Brake System Design; Anti-Lock Brakes - Honda 2001 Civic Manual

00/08/10 12:21:33 31S5P600_193
The Braking System

Brake System Design

The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the left-front brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
F F r r o o n n t t
190
Driving

Anti-lock Brakes

The U.S. EX model has an Anti-lock
Brake System (ABS) as standard
equipment.
ABS helps to prevent the wheels
from locking up and skidding during
hard braking, allowing you to retain
steering control.
When the front tires skid, you lose
steering control; the car continues
straight ahead even though you turn
the steering wheel. The ABS helps to
prevent lock-up and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly; much faster than a
person can do it.
You should never pump the
brake pedal, this defeats the
purpose of the ABS. Let the ABS
work for you by always keeping firm,
steady pressure on the brake pedal
as you steer away from the hazard.
This is sometimes referred to as
''stomp and steer.''
You will feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
you may hear some noise. This is
normal, it is the ABS rapidly
pumping the brakes.