The Honda Civic has long been a favorite among car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, known for its reliability, efficiency, and spirited performance.
Whether you're a new owner or have been driving Civics for years, there's always more to learn about this versatile vehicle.
This article will explore ten key aspects of the Honda Civic that every owner should know, helping maximize your driving experience, maintain your car effectively, and perhaps discover features you didn't know existed.
1. Digital Instrument Cluster
The latest Honda Civic models come with a digital instrument cluster that offers practical and innovative features. One of the most noteworthy features is Traffic Sign Recognition.
This system shows detected traffic signs, like speed limits, directly on the cluster. It keeps drivers aware of road signs without needing to look away from the road ahead.
Another valuable feature is the Driver Attention Monitor. This system alerts drivers to take a break if they have been driving for an extended period, preventing fatigue-related incidents.
The Customizable Tachometer is another useful feature. You can turn it on or off as needed. In manual transmission models, it includes a shift-up alarm that signals when to change gears for better performance and fuel efficiency.
Additionally, the cluster shows the status of Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and the Lane Keeping Assist System. This gives drivers important information about these features.
2. Fuel Efficiency Tips
The Honda Civic's fuel efficiency can be improved with some lesser-known tips. One valuable feature is the Walk Away Auto Lock, which ensures your car locks automatically when you walk 10 feet away. This prevents unnecessary idling, saving fuel.
The Custom Auto E-Brake Setup is another handy feature. It automatically disengages the parking brake when you start the car with your seatbelt on, ensuring a smooth start and saving fuel.
Brake Hold is perfect for stop-and-go traffic. It holds the brake for you at stops, reducing fatigue and maintaining fuel efficiency by minimizing unnecessary acceleration and braking.
Additionally, using cruise control on highways helps maintain a steady speed and avoids unconscious speeding, further saving fuel.
Planning trips to avoid peak traffic and combining errands can also lead to substantial fuel savings over time.
3. Honda Sensing Suite
The Honda Sensing Suite's advanced safety features can greatly enhance driving when used correctly, yet many drivers may not fully utilize this technology.
For instance, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) isn't just for long highway trips - it can reduce stress in stop-and-go traffic by maintaining a set distance from the car ahead.
The Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) can be a lifesaver on long drives, gently steering you back into your lane if you start to drift.
One often underutilized feature is Honda LaneWatch™. Activate your right turn signal, and a camera feed of your passenger-side blind spot appears on your infotainment screen.
This can be useful in urban driving, helping you spot cyclists or pedestrians. You can even manually turn it on with a button on the turn signal stalk when parallel parking to see how close you are to the curb.
Remember, these systems are designed to assist, not replace, your awareness.
4. Using the Infotainment System
Your infotainment system is more than just a fancy radio – it's a powerful tool that can make your daily drives more efficient and enjoyable. While you might be using basic features like Bluetooth for calls, there's a lot more you can do.
Link your phone with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to use apps on your Civic's screen. You can also change the background wallpaper to personalize your display.
Setting up custom actions allows quick access to frequent destinations or contacts, enhancing safety and convenience while driving.
With an AI CarPlay box, you can turn your dashboard into a tablet, giving you access to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.
This feature is great for long road trips where passengers can watch shows or movies, or you can listen to content safely while driving.
Create shortcuts for your most-used functions. By setting up voice commands, you can change music, set navigation, or even adjust climate control without taking your hands off the wheel.
The HondaLink® app transforms your phone into a remote control for your Civic. Start your car, check fuel levels, find your vehicle, and get maintenance alerts all from your smartphone.
Passengers can enjoy Netflix on the go. Learn how here: Watch Netflix in the Honda Civic.
5. Maintenance Schedule Essentials
Regular driving is important for your Civic's health. If you usually make very short trips (less than 5 miles), try to take a longer drive occasionally.
This helps prevent battery drain and allows the engine to reach its optimal operating temperature, which is better for overall performance and longevity.
Pay attention to your Civic's load limit, which is shown on the driver's doorjamb. Consistently exceeding this limit can put excess stress on the engine, brakes, and other parts, potentially leading to premature wear.
While Honda dealership service isn't mandatory to keep your warranty valid, using genuine Honda parts and fluids can ensure optimal performance and durability. This is especially important for critical components and fluids.
If you live in an area with extreme conditions (very hot, dusty, or with salted roads), you might need to follow the "Severe Conditions" maintenance schedule.
This includes more frequent service intervals for certain items, which can significantly extend your Civic's lifespan.
