wheel Acura Integra 2000 Hatchback Owner's Guide

Tire
s

Tir e Rotatio n
To help increase tire life and distribute wear more evenly, you
should have the tires rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km). Move the
tires to the positions shown in the
chart each time they are rotated. When shopping for replacement
tires, you may find that some tiresare "directional." This means they
are designed to rotate only in one
direction. If you use directional tires,
they should be rotated only front-to-
back.
Tir
e Wea r
Type-R model only

The tires on your Type-R were
designed and constructed to provide
superior grip during acceleration,
braking, and cornering. They will
wear more rapidly than normal passenger vehicle tires. Tire life may
be less than 15,000 miles (24,000
km), depending on how you drive.
You should carefully inspect your vehicle's tires for wear, damage, and
proper inflation every 2,000 miles (3,200 km), see page 197.
These tires are not suitable for winter driving. Refer to Winte r
Driving , page 201.
Maintenance

Fron
t Front

(Fo r Non-directiona l

Tires an d Wheels )
(Fo r Directiona l
Tires an d Wheels )

Tire
s

Replacin g Tire s an d Wheel s
The tires that came with your car were selected to match the perform- ance capabilities of the car while
providing the best combination of
handling, ride comfort, and long life.
You should replace them with radial tires of the same size, load range, speed rating, and maximum cold tire
pressure rating (as shown on the
tire's sidewall). Mixing radial and
bias-ply tires on your car can reduce its braking ability, traction, andsteering accuracy. It is best to replace all four tires at
the same time. If that is not possible or necessary, then replace the two
front tires or the two rear tires as a
pair. Replacing just one tire can seriously affect your car's handling. The ABS works by comparing the
speed of the wheels. When replacing
tires, use the same size originally supplied with the car. Tire size and
construction can affect wheel speed
and may cause the system to work in-
consistently.
If you ever need to replace a wheel,
make sure the wheel's specifications
match those of the original wheel
that came on your car. Replacement
wheels are available at your Acura
dealer.

Maintenanc e
Installing improper tires on your
car can affect handling and
stability. This can cause a crash in which you can be seriously
hurt or killed.

Always use the size and type of

tires recommended in this
owner's manual.

Tire
s

Wheel s an d Tire s

Wheels:
(SE)
14 x 5 1/ 2 J J

(LS, GS, GS-R, Type-R)
15x6 JJ

Tires:
(SE)
P195/60R1 4 85 H

(LS,
GS,
GS-R)
P195/55R1 5 84 V

(Type-R)
195/55R1 5 84 V
See page 252 for information about
DOT Tire Quality Grading.
Winte
r Drivin g

SE, LS, GS and GS-R models

Tires that are marked "M+S" or "All Season" on the sidewall have an
all-weather tread design. They
should be suitable for most winter
driving conditions. Tires without
these markings are designed for optimum traction in dry conditions.
They may not provide adequate performance in winter driving.For the best performance in snowyor icy conditions, you should install
snow tires or tire chains. They may
be required by local laws under certain conditions.

Type-R model

You should mount winter tires on
your Type-R before winter starts
(before consistent sub-freezing

temperatures). Change back to
"summer" tires after winter weather

has stopped.

Maintenance

CONTINUED

Tire
s
Snow Tires

SE, LS, GS and GS-R models

If you mount snow tires on your
Acura, make sure they are radial tires of the same size and load rangeas the original tires. Mount snow
tires on all four wheels to balance
your car's handling in all weather conditions. Keep in mind the traction
provided by snow tires on dry roadsmay not be as high as your car's
original equipment tires. You should
drive cautiously even when the roads
are clear. Check with the tire dealer
for maximum speed recommen-
dations.

Type-R model
Mount winter tires on all four wheels.
The performance capabilities of the winter tires may not be the same as
your vehicle's original-equipmenttires. Check with the tire dealer formaximum speed recommendations. Tire Chains
Mount traction devices (link-type or
cable-type) only when required by
driving conditions or local laws.
Make sure they are the correct size
for your tires. Install them only on
the front tires.

