2008 HONDA CIVIC SEDAN steering wheel

The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helpspreventthewheelsfrom
locking up, and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly, much f aster than a
person can do it.
The electronic brake distribution
(EBD) system, which is part of the
ABS, also balances the f ront-to-rear
braking distribution according to
vehicle loading.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
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 f unction 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 vehicle as
soon as possible.
If the indicator comes on while
driving, test the brakes as instructed
on page .
Let the ABS work f or you by always
keeping f irm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal. This is sometimes
ref erred to as ‘‘stomp and steer.’’ 279
You should never pump the brake pedal.
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
ABS Indicator
208
——y

y
(#y
y
2008 Civic Sedan

on loose or
uneven surf aces, 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
corner too f ast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe
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 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 f ully
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.
279
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
209
——y


y
(#y
y
2008 Civic Sedan

When preparing to tow, and bef ore
driving away, be sure to check the
f ollowing: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.
Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause the 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.
The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the suspension,
cooling system, and lights are in
good operating condition.
All weights and loads are within
limits (see pages and ).
Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure.
All items in or on the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shif t
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, and the trailer
tires and spare are inflated as
recommended by the trailer
maker.
215 216
bottom
Pre-T ow ChecklistBacking Up
Parking
Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ing
Towing a Trailer
Driving
219
——y


y
(#yy
2008 Civic Sedan

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm 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, and
instructions f or simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself .......................
Maintenance Saf ety .222
....................
Maintenance Minder .223
..............................
Fluid Locations .230
........................
Adding Engine Oil .232
Changing the Engine Oil
....................................
and Filter .234
..............................
Engine Coolant .236
....................
Windshield Washers .239
.......................
Transmission Fluid .240
..........
Automatic Transmission .240
..............
Manual Transmission .241
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid .242
....................
Power Steering Fluid .243
.............................................
Lights .244
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .250
.....................................
Floor Mats .250
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .250
.................................
Wiper Blades .251
...........................................
Wheels .253
...............................................
Tires .254
...................
Checking the Battery .262
.............................
Vehicle Storage .264
309
Maintenance
Maint enance
221
—
—y

y
(#yy
2008 Civic Sedan

Manual Transmission onlyAll models except Si and Canadian DX-Gwith manual transmission
The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If it is not, add
brake f luid to bring it up to that level.
Use the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
A low f luid level can indicate a leak
in the clutch system. Have this
system inspected as soon as possible. Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spill immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.
Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering f luid as an emergency
replacement, but have the power
steering system f lushed and ref illed
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering f luid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the f luid level f requently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
Check the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The f luid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not add power steering f luid to the
UPPER LEVEL mark.
Brake and Clutch Fluid, Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid
Clutch Fluid
Maint enance
243
LOWER LEVEL
UPPER LEVEL
MAX
MIN
Turning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
—
—y

y
(#yy
2008 Civic Sedan

If youreplacedaheadlightbulbon
the driver’s side, reinstall the
engine coolant reserve tank. To change the bulb on the driver’sside, start the engine, turn the
steering wheel all the way to the
right, then turn off the engine. To
change the bulb on the passenger’s
side, turn the steering wheel to the
lef t.
Use a f lat-tipped screwdriver to
remove the two holding clips f rom
the inner f ender, and pull the inner
f ender cover back.
Remove the bulb by turning it one-
quarter turn counterclockwise. Push the electrical connector back
onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way. Insert the new bulb into the hole,
and turn it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by pushing on the
tab and pulling the connector
down.
2.
3.
2.
4.
5.
6.
7.
1.
CONT INUED
Lights
L ow Beam Headlight
Maint enance
245
TAB HOLDING CLIP
BULB
——y

y
(#yy
2008 Civic Sedan

To change the bulb on the driver’s
side, start the engine, turn the
steering wheel all the way to the
right, then turn off the engine. To
change the bulb on the passenger’s
side, turn the steering wheel to the
lef t.
Reinstall the inner f ender cover.
Then reinstall the holding clips,
andlocktheminplacebypushing
on their centers. Insert the new bulb into the hole,
and turn it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place.
Push the electrical connector back
onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by pushing on the
tab and pulling the connector
down.
Remove the bulb by turning it one-
quarter turn counterclockwise. 5.
6.
1.
7.
8.
3.
4.
Lights
Replacing the Front Side Marker/
Parking/Turn Signal Light Bulb
246
TAB HOLDING CLIP
SOCKET
——y

y
(#y
y
2008 Civic Sedan

Themileageyoucanexpectfrom
yourvehicletiresisthesameas
comparable mid-and rear-engine
sports cars, and it will vary greatly
with your driving habits.
If you drive moderately, the f ront
tires could last more than 10,000
miles (16,000 km). However, the
mileage will be substantially less if
you tend to drive your vehicle at the
upper limits of its capabilities.
You should caref ully inspect your
vehicle’s tires f or wear, damage, and
proper inf lation every 7,500 miles
(12,000 km).Replace your tires with radial tires of
the same size, load range, speed
rating, and maximum cold tire
pressure rating (as shown on the
tire’s sidewall).
Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on
your vehicle can reduce braking
ability, traction, and steering
accuracy. Using tires of a dif f erent
size or construction can cause the
ABS and vehicle stability assist
system (VSA) to work inconsistently.
It is best to replace all f our tires at
thesametime.If thatisnotpossible
or necessary, replace the two f ront
tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
af f ect your vehicle’s handling.The ABS and VSA system work by
comparing the speed of the wheels.
When replacing tires, use the same
size originally supplied with the
vehicle. Tire size and construction
can af f ect wheel speed and may
cause the ABS or VSA system to
activate.
Replacement wheels are available at
your dealer. If you ever replace a wheel, make
sure that the wheel’s specif ications
match those of the original wheels.
Also be sure you use only TPMS
specif ic wheels (if equipped). If you
do not, the tire pressure monitoring
system will not work.
CONT INUED
Tires
Replacing T ires and Wheels
Maint enance
259
—
—y

y
(#yy
2008 Civic Sedan