tires MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE 2011 4.G User Guide

Features and controls
3-101
3
The tire pressure monitoring system may not work normally in
the following circumstances:

A wireless facility or device using the same frequency is
near the vehicle.

Snow or ice is stuck inside the fenders and/or on the
wheels.

The tire inflation pressure sensors’ battery is exhausted.

Wheels other than Mitsubishi Motors genuine wheels are
being used.

Wheels that are not fitted with tire inflation pressure sen-
sors are being used.

Wheels whose ID codes are not memorized by the vehicle
are used.

Compact spare tire is fitted on a road wheel.

A window tint that affects the radio wave signals is
installed.NOTE
Tire inflation pressures vary with the ambient tempera-
ture. If the vehicle is subjected to large variations in ambi-
ent temperature, the tire inflation pressures may be under-
inflated (causing the warning light to come on) when the
ambient temperature is relatively low. If the warning light
comes on, adjust the tire inflation pressure.
Whenever the tires and wheels are replaced with
new ones
N00532900036
If you use new wheels with new tire inflation pressure sensors,
their ID codes must be programmed into the tire pressure mon-
itoring system. Have tire and wheel replacement performed by
an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer to avoid the risk of
damaging the tire inflation pressure sensors. If the wheel
replacement is not done by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer, it is not covered by your warranty.
CAUTION
!
The use of non-genuine wheels will prevent the
proper fit of the tire inflation pressure sensors,
resulting air leakage or damage of the sensors.
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4-2 Driving safety
4Fuel economy
N00628800107
Fuel economy is dependent on many factors. Your personal
driving habits can have a significant effect on your fuel use.
Several recommendations for achieving the greatest fuel econ-
omy are listed below.

Whenever accelerating from a stop, always accelerate
slowly and smoothly.

When parked for even a short period, do not idle the
engine. Shut it off.

Plan your trips to avoid unnecessary stops.

Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressures.

For freeway driving, maintain a speed of approximately
50 mph (80 km/h) when traffic, roadway and weather con-
ditions safely permit.

Keep your air filter clean and your vehicle lubricated
according to the recommendations in this manual.

Always keep your vehicle well maintained. A poorly
maintained engine wastes fuel and costs money.

Do not overload your vehicle.
Driving, alcohol and drugs
N00628900010
Drunk driving is one of the most frequent causes of accidents.
Your driving ability can be seriously impaired even with blood
alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you have been
drinking, don’t drive. Ride with a designated non-drinking
driver, call a cab or a friend, or use public transportation.
Drinking coffee or taking a cold shower will not make you
sober.
Similarly, prescription and nonprescription drugs affect your
alertness, perception and reaction time. Consult with your doc-
tor or pharmacist before driving while under the influence of
any of these medications.
WA R N I N G
!
NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE.
Your perceptions are less accurate, your reflexes are
slower and your judgment is impaired.
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4-4 Driving safety
4
DefrostersCheck these by selecting the defroster mode, and set the blower
switch on high. You should be able to feel the air blowing
against the windshield.
(Refer to “Defrosting or defogging the windshield and door
windows” on page 5-12, 5-20.)TiresCheck all the tires for heavy tread wear or uneven wear pat-
terns. Look for stones, nails, glass, or other objects stuck in the
tread. Look for any tread cuts or sidewall cracks. Check the
wheel nuts for tightness, and the tires (including spare tire) for
proper pressures. Replace your tires before they are heavily
worn out.
As your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system, there is a risk of damage to the tire inflation pressure
sensors when the tire is replaced on the rim. Tire replacement
should, therefore, be performed only by an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer.LightsHave someone watch while you turn all the exterior lights on
and off. Also check the turn signal indicators and high-beam
indicators on the instrument panel. Fluid leaksCheck the ground under the vehicle after parking overnight, for
fuel, water, oil, or other leaks. Make sure all the fluid levels are
correct. Also, if you can smell fuel, you need to find out why
immediately and have it fixed.
Safe driving techniques
N00629200078
Even this vehicle’s safety equipment, and your safest driving,
cannot guarantee that you can avoid an accident or injury.
However, if you give extra attention to the following areas, you
can better protect yourself and your passengers:

Drive defensively. Be aware of traffic, road and weather
conditions. Leave plenty of stopping distance between
your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

Before changing lanes, check your mirrors and use your
turn signal light.

While driving, watch the behavior of other drivers, bicy-
clists, and pedestrians.

Always obey applicable laws and regulations. Be a polite
and alert driver. Always leave room for unexpected
events, such as sudden braking.

If you plan to drive in another country, obey their vehicle
registration laws and make sure you will be able to get the
right fuel.
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Driving safety
4-9
4
This placard shows the maximum number of occupants permit-
ted to ride in your vehicle as well as “the combined weight of
occupants and cargo” (C), which is called the vehicle capacity
weight. This placard also tells you the size and recommended
inflation pressure for the original equipment tires on your vehi-
cle. For more information, refer to “Tires” on page 7-20.Ty p e A
Ty p e B
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For emergencies
6-11
6
Spare tire information
N00849600285
Compact spare tireThe compact spare tire is designed to save space in the cargo
area (trunk). Its lighter weight makes it easier to use if a flat tire
occurs.
WA R N I N G
!
Tires, including spare tire, degrade over time with
age even when they are not being used.
It is recommended that tires over 6 years generally
be replaced even if damage is not obvious.
CAUTION
!
While the compact spare tire is stowed, the inflation
pressure should be checked at least once a month to
assure that it remains at the recommended inflation
pressure. See the tire and loading information plac-
ard attached to the driver’s door sill.
Refer to “Tire and loading information placard” on
page 9-4.
Driving with an improperly inflated tire can cause
an accident. If you have no choice but to drive with
an under-inflated tire, keep your speed down and
avoid sudden steering or braking, if possible. Inflate
the tire to the correct pressure as soon as possible.
Refer to “Tire inflation pressures” on page 7-23.
The compact spare tire should only be used tempo-
rarily. When the compact spare tire is used, the tire
pressure monitoring system will not work properly.
See an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer as soon
as possible to replace or repair the original tire.
If your vehicle has aluminum type wheels, you can
use the same wheel nuts on the compact spare tire
wheel.
Do not go over 50 mph (80 km/h) when driving with
the compact spare tire.
Avoid fast starting and braking when driving with
the compact spare tire.
Do not drive through automatic car washes and over
obstacles that could possibly damage the underside
of your vehicle. Because the compact spare tire is
smaller than the original tire, there is less clearance
between the ground and your vehicle.
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6-12 For emergencies
6
To remove the spare tire
N00849700101
1. Lift up the luggage floor board.
2. To remove the spare tire, remove the installation clamp
(A) by turning it counterclockwise.NOTE
The clamp cannot be used for a normal tire. Store the nor-
mal tire in the cargo area (trunk).

