tires Acura TL 2012 Owner's Guide

The tires on your vehicle meet all
U.S. Federal Saf ety Requirements.
All tires are also graded f or
treadwear, traction, and temperature
perf ormance according to
Department of Transportation
(DOT) standards. The f ollowing
explains these gradings.
Quality grades can be f ound where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
All passenger car tires must conf orm
to Federal Saf ety Requirements in
addition to these grades.The treadwear grade is a compara-
tive rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specif ied 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 perf ormance of
tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may
depart signif icantly f rom the norm
due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and dif f erences in
road characteristics and climate.
The traction grades, f rom 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
specif ied government test surf aces
of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction
perf ormance.
Warning
: The traction grade
assignedtothistireisbasedon
straight-ahead braking traction tests,
and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak
traction characteristics.
Unif orm T ire Quality Grading
T readwear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A T readwear
T raction
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
Technical Inf ormation
617
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2012 TL

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 specif ied 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 f ailure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of
perf ormance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Saf ety Standard No.
109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of perf ormance on the
laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law. Temperature
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
618
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Warning
:
Technical Inf ormation
2012 TL

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The tires that came on your vehicle
have a number of markings. Those
you should be aware of are described
below.
Vehicletype(Pindicates
passenger vehicle).
Tire width in millimeters.
Aspect ratio (the tire’s section
height as a percentage of its
width).
Tire construction code (R
indicates radial).
Rim diameter in inches.Speed symbol (an
alphabetical code indicating
the maximum speed rating). Load index (a numerical code
associated with the maximum
load the tire can carry).
Whenever tires are replaced, they
should be replaced with tires of the
same size. Following is an example
of tire size with an explanation of
what each component means.
P
R
17 245
50 V 98
CONT INUED
Tire Size
Tire Labeling
Technical Inf ormation
619
Tire Size
(1)
(1)
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
(3) Maximum Tire Pressure
(4) Maximum Tire Load (2)
(3)
(4)
(2) (1)
TIRE LABELING EXAMPLE
P245/50R17 98V
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2012 TL

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Each tire, including the spare (if
provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inf lated to
the inf lation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manuf acturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inf lation
pressure label.
(If your vehicle has tires of a
dif f erent size than the size indicated
on the vehicle placard or tire
inf lation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inf lation
pressure f or those tires.)Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inf late them to
the proper pressure.Driving on a signif icantly under-
inf lated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inf lation also reduces f uel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may
af f ect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inf lation has
not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
CONT INUED
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Required Federal Explanation
Technical Inf ormation
621
11/01/14 19:42:43 31TK4630_626
As an added safety feature,
your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that
illuminates a low tire
tires is
pressure telltale when one
or more of your
significantly under-inflated.
2012 TL

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Always check the TPMS malf unction
telltale af ter replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to f unction
properly.
Your vehicle has also been equipped
with a TPMS malf unction indicator
to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS
malf unction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a
malf unction, the telltale will f lash f or
approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long
as the malfunction exists.
When the malf unction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended.
TPMS malf unctions may occur f or a
variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS f rom
f unctioning properly.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Required Federal Explanation
622
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Technical Inf ormation
2012 TL

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Your new Acura is covered by these
warranties:
provides
coverageforaslongasthepur-
chaser of the muf f ler owns the
vehicle. provides prorated
coverage f or a replacement battery
purchased f rom your dealer.
a seat
belt that f ails to f unction properly is
covered by a limited warranty.
Please read your warranty booklet
f or details.
covers all Acura
replacement parts against defects in
materials and workmanship. Acura accessories are covered under
this warranty. Time and mileage
limits depend on the type of
accessory and other f actors. Please
read your warranty manual f or
details. all exterior body panels are
covered f or rust-through f rom the
inside f or the specif ied time period
with no mileage limit.
covers your new vehicle, except f or
the emissions control systems and
accessories, against def ects in
materials and workmanship.
these two
warranties cover your vehicle’s
emissions control systems. Time,
mileage, and coverage are
conditional. Please read your
warranty booklet f or exact
inf ormation. Restrictions and exclusions apply to
all these warranties. Please read the
2012 Acura Warranty Inf ormation
booklet that came with your vehicle
f or precise inf ormation on warranty
coverages. Your vehicle’s original
tires are covered by their
manuf acturer. Tire warranty
inf ormation is in a separate booklet.
Please ref er to the 2012 warranty
manual that came with your vehicle.
Warranty Coverages
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
Replacement Muf f ler L if et imeLimited Warranty
Replacement Bat t ery L imit ed
Warranty
Seat Belt Limited Warranty
Replacement Part s L imit edWarranty
Accessory Limited Warranty
Rust Perf orat ion L imit ed Warrant y
New Vehicle L imit ed Warrant y
Emissions Cont rol Syst ems Def ect sWarrant y and EmissionsPerf ormance WarrantyWarrant y and Client Relat ions
631
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2012 TL

