Honda Prelude (2000 year). Instruction - part 11

Driving in Bad Weather

Rain, fog, and snow conditions re-
quire a different driving technique

because of reduced traction and

visibility. Keep your car well-

maintained and exercise greater
caution when you need to drive in
bad weather. The cruise control
should not be used in these condi-
tions.

Driving Technique — Always drive
slower than you would in dry

weather. It takes your car longer to

react, even in conditions that may
seem just barely damp. Apply
smooth, even pressure to all the
controls. Abrupt steering wheel
movements or sudden, hard appli-
cation of the brakes can cause loss of
control in wet weather. Be extra
cautious for the first few miles

(kilometers) of driving while you

adjust to the change in driving
conditions. This is especially true in
snow. A person can forget some
snow-driving techniques during the
summer months. Practice is needed

to relearn those skills.

Exercise extra caution when driving
in rain after a long dry spell. After
months of dry weather, the first
rains bring oil to the surface of the
roadway, making it slippery.

Visibility — Being able to see

clearly in all directions and being

visible to other drivers are important

in all weather conditions. This is
more difficult in bad weather. To be
seen more clearly during daylight
hours, turn on your headlights.

Inspect your windshield wipers and
washers frequently. Keep the wind-
shield washer reservoir full of the
proper fluid. Have the windshield
wiper blades replaced if they start to
streak the windshield or leave parts
unwiped. Use the defrosters and air
conditioning to keep the windows
from fogging up on the inside (see
page

1 0 4

) .

Driving

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Driving in Bad Weather

Traction — Check your tires

frequently for wear and proper
pressure. Both are important in
preventing "hydroplaning" (loss of
traction on a wet surface). In the
winter, mount snow tires on all four
wheels for the best handling.

Watch road conditions carefully,
they can change from moment to

moment. Wet leaves can be as slip-
pery as ice. "Clear" roads can have
patches of ice. Driving conditions
can be very hazardous when the
outside temperature is near freezing.

The road surface can become

covered with areas of water puddles
mixed with areas of ice, so your
traction can change without warning.

Be careful when downshifting. If
traction is low, you can lock up the
drive wheels for a moment and cause
a skid.

Be very cautious when passing, or
being passed by other vehicles. The

spray from large vehicles reduces

your visibility, and the wind buffeting

can cause you to lose control.

Driving

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Towing a Trailer

Your Honda has been designed
primarily to carry passengers and
their cargo. You can use it to tow a
trailer if you carefully observe the
load limits, use the proper equipment,

and follow the guidelines in this
section.

Load Limits

Total Trailer Weight: The total

weight of the trailer and
everything loaded in it must not
exceed 1,000 Ibs (450 kg). Towing
a load that is too heavy can
seriously affect your vehicle's
handling and performance. It can
also damage the engine and

drivetrain.

Tongue Load: The weight that

the tongue of a fully-loaded trailer
puts on the hitch should be
approximately 10 percent of the
trailer weight. Too little tongue
load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway. Too much
tongue load reduces front-tire
traction and steering control.

To achieve a proper tongue load,

start by loading 60 percent of the

load toward the front of the trailer

and 40 percent toward the rear, then
readjust the load as needed.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

(GVWR):

The total weight of the vehicle, all

occupants, all cargo, and the

tongue load must not exceed:
3,835 Ibs (1,740 kg)

Gross Axle Weight Rating

(GAWR):

The total weight of the vehicle, all

occupants, all cargo, and the
tongue load must not exceed:

2,160 Ibs (980 kg)
on the front axle

1,685 Ibs (765 kg)

on the rear axle

Driving

Exceeding load limits or
improperly loading your vehicle
and trailer can cause a crash in

which you can be seriously

injured or killed.

Check the loading of your
vehicle and trailer carefully
before starting to drive.

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Towing a Trailer

Checking Loads

The best way to confirm that vehicle

and trailer weights are within limits
is to have them checked at a public
scale.

Using a suitable scale or a special
tongue load gauge, check the tongue
load the first time you set up a
towing combination (a fully-loaded

vehicle and trailer), then recheck the
tongue load whenever the conditions
change.

Towing Equipment and

Accessories
Towing can require a variety of

equipment, depending on the size of

your trailer, how it will be used, and
how much load you are towing.

Discuss your needs with your trailer
sales or rental agency, and follow the
guidelines in the rest of this section.

Also make sure that all equipment is

properly installed and that it meets
federal, state, province, and local
regulations.

Hitches

Any hitch used on your vehicle must

be properly bolted to the underbody.

Safety Chain

Always use a safety chain. Make

sure that it is secured to both the
trailer and hitch, and that it crosses
under the tongue so it can catch the
trailer if it becomes unhitched.
Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do
not let the chain drag on the ground.

CONTINUED

Driving

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Towing a Trailer

Trailer Brakes

Honda recommends that any trailer
having a total weight of 1,000 Ibs

(450 kg) or more be equipped with

its own electric or surge-type brakes.

