wheel HONDA FIT 2013 3.G Owner's Guide

222
Maintenance
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires
To safely operate your vehicle, your tires must be of the proper type and size, in
good condition with adequate tread, and properly inflated. ■ Inflation guidelines
Properly inflated tires provide the best combination of handling, tread life, and comfort.
Refer to the driver’s doorjamb label or sp ecification’s page for the specified pressure.
Underinflated tires wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and
are more likely to fail from overheating.
Overinflated tires make your vehicle ride harshly, are more prone to road hazards,
and wear unevenly.
Every day before you drive, look at each of the tires. If one looks lower than the
others, check the pressure with a tire gauge.
At least once a month or before long trips, use a gauge to measure the pressure in
all tires, including the spare. Even tires in good condition can lose 1 to 2 psi (10 to
20 kPa, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf/cm 2
) per month.
■ Inspection guidelines
Every time you check inflation, also examine the tires and valve stems.
Look for:• Bumps or bulges on the side or in the tread. Replace the tire if you find any cuts,
splits, or cracks in the side of the tire. Re place it if you see fabric or cord.
• Remove any foreign objects and inspect for air leaks.
• Uneven tread wear. Have a dealer check the wheel alignment.
• Excessive tread wear.
2 Wear Indicators P. 227
• Cracks or other damage around valve stem.
1Checking Tires
Measure the air pressure when tires are cold. This
means the vehicle has been par ked for at least three
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). If
necessary, add or release air until the specified pressure is reached.
If checked when hot, tire pressure can be as much as
4–6 psi (30–40 kPa, 0.3–0.4 kgf/cm 2
) higher than if
checked when cold.
Have a dealer check the tires if you feel a consistent
vibration while driving. New tires and any that have
been removed and reinstalled should be properly balanced.
3WARNING
Using tires that are excessively worn or
improperly inflated can cause a crash in
which you can be seri ously hurt or killed.
Follow all instruc tions in this owner’s
manual regarding tire inflation and
maintenance.
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents

uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuDOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
226
Maintenance
The traction grades, from high est to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire ’s ability to stop on wet pavement
as measured under contro lled conditions on specified
government test surfac es of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked
C may have poor traction performance. 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 specified indoor laborator y 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
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which
all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels
of performance on the laborator y test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
■Traction
■Temperature
1Traction
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests,
and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
1TemperatureWarning: 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.
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents

228
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuTire and Wheel Replacement
Maintenance
Tire and Wheel Replacement
Replace your tires with radials of the same size, load range, speed rating, and
maximum cold tire pressure rating (as shown on the tire’s sidewall). Using tires of a
different size or construction can cause the ABS and VSA® (vehicle stability assist)
system to work incorrectly.
It is best to replace all four tires at the same time. If that isn’t possible, replace the
front or rear tires in pairs.
Make sure that the wheel’s specifications match those of the original wheels.
If you replace a wheel, only use TPMS specified wheels approved for your vehicle.
1Tire and Wheel Replacement
3WARNING
Installing improper tires on your vehicle 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.
U.S. models only
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents

230
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuWinter Tires
Maintenance
Winter Tires
If driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season marked “M+S” tires, snow
tires, or tire chains; reduce speed; and maintain sufficient distance between vehicles
when driving.
Be particularly careful when operating the steering wheel or brakes to prevent
skidding.
Use tire chains, snow tires, or all season tires when ne cessary or according to the law.
When mounting, refer to the following points.
For winter tires: • Select the size and load ranges that are the same as the original tires.
• Mount the tires to all four wheels.
For tire chains:• Install them on the front tires only.
• Because your vehicle has limited tire clearance, we strongly recommend using the
chains listed below:
• Follow the chain manufacturer’s instruction when installing. Mount them as
tightly as you can.
• Check that the chains do not touch the brake lines or suspension.
• Drive slowly.
Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1026
Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1030
1Winter Tires
NOTICE
Traction devices that are the wrong size or improperly
installed can damage your vehicle’s brake lines,
suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if they are
hitting any part of the vehicle.
When tire chains are mounted, follow the chain
manufacturer’s instructions regarding vehicle operational limits.
If your vehicle is equipped with summer tires, be
aware that these tires are not designed for winter
driving conditions. For more information, contact a
dealer.
3WARNING
Using the wrong chains, or not properly
installing chains, can damage the brake
lines and cause a crash in which you can be
seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instruc tions in this owner’s
manual regarding the selection and use of
tire chains.
Models with 175/65R15 tires
Models with 185/55R16 tires
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents

