brake pads Acura Integra 2000 Hatchback Owner's Manual

Th
e Brakin g Syste m
Your Acura is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A powerassist helps reduce the effort needed
on the brake pedal.
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 canreduce how well your brakes work. Italso keeps your brake lights on all
the time, confusing drivers behind

you.
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.
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. Brak
e Wea r Indicator s
All four brakes have audible brake wear indicators.
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.
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."
Driving

Brak
e an d Clutc h Flui d
Always use Genuine Honda DOT 3 brake fluid. If it is not available, youshould use only DOT 3 or DOT 4
fluid, from a sealed container, as a temporary replacement. However,
the use of any non-Honda brake fluidcan cause corrosion and decrease
the life of the system. Have the
brake system flushed and refilled
with Honda DOT 3 brake fluid as soon as possible.
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your car's braking
system and can cause extensive

damage.
Brak
e Syste m
The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the sideof the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads. Clutc
h Syste m
The fluid should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of
the reservoir. If it is not, add brake
fluid to bring it up to that level. Use
the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
Low fluid level can indicate a leak in
the clutch system. Have this system
inspected as soon as possible.
Maintenanc e
MA
X
MI
N MIN

MAX

Brak
e Syste m Indicato r
The Brake System indicator light should normally come on only when
the parking brake is not fully

released.

If it comes on at any other time, it
indicates a problem with the car's
brake system. In most cases, the problem is a low fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir. Press lightly on
the brake pedal to see if it feelsnormal. If it does, check the brake
fluid level the next time you stop at a service station (see page 184). If the
fluid level is low, take the car to your dealer and have the brake system
inspected for leaks or worn brake

pads.

However, if the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take immediate action. Because of the
brake system's dual-circuit design, a
problem in one part of the system
will still give you braking at two
wheels. You will feel the brake pedal go down much farther before the car
begins to slow down, and you will
have to press harder on the pedal.
The distance needed to stop will be much longer. Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the longer distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the car. You should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible. (See Emergenc y
Towin g on page 245.)
If you must drive the car a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and cautiously.
Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d

*U.S
. indicato r show n

BRAK
E SYSTE M INDICATOR *