Rep Power: 0

Hi, I recently bought a Certified Used 2007 Honda Civic EX and I've noticed something with my brakes and I'm not sure if this is normal, or if something might be wrong.

When lightly applying my brakes, I have noticed that without changing the pressure of how hard I'm pressing the brake, my brakes seem to grab harder causing a very unnatural stopping feel (i.e. it is not smooth at all). Is this the normal behavior with the Civics and how they brake? Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 
Rep Power: 307

Watch your tachometer when it does this and see if it jumps up a bit as this occurs.

It is most likely the "grade logic" system of the transmission.

It is a normal operation.

 
Rep Power: 0

CraigW, you are right, the tachometer is jumping up when this occurs. Sounds like it's operating normally. I was thrown for a second when this first occurred, but I'm glad to hear that this is normal.

Does this occur to relieve some of the stress on the brakes by shifting gears to help slow the vehicle down?

Thanks for your help!

 
Rep Power: 307

Not sure of it's purpose to be honest, does work well as a brake assist though.

I have adjusted my driving habits in the almost 5 years of having grade logic.

I start to coast and slow early, avoid braking when possible. It's not terrible just a strange feeling.

 
Rep Power: 811

it usually only downshifts when braking downhill to slow the car better. its the stupid grade logic that came on 01+ civics. same happens uphill when you are accelerating it will downshift even if you do not press harder on the gas.

light braking usually wont trigger anything. its medium to hard braking that doe it.