MITSUBISHI GALANT 2012 9.G Owners Manual

3-132 Features and controls
3Floor console box/Tissue holder/Pen hold-
ers
N00526600168
Floor console boxThe floor console box is located under the arm rest.
To open the console box, lift the lever (A) and raise the arm
rest (B).
Tissue holder/Pen holderThe tissue holder (A) and pen holders (B) are located on the
back of the arm rest.
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Features and controls
3-133
3 Cup holder
N00527300263
For the front seatThe cup holder is located in the middle of the floor console.
The cup holder is designed for holding cups or drink-cans
securely in its holes.
For the rear seat
N00537000032
This cup holder is located in the rear seat arm rest (A).
Pull the rear arm rest down to use the cup holder.
CAUTION
!
Do not drink beverages while driving your vehicle.
This is distracting and could cause an accident.
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3-134 Features and controls
3Luggage hooks
N00528500220
There are four hooks on the side of the trunk for use in securing
luggage.NOTE
Do not hang heavy luggage {more than about 6.6 pound
(3 kg)} on the hook. Doing so could damage the hook.
Coat hook
N00553600036
There is a hook on the rear driver’s side assist grip for use in
hanging clothes.
WA R N I N G
!
Do not put a hanger or any heavy or pointed object
on the coat hook. If the curtain air bag was acti-
vated, any such item could be propelled away with
great force and could prevent the curtain air bag
from inflating correctly. Hang clothes directly on the
coat hook (without using a hanger). Make sure there
are no heavy or sharp objects in the pockets of
clothes that you hang on the coat hook.
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4
Driving safety
Fuel economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 2
Driving, alcohol and drugs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 2
Floor mat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 3
Vehicle preparation before driving. . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 5
Safe driving techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 6
Driving during cold weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 6
Braking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 7
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 8
Loading information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 9
Cargo loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 13
Trailer towing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 14
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4-2 Driving safety
4Fuel economy
N00628800080
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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Driving safety
4-3
4 Floor mat
N00628600017
The original equipment floor mat provided with your vehicle
was specifically designed for your vehicle. Always properly
position the floor mat and assure it does not interfere with
operation of the pedals. Always use the retaining clip on the
driver’s floorboard to secure the floor mat. When used, this clip
will help prevent the floor mat from moving forward and possi-
bly interfering with the operation of the pedals. To prevent the
floor mat from moving forward and possibly interfering with
the operation of the pedals, Mitsubishi genuine floor mats are
recommended.To install the floor mat
N00628700018
1. Place the floor mat to fit the shape of the floorboard.
2. Align the floor mat with the installation holes over the
retaining clips.3. Secure the floor mat with retaining clips.
NOTE
The shape of the mat and the number of retaining clips
may vary depending on the vehicle model.
WA R N I N G
!
If a floor mat is the wrong size or is not properly
installed, it can interfere with the operation of the
pedals. Interference with the pedals can cause unin-
tended acceleration and/or increased stopping dis-
tances resulting in a crash and injury. Always make
sure the floor mat does not interfere with the accel-
erator or brake pedal.
Always use the retaining clip on the driver’s floor-
board to secure the floor mat.
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4-4 Driving safety
4

Always install the mat with the correct side facing
down.
Never install a second mat over or under an existing
floor mat.
Do not use a floor mat designed for another model
vehicle even if it is a Mitsubishi genuine floor mat.
Before driving, be sure to check the following:
• Periodically check that the floor mat is properly
secured with the retaining clips.
If you remove the floor mat while cleaning the
inside of your vehicle or for any other reason,
always check the condition of the floor mat after it
has been reinstalled.
• While the vehicle is stopped with the engine off,
check that the floor mat is not interfering with the
pedals by depressing the pedals fully.WA R N I N G
!
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Driving safety
4-5
4 Vehicle preparation before driving
N00629000630
For a safer and more enjoyable trip, always observe the follow-
ing: Seat belts and seats
Before starting the vehicle, make certain that you and all
passengers are seated and wearing their seat belts properly
(with children in the rear seat, in appropriate restraints),
and that all the doors are locked.

Move the driver’s seat as far backward as possible, while
still keeping good visibility, and good control of the steer-
ing wheel, brakes, accelerator, and controls. Check the
instrument panel indicators for any possible problem.

Move the front passenger seat as far back as possible.

Make sure that infants and small children are properly
restrained in accordance with all laws and regulations.Defrosters Check 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, 5-19.)
Tires Check 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 Mitsub-
ishi Motors dealer.Lights Have 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 leaks Check 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.
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4-6 Driving safety
4Safe driving techniques
N00629200052
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.
Driving during cold weather
N00629400272

Check the battery, including terminals and cables. During
extremely cold weather, the battery will not be as strong.
Also, the battery power level may drop because more
power is used for cold starting and driving.
Before driving the vehicle, check to see if the engine runs
at the proper speed and if the headlights are as bright as
normally. Charge or replace the battery if necessary. Dur-
ing extreme cold weather, it is possible that a very low
battery could freeze.

Warm the engine sufficiently. After starting the engine,
allow a short warm-up time to distribute oil to all cylin-
ders. Then drive your vehicle slowly.
Stay at low speeds at first so that the transaxle fluid has
time to spread to all the lubrication points.
WA R N I N G
!
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen gas. Any
spark or flame can cause the battery to explode,
which could cause serious injury or death.
Always wear protective clothes and a face mask
when working with your battery, or let a skilled
mechanic do it.
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Driving safety
4-7
4

Check the engine antifreeze.
If there is not enough coolant because of a leak or from
engine overheating, add high-quality ethylene glycol anti-
freeze and water. The recommended blend is about 50 %
water and 50 % anti-freeze. Use a higher concentration
(not over 60 %) when the outside temperature is -31 °F
(-35 °C) or lower. When the engine is working very hard
(for example, during mountain driving and/or when the
outside temperature is high), use a 50 % concentration.
This blend will provide adequate protection from corro-
sion and boiling.
Braking
N00629500260
All the parts of the brake system are critical to safety. Have the
vehicle serviced by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or
a repair facility of your choice at regular intervals according to
the “WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.When brakes are wetCheck the brake system while driving at a low speed immedi-
ately after starting, especially when the brakes are wet, to con-
firm they work normally.
A film of water can be formed on the brake discs and prevent
normal braking after driving in heavy rain or through large
puddles, or after the vehicle is washed. If this occurs, dry the
brakes out by driving slowly while lightly depressing the brake
pedal.When driving in cold weatherOn snowy roads, ice can form on the braking system, making
the brakes less effective. While driving in such conditions, pay
close attention to preceding and following vehicles and to the
condition of the road surface. From time to time, lightly
depress the brake pedal and check how effective the brakes are.When driving downhillIt is important to take advantage of the engine braking by shift-
ing to a lower gear while driving on steep downhill roads in
order to prevent the brakes from overheating.
WA R N I N G
!
Never open the radiator cap when the radiator is
hot. You could be seriously burned.
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