Get Driving -> Towing a Trailer Guide for Honda Civic 4 Door 2017-2023

Towing a Trailer^*

Middle Eastern except Israeli and Turkish models

1Towing Load Limits

Your vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void your

warranties.

WARNING

Exceeding any load limit or improperly

loading your vehicle and trailer can cause a

crash in which you can be seriously hurt or

killed.

Israeli, Turkish, and except Middle Eastern models

Towing Preparation

Check the loading of your vehicle and

trailer carefully before starting to drive.

Towing Load Limits

■

Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper

equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. Check the load limits before driving.

Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale. If

a public scale is not available, add the estimated

weight of your luggage load to the weight of your

trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer), and then

measure the tongue load with an appropriate scale or

tongue gauge or estimate it based on luggage

distribution.

■

Total trailer weight

Do not exceed the maximum towing weight

of the trailer and towbar (with/without

brakes), luggage and everything in or on it.

Towing loads in excess of the maximum

towing weight can seriously affect vehicle

handling and performance and can damage

the engine and drivetrain.

Refer to the trailer owner’s manual for additional

information.

Total Load

Break-in Period

Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle's first 1,000

km.

* Not available on all models

452

uuTowing a Trailer^*uTowing Preparation

■

Towbar down load

1Towing Load Limits

The trailer nose load should never exceed

75 kg. This is the amount of weight the trailer

puts on the towbar when it is fully-loaded. As

a rule of thumb for trailer weights of less than

500 kg, the trailer nose load should be

10 percent of the total trailer package.

If you tow a trailer in mountainous conditions,

remember to reduce 10 % of the combined vehicle

weights from the maximum towing weight for every

1,000 metres of elevation.

Never exceed the maximum towing weight and

specified load limit.

2 Specifications P. 724

Tongue Load

Trailer Nose Load

• Excessive trailer nose load reduces front tyre traction and steering control. Too

little trailer nose load can make the trailer unstable and cause it to sway.

• To achieve a proper trailer nose load, start by loading 60 % of the load towards

the front of the trailer and 40 % towards the rear. Readjust the load as needed.

Continued

453

uuTowing a Trailer^*uTowing Preparation

1Towing Equipment and Accessories

Towing Equipment and Accessories

■

Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and

maintained, and that it meets the regulations of the

country where you are driving.

Towing equipment varies by the size of your trailer, how much load you are towing,

and where you are towing.

■

Towbars

The towbar must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.

■

Safety chains

Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the

trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.

■

Trailer brakes

If you are thinking of getting a trailer that has 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.

Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other

items are recommended or required for your towing

situation.

■

Additional towing equipment

There may be laws requiring special outside mirrors when towing a trailer. Even if

mirrors are not required in your locale, you should install special mirrors if visibility is

restricted in any way.

Consult your trailer maker for proper installation and

setup of the equipment.

Improper installation and setup can affect the

handling, stability, and braking performance of your

vehicle.

■

Trailer light

Trailer lights and equipment must comply with the regulations of the country where

you are driving. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the

requirements in the area where you plan to tow.

The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type

and brand. If a connector is required, it should only

be installed by a qualified technician.

454

uuTowing a Trailer^*uTowing Preparation

1.5 L engine models

■

Continuously variable transmission fluid cooler

Install an additional CVTF (continuously variable transmission fluid) cooler to help

prevent the transmission from overheating, and damaging.

An additional CVTF cooler is required to keep the transmission from overheating

when towing more than 500 kg.

455

uuTowing a Trailer^*uDriving Safely with a Trailer

Driving Safely with a Trailer

1Driving Safely with a Trailer

Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer

■

Operating speed when towing a trailer is restricted

up to 100 km/h.

• Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.

• Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.

2 Towing Load Limits P. 452

Parking

In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel

chocks at each of the trailer's tyres.

• Securely attach the tow bar, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.

• Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift while

driving.

• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.

• Check the pressures of the trailer tyres, including the spare.

• Check regulations concerning the maximum speed or driving restrictions for

vehicles towing trailers. If you are driving across several countries, check each

country’s requirements before leaving home, because regulations may vary.

We recommend you drive uphill or less than 12%

slope. Follow the trailer association’s

recommendations for suitable roads.

Winds caused by passing large vehicles can sway your

trailer, keep a constant speed and steer straight

ahead.

Always drive slowly and have someone guide you

when reversing.

456

uuTowing a Trailer^*uDriving Safely with a Trailer

1Towing Speeds and Gears

Towing Speeds and Gears

■

When towing a fixed-sided trailer (e.g., camper), do

not exceed 88 km/h. At higher speeds, the trailer may

sway or affect vehicle handling.

• Drive slower than normal.

• Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.

• Use the (D position when towing a trailer on level roads.

The shift down indicator^*will not prompt to

downshift to 1st gear. It is up to you to downshift to

1st gear to increa se engine b r a king. Avoid sudden

engine braking.

Turning and Braking

■

• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.

• Allow more time and distance for braking.

• Do not brake or turn suddenly.

Road and traffic conditions may require you to shift

at times other than those indicated.

1Driving in Hilly Terrain

Driving in Hilly Terrain

■

Continuously variable transmission models with 5

positions

• Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the white (Hot) mark, turn off the

climate control system and reduce speed. Pull to the side of the road safely to cool

down the engine if necessary.

If you use the paddle shifters when driving uphill and

downhill, select 3rd, 2nd, or 1st gear, depending on

the vehicle speed and road conditions. Do not use

4th and 5th gears.

Continuously variable transmission models

• Shift to the (S position and use the paddle shifter^*to shift down when driving

down hills.

This helps to increase engine braking efficiently and prevent the brake system

from overheating.

* Not available on all models

457

Driving -> Towing a Trailer for Your Honda Civic 4 Door 2017-2023

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