2007 HONDA CIVIC COUPE steering

Larger or smaller wheels and tires
can interfere with the operation of
your vehicle’s anti-lock brakes and
other systems.
Modifying your steering wheel or
any other part of your vehicle’s
safety features can make the
systems ineffective.
If you plan to modify your vehicle,
consult your dealer.
Removing
parts from your vehicle,
or replacing componen ts with
non-Honda components could
seriously affect your vehicle’s
handling, stability, and reliability.
Some examples are:
Lo wering your vehicle with a
non-Honda suspension kit that
signifi cantly reduces ground
clearance can allow the
undercarri age to hit speed bumps
or other raised objects, which
could cause the airbags to deploy.
Raising your vehicle with a
non-Honda suspension kit can
affect the handling and stability.
Non-Honda wheels, because they
are a universal design, can cause
excessive stress on suspension
components.
Befo
re installing any accesso ry:
Make sure the accessory does not
obscure any lights, or interfere
with proper vehicle operation or
perf ormance.
Be sure electronic accessories do
not overload electrical circuits
(see page ) or interf ere with
the proper operation of your
vehicle.
Do not install accessories on the
side pillars or across the rear
windows. In these areas,
accessories may interf ere with
proper operation of the side
curtain airbags. Bef ore installing any electronic
accessory, have the installer
contact your dealer f or assistance.
If possible, have your dealer
inspect the f inal installation. 270 Modif ying Your Vehicle
A ccessories and Modif ications
Bef ore Driving
183

Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove frost, snow,
or ice.
Check that the hood and trunk are
fully closed. Check
that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
fastened down securely.
Check the seat adjustment (see
page ).
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the steering wheel
ad justment (see page ).
Make sure the doors are securely
closed and locked. Fasten
your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have fastened
their seat belts (see page ).
Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and
adjustments every day before
you drive your vehicle.
When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicato rs in the
instrument panel (see page ).
Vi sually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure (see page ).
1.
2.
3. 4.
9.
8. 7. 6. 5. 10.
245 91
99 75 14
57
Preparing to Drive
Driving
189

Check the brakes after 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. Be extra
cautious in your driving.
Resting your f oot on the brake pedal
applies the brakes slightly. This
builds up heat, and reduces brake
ef f ectiveness and brake pad lif e. In
addition, f uel economy can be
reduced. It also keeps your brake
lights on all the time, conf using driver’s 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 taking
your foot off the accelerator and
downshifting to a lower gear. 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.If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
Your vehicle is equipped with f ront
disc brakes. The brakes on the rear
wheels may be disc or drum,
depending on the model. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The ABS helps
you retain steering control when
braking very hard.
Braking System DesignBrake Pad Wear Indicators
Braking System
Driving
199

The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helpspreventthewheelsfrom
locking up, and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly, much faster than a
person can do it.
Th eelectronicbrakedistribution
(EBD)system,whichispartofthe
ABS,alsobalancesth efront-to-rear
brakingdistributionacco rdingto
the brake pedal. LettheABSwork
for you by always keepingfirm,
steady pressure on the brakepedal.
This is sometimes referredtoas ‚‚ stompandsteer.™ ™ 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
pumpingthebrakes.Ondry
pavement, you will need to press on
thebrakepedalveryhardbeforethe
ABS activates. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice. If
this indicator comes on, the anti-
lock function of the braking system
has shut down. The brakes still work
like a conventional system, but
without anti-lock. You should have
your dealer inspect your vehic le as
soon as possible.
If the indicator comes on while
driving, test the brakes as instructed
on page . 269
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
ABS Indicator
200
vehicle load. You should never pump

on loose or
uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock.
It
only helps with the
steering control during braking.
such as trying to take a
corn er too fast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe
speed for the road and weather
conditions.
Always steer moderate ly
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road.
If
the ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator come on together,
and the parking brake is fully
released, the EBD system may also
be shut down.
Test your brakes as instructed on
page . If the brakes f eel normal,
drive slowly and have your vehicle
repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible. Avoid sudden hard braking
which could cause the rear wheels to
lock up and possibly lead to a loss of
control.
The VSA indicator will come on
alongwiththeABSindicator. 269
On vehicles with VSA system
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
vehicle. Important Saf ety Reminders
A BS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,
A BS cannot prevent a loss of
stability.
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Driving
201

Your vehicle has been designed
primarily to carry passengers and
their cargo. You can also use it to
tow a trailer if you caref ully observe
the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and f ollow the guidelines
in this section.The
maximum allowable weight of the
trailer and everything in or on it
must not exceed 1,000 lbs (450 kg).
Towing a load that is too heavy can
seriously af f ect your vehicle’s
handling and perf ormance. It can
also damage the engine and
drivetrain. Theweightthatthe
tongue of a f ully-loaded trailer puts
on the hitch should be approximately
10 % of the total trailer weight. Too
much tongue load reduces f ront-tire
traction and steering control. Too
little tongue load can make the
trailer unstable and cause it to sway.
Load Limits
T otal T railer Weight: T ongue L oad:
Towing a Trailer
204
Exceeding any load limit or
improperly loading your vehicle
and trailer can cause a crash in
which you can be seriously hurt
or killed.
Check the loading of your
vehicle and trailer carefully
beforestartingtodrive.

When preparing to tow, and before
driving away, be sure to check the
following:
The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, cooling system, and
lights are in good operating
condition.
All weights and loads are within
limits (see pag es and ).
Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure.
All items in or on the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shift
while you drive.
The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working
properly. Your
vehicle tires and spare are
properly inf lated (see page ),
and the trailer tires and spare are
trailer maker.
Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause trailer to
sway. When being passed by a large
vehicle, keep a constant speed, and
steer straight ahead. Do not try to
make quick steering or braking
corrections. Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the lef t
to get the trailer to move to the lef t,
andturnthewheelrighttomovethe
trailer to the right.
Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including f irmly setting the
parking brake and putting the
transmission in Park (automatic) or
in 1st or reverse (manual). Also,
place wheel chocks at each of the
trailer’s tires.
246
205
204
bottom
Pre-T ow Checklist
Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ing Backing Up
Parking
Towing a Trailer
208

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
If you have the skills and tools to
perform more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer. This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance minder messages on
the information display, a
maintenance record, and instructions
for simple maintenance tasks you
may want to take care of yourself. ......................
Maintenance Saf ety .212
....................
Maintenance Minder .213
....................
Maintenance Record .220
..............................
Fluid Locations .222
........................
Adding Engine Oil .224
Changing the Engine Oil
....................................
and Filter .226
..............................
Engine Coolant .228
....................
Windshield Washers .231
.......................
Transmission Fluid .232
..........
Automatic Transmission .232
..............
Manual Transmission .233
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid .234
....................
Power Steering Fluid .235
.............................................
Lights .236
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .242
.....................................
Floor Mats .242
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .242
.................................
Wiper Blades .243
...............................................
Tires .245
...................
Checking the Battery .252
.............................
Vehicle Storage .254
297
Maintenance
Maint enance
211