Honda Civic Owner's Manual page 347

06/08/05 22:29:04 32SMG610_347
Driving in Bad Weather
Visibility Being able to see
clearly in all directions and being
visible to other drivers are important
in all weather conditions. This is
more difficult in bad weather. To be
seen more clearly during daylight
hours, turn on your headlights.
Inspect your windscreen wipers and
washers frequently. Keep the wind-
screen washer reservoir full of the
proper fluid. Have the windscreen
wiper blades replaced if they start to
streak the windscreen or leave parts
unwiped. Use the demister and air
conditioning (on some types) to keep
the windows from fogging up on the
inside (see pages 200 and
344
Driving
Traction Check your tyres
frequently for wear and proper
pressure. Both are important in
preventing ''aquaplaning'' (loss of
traction on a wet surface). In the
winter, mount snow tyres on all four
wheels for the best handling.
Watch road conditions carefully,
they can change from moment to
moment. Wet leaves can be as slip-
pery as ice. ''Clear'' roads can have
patches of ice. Driving conditions
can be very hazardous when the
outside temperature is near freezing.
The road surface can become
covered with areas of water puddles
206 ). mixed with areas of ice, so your
traction can change without warning.
Be careful when downshifting. If
traction is low, you can lock up the
drive wheels for a moment and cause
a skid.
Be very cautious when passing, or
being passed by other vehicles. The
spray from large vehicles reduces
your visibility, and the wind buffeting
can cause you to lose control.
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.