The Braking System - Honda 1992 Civic Sedan Owner's Manual

The Braking System

All Civics are equipped with front
disc brakes. The brakes on the rear
wheels may be disc or drum,
depending on 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 effective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by downshifting to a lower
gear and taking your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
Driving
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 equipped with ABS.
When the brake pads need re-
placing, 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".
Brake System Design
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate cir-
cuits. Each circuit works diago-
nally across the car (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.
Front