Get Driving -> The Braking System Guide for Honda Jazz 4 Door Second Generation (2009-2015)

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The Braking System

Your vehicle is equipped with front

disc brakes. The brakes on the rear

wheels may be disc or drum,

depending on the model. A power

assist helps reduce the effort needed

on the brake pedal. The ABS (on

some types) helps you retain

steering control when braking very

hard.

Constant application of the brakes

when going down a long hill builds

up heat and reduces their effective-

ness. Use the engine to assist the

brakes by downshifting to a lower

gear and taking your foot off the

accelerator pedal.

Brake Wear Indicators

The front disc brakes on all models

have audible brake wear indicators.

On some types, they are also on the

rear brakes.

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.

Check your brakes after driving

through deep water. Apply the

brakes moderately to see if they feel

normal. If not, apply them gently and

frequently until they do. Since a

longer distance is needed to stop

with wet brakes, be extra cautious

and alert in your driving.

Put your foot on the brake pedal only

when you intend to brake. Resting

your foot 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, confusing drivers behind

you.

Your brakes may sometimes squeal

or squeak when you apply them

lightly. Do not confuse this with the

brake wear indicators. They make a

very audible ‘‘screeching.’’

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The Braking System

Brake System Design

Anti-lock Brakes

You should never pump the

The hydraulic system that operates

the brakes has two separate circuits.

Each circuit works diagonally across

the vehicle (the left-front brake is

connected with the right-rear brake,

etc.). If one circuit should develop a

problem, you will still have braking

at two wheels.

(For some types)

brake pedal; this defeats the

ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) helps

to prevent the wheels from locking

purpose of the ABS. Let the ABS

work for you by always keeping firm,

up and skidding during hard braking, steady pressure on the brake pedal

allowing you to retain steering con-

trol.

as you steer away from the hazard.

This is sometimes referred to as

‘‘stomp and steer.’’

When the front tyres skid, you lose

steering control; the vehicle

continues straight ahead even

though you turn the steering wheel.

The ABS helps to prevent lock-up

and helps you retain steering control

by pumping the brakes rapidly; much

faster than a person can do it.

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

pumping the brakes.

Front

Activation varies with the amount of

traction your tyres have. On dry pave-

ment, you will need to press on the

brake pedal very hard before you ac-

tivate the ABS. However, you may

feel the ABS activate immediately if

you are trying to stop on snow or ice.

The ABS also balances the front-to-

rear braking distribution according

to vehicle loading.

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The Braking System

Important Safety Reminders

A vehicle with ABS may require a

longer distance to stop 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.

ABS Indicator

ABS INDICATOR

ABS does not reduce the time or

distance it takes to stop the

vehicle; it only helps with steering

control during braking. You should

always maintain a safe following dis-

tance from other vehicles.

ABS will not prevent a skid that

results from changing direction

abruptly, such as trying to take a

corner too fast or making a sudden

lane change. Always drive at a safe,

prudent speed for the road and

weather conditions.

The ABS is self-checking. If anything

goes wrong, the ABS indicator on

the instrument panel comes on (see

page 93 ). This means the anti-lock

function 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 vehicle as soon as

possible if this indicator stays on

after you start the engine, or comes

on while driving.

ABS cannot prevent a loss of sta-

bility. Always steer moderately

when you are braking hard. Severe

or sharp steering wheel movement

can still cause your vehicle to veer in-

to oncoming traffic or off the road.

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The Braking System

If the ABS indicator and the brake

system indicator come on together,

and the parking brake is fully

released, the front-to-rear braking

distribution system may also shut

down.

For some types

The VSA indicator will come on

along with the ABS indicator.

Test your brakes as instructed on

page 371 . If the brakes feel 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.

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Driving -> The Braking System for Your Honda Jazz 4 Door Second Generation (2009-2015)

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