SE model

If link-type traction devices are used,
they must be SAE class "S". Cable-
type traction devices can also be
used.
LS, GS, GS-R, and Type-R models

Because your Acura has limited tire
clearance, mount only SAE Class "S"
cable-type traction devices.
Link-type "chains" should not be
used. No matter how tight they seem
to be installed, they can come into contact with the body andsuspension, causing serious damage.
All Models

When installing traction devices, follow the manufacturer'sinstructions and mount them as
tightly as you can. Drive slowly with
them installed. If you hear them coming in contact with the body or
chassis, stop and investigate. Make
sure the traction devices are
installed tightly, and that they are
not contacting the brakes or
suspension.

Remove them as soon as you start driving on cleared roads.

Traction devices that are the wrong

size or improperly installed can

damage your car's brake lines,
suspension, body, and wheels. Stop

driving if they are hitting any part of
the car.

Maintenanc e
NOTIC
E

Storin
g You r Ca r
If you need to park your car for an
extended period (more than one
month), there are several things you should do to prepare it for storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent deterioration and makes it easier to
get your car back on the road. If
possible, store your car indoors.
Fill the fuel tank.Change the engine oil and filter (see page 173). Wash and dry the exterior

completely.
Clean the interior. Make sure the
carpeting, floor mats, etc. are
completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Reverse (5- speed manual) or Park (automatic). Block the rear wheels.
If the car is to be stored for a
longer period, it should be supported on jackstands so the
tires are off the ground. Leave one window open slightly (if
the car is being stored indoors). Disconnect the battery.
Support the front and rear wiper
blade arms with a folded towel or rag so they do not touch the

windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and hatch seals. Also, apply a body
wax to the painted surfaces that mate with the door and hatch seals. Cover the car with a "breathable"
cover, one made from a porous
material such as cotton.
Nonporous materials, such as
plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint. If possible, run the engine for a
while periodically (preferably once a month).
If you store your car for 12 months or longer, have your Acura dealer
perform the inspections called for in
the 24 months/30,000 miles (48,000
km) maintenance schedule (Normal Conditions) as soon as you take it
out of storage (see page 162 ). The
replacements called for in the
maintenance schedule are not needed unless the car has actually
reached that time or mileage.
Maintenanc e

Appearance Care

Regular cleaning and polishing of
your Acura helps to keep it "new" looking. This section gives you hints on how to clean your car and
preserve its appearance: the paint,
brightwork, wheels and interior. Also included are several things you cando to help prevent corrosion. Exterior Care.................................. 216
Washing...................................... 216Power Antenna Cleaning.......... 216
Waxing........................................ 217
Aluminum Wheels..................... 217
Paint Touch-up...........................
217
Interior Care................................... 218 Carpeting.................................... 218
Fabric.......................................... 218
Vinyl........................................... 218 Leather........................................ 218
Seat Belts.................................... 218
Windows..................................... 219
Air Fresheners........................... 219
Corrosion Protection..................... 220
Body Repairs.................................. 221
Appearance Car e

Exterio
r Car e

Waxin g
Always wash and dry the whole car before waxing it. You should wax
your car, including the metal trim, whenever water sits on the surface in large patches. It should form into
beads or droplets after waxing.
You should use a quality liquid or paste wax. Apply it according to theinstructions on the container. In
general, there are two types of
products:
Waxes — A wax coats the finish and protects it from damage by exposure
to sunlight, air pollution, etc. Youshould use a wax on your Acura
when it is new.
Polishes — Polishes and cleaner/
waxes can restore the shine to paint
that has oxidized and lost some of its shine. They normally contain mild
abrasives and solvents that remove
the top layer of the finish. You should use a polish on your Acura if
the finish does not have its original shine after using a wax.
Cleaning tar, insects, etc. with
removers also takes off the wax.
Remember to re-wax those areas, even if the rest of the car does not

need waxing.