uuCleaninguExterior Care
236
Maintenance
A good coat of automotive body wax helps protect your vehicle’s paint from the
elements. Wax will wear off over time and expose your vehicle’s paint to the
elements, so reapply as necessary.
If you get gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery fluid on resin coated parts, they
may be stained or the coating may peel. Promptly wipe it away using a soft cloth and clean water.
Wipe using a glass cleaner.
Aluminum is susceptible to deterio ration caused by salt and other road
contaminants. Use a sponge and mild de tergent to wipe away promptly.
Be careful not to use harsh chemicals (including some commercial wheel cleaners) or
a stiff brush. They can damage the clear coat of the aluminum alloy wheels that
helps keep the aluminum from corroding and tarnishing.
■Applying Wax
■Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
■Cleaning the Window
■Maintaining Aluminum Wheels *
1Applying Wax
NOTICE
Chemical solvents and strong cleaners can damage
the paint, metal, and plastic on your vehicle. Wipe up
spills immediately.
1Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
Ask a dealer about the correct coating material when
you want to repair the painted surface of the parts made of resin.
1Cleaning the Window
Wires are mounted to the inside of the rear window.
Wipe along the same direction as the wires with a
soft cloth so as not to damage them.
* Not available on all models
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents

238
Handling the Unexpected
Tools
Types of Tools
1Types of Tools
The tools were stored in the cargo area.
Wheel Nut Wrench/Jack Handle
Jack
Jack Handle Bar
Detachable Towing Hook
Tool Bag Jack
Tool Bag Jack
Models with compact spare tire
Models with tire repair kit
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents

239
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
If a Tire Goes Flat
Changing a Flat Tire *
If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually
to reduce speed. Then, stop in a safe place. Replace the flat tire with a compact
spare tire. Go to a dealer as soon as possible to have the full size tire repaired or
replaced. 1. Park the vehicle on firm, level, non-slippery surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever to
(P .
2. Move the shift lever to
(R .
3. Turn on the hazard warning lights and turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0 .
1Changing a Flat Tire *
Periodically check the tire pressure of the compact
spare. It should be set to the specified pressure.
Specified Pressure: 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm 2
)
When driving with the compact spare tire, keep the
vehicle speed under 50 mph (80 km/h). Replace with
a full size tire as soon as possible.
The compact spare tire and wheel in your vehicle are
specifically for this model.
Do not use them with another vehicle.
Do not use another type of compact spare tire or
wheel with your vehicle.
Do not mount tire chains on a compact spare tire.
If a chain-mounted front tire goes flat, remove one of
the full-size rear tires and replace it with the compact
spare tire. Remove the flat front tire and replace it
with the full size tire that was removed from the rear.
Mount the tire chains on the front tire.
Do not use a puncture-repairing agent on a flat tire,
as it can damage the tire pressure sensor.
U.S. models only
Automatic transmission models
Manual transmission models
All models
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents

240
uuIf a Tire Goes FlatuChanging a Flat Tire*
Handling the Unexpected
1.
Open the cargo area floor lid.
2. Take the tool bag out of the spare tire. Take
the wheel nut wrench and the jack handle
bar out of the tool bag.
3. Take the jack out of the cargo area.
4. Unscrew the wing bolt, and remove the
spacer cone. Then, remove the spare tire.
5. Place a wheel block or rock in front and rear
of the wheel diagonal to the flat tire.
■Getting Ready to Replace the Flat Tire
Tool Bag
JackSpare Tire
Wheel
Blocks
The tire to be replaced.
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents

Continued241
uuIf a Tire Goes FlatuChanging a Flat Tire*
Handling the Unexpected
6.
Place the compact spare tire (wheel side up)
under the vehicle body, near the tire that
needs to be replaced.
7. Put the flat tip of the jack handle bar into
the edge of the wheel cover. Carefully pry
the edge and remove the cover.
uWrap a cloth around the flat tip of the
jack handle bar to prevent scratches on
the cover.
8. Loosen each wheel nut about one turn
using the wheel nut wrench.
1Getting Ready to Replace the Flat Tire
Align the valve mark on the wheel cover to the tire
valve on the wheel, then install the wheel cover.
Models with wheel cover
Valve Mark
Jack Handle Bar Wheel Nut
Wheel CoverModels with wheel cover
All models
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents

uuIf a Tire Goes FlatuChanging a Flat Tire*
242
Handling the Unexpected
1. Place the jack under the jacking point
closest to the tire to be changed.
2. Turn the end bracket (as shown in the
image) clockwise until the top of the jack
contacts the jacking point.
uMake sure that the jacking point tab is
resting in the jack notch.
3. Raise the vehicle, using the jack handle bar
and the jack handle, until the tire is off the
ground.
■How to Set Up the Jack1How to Set Up the Jack
Do not use the jack with people or luggage in the
vehicle.
Use the jack provided in your vehicle.
Other jacks may not support the weight (“load”) or their shape may not match.
The following instructions must be followed to use the jack safely.
• Do not use while the engine is running.
• Use only where the ground is firm and level.
• Use only at the jacking points.
• Do not get in the vehicle while using the jack.
• Do not put anything on top of or underneath the
jack.
3WARNING
The vehicle can easily roll off the jack,
seriously injuring anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for changing a tire
exactly, and never get under the vehicle
when it is supported only by the jack.
Jack Handle Bar Wheel Nut
Wrench as Jack Handle
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents