Honda Civic 7 Gen Manual
Have a look at the manual Honda Civic 7 Gen Manual online for free. It’s possible to download the document as PDF or print. UserManuals.tech offer 328 Honda manuals and user’s guides for free. Share the user manual or guide on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.
Check your brakes af ter driving through deep water. Apply the brakes moderately to see if they f eel normal. If not, apply them gently and f requently until they do. Since a longer distance is needed to stop with wet brakes, be extra cautious and alert in your driving. Constant application of the brakes when going down a long hill builds up heat and reduces their ef f ective- ness. Use the engine to assist the brakes by downshif ting to a lower gear and taking your f oot of f the accelerator pedal. All Civics are equipped with f ront disc brakes. The brakes on the rear wheels are drum. A power assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed on the brake pedal. Put your f oot on the brake pedal only when you intend to brake. Resting your f oot 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, conf using drivers behind you. 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 conf use this with the brake wear indicators. They make a very audible ‘‘screeching.’’ The f ront disc brakes on all models have audible brake wear indicators. Brake Wear Indicators The Braking System Driving189 00/08/10 12:21:23 31S5P600_192
The hydraulic system that operates the brakes has two separate circuits. Each circuit works diagonally across the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is connected with the right-rear brake, etc.). If one circuit should develop a problem, you will still have braking at two wheels.this defeats the purpose of the ABS. Let the ABS work f or you by always keeping f irm, steady pressure on the brake pedal as you steer away from the hazard. This is sometimes ref erred to as You will f eel 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. The U.S. EX model has an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) as standard equipment. ABS helps to prevent the wheels f rom locking up and skidding during hard braking, allowing you to retain steering control. When the f ront tires skid, you lose steering control; the car continues straightaheadeventhoughyouturn the steering wheel. The ABS helps to prevent lock-up and helps you retain steering control by pumping the brakes rapidly; much f aster than a person can do it. ‘‘s to mp an d steer.’’ Brake System Design A nti-lock Brakes You should never pump the brake pedal, The Braking System Driving190 F F r r o o n n t t 00/08/10 12:21:33 31S5P600_193
on loose or uneven surfaces, such as gravel or snow, than a vehicle without anti- lock. Slow down and allow a greater distance between vehicles under those conditions. it only helps with steering control during braking. You should always maintain a saf e f ollowing distance f rom other vehicles. such as trying to take a corner too f ast or making a sudden lane change. Always drive at a safe, prudent speed f or the road and weather conditions. Always steer moderately when you are braking hard. Severe or sharp steering wheel movement can still cause your car to veer into oncoming traffic or off the road. Activation varies with the amount of traction your tires have. On dry pavement, you will need to press on thebrakepedalveryhardbeforeyou activate the ABS. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately if you are trying to stop on snow or ice. CONT INUED A vehicle with A BS may require a longer distance to stop A BS does not reduce the time or distance it takes to stop the car, A BS will not prevent a skid that results f rom changing direction abruptly, A BS cannot prevent a loss of stability.Impor ta n t Safet yReminder s The Braking System Driving191 00/08/10 12:21:41 31S5P600_194
Î Î Î Î The ABS is self -checking. If anything goes wrong, the ABS indicator on the instrument panel comes on (see page ). This means the anti-lock f unction of the braking system has shut down. The brakes still work like a conventional system without anti- lock, providing normal stopping ability. You should have the dealer inspect your car as soon as possible. 62 A B S Indica tor The Braking System Driving192 U U . . S S . . i i n n d d i i c c a a t t o o r r s s h h o o w w n n A A B B S S I I N N D D I I C C A A T T O O R R 00/08/10 12:21:47 31S5P600_195
µµBeing able to see clearly in all directions and being visible to other drivers are important in all weather conditions. This is more difficult in bad weather. To be seen more clearly during daylight hours, turn on your headlights. Inspect your windshield wipers and washers f requently. Keep the wind- shield washer reservoir f ull of the proper f luid. Have the windshield wiper blades replaced if they start to streak the windshield or leave parts unwiped. Use the def rosters and air conditioning to keep the windows f rom f ogging up on the inside (see page ). Exercise extra caution when driving in rain af ter a long dry spell. Af ter months of dry weather, the f irst rains bring oil to the surf ace of the roadway, making it slippery. Rain, f og, and snow conditions require a dif f erent driving technique because of reduced traction and visibility. Keep your car well- maintained and exercise greater caution when you need to drive in bad weather. The cruise control should not be used in these conditions. Always drive slower than you would in dry weather. It takes your car longer to react, even in conditions that may seem just barely damp. Apply smooth, even pressure to all the controls. Abrupt steering wheel movements or sudden, hard appli- cation of the brakes can cause loss of control in wet weather. Be extra cautious f or the f irst f ew miles (kilometers) of driving while you adjust to the change in driving conditions. This is especially true in snow. A person can f orget some snow-driving techniques during the summer months. Practice is needed to relearn those skills. 109 CONT INUED Visibility Driving T echnique Driving in Bad Weather Driving193 00/08/10 12:21:56 31S5P600_196
µCheck your tires f requently f or wear and proper pressure. Both are important in preventing ‘‘hydroplaning’’ (loss of traction on a wet surface). In the winter, mount snow tires on all f our wheels f or the best handling. Watch road conditions caref ully, they can change f rom moment to moment. Wet leaves can be as slip- pery as ice. ‘‘Clear’’ roads can have patches of ice. Driving conditions can be very hazardous when the outside temperature is near f reezing. The road surf ace can become covered with areas of water puddles mixed with areas of ice, so your traction can change without warning. Be caref ul when downshif ting. If traction is low, you can lock up the drive wheels f or a moment and cause askid. Be very cautious when passing, or beingpassedbyothervehicles.The spray f rom large vehicles reduces your visibility, and the wind buf f eting can cause you to lose control.Your vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void your warranties. Towing a Trailer Traction Driving in Bad Weather, Towing a Trailer Driving194 00/08/10 12:22:04 31S5P600_197
This section also includes Maintenance Schedules f or normal driving and severe driving conditions, a Maintenance Record, and instruc- tions f or simple maintenance tasks you may want to take care of yourself . If you have the skills and tools to per- f orm more complex maintenance tasks on your Honda, you may want to purchase the Service Manual. See page f or inf ormation on how to obtain a copy, or see your Honda dealer. This section explains why it is important to keep your car well maintained and to f ollow basic maintenance saf ety precautions....................... Maintenance Saf ety . 196 . Important Safety Precautions . 197 ................. Maintenance Schedule . 198 .................... Maintenance Record . 205 ....... Owner Maintenance Checks . 207 .............................. Fluid Locations . 208 ...................................... Engine Oil . 209 .................................. Adding Oil . 209 .................... Recommended Oil . 209 .............................. Synthetic Oil . 210 .................................... Additives . 210 ..... Changing the Oil and Filter . 211 ............................. Cooling System . 213 ............ Adding Engine Coolant . 213 ....... Replacing Engine Coolant . 215 .................... Windshield Washers . 219 ....................... Transmission Fluid . 220 Automatic ......................... Transmission . 220 5-speed Manual ......................... Transmission . 222 ................ Brake and Clutch Fluid . 223 ............................ Brake System . 223 ........................... Clutch System . 223 .............................. Power Steering . 224 ..................... Air Cleaner Element . 225 .................................... Hood Latch . 226 .................................... Spark Plugs . 227 .............................. Replacement . 227 ............................ Specif ications . 229 ........................................... Battery . 230 ................................. Wiper Blades . 232 .............. Air Conditioning System . 234 ................. Air Conditioning Filter . 235 ..................................... Drive Belts . 237 .................................... Timing Belt . 237 ............................................... Tires . 238 ...................................... Inf lation . 238 Recommended Tire Pressures ........... f or Normal Driving . 239 .................................. Inspection . 240 .............................. Maintenance . 240 ............................. Tire Rotation . 241 ... Replacing Tires and Wheels . 242 ...................... Wheels and Tires . 243 .......................... Winter Driving . 243 ............................. Snow Tires . 243 ................... Traction Devices . 244 ............................................. Lights . 245 ..................... Headlight Aiming . 247 ........................ Replacing Bulbs . 250 ........................... Storing Your Car . 254 311 Maint enance Maintenance 195 00/08/10 12:22:12 31S5P600_198
Some of the most important saf ety precautions are given here. However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in perf orming maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perf orm a given task. This section includes instructions f or simple maintenance tasks, such as checking and adding oil. Any service items not detailed in this section should be perf ormed by a Honda technician or other qualif ied mechanic. Regularly maintaining your car is the best way to protect your investment. Proper maintenance is essential to your saf ety and the saf ety of your passengers. It will also reward you with more economical, trouble-f ree driving and help reduce air pollution. Maint enance Maintenance Saf ety 196 Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and precautions can cause you to be seriously hurt or killed. Always follow the procedures and precautions in this owner’s manual. Improperly maintaining this car or failing to correct a problem before driving can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed. Always follow the inspection and maintenance recommendations and schedules in this owner’s manual. 00/08/10 12:22:18 31S5P600_199
Be sure there is adequate ventilation whenever you operate the engine. Let the engine and exhaust system cool bef ore touching any parts. Do not run the engine unless in- structed to do so. Read the instructions before you begin, and make sure you have the tools and skills required. Bef ore you begin any maintenance, make sure your car is parked on level ground and that the parking brake is set. Also, be sure the engine is of f . This will help to eliminate several potential hazards: You should wear eye protection and protective clothing when working near the battery or when using compressed air. To reduce the possibility of f ire or explosion, be caref ul when working around gasoline or batteries. Use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not gasoline, to clean parts. Keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames away from the battery and all f uel-related parts. Maintenance Saf ety Maint enance Important Saf ety Precautions Carbon monoxide poisoning f rom engine exhaust. Burns f rom hot parts. Injury f rom moving parts. 197 00/08/10 12:22:27 31S5P600_200
µ The Maintenance Schedule specif ies how of ten you should have your car serviced and what things need attention. It is essential that you have your car serviced as scheduled to retain its high level of saf ety, dependability, and emissions control perf ormance. Avoidexceedingyourcar’sload limit.Thisputsexcessstresson the engine, brakes, and many other parts of your car. The load limit is shown on the label on the driver’s doorjamb. Operate your car on reasonable roads within the legal speed limit. Drive your car regularly over a distance of several miles (kilometers). Always use unleaded gasoline with theproperoctanerating(seepage). The services and time or distance intervals shown in the maintenance schedule assume you will use your car as normal transportation f or passengers and their possessions. You should also f ollow these recommendations: Service your car according to the time and mileage periods on one of the Maintenance Schedules on the f ollowing pages. Follow the Maintenance Schedule f or Severe Conditions if you drive your car MAINLY under one or more of the f ollowing conditions. Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per trip or, in f reezing temperatures, driving less than 10 miles (16 km) per trip. Driving in extremely hot [over 90°F (32°C)] conditions. Extensive idling or long periods of stop-and-go driving. Driving with a roof rack, or driving in mountainous conditions. 162 Maintenance Schedule Maint enance Which Schedule to Follow: U.S. Owners 198 00/08/10 12:22:40 31S5P600_201