Brakes - Pontiac 2008 Vibe 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 or the hydraulic
clutch system. If it is, have that system fixed immediately,
since a leak means that the brakes will not work well.
The hydraulic clutch and
brake master cylinder
use the same reservoir.
It is filled with DOT-3
brake fluid. See Engine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-12 for the
location of the reservoir.
It is not a good idea to 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:
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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 and/or clutch hydraulic system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low level, the brake
warning light will come on. See Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-32.
5-35