2003 HONDA ELEMENT brakes

After you return to the pavement,
caref ully inspect your vehicle to
make sure there is no damage that
could make driving it unsaf e. Check
the tires for damage and for proper
pressure. Driving of f -highway can be hard on a
vehicle. Bef ore you leave the
pavement, be sure all scheduled
maintenance and service has been
done, and that you have inspected
your vehicle. Pay special attention to
the condition of the tires, and use a
gauge to check the tire pressures. The f ollowing pages contain practical
tips on basic of f -highway operation.Of f -highway, the general rule is to
keep your speed low. Of course,
you’ll need enough speed to keep
moving forward. But at higher
speeds, you have less time to assess
conditions and make good decisions.
There’s also a greater chance of
sliding if you brake or turn too
quickly on wet soil, gravel, or ice. In
any situation, never go f aster than
conditions allow.
Forbettertractiononallsurfaces,
accelerate slowly and gradually build
up speed. If you try to start too fast
on wet soil, mud, snow, or ice, you
might not have enough traction to
get underway. You may even dig
yourself into a hole. Starting with the
shif t lever in second gear (2) will
help get you to a smooth start on
snow and ice.Generally, the best of f -pavement
braking technique is to gently
depress the brake pedal, then
increase pressure as more braking is
needed. Avoid hard braking. Keep in
mind that you will usually need more
time and distance to brake to a stop
on unpaved surf aces.
If you need to brake hard because of
an emergency, apply steady, even
pressure to the brake pedal. Do not
pump the brakes; let the anti-lock
braking system pump them f or you.
If you pump the brakes, the anti-lock
cannot work as ef f iciently, and your
stopping distance may be increased.
With ABS
Driving T ips
Check Out Your Vehicle
Cont rolling Speed
A ccelerat ing and Braking
Off-Highway Guidelines
Driving202

Bumps, holes, rocks, and other
obstacles can be hazardous. Debris
in the road can damage your
suspension or other components.
Even small rocks can cut your tires.
More important, because your
vehicle has a high center of gravity,
driving over a large obstacle, or
allowing a wheel to drop into a deep
hole, can cause your vehicle to tip or
roll over.
Drive slow enough to observe
obstacles ahead and maneuver
around them. If you can’t avoid a
serious obstacle, turn around and
look f or a better route.
Bef ore driving up or down a hill, stop
and assess the situation. If you can’t
clearly see all road conditions (good
traction, no bumps, holes, or other
obstacles, a safe way out, etc.) walk
the slope bef ore you drive on it. If
you have any doubt about whether
you can saf ely drive on the slope,
. Find another route.
If you are driving up a hill and f ind
that you cannot continue (because of
the steepness, a large obstacle, etc.), . Your vehicle
could roll over. Slowly back down the
hill, f ollowing the same route you
took up the hill.
You should have no problem making
sharp turns at low speed on level
ground. But never make an abrupt
turn at higher speeds, on or of f
pavement. With a higher center of
gravity, your vehicle can more easily
tip or roll over. Off-highway, the basic turning
technique is to drive at low speed
and gradually adjust the amount of
steering to suit the surf ace. Test your brakes from time to time
to make sure they are operating
properly. This will also give you a
f eel f or how much traction you have
on a given surf ace.
don’t do it
do not try to turn around
Avoiding Obstacles
Driving on Slopes
Off-Highway Guidelines
Driving
T urning
203

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The services and time or distance
intervals shown in the maintenance
schedule assume you will use your
vehicle as normal transportation f or
passengers and their possessions.
You should also f ollow these
recommendations:
The Maintenance Schedule specif ies
how of ten you should have your
vehicle serviced and what things
need attention. It is essential that
you have your vehicle serviced as
scheduled to retain its high level of
saf ety, dependability, and emissions
control perf ormance.
Avoid exceeding your vehicle’s
load limit. This puts excess stress
on the engine, brakes, and many
other parts of your vehicle. The
load limit is shown on the label on
the driver’s doorjamb.
Operate your vehicle on
reasonable roads within the legal
speed limit.
Drive your vehicle regularly over a
distance of several miles
(kilometers).
Always use unleaded gasoline with
theproperoctanerating(seepage). Service your vehicle 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 vehicle
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.
Trailer towing, driving with a roof
rack, or driving in mountainous
conditions.
158
Maintenance Schedule
Maint enance
Which Schedule to Follow:
U.S. Owners
210