If you choose electric brakes, be
sure they are electronically actuated.
Do not attempt to tap into your

vehicle's hydraulic system. No
matter how successful it may seem,

any attempt to attach trailer brakes
to your vehicle's hydraulic system

will lower braking effectiveness and
create a potential hazard.

Trailer Lights

Your vehicle has a trailer lighting

connector located behind the left
side panel in the cargo area. Refer to
the drawing above for the wiring
color code and purpose of each pin.

If you use a converter, you can get
the connector and pins that mate
with the connector in your vehicle
from your Honda dealer.

Since lighting and wiring vary with
trailer type and brand, you should
also have a qualified technician
install a suitable connector between
the vehicle and the trailer.

Driving

LEFT TURN SIGNAL

(GREEN/BLUE)

GROUND

(BLACK)

BACK-UP LIGHT

(GREEN/BLACK)

RIGHT TURN SIGNAL

(GREEN/YELLOW)

BRAKE LIGHT

(WHITE/BLACK)

TAILLIGHT

(RED/BLACK)

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Towing a Trailer

Many states and Canadian provinces
require special outside mirrors when
towing a trailer. Even if they don't,

you should install special mirrors if
you cannot clearly see behind you, or
if the trailer creates a blind spot.

Ask your trailer sales or rental

agency if any other items are
recommended or required for your
towing situation.

Pre-Tow Checklist

When preparing to tow, and before

driving away, be sure to check the

following:

The vehicle has been properly

serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, and cooling system
are in good operating condition.

All weights and loads are within
limits (see pages

160

and

161

The hitch, safety chain, and any

other attachments are secure.

All items on and in the trailer are

properly secured and cannot shift
while you drive.

The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working

properly.

Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inflated (see page

206

and the trailer tires and spare are
inflated as recommended by the
trailer maker.

Driving

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Towing a Trailer

Driving Safely With a Trailer

The added weight, length, and

height of a trailer will affect your
vehicle's handling and performance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.

For your safety and the safety of
others, take time to practice driving
maneuvers before heading for the
open road, and follow the guidelines
discussed below.

Towing Speeds and Gears

Drive slower than normal in all
driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
If you have an automatic
transmission, use D

position when

towing a trailer on level roads. D

the proper shift lever position to use
when towing a trailer in hilly terrain.

(See "Driving on Hills" in the next

column for additional gear
information.)

Making Turns and Braking

Make turns more slowly and wider
than normal. The trailer tracks a
smaller arc than your vehicle, and it
can hit or run over something the

vehicle misses. Allow more time and

distance for braking. Do not brake or

turn suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknife or turn over.

Driving on Hills

When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red mark, turn the air

conditioning off, reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.

If the automatic transmission shifts
frequently between 3rd and 4th
gears while going up a hill, shift to
D

If you must stop when facing uphill,
use the foot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
place by pressing on the accelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.

When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and shift down to 2nd
gear. Do not "ride" the brakes, and

remember it will take longer to slow
down and stop when towing a trailer.

Driving

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Towing a Trailer

Handling Crosswinds and Buffeting

Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt

your steering and cause trailer

swaying. When being passed by a

large vehicle, keep a constant speed
and steer straight ahead. Do not try
to make quick steering or braking

corrections.

Backing Up

Always drive slowly and have

someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the bottom of the steering

wheel; then turn the wheel to the left
to get the trailer to move to the left,

and turn the wheel right to move the
trailer to the right.

Parking

Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including firmly setting the
parking brake and putting the
transmission in Park (automatic) or
in 1 st or Reverse (manual). Also,
place wheel chocks at each of the
trailer's tires.

Driving

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166

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Maintenance

This section explains why it is

important to keep your car well
maintained and to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.

This section also includes

Maintenance Schedules for normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-

tions for simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself.

If you have the skills and tools to per-

form more complex maintenance
tasks on your Honda, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page

279

for information on how to

obtain a copy, or see your Honda
dealer.

Maintenance Safety.......................

168

Important Safety Precautions

169

Maintenance Schedule..................

170

Required Maintenance Record....

177

Owner Maintenance Checks........

179

Fluid Locations...............................

180

Engine Oil.......................................

181

Adding Oil...................................

181

Recommended Oil.....................

181

Synthetic Oil...............................

182

Additives.....................................

182

Changing the Oil and Filter......

183

Cooling System..............................

185

Adding Engine Coolant.............

185

Replacing Engine Coolant........

187

Windshield Washers.....................

190

Transmission Fluid........................

191

Automatic

Transmission..........................

191

5-speed Manual

Transmission..........................

192

Brake and Clutch Fluid.................

193

Brake System.............................

193

Clutch System............................

194

Power Steering...............................

194

Air Cleaner Element......................

195

Hood Latch.....................................

196

Spark Plugs.....................................

196

Replacement...............................

196

Specifications.............................

198

Battery............................................

198

Wiper Blades..................................

200

Air Conditioning System...............

202

Air Conditioning Filter..................

203

Drive Belts......................................

204

Timing Belt.....................................

204

Tires................................................

205

Inflation.......................................

205

Inspection...................................

206

Maintenance...............................

207

Tire Rotation..............................

208

Replacing Tires and Wheels ....

208

Wheels and Tires.......................

209

Winter Driving...........................

209

Snow Tires..............................

210

Tire Chains.............................

210

Lights..............................................

211

Headlight Aimimg.....................

213

Replacing Bulbs.........................

214

Storing Your Car............................

225

Maintenance

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Maintenance Safety

Regularly maintaining your car is the
best way to protect your investment.
Proper maintenance is essential to

your safety and the safety of your
passengers. It will also reward you
with more economical, trouble-free
driving and help reduce air pollution.

This section includes instructions for

simple maintenance tasks, such as
checking and adding oil. Any service
items not detailed in this section
should be performed by a Honda

technician or other qualified
mechanic.

Some of the most important safety
precautions are given here. However,
we cannot warn you of every
conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you
can decide whether or not you
should perform a given task.

Maintenance

Improperly maintaining this car

or failing to correct a problem
before driving can cause a
crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.

Always follow the inspection
and maintenance

recommendations and

schedules in this owner's

manual.

Failure to properly follow
maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to
be seriously hurt or killed.

Always follow the procedures
and precautions in this owner's

manual.

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Maintenance Safety

Important Safety Precautions
Before you begin any maintenance,
make sure your car is parked on
level ground and that the parking
brake is set. Also, be sure the engine
is off. This will help to eliminate
several potential hazards:

Carbon monoxide poisoning

from engine exhaust. Be sure
there is adequate ventilation
whenever you operate the engine.

Burns from hot parts. Let the
engine and exhaust system cool
before touching any parts.

Injury from moving parts. Do
not run the engine unless in-
structed to do so.

Read the instructions before you
begin, and make sure you have the
tools and skills required.

To reduce the possibility of fire or

explosion, be careful when working
around gasoline or batteries. Use a
commercially available degreaser or
parts cleaner, not gasoline, to clean
parts. Keep cigarettes, sparks, and

flames away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.

You should wear eye protection and

protective clothing when working
near the battery or when using
compressed air.

Maintenance

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Maintenance Schedule

The Maintenance Schedule specifies

how often you should have your car
serviced and what things need
attention. It is essential that you have

your car serviced as scheduled to
retain its high level of safety,

dependability, and emissions control

performance.

The services and time or distance

intervals shown in the maintenance
schedule assume you will use your
car as normal transportation for
passengers and their possessions.

You should also follow these

recommendations:

Avoid exceeding your car's load
limit. This puts excess stress on
the engine, brakes, and many

other parts of your car. The load
limit is shown on the label on the
driver's doorjamb.

Operate your car on reasonable
roads within the legal speed limit.

Drive your car regularly over a
distance of several miles

(kilometers).

Always use unleaded gasoline with
the proper octane rating (see page

126

Which Schedule to Follow:

Service your car according to the
time and mileage periods on one of
the Maintenance Schedules on the
following pages. Select the schedule
for "Severe Conditions" if most of
your driving is done under one or
more of the conditions listed on that
page. Otherwise, follow the schedule
for "Normal Conditions."

Maintenance

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Maintenance Schedule

Your authorized Honda dealer

knows your car best and can provide
competent, efficient service.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualified service facility or
person who is skilled in this type of
automotive service. Keep all the
receipts as proof of completion, and
have the person who does the work

fill out the Maintenance Record.

Check your warranty booklet for

more information.

We recommend the use of Genuine

Honda parts and fluids whenever you

have maintenance done. These are
manufactured to the same high-

quality standards as the original
components, so you can be confident
of their performance and durability.

U.S. Vehicles:

Maintenance, replacement or

repair of emissions control

devices and systems may be done

by any automotive repair

establishment or individual using

parts that are "certified" to EPA

standards.

According to state and federal

regulations, failure to perform
maintenance on the items marked
with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, Honda
recommends that all maintenance

services be performed at the
recommended time or mileage

period to ensure long-term reliability.

Maintenance

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U.S. Owners
Follow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if the
severe driving conditions
specified in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance
Schedule do not apply.

NOTE: If you only

OCCASIONALLY drive under a

"severe" condition, you should
follow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.

Canadian Owners
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule for Severe Conditions.

# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page

171

Maintenance

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Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in

A, B, C as required for each distance/time interval. Follow this

schedule if the severe driving conditions described in the Severe Conditions Schedule on the next page do not apply.
Canadian owners: Follow the schedule for Severe Conditions.

#: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last

column, page

171

Maintenance

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208

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