How do I jump-start my car?

What should I do when my car overheats?

What are the best practices for washing my car?

How can I improve my fuel economy?

What do the different lights on my dashboard indicate?

How do I jump-start my car?

If your car's battery has run down, you may be able to start the engine by using a booster battery.

1. Open the bonnet and check the physical condition of the battery.
2. Turn off all the electrical accessories: A/C, stereo, lights etc. Put the transmission in Neutral or Park, and set the parking brake.
3. Connect one jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal on your Honda's battery. Connect the other end to the positive (+) terminal on the booster battery.
4. Connect the second jumper cable to the negative (-) terminal on the booster battery. Connect the other end to the grounding strap preferably or negative terminal of non-functional Honda battery. Do not connect this jumper cable to any other part of the engine.
5. If the booster battery is in another vehicle, have an assistant start that vehicle and run it at a fast idle.
6. Start your car. If the starter motor still operates slowly, check the jumper cable connections to make sure they have good metal-to-metal contact.
7. Once your car is running, disconnect the negative cable from your car, then from the booster battery.

+'ve usually represented by the colour RED
-'ve usually represented by colour BLUE

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What should I do when my car overheats?

Do NOT drive with temperature Gauge at Red Mark

1. If you see steam and/or spray coming from under the bonnet turn off the engine.
2. Wait until you see no more signs of steam or spray then open the bonnet.
3. If the temperature gauge stays at the red mark, turn off the engine.
4. Look for any obvious coolant leaks, such as split radiator hose. If you find a leak it must be repaired before you continue driving.
5. If you do not find an obvious leak, check the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank. If level is below MIN mark, add coolant to halfway between the MIN and MAX marks.
6. If no coolant in reserve tank, you may have to add to radiator. Let engine cool down until temperature gauge reaches middle or lower before opening radiator cap.
7. Turn radiator cap anticlockwise, without pushing down, to the first stop releasing any remaining pressure. After pressure releases, push down on cap and turn until it comes off.
8. Start engine and set temperature control dial to maximum (full Auto at 32 degrees C)
9. Add coolant to the radiator up to the base of the filler neck. If coolant is unavailable add water but have cooling system drained and refilled with proper mixture as soon as you can.
10. Put radiator cap back on and run engine until temperature gauge returns to normal. Add additional coolant to radiator reserve tank until it reaches MAX mark.

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What are the best practices for washing my car?

1. Place car in shady area, not in direct sunlight. If car is parked in sun, let exterior cool before you start.
2. Rinse car thoroughly with cool water to remove loose dirt.
3. Fill bucket with cool water and mix in product specially made for car washing. Regular water is preferred if recommended cleaners are not available.
4. Start at the top and work your way down washing car with water and/or product solution. Use a soft sponge or cloth and rinse frequently.
5. Check body for road tar, tree sap etc. Remove these stains with tar remover or turpentine. Rinse it off immediately so it does not harm the finish. Re-wax these areas even if the rest of the car does not need waxing.
6. Once washing is finished, dry exterior with a chamois or soft towel. Letting car air-dry will cause dulling and water spots.

Frequent washing helps preserve your car's beauty. Dirt and grit can scratch paint!

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How can I improve my fuel economy?

The condition of your car and your driving habits are the two most important things that affect your fuel consumption.

Car Condition

• Always maintain your car according to the maintenance schedule. This will keep it in top operating condition.
• Carry out 'Owner Maintenance Checks'. An under inflated tyre causes more 'rolling resistance' which uses fuel. It also wears out faster, so check tyre pressure monthly.

Driving Habits

• Drive moderately as rapid acceleration, abrupt cornering and hard braking use more fuel.
• Always drive in the highest gear that allows the engine to run and accelerate smoothly.
• Use the 'cruise control' when appropriate to increase fuel economy.
• Air-conditioning puts an extra load on the engine, which makes it use more fuel. Turn off A/C to conserve on fuel.

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What do the different lights on my dashboard indicate?

View Accord Dashboard

Seat Belt Reminder Light - Reminds passengers to put on seatbelts. A beeper also sounds if you have not fastened your seatbelt, but will stop after a few seconds. The light stays on until you fasten your seatbelt. If you fasten your seatbelt before turning on the ignition both light and beeper will stay off.

Low Oil Pressure Indicator - This light should go on and the off when the engine starts. It should never come ion when the engine is running. If it starts flashing, it indicates that the oil pressure dropped very low for a moment, then recovered. If indicator stays on with the engine running, it shows that the engine has lost oil pressure and serious engine damage is possible. Take car into dealership at once!

Charging system Indicator - This light comes on and then off when the engine is started. If it comes on brightly when the engine is running, it indicates that the charging system has stopped charging the battery.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp - This light comes on and then off when the engine is started. If it comes on at any other time, it indicates that one of the engine's emissions control systems may have a problem. Even though you may feel no difference in your car's performance, it can reduce your fuel economy and cause your car to put out excessive emissions. Continued operation may cause serious damage to your engine.

Parking Brake & Brake System Indicator - This light has two functions:-

1. A reminder to check parking brake. Driving with the parking brake not fully released can damage the brakes and tyres.
2. If indicator remains lit after you have fully released our parking brake while the engine is running, or if it comes on while driving, it can indicate a problem in the brake system.

Supplemental Restraint System Indicator - This light comes on then off when you turn your engine on. If it comes on at any other time, it indicates a potential problem with your airbags or automatic seatbelt tensioners.

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Indicator - Light comes on when you turn the ignition switch on and when the ignition is turned to START. If light comes on at any other time there is a problem in the ABS. With the light on your car still has normal braking ability but no antilock.

Door and Trunk Open Monitor - The appropriate light comes on in this display if the trunk or any door is not closed tightly. All lights in the display come on when you start your car and when you turn ignition to start.

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