Honda Civic Owner's Manual page 353

06/08/05 22:29:57 32SMG610_353
Towing a Trailer
Making Turns and Braking
Make turns more slowly and wider
than normal. The trailer tracks a
smaller arc than your vehicle, and it
can hit or run over something the
vehicle misses. Allow more time and
distance for braking. Do not brake or
turn suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknife or turn over.
Driving on Hills
When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red (Hot) mark, turn the air
conditioning off, reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and always apply engine
braking by shifting down. When
going down a steep hill, use the 1st
gear to provide greater engine
braking.
350
Driving
Do not ''ride'' the brakes, and
remember, it will take longer to slow
down and stop when towing a trailer.
Driving on an uphill road of more
than 12% slope is not recommended
for your vehicle.
We recommend that you tow a
trailer on the roads recommended by
the trailer association.
On vehicles with i-SHIFT
If you must stop when facing uphill,
use the foot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
place by pressing on the accelerator,
as this can cause the transmission
and the clutch system to overheat.
Make sure to set the parking brake
when starting off on an incline.
Handling Crosswinds and Buffeting
Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause trailer
swaying. When being passed by a
large vehicle, keep a constant speed
and steer straight ahead. Do not try
to make quick steering or braking
corrections.