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Maint enance212
Service at the indicated distance or time whichever comes first.miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months 10
16
50
8070
112 110
176
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
20
32
30
4840
64 60
9680
128 100
160
Replace at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy
Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Service the following items at the recommended intervals.
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at least once per month)
Replace engine oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Visually inspect the following items:
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluidsExhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Inspect and adjust drive belt
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace transmission fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace rear differential fluid (4WD)
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid 90
144
Every 160,000 miles (256,000 km) or 8 years 120
192
24 4872
12 3660
M/T
A/T
:
: 211
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

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Maint enance213
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
A, B, C, D
A
B
C
D
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time.
Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page252).
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks. Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Inspect and adjust drive belt.
Replace dust and pollen filter.
Replace air cleaner element every 30,000 mi/48,000
km (independent of time).
10,000 mi/16,000 km/1 yr
20,000 mi/32,000 km/1 yr
30,000 mi/48,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
40,000 mi/64,000 km/2 yrs
3yrs
50,000 mi/80,000 km/3 yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
70,000 mi/112,000 km/4 yrs
80,000 mi/128,000 km/4 yrs
90,000 mi/144,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs
100,000 mi/160,000 km/5 yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km
6yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km/6 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
160,000 mi/256,000 km/8 yrs Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do item in D.
Do items in A, C.
Do items in A, B.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Do items in A.
Do item in D.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do item in D.
Do items in A, C. Replace rear differential fluid (4WD).
Do items in A, B. Inspect valve clearance, cold engine.
Replace spark plugs.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Do items in A.
Do item in D. Replace transmission fluid (M/T).
Replace transmission fluid (A/T), then
replace every 90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs.
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace engine coolant, then replace every
60,000mi/96,000km/5 yrs. Inspect idle speed. :
212
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
NOTE: 211
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)

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Maint enance214
Service at the indicated distance or time whichever comes first. miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 monthsCheck oil and coolant at each fuel stop
10
16
50
8070
112 110
176
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
At 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3 years, then every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) or 2 years
20
32
30
4840
64 80
128 100
160
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy
Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) in dusty conditions,
otherwise use normal schedule
Service the following items at the recommended intervals.
60
96 90
144
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at least once per month)
Replace engine oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches
Visually inspect the following items: Tie rod ends, steering gear, box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Check parking brake adjustment
Visually inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluidsExhaust system, Fuel lines, and connections
Lights and controls, Vehicle underbody
Inspect and adjust drive belt
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace transmission fluid
Replace rear differential fluid (4WD)
Inspect idle speed
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid Every 160,000 miles (256,000 km) or 8 years120
192
24 4872
12 3660
M/T
A/T
:
: 246
211
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

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CONT INUED
Maint enance215
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners A, B, C, D, E
A
B
C
D
E
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in
as required for each distance/time.
Replace engine oil.
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 252).
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches with
multipurpose grease.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks. Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
Inspect and adjust drive belt.
Replace dust and pollen filter .
Replace air cleaner element every 15,000 mi/
24,000 km (independent of time) under dusty
conditions, otherwise use Normal Conditions
schedule.
Do item in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, E.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do item in A.
Do item in E.
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do item in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A, E.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Do items in A, B.
Do item in A.
Do item in E. Replace transmission fluid (M/T).
Replace transmission fluid (A/T).
Replace rear differential fluid (4WD).
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do item in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, E.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do item in A.
Do item in E. Replace transmission fluid (A/T).
DoitemsinA,B,D.
5,000 mi/8,000 km
10,000 mi/16,000 km/1 yr
15,000 mi/24,000 km
20,000 mi/32,000 km/1 yr
25,000 mi/40,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
35,000 mi/56,000 km
40,000 mi/64,000 km/2 yrs
45,000 mi/72,000 km
3yrs
50,000 mi/80,000 km/3 yrs
55,000 mi/88,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
65,000 mi/104,000 km
70,000 mi/112,000 km/4 yrs
75,000 mi/120,000 km
80,000 mi/128,000 km/4 yrs
85,000 mi/136,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs 212Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)

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Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Windshield washer f luid Check
the level in the reservoir monthly.
If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers f requently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
f or f uel. See page .
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the page given.
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page
.
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page .
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page . Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate light monthly. See
page .
162
163
231 234 256
230 251
Owner Maintenance Checks
Maint enance219