Brakes - Cadillac CTS 2008 Owner's Manual

Brakes

Brake Fluid
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in
the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake
fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid
level goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is
leaking out of the brake hydraulic system. If it is, have
the brake hydraulic system fixed, since a leak means
that sooner or later the brakes will not work well.
The brake master cylinder
reservoir is filled with
DOT-3 brake fluid. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-14 for
the location of the reservoir.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding brake fluid will not
correct a leak. If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid when new brake
linings are installed. Add or remove brake fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
CAUTION:
{
If your vehicle has too much brake fluid, it can
spill on the engine. The fluid will burn if the
engine is hot enough. You or others could be
burned, and your vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is done on
the brake hydraulic system.
If the ignition is in ON/RUN and the brake fluid is low,
the Service Brake System message will be displayed in
the DIC. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56.
When the brake fluid falls to a low level, the brake
warning light will come on. See Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-38.
5-41