Honda Civic

Maximum Load Limit

The maximum load for your vehicle is 850 lbs (385 kg). See the Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver’s doorjamb. This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, accessories, and the tongue load if towing a trailer.

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.
  3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
  4. The result equals the available cargo and luggage load capacity. Example: If XXX = 1,400 lbs and there are five 150 lb passengers, available cargo = 1,400 - 750 = 650 lbs.
  5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo. Do not exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity.
  6. If towing a trailer, trailer load reduces available cargo capacity. Total weight must not exceed GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the label.

Key Load Limits

  • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): Maximum allowable weight of vehicle, occupants, accessories, and cargo.
  • Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): Maximum allowable weight per vehicle axle.
  • WARNING: Overloading can affect handling and stability and may cause a crash. Follow all load limits.

Load Limits Example

Example Max Load Passenger Weight Cargo Weight
Example 1 850 lbs (385 kg) 150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs (68 kg x 2 = 136 kg) 550 lbs (249 kg)
Example 2 850 lbs (385 kg) 150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs (68 kg x 5 = 340 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)

Your vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void warranties. For emergency towing, refer to the emergency towing section.

Starting the Engine

  1. Ensure the parking brake is applied. The parking brake indicator (red) comes on for 15 seconds when the electric parking brake is pulled.
  2. Check transmission: CVT in P, manual in N. Depress brake pedal (and clutch for manual).
  3. Turn ignition to START (do not press accelerator). For smart entry models, press ENGINE START/STOP button without depressing accelerator.
  4. Do not hold START for more than 10 seconds. If engine fails, wait 30 seconds before retrying.

Tips for Cold Weather: Turn off electrical accessories, use engine block heater if available, and ensure exhaust system is functioning correctly.

Electric Parking Brake & Brake Pedal

  • CVT: Brake pedal must be depressed when starting.
  • Manual: Brake and clutch fully depressed.

Stopping the Engine

  1. Put transmission into P and press ENGINE START/STOP button.
  2. If transmission is in N or another gear, press clutch and then press button.
  3. Smart entry remote: Bring remote close if battery is weak. Do not hold button to start.

Remote Engine Start with Vehicle Feedback

  • Engine shuts off automatically after 10 minutes or if brake and START button not pressed.
  • Can extend run time by pressing button on remote.
  • Exterior lights flash to indicate success/failure.
  • Do not use remote start in enclosed spaces (risk of carbon monoxide).

Starting to Drive

  1. Depress brake and release parking brake via switch while still holding brake pedal.
  2. For downhill start, manually release parking brake for smoother start.
  3. Shift transmission: CVT into D (or R for reverse), manual into forward gear (or R), then gently press accelerator.

Hill Start Assist System

Maintains brake engagement briefly to prevent rolling on inclines. Not a replacement for parking brake. Operates even when VSA® is off. May not prevent rolling on very steep/slippery slopes.

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