

Power Window Lock Button

Window Switch

Indicator

Steering Wheel (P 125)

● To adjust, pull the adjustment lever towards you, adjust to the desired position, then lock the lever back in place.

Unlocking the Front Doors from the Inside

(P 104)

● Pull either front door inner handle to unlock and open it at the same time.

Tailgate (P 110)

● With all the doors unlocked, push the tailgate release button on the tailgate to open it.

Power Door Mirrors

(P 127)

● With the ignition switch in ON the selector switch to L or R.

● Push the appropriate edge of the adjustment switch to adjust the mirror.

(w, move

Power Windows (P 114)

● With the ignition switch in ON and close the power windows.

● If the power window lock button is in the off position, each passenger's window can be opened and closed with its own switch.

● If the power window lock button is in the on position (indicator is on), each passenger's window switch is disabled.

(w, open

Quick Reference Guide

Heating and Cooling System* (P 148)

Fan Control Dial

(Rear Window Defogger/ Heated Mirror

) Button

(Windshield

Defroster) Button

A/C (Air Conditioning) Button

Air flows from floor and windshield defroster vents.

Air flows from floor vents.

Air flows from floor and dashboard vents.

Air flows from dashboard vents.

Button

(Recirculation) Button

Temperature Control Dial

Button

● Rotate the fan control dial to adjust the fan speed.

● Press the Mode buttons ( / / / ) to select the vents air flows from.

● Rotate the temperature control dial to adjust the temperature.

● Use the button for maximum cool setting.

● Rotate the fan control dial to OFF to turn the system off.

● Press the button to defrost the windshield.

Quick Reference Guide

Models with navigation system

Driver's Side Temperature Control Dial

/ (Fan Control) Buttons

(Windshield

Defroster) Button

A/C (Air Conditioning) Button

Air flows from floor and windshield defroster vents.

Air flows from floor vents.

Air flows from floor and dashboard vents.

Air flows from dashboard vents.

SYNC (Synchronized) Button

(Recirculation) Button

AUTO Button

Passenger's Side Temperature Control Dial

(Rear Window Defogger/ Heated Mirror

) Button

MODE Control Button

(On/Off) Button

Models without navigation system

Models with navigation system

* Not available on all models

Climate Control System* (P 151)

● Press the AUTO button to activate the climate control system.

● Press the button to turn the system on or off.

● Press the button to defrost the windshield.

Clock (P 98)

a Press the CLOCK (AUX) button until the

displayed time begins flashing.

The climate control system is voice operable. See the navigation system manual for complete details.

b Press Preset (4 (Hour) or (5 (Minute)

to set the time. Press Preset to set the time to the nearest hour.

(6 (Reset)

c Press the CLOCK button again to set

the time.

To set the time to the nearest hour: Press and hold the CLOCK button until the clock display begins to blink, then press the

(6 (Reset) button.

Depending on the displayed time, the clock sets forward or backward. Example: 1:06 will reset to 1:00 1:53 will reset to 2:00

The navigation system receives signals from GPS satellites, updating the clock automatically.

Quick Reference Guide

Features (P 155)

AM Button

FM Button

(Power) Button

CD Button

AUX Button

CD Slot

(CD Eject) Button

SCAN Button

Preset Buttons (1-6)

SKIP/SEEK Button

Button

SETUP Button

Selector Knob

Button

(Sound) Button

SKIP/SEEK Button

(P 159)

Models without multi-information display

Audio System (P 156) For navigation system operation () See Navigation System Manual

Quick Reference Guide

(P 173)

Models with multi-information display

Multi-Information Display

AM Button

FM Button

SCAN Button

SKIP/SEEK Button

Selector Knob

Button

(Power)

Button

CD Button AUX Button

CD Slot

(CD Eject)

Button

Preset Buttons (1-6)

Button

SETUP Button

SKIP/SEEK Button

PHONE Button

Button

FM/AM Button

(+ / (- Button

SOURCE Button

/ Button

* Not available on all models

● Audio Remote Controls (P 209)

●

(+ / (- Button

Press and release to adjust the volume up/ down.

● SOURCE Button Press and release to change the audio mode: FM1/FM2/AM/CD/XM1

/XM2*/AUX.

● / Button Radio:Press and release to change the

preset station. Press and hold to select the next or previous strong station.

CD/USB device:

Press and release to skip to the beginning of the next song or return to the beginning of the current song. Press and hold to change a folder.

Quick Reference Guide

Driving (P 245)

Release Button

Shift Lever

Depress the brake pedal and press the release button to move out of

(P.

Move the shift lever without

pressing the release button.

Press the release button to

move the shift lever.