Aluminu m Wheel sOn some models
Clean your Acura's aluminum alloy
wheels as you do the rest of the exterior. Wash them with the same
solution, and rinse them thoroughly.
The wheels have a protective clear- coat that keeps the aluminum from
corroding and tarnishing. Using
harsh chemicals, including some commercial wheel cleaners, or stiff
brushes can damage this clear-coat. Only use a mild detergent and soft
brush or sponge to clean the wheels. Pain
t Touch-u p
Your dealer has touch-up paint to match your car's color. The color
code is printed on a sticker on the driver's doorjamb. Take this code to
your dealer so you are sure to get the correct color.
Inspect your car frequently for chips
or scratches in the paint. Repair
them right away to prevent corrosion of the metal underneath. Use the
touch-up paint only on small chips and scratches. More extensive paint
damage should be repaired by a
professional.

Appearance Car e

Corrosio
n Protectio n

Two factors normally contribute to causing corrosion in your car:
1. Moisture trapped in body cavities.
Dirt and road salt that collects in
hollows on the underside of the car stays damp, promoting
corrosion in that area.

2. Removal of paint and protective

coatings from the exterior and
underside of the car.

Many corrosion-preventive measures
are built into your Acura. You can
help keep your car from corroding
by performing some simple periodic
maintenance:
Repair chips and scratches in the
paint as soon as you discover them. Inspect and clean out the drain
holes in the bottom of the doors and body.
Check the floor coverings for
dampness. Carpeting and floor
mats may remain damp for a long
time, especially in winter. This dampness can eventually cause
the floor panels to corrode. Use a high-pressure spray to clean
the underside of your car. This is especially important in areas that
use road salt in winter. It is also a
good idea in humid climates and areas subject to salt air. Cars
equipped with ABS have a sensor
and wiring at each wheel. Be
careful not to damage them. Have the corrosion-preventive
coatings on the underside of your
car inspected and repaired
periodically.
Appearanc e Car e

Compac
t Spar e Tir e

Your car has a compact spare tire that takes up less space. Use thisspare tire as a temporary replace-
ment only. Get your regular tirerepaired or replaced and put back on
your car as soon as you can.
Check the inflation pressure of the
compact spare tire every time you
check the other tires. It should be

inflated to:

60 psi (420 kPa , 4.20 kgf/cm2)

Follow these precautions whenever
you are using the compact spare tire:
Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h)
under any circumstances.
This tire gives a harsher ride and
less traction on some road sur-
faces than the regular tire. Use greater caution while driving on
this tire. Do not mount snow chains on the

compact spare.

The wheel of the compact spare tire is designed especially to fit
your car. Do not use your spare tire on another vehicle unless it is

the same make and model.

Type-R model only
Do not drive with the compactspare tire mounted on the front
wheels for a long period; it will damage the Limited Slip Differential. The compact spare tire has a shorter

tread life than a regular tire. Replace
it when you can see the tread wear

indicator bars. The replacement
should be the same size and design

tire, mounted on the same wheel.

The compact spare tire is not
designed to be mounted on a regular

wheel, and the compact wheel is not
designed for mounting a regular tire.

Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d INDICATO
R LOCATIO N MAR K
TREA D WEA R INDICATO R BA R

Changin
g a Fla t Tir e

6. Turn the jack's end bracket counterclockwise to loosen it, then
remove the jack.

7. (Except Type-R)

Loosen the four wheel nuts 1/2
turn with the wheel wrench.
(Type-R)
Loosen the five wheel nuts 1/2
turn with the wheel wrench.

8. Find the jacking point nearest the

wheel you are removing. Place the
jack under the jacking point. Turn the end bracket clockwise until
the top of the jack contacts the
jacking point. Make sure the
jacking point tab is resting in the
jack notch.

Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d

JAC
K
JACKIN
G POIN T