................................
AAC .273, 313,365
....................................
Accessories .479
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .....................................
Position) .151
ACCESSORY Mode ...................
(Power Mode) . 184,185
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 215
................
Active Head Restraints . 165
....................................
AcuraLink
. 449
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 544
...........................
Advanced Airbags .28
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9, 24
..........
Airbag System Components . 24
......
Air Conditioning System . 226,227
.........................................
Usage .228
...............
Air Pressure, Tires . 568,570
......................................
Antif reeze .546
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .66, 508
...................................
Operation .508
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 390
Anti-thef t Steering Column ....................................
Lock .151, 189
................................
Audio System .235 .
Automatic Lighting Off Feature . 141
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 22
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 401
..............
Automatic Transmission . 494
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .614
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 549
..........................
Paddle Shif ters .499
.......................................
Shif ting .495
Shif t Lever Position ...............................
Indicators .494
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 497
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack .389
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .65, 596
............................
Jump Starting .591
..............................
Maintenance .577
.................
Management System . 87
............................
Specif ications .615
..............................
Bef ore Driving .467
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,20
.........................
Beverage Holders .214 Blind Spot Inf ormation System
...........................................
(BSI) .519
...................
Audio . 281,376
...............
HandsFreeLink. 407, 424
..................................
Booster Seats .54
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 508
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 468
...........................................
Fluid .553
.......................................
Parking .212
.................
System Indicator . 65,598
........................
Wear Indicators .507
.............................
Braking System .507
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 468
Brightness Control, ...............................
Instruments .143
....................................
Built-In Key .201
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
A
B
I
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2012 TL

Î
Recommended Shif t................................
Speeds .492, 503
........................................
Ref ueling .470
.......................
Reminder Indicators .64
Remote, Keyless Access ................................
System .174, 179
................
Remote Audio Controls . 387
.....................
Remote Transmitter .157
Replacement Inf ormation ..............
Dust and Pollen Filter . 566
................
Engine Oil and Filter . 544
..........................................
Fuses .600
................................
Light Bulbs .555
........................................
Minder .531
................................
Timing Belt .554
...........................................
Tires .573
.............................
Wiper Blades .566
Replacing Seat Belts Af ter a ............................................
Crash .23
.............
Reporting Saf ety Def ects . 632
Reserve Tank, Engine ...............................
Coolant .475, 546
......................
Reverse Tilt Mirror .168
...............................
Restraint, Child .37
..................
Reverse Gear Position . 496
................................
Rotation, Tire .573 ..................................
Saf ety Belts .8, 20
............
Safety Defects, Reporting . 632
.................................
Saf ety Features .7
...........................................
Airbags .9
.......................................
Seat Belts .8
.............
Saf ety Labels, Location of . 58
..............................
Saf ety Messages .iii
.....................................
Seat Belts .8, 20
...............
Additional Information . 20
Automatic Seat Belt ...............................
Tensioners .22
.....................................
Cleaning .564
......................
Lap/Shoulder Belt .21
................................
Maintenance .23
Reminder Indicator and ................................
Beeper .20, 64
...................
System Components . 20
...............
Use During Pregnancy . 18
..........................
Seat Heaters .202, 204
......................
Seats, Adjusting the .161
.............................
Seat Ventilation .204
............................
Security System .395
.....................
Selecting a Child Seat .45
...
Selector Knob (Disc Changer) . 236..................
Sequential Shif t Mode . 501
...............................
Serial Number .612
..............................
Service Minder .531
...........................
Service Manual .633
.........
Service Station Procedures . 470
..........................
Setting the Clock .391
........................
SH-AWD
Indicator .73
...
Shif t Lever Position Indicators . 494
........................
Shif t Lock Release .497
................................
Side Airbags .9 ,30
........
Side Airbag Of f Indicator . 33,67
......................
Side Curtain Airbags .32
.............................
Signaling Turns .139
.....................................
Snow Tires .575
................................
Sound System .235
Spare Tire ......................................
Inf lating .582
....................
Specif ications .582, 616
....................................
Spark Plugs .615
................................
Specif ications .614
................................
Speed Control .401
...................................
Speedometer .76
S
VIII
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Î
U. S
:
2012 TL

Unexpected, Taking Care..........................................
of the .581
....
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading . 617
........................
Unleaded Gasoline .468 USB Adapter
..................
Cable . 266,275,356,367
.......
Used Oil, How to Dispose of . 546
............
WARNING, Explanation of . iii
................................
Vanity Mirror .217
.................
Vehicle Capacity Load . 482
......................
Vehicle Dimensions .614
VEHICLE OFF Mode ...................
(Power Mode) . 184,185
....
Vehicle Identif ication Number . 612
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
),
aka Electronic Stability ....
Control (ESC), System . 510
...............
VSA Of f Indicator . 68,510
.......................
VSA OFF Switch .511
........
VSA System Indicator . 68,510
.............................
Vehicle Storage .578
.................................................
VIN .612
.........................
Viscosity, Oil .543, 544
...........
Voice Control System . 228,285
...............................................
Tires .568
......................
Air Pressure .568, 570
........................................
Chains .575
.........................
Checking Wear .571
..........................
Compact Spare .582
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 617
.
Glossary of Tire Terminology . 620
......................................
Inf lation .568
..................................
Inspection .571
...................................
Replacing .573
......................................
Rotating .573
................................
Service Lif e .572
...........................................
Snow .575
....................
Specif ications .574, 616
.......................
Traction Devices .575
..........................
Winter Driving .575
...................
Tools, Tire Changing . 584
Torque Distribution Monitor ...............................
(SH-AWD
) .504
Towing .....................................
A Trailer .528
................
Emergency Wrecker . 607
...........................................
Hook .609
...........................
Traction Devices .575 Transmission
Checking Fluid Level, ..............................
Automatic .549
Checking Fluid Level, ...................................
Manual .551
..................
Fluid Selection . 550,551
..............
Identif ication Number . 613
.............
Shif ting the Automatic . 495
..................
Shif ting the Manual . 491
.....................................
Treadwear .617
................................
Trip Computer .83
.......................................
Trip Meter .83
..............................................
Trunk .154
..................
Emergency Opener . 156
...............................
Opening the .154
............................
Open Indicator .71
.............
Open Monitor Indicator . 12
..................................
Turn Signals .139
U V
W
X
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INDEXA B C D E F G H I J K L \℮M N O P Q R S T U V W X \℮Y Z
2012 TL

.........
Warning Labels, Location of . 58
....................
Warranty Coverages .631
Washer, Windshield ................
Fluid Level Message . 548
...................................
Operation .137
............................
Reserve Tank .548
Wheels .............
Adjusting the Steering . 146
............
Alignment and Balance . 573
..........................
Compact Spare .582
..............................
Wrench, Nut .584
Windows .............................
Auto Reverse .207
................
Operating the Power . 206
.........................
Rear, Def ogger .145
Windshield .....................................
Cleaning .137
...................................
Def roster .231
.....................................
Washers .137
Wipers, Windshield .......................
Changing Blades .566
...................................
Operation .137
....................................
Worn Tires .571
.....
Wrecker, Emergency Towing . 607.............................
XM
Radio .246, 299
X
XI
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INDEXA B C D E F G H I J K L \℮M N O P Q R S T U V W X \℮Y Z
2012 TL