2015 HONDA CIVIC COUPE brake

318
uuWhen Driving uVehicle Stability Assist (VSA® ), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
Driving
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), SystemHelps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less than
what was intended. It also assists in maintain ing traction on slippery surfaces. It does
so by regulating engine output and selectively applying the brakes.
When VSA® activates, you may notice that the
engine does not respond to the accelerator.
You may also notice some noise from the
hydraulic system. You will also see the
indicator blink.■
VSA ® Operation
1 Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
VSA ® may not function properly if tire types and sizes
are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and type
of tire, and the air pressures are as specified.
When the VSA ® indicator comes on and stays on
while driving, there may be a problem with the
system. While this may not interfere with normal
driving, have your vehicle checked by a dealer
immediately.
VSA ® cannot enhance stability in all driving situations
and does not control the entire braking system. You
still need to drive and cor ner at speeds appropriate
for the conditions and always leave a sufficient
margin of safety.
The main function of the VSA ® system is generally
known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The
system also includes a traction control function.
VSA ® System
Indicator

326Driving
BrakingBrake SystemUse the parking brake to keep the vehicle stationary when parking.To apply:
Pull the lever fully up without pressing the
release button.
To release:
1.Pull the lever slightly, and press and hold
the release button.
2. Lower the lever down all the way, then
release the button.■
Parking Brake
1Parking BrakeNOTICERelease the parking brake fully before driving. The
rear brakes and axle can be damaged if you drive
with the parking brake applied.
If you start driving without fully releasing the parking
brake, a buzzer sounds as a warning, and RELEASE
PARKING BRAKE appears on the i-MID.
Always apply the parking brake when parking.

327
uuBraking uBrake System
Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with front disc brakes. The brakes on the rear wheels may
be disc or drum, depending on the model. A vacuum power assist helps reduce the
effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases the stopping
force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency situation. The anti-
lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when braking very hard.2 Brake Assist System P. 329
2 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) P. 328■
Foot Brake
1Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, the brake pads need to be
replaced. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brake pedal while going down a
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your
foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to a
lower gear. With manual transmission use a lower
gear for greater engine braking.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad
life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.

328
uuBraking uAnti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Driving
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This is sometimes referred to as
“stomp and steer.”■ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the
pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very
hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately
if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.■
ABS
1 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)NOTICEThe ABS may not function correctly if you use an
incorrect tire type and size.
When the ABS indicator comes on while driving,
there may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking is not affected, there is a
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes
to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering control
during hard braking.
In the following cases, your vehicle may need more
stopping distance than a vehicle without the ABS:•When driving on rough road surfaces, including
when driving on uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow.•When snow chains are installed.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediatel y after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.

329
uuBraking uBrake Assist System
Driving
Brake Assist SystemDesigned to assist the driver by generating greater braking force when you depress
the brake pedal hard during emergency braking.■Brake assist system operation
Press the brake pedal firmly for more powerful braking.
When brake assist operates, the pedal may wiggle slightly and an operating noise may be heard. This is normal. Keep holding the brake pedal firmly down.■
Brake Assist System

330Driving
Parking Your VehicleWhen Stopped1.Depress the brake pedal firmly.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Move the shift lever from
(D
to
(P
.
3. Move the shift lever to
(R
or
(1
.
4. Turn off the engine.
Always set the parking brake firmly, in particular if you are parked on an incline.
1 Parking Your Vehicle
Do not park your vehicle near flammable objects,
such as dry grass, oil, or timber.
Heat from the exhaust can cause a fire.1 When StoppedNOTICEThe following can damage the transmission:•Depressing the accelerator and brake pedals
simultaneously.•Holding the vehicle in place when facing uphill by
depressing the accelerator pedal.•Moving the shift lever into
(P before the vehicle
stops completely.
Raise the wiper arms when snow is expected.
Continuously variable transmission models
Continuously variable transmission modelsManual transmission modelsAll models

337
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 338Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 339Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 340
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 341
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 345Opening the Hood ........................... 347
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 348
Oil Check ......................................... 349
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 351Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 352
Engine Coolant ................................ 355
Transmission Fluid ............................ 357
Brake/Clutch Fluid ............................ 358
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 359
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 360Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades .......................................... 370Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 372Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 373Tire Labeling .................................... 373DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)....... 375Wear Indicators................................ 377 Tire Service Life ................................ 377
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 378
Tire Rotation .................................... 379
Winter Tires ..................................... 380
Battery ............................................... 381
Remote Transmitter Care
Replacing the Button Battery ........... 382
Heating and Cooling System
*/Climate
Control System
* Maintenance ....... 384
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 385
Exterior Care.................................... 387
* Not available on all models

338Maintenance
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and MaintenanceFor your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your \
warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and
inspection information.■Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.■Periodic inspections
• Check the continuously variable transmission fluid level monthly.2 Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid P. 357
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2 Brake/Clutch Fluid P. 358
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 372
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 360
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 370
■
Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the i-MID. 2 Maintenance Service Items P. 343
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com .
2 Authorized Manuals P. 431
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.U.S. models