Automatic Transmission (P 263)

● Shift to

(P and depress the brake pedal when starting the engine.

● Shifting

Park

Turn off or start the engine.

Transmission is locked.

Reverse

Neutral

Transmission is not locked.

Drive

Normal driving.

Drive (D3)

Press the

(d button while the shift lever is in

(D.

Used when:

•Going up or down hills

•Towing a trailer in hilly terrain

Second

Used to increase engine braking

(the transmission is locked in 2nd gear)

First

Used to further increase engine braking

(the transmission is locked in 1st gear)

(d Button

Quick Reference Guide

–/SET

VSA® OFF Button (P 269)

● The vehicle stability assist (VSA®) system helps stabilize the vehicle during cornering, and helps maintain traction while accelerating on loose or slippery road surfaces.

● VSA® comes on automatically every time you start the engine.

● To turn VSA® on or off, press and hold the button until you hear a beep.

Cruise Control (P 265)

● Cruise control allows you to maintain a set speed without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal.

● To use cruise control, press the CRUISE button, then press once you have received the desired speed (above 25 mph or 40 km/h).

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

● TPMS monitors tire pressure.

● TPMS is turned on automatically every

time you start the engine.

(P 270)

Refueling (P 279)

Fuel recommendation: Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane number 87 or

higher required

Fuel tank capacity: 15.3 US gal (58 L)

a Pull the fuel fill door

release handle.

b Turn the fuel fill cap

slowly to remove the cap.

c Place the cap in the

holder on the fuel fill door.

d After refueling, screw

the cap back on until it clicks at least once.

Quick Reference Guide

Maintenance (P 285)

Under the Hood (P 297)

● Check engine oil, engine coolant, and windshield washer fluid. Add when necessary.

● Check brake fluid.

● Check the battery condition monthly.

a Pull the hood release handle under the corner of the

dashboard.

b Locate the hood latch lever, pull the lever up, and lift up

the hood.

c When finished, close the hood and make sure it is firmly

locked in place.

Lights (P 309)

● Inspect all lights regularly.

Wiper Blades (P 316)

● Replace blades if they leave streaks across the windshield.

Tires (P 320)

● Inspect tires and wheels regularly.

● Check tire pressures regularly.

● Install snow tires for winter

driving.

Quick Reference Guide

Handling the Unexpected (P 339)

Flat Tire (P 341)

● Park in a safe location and replace the flat tire with the compact spare tire in the cargo area.

Indicators Come On

(P 353)

● Identify the indicator and consult the owner's manual.

Engine Won't Start

(P 347)

● If the battery is dead, jump start using a booster battery.

Blown Fuse (P 357)

● Check for a blown fuse if an electrical device does not operate.

Overheating (P 351)

● Park in a safe location. If you do not see steam under the hood, open the hood, and let the engine cool down.

Emergency Towing

(P 360)

● Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.

Quick Reference Guide

What to Do If

The ignition switch does not turn from

(0 to (q.

Why?

The ignition switch does not turn from

(q to (0 and

I cannot remove the key. Why?

Why does the brake pedal pulsate slightly when applying the brakes?

The rear door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle. Why?

●

The steering wheel may be locked.

●

Try to turn the steering wheel left and right while turning the ignition key.

The shift lever should be moved to (P.

This can occur when the ABS activates, and does not indicate a problem. Apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. Never pump the brake pedal.

Check if the childproof lock is in the lock position. If so, open the rear door with the outside door handle. To cancel this function, push the lever to the unlock position.

Quick Reference Guide

Why do the doors lock after I unlocked the doors using a remote transmitter?

If you do not open the doors within 30 seconds, the doors are relocked automatically for security.

Why does the beeper sound when I open the driver's door?

Why does the beeper sound when I start driving?

Why do I hear a screeching sound when I apply the brake pedal?

The beeper sounds when:

●

The key is left in the ignition switch.

●

The exterior lights are left on.

The beeper sounds when:

●

Driver and/or front passenger are not wearing their seat belts.

●

The parking brake lever is not fully released.

The brake pads may need to be replaced. Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.

Quick Reference Guide

California Proposition 65 Warning

WARNING: This product contains or emits

chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

NOTICE

To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement, that have the special equipment, can read the information if they have access to the vehicle or the EDR.

Event Data Recorders

This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR).

The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data related

to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as:

• How various systems in your vehicle were operating;

• Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were

buckled/fastened;

• How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,

• How fast the vehicle was traveling.

These data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur. NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under normal driving conditions and no personal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) are recorded. However, other parties, such as law enforcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash investigation.

The data belongs to the vehicle owner and may not be accessed by anyone else except as legally required or with the permission of the vehicle owner.