Because the compact spare tire is designed only for
your vehicle, do not use it on any other vehicle.
Do not put the compact spare tire on a different
wheel, and do not put standard tires, snow tires,
wheel covers or trim rings on the compact spare
wheel. Damage may result.
Do not use snow chain with your compact spare tire.
Using a chain could cause damage to your vehicle
and loss of the chains.
CAUTION
!
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For emergencies
6-15
6
4. Insert the bar (D) into the wheel nut wrench (E). Then put
the end of the bar into the shaft’s jack end, as shown in the
illustration.
Slowly rotate the wheel nut wrench until the tire is raised
slightly off the ground surface.
5. Remove the wheel nuts with the wheel nut wrench, then
take the wheel off.
WA R N I N G
!
Stop jacking up the vehicle as soon as the tire is
raised off the ground. It is dangerous to raise the
vehicle any higher.
Do not get under your vehicle while using the jack.
Do not bump the raised vehicle or leave it sitting on
the jack for a long time. Both are very dangerous.
Do not use a jack except the one that came with your
vehicle.
The jack should not be used for any purpose other
than to change a tire.

No one should be in your vehicle when using the
jack.
Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is
on the jack.
Do not turn the raised wheel. The tires that are still
on the ground could turn and make your vehicle fall
off the jack.
CAUTION
!
Handle the wheel carefully when changing the tire,
to avoid scratching the wheel surface.
WA R N I N G
!
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For emergencies
6-23
6
On wet roads On snowy or icy roads

When driving on a road covered with snow or ice, use
snow tires. Tire chains cannot be used on your vehicle.
There may be state or local regulations about using snow
tires. Always check the regulations in your local area
before using them. Refer to the section entitled “Snow
tires” on page 7-28 and “Tire chains” on page 7-29.

Drive slowly. Do not make sudden starts or stops, sharp
turns, or slam on the brakes.

Pressing the brake pedal when driving on snowy or icy
roads can make your tires slip and skid. When a skid
occurs, take your foot off the accelerator. Steer gently into
the skid. As your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock
braking system (ABS), brake by pressing the brake pedal
firmly and keep it depressed.

Allow extra distance between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you, and avoid sudden braking.

After parking on snowy or icy road, it may be difficult to
move your vehicle due to freeze-up of the brake. Depress
the accelerator pedal little by little to move the vehicle
after confirming safety of the vehicle.
CAUTION
!
Avoid flooded roads. Water is often deeper than it
looks, and you could be seriously hurt by driving
into flood water.
When driving in rain, on water-covered roads, or
through a car wash, water could get into the brake
discs and make them fail temporarily. In such cases,
lightly press the brake pedal to see if they are work-
ing properly. If they are not, press the pedal lightly
several times while driving to dry the brake pads,
then check them again.
When driving in rain, a layer of water may form
between the tires and the road surface (aquaplan-
ing). This loosens your tires’ grip on the road, mak-
ing it difficult to steer or brake properly. When
driving on a wet road:
• Drive your vehicle at a safe speed.
• Do not drive on worn tires.
• Always keep the tires at the correct inflation pres-
sures.
CAUTION
!
Do not depress the accelerator pedal rapidly. The
vehicle could start moving when it breaks free from
the ice, possibly resulting in an accident.
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6-24 For emergencies
6
On a bumpy or rutted roadDrive as slow as possible when driving on bumpy or rutted
roads or over pothole etc.
CAUTION
!
Driving on bumpy, rutted roads or over potholes can
damage the tires and wheels.
Wheels with low-profiles tires or under-inflated tires
are especially at risk for damage.
The vehicle’s body, bumper, muffler and other parts
may suffer damage if the vehicle is
• driven over a step (for example, at the entrance or
exit of a parking lot);
• parked against a curb or parking block, or by the
side of a road with curbstones;
• driven on a steep slope;
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7
Vehicle care and maintenance
Service precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 2
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 3
Engine hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 4
View of the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 6
Engine oil and oil filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 7
Engine coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 10
Air cleaner filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 11
Automatic transaxle fluid (if so equipped) . . . . . .7- 12
Manual transaxle oil (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . .7- 14
Washer fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 14
Brake fluid/Clutch fluid (if so equipped) . . . . . . . .7- 15
Power steering fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 16
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 16
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 20
Clutch pedal free play (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . .7- 29
Brake pedal free play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 30
Parking brake lever stroke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 30
Wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 31
Emission-control system maintenance. . . . . . . . . .7- 31
General maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 33
For cold and snowy weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 37Fuse links. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 37
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 38
Replacement of light bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 47
Vehicle care precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 71
Cleaning the inside of your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 71
Cleaning the outside of your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 73
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