trailer HONDA FIT 2011 2.G Owners Manual

Fuel Economy Factors
The following factors can lower your
vehicle's fuel economy: Aggressive driving (hard
acceleration and braking)
Excessive idling, accelerating and
braking in stop-and-go traffic
Cold engine operation (engines
are more efficient when warmedup)
Driving with a heavy load or the air
conditioner running
Improperly inflated tires Improving Fuel Economy
Vehicle Maintenance
A properly maintained vehicle
maximizes fuel economy. Poor
maintenance can significantly reduce
fuel economy. Always maintain your
vehicle according to the maintenance
messages displayed on the
information display (see
Owner's
Maintenance Checks on page 252).
For example:
Use the recommended viscosity
motor oil, displaying the API
Certification Seal (see page255).
Maintain proper tire inflation 
An under-inflated tire increases ‘‘ rolling resistance, ’’which reduces
fuel economy.
Avoid carrying excess weight in
your vehicle It puts a heavier
load on the engine, increasing fuel consumption.
Keep your vehicle clean In
particular, a build-up of snow or
mud on your vehicle's underside
adds weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your fueleconomy.
Drive Efficiently
Drive moderately Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering, and
hard braking increase fuelconsumption.
Observe the speed limit 
Aerodynamic drag has a big effect
on fuel economy at speeds above
45 mph (75 km/h). Reduce your
speed and you reduce the drag.
Trailers, car top carriers, roof
racks and bike racks are also big
contributors to increased drag.
Always drive in the highest gearpossible If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, you can
boost your fuel economy by up
shifting as early as possible.
Fuel Economy
206
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Load Limits (Payload)
The maximum load for your vehicle
is 850 lbs (385 kg).
See Tire And Loading Information
label attached to the driver'sdoorjamb.Label Example
This figure includes the total weight
of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if
you are towing a trailer.
Overloading or improper
loading can affect handling and
stability and cause a crash in
which you can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in thismanual.Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit

1. Locate the statement ‘‘The
combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg
or XXX lbs. ’’on your vehicle's
placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
CONTINUED
Carrying Cargo
211
Before Driving
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4. The resulting figure equals theavailable amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For
example, if the ‘‘XXX ’’amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb. passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs.(1,400 750 (5 150) ＝650
lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of
your vehicle. Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
In addition, the total weight of the
vehicle, all occupants, accessories,
cargo, and trailer tongue load must
not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). Both are on
a label on the driver's doorjamb.
Max Load 850 lbs (385 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 2
＝300 lbs
(68 kg x 2 ＝136 kg) Cargo Weight
550 lbs
(249 kg)
Max Load 850 lbs
(385 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 4
＝600 lbs
(68 kg x 4 ＝272 kg) Cargo Weight
250 lbs
(113 kg)
Max Load 850 lbs
(385 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 5
＝750 lbs
(68 kg x 5 ＝340 kg) Cargo Weight
100 lbs
(45 kg)
Carrying Cargo
212
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On Sport model
Your vehicle is designed to give you
optimum handling and performance
on well-maintained roads. As part of
this design, your vehicle has
minimum ground clearance. Use caution if you ever drive your
vehicle on very rough or rutted
roads. You could damage the
suspension and underbody by
bottoming out. Going too fast over
parking lot ‘‘speed bumps ’’can
also cause damage.
Curbs and steep inclines could
damage the front and rear
bumpers. Low curbs that do not
affect the average vehicle may be
high enough to hit the bumper on
your vehicle. The front or rear
bumper may scrape when trying to
drive onto an incline, such as a
steep driveway or trailer ramps.
Driving Guidelines
216
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Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle is not designed to tow a
trailer. Attempting to do so can void
your warranties.Towing Your Vehicle Behind aMotorhome
Your vehicle can be towed behind a
motorhome at legal highway speeds
up to 65 mph (100 km/h). Do not
exceed 65 mph (100 km/h).
Otherwise, severe transmission
damage will occur.
When purchasing a tow bar, make
sure you select a reputable
manufacturer and installer. Follow
the manufacturer's attachment
instructions carefully.
The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I)
position, and make sure the steering
wheel turns freely before you begintowing.
Automatic transmission:
Perform the following procedure
every day immediately before you
begin towing. Otherwise severe
automatic transmission damage willoccur.
1. Check the transmission fluid level
(see page 261).
Do not overfill.
2. Start the engine.
3. Press on the brake pedal. Movethe shift lever through all its positions.
4. Shift to the D position and hold for 5 seconds, then to N. Let the
engine run for 3 minutes, then turn
it off.
Severe transmission damage will occur
if the vehicle is shifted from reverse to
neutral and then towed with the drive
wheels on the ground.
Towing a Trailer, Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome
240
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5. Release the parking brake.
Manual transmission:
1. Move the shift lever into theneutral position.
2. Release the parking brake.
Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock. Make
sure the radio and any items plugged
into the accessory power sockets are
turned off so you do not run down
the battery.
When you stop towing your vehicle
and shift out of the neutral position,
you may not be able to move the shift
lever from neutral to reverse or Park.
If this happens, press the brake pedal
and turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position, then shift out ofneutral.
Extended Towing
If you tow more than 8 hours in one
day, you should repeat the above
procedure at least every 8 hours
(when you stop for fuel, etc.).
Failure to follow the recommended
instructions exactly will result in severe
automatic transmission damage. If you
cannot shift the transmission or start
the engine, your vehicle must be
transported on a flat-bed truck ortrailer.
CONTINUED
Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome
241
Driving
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Taillights, Changing Bulbs in.....268
Taking Care of the
Unexpected ............................ 285
Technical Descriptions
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) .............................
323
Emissions Control Systems .....328
Three Way Catalytic Converter ............................ 330
Tire Labeling ........................... 325
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) Required Federal
Explanation ......................
326
Temperature Indicator .................63
Temporarily Repairing a Flat
Tire ........................................ 293
Tensioners, Seat Belts ..................20
Tether Anchorage Points .............47
Theft Protection, Radio ..............192
Three Way Catalytic Converter ............................... 330
Tilt/Telescopic Steering Wheel ...77
Time, Setting the ........................193
Tire Chains ................................ 280
Tire, How to Change a Flat ........287
Tire Information .........................325Tire Labeling
.............................. 325
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) ........................... 237, 326
Tires .......................................... 275
Air Pressure ............................ 276
Chains ..................................... 280
Checking Wear .......................277
Compact Spare ........................286
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S.
Vehicles) ............................. 323
Inflation ................................... 275
Inspection ............................... 277
Labeling .................................. 325
Low Tire Pressure Indicator ........................ 64, 237
Maintenance ........................... 278
Pressure Monitoring System ...237
Replacing ................................ 278
Rotating .................................. 278
Snow ....................................... 280
Specifications .......................... 322
Tools, Tire Changing .................287
Towing
A Trailer .................................. 240
Emergency Wrecker ...............313TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring
System) .............................. 237
Indicator ............................ 64, 238
Required Federal
Explanation ......................... 326
Transmission Checking Fluid Level,
Automatic ............................ 261
Checking Fluid Level,
Manual ................................ 262
Fluid Selection ................261, 262
Identification Number .............318
Shifting the Automatic .............221
Shifting the Manual .................219
Treadwear .................................. 323
Trip Meter ................................... 69
Turn Signals ................................. 63
U
Unexpected, Taking Care of the .......................................... 285
Uniform Tire Quality Grading (U.S. only) .............................. 323
Unleaded Gasoline .....................200
Index
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