The Braking System
All Civics are equipped with front
disc brakes. The brakes on the
rear wheels may be disc or drum,
depending on the model. The
braking system is power assisted
to reduce the effort needed on
the brake pedal.
Put your foot on the brake pedal
only when you intend to brake.
Resting your foot on the pedal
keeps the brakes applied lightly,
causing them to build up heat.
Heat build up can reduce how
well your brakes work. It also
keeps your brake lights on all the
time, confusing drivers behind
you.
Constant application of the
brakes when going down a long
hill builds up heat and reduces
their effectiveness. Use the engine
to assist the brakes by
downshifting to a lower gear and
taking your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
Check your brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they
feel normal. If not, apply them
gently and frequently until they
do. Since a longer distance is
needed to stop with wet brakes,
be extra cautious and alert in
your driving.
Brake Wear Indicators
The front disc brakes on all cars
have audible brake wear
indicators. They are also on the
rear brakes of cars with ABS.
When the brake pads need
replacing, you will hear
a
distinctive metallic "screeching"
sound when you apply the
brakes. If you do not have the
brake pads replaced, they will
begin screeching all the time.
Your brakes may sometimes
squeal or squeak when you apply
them lightly. Do not confuse this
with the brake wear indicators.
They make a very audible
"screeching."
Driving
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