Service Diagnostic Recorders

This vehicle is equipped with service-related devices that record information about powertrain performance. The data can be used to verify emissions law requirements and/or help technicians diagnose and solve service problems. It may also be combined with data from other sources for research purposes, but it remains confidential.

California Perchlorate Contamination Prevention Act

The airbags, seat belt tensioners, and CR type batteries in this vehicle may contain perchlorate materials - special handling may apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate/

As you read this manual, you will find information that is preceded by a symbol. This information is intended to help you avoid damage to your vehicle, other property, or the environment.

Quick Reference Guide

A Few Words About Safety

3DANGER

3WARNING

3CAUTION

You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms, including:

Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And operating this vehicle safely is an important responsibility.

To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others.

Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining your vehicle. You must use your own good judgement.

● Safety Labels - on the vehicle.

● Safety Messages - preceded by a safety alert symbol

one of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. These signal words mean:

You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.

You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.

You CAN be HURT if you don't follow instructions.

● Safety Headings - such as Important Safety Precautions.

● Safety Section - such as Safe Driving.

● Instructions - how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.

This entire book is filled with important safety information - please read it carefully.

3 and

Safe Driving

You can find many safety recommendations throughout this chapter, and throughout this manual.

For Safe Driving

Important Safety Precautions ............. 26

Important Handling Information......... 28

Your Vehicle's Safety Features............ 29

Seat Belts

About Your Seat Belts........................ 31

Fastening a Seat Belt.......................... 34

Seat Belt Inspection............................ 38

Airbags

Airbag System Components............... 39

Types of Airbags ................................ 42

Front Airbags (SRS) ............................ 42

Side Airbags ...................................... 46

Side Curtain Airbags .......................... 49

Airbag System Indicators.................... 50

Airbag Care ....................................... 53

Child Safety

Protecting Child Passengers ............... 54

Safety of Infants and Small Children.......56

Safety of Larger Children ................... 65

Exhaust Gas Hazard

Carbon Monoxide Gas....................... 67

Safety Labels

Label Locations .................................. 68

Safe Driving

For Safe Driving

1Important Safety Precautions

Some states, provinces and territories prohibit the use of cell phones other than hands-free devices by the driver while driving.

The following pages explain your vehicle's safety features and how to use them properly. The safety precautions below are ones that we consider to be among the most important.

Important Safety Precautions

■ Always wear your seat belt

A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags are designed to supplement seat belts, not replace them. So even though your vehicle is equipped with airbags, make sure you and your passengers always wear your seat belts, and wear them properly.

■ Restrain all children

Children age 12 and under should ride properly restrained in a back seat, not the front seat. Infants and small children should be restrained in a child seat. Larger children should use a booster seat and a lap/shoulder seat belt until they can use the belt properly without a booster seat.

■ Be aware of airbag hazards

While airbags can save lives, they can cause serious or fatal injuries to occupants who sit too close to them, or are not properly restrained. Infants, young children, and short adults are at the greatest risk. Be sure to follow all instructions and warnings in this manual.

■ Don't drink and drive

Alcohol and driving don't mix. Even one drink can reduce your ability to respond to changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse with every additional drink. So don't drink and drive, and don't let your friends drink and drive, either.

Safe Driving

uuFor Safe DrivinguImportant Safety Precautions

■ Pay appropriate attention to the task of driving safely

Engaging in cell phone conversation or other activities that keep you from paying close attention to the road, other vehicles, and pedestrians could lead to a crash. Remember, situations can change quickly, and only you can decide when it is safe to divert some attention away from driving.

■ Control your speed

Excessive speed is a major factor in crash injuries and deaths. Generally, the higher the speed, the greater the risk, but serious injuries can also occur at lower speeds. Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the maximum speed posted.

■ Keep your vehicle in safe condition

Having a tire blowout or a mechanical failure can be extremely hazardous. To reduce the possibility of such problems, check your tire pressures and condition frequently, and perform all regularly scheduled maintenance.

uuFor Safe DrivinguImportant Handling Information

Safe Driving

1Important Handling Information

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

2 Precautions While Driving P. 261 2 Off-Highway Driving Guidelines P. 257

Important Handling Information

Your vehicle has higher ground clearance than a passenger vehicle designed for use only on pavement. Higher ground clearance has many advantages for off-highway driving. It allows you to travel over bumps, obstacles, and rough terrain. It also provides good visibility so you can anticipate problems earlier.

These advantages come at some cost. Because your vehicle is taller and rides higher off the ground, it has a higher center gravity making it more susceptible to tripping or roll over if you make abrupt turns. Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. As a reminder, make sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts.

+ 354 hidden pages