Honda Civic Owners Manual: Safety When Performing Maintenance

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 Safety

• To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames away from the battery and all fuel related parts.
•  Never leave rags, towels, or other flammable objects under the hood.

  ► Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite them causing a fire.

•  To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not gasoline.
•  Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the battery or compressed air.
•  Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and can kill you.

  ► Only operate the engine if there is sufficient ventilation.

Vehicle Safety

• The vehicle must be in a stationary condition.

  ► Make sure your vehicle is parked on level ground, the parking brake is set, and the engine is off.

•  Be aware that hot parts can burn you.

  ► Make sure to let the engine and exhaust system cool thoroughly before touching vehicle parts.

•  Be aware that moving parts can injure you.

  ► Do not start the engine unless instructed, and keep your hands and limbs away from moving parts.

Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service

The use of Honda genuine parts and fluids is recommended when maintaining and servicing your vehicle. Honda genuine parts are manufactured according to the same high quality standards used in Honda vehicles.