Want to know the best oil for your Honda Civic? Check out our guide: Best Oil for Honda Civic.
6. Key Fob Customizations
Your Honda Civic’s key fob can be customized for added convenience. Here are some tips to make the most of its features.
Program your key fob to unlock all doors with a single press, allowing easy access for everyone. This feature can be set up in the vehicle settings.
Walk Away Auto Lock automatically locks the doors when you walk 10 feet away from the car with the key fob.
Auto Window Roll Down: On hot days, you can press the unlock button once and then press and hold it to roll down all windows and open the sunroof, letting the hot air out before you get in.
Hidden Car Door Entry: If your key fob battery dies, you can still unlock the car using the physical key hidden inside the fob. There's a slot under the door handle to insert this key.
Lockout Prevention Controls: Disable the lockout prevention feature if you need to lock the keys inside the car.
7. Comfort & Convenience Features
Your Honda Civic comes with several comfort and convenience features. While you're likely familiar with the basics, here are some lesser-known features:
Magic Funnel: In case of an emergency where you need to refuel from a container, the Civic includes a magic funnel located in the trunk. This funnel is designed to hold open the fuel valve, making it easier to pour gas without spills.
Hidden Gas Door Release: For those living in colder climates, the gas door might get frozen shut. The Civic has a hidden gas door release located in the trunk. Pull the wire to open the gas door when it's stuck.
For a personalized driving environment, the Honda Civic offers customizable ambient lighting. Adjust the lighting colors and intensity to match your mood or preferences using the settings menu in your infotainment system.
Finally, the remote start feature also activates climate control, adjusting the car’s temperature to 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, it will turn on the heated seats and steering wheel. At 32 degrees Fahrenheit, it activates heat strips to prevent ice buildup.
8. Maximize Cargo Space
Your Civic offers ample cargo space, but here are some tips to maximize it:
Utilize the split-folding rear seats to accommodate larger items while still keeping space for passengers. This feature allows you to adapt the trunk space as needed.
Use the trunk's hidden storage compartment for smaller items to keep the main area clutter-free and organized.
The rear seats in Honda Civic hatchback models, known as "Magic Seats," offer versatile folding capabilities. You can configure the seats in multiple ways to maximize cargo space for tall items, long items, or a combination of passengers and cargo.
Honda offers a range of accessories for your Civic's cargo-carrying capabilities. From cargo nets and trays to roof racks and bike attachments, these accessories can make your Civic even more versatile. Explore the available options to suit your lifestyle and needs.
9. Civic-Specific Quirks & Features
Practical features enhance the Civic's appeal, such as the ability to set the car to unlock all doors when the driver's door handle is touched.
Additionally, you can set the doors to unlock when the car is put in park or when the ignition is turned off, making it easier for passengers to exit the vehicle.
The Civic also offers a hidden settings menu that can be accessed by swiping down on the screen, allowing you to manage notifications, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and airplane mode, much like an Android tablet.
Lesser-known but useful features include the ability to customize the order of widgets on the dash for a personalized experience.
For a cleaner dashboard look, you can remove the numbers on the tachometer, and if the green fuel efficiency backlight is distracting, it can be turned off.
The speed sign recognition AI controls can be set up to alert you to speed limit changes detected by the system, helping you stay within legal limits.
Finally, the display button on the infotainment screen allows you to adjust screen brightness, switch between day and night mode, and turn off the screen entirely if desired.
10. Resale Value Tips
Maintaining your Honda Civic's resale value involves several key practices. Regular maintenance according to the recommended schedule is crucial, not only for smooth operation but also to prevent unexpected repairs.
Keep detailed service records to demonstrate your car's reliability to potential buyers. Protect both the exterior and interior of your Civic through regular washing, waxing, and the use of seat covers and floor mats.
When repairs are necessary, opt for genuine Honda parts to ensure authenticity and optimal performance. Be mindful of your mileage, as high numbers can significantly impact resale value.
Consider alternate transportation for long trips when possible. Lastly, while personalizing your car can be tempting, extensive modifications may decrease its appeal to a broader audience.
Maximizing Your Ownership Experience
These ten key aspects of your Honda Civic will help you make the most of your vehicle. From optimizing efficiency to maintaining performance, these insights improve your ownership experience.
While this guide provides a solid foundation, your owner's manual remains an important resource for detailed information. Regular maintenance and attentive driving are vital for your Civic's longevity.
As you apply this knowledge, you'll likely discover even more about your car's capabilities. With proper care, your Civic can continue to deliver the reliability and efficiency it's known for, serving you well for years to come.