Brake Fluid - Pontiac 2010 Vibe Owner's Manual

Brake Fluid

The brake master cylinder and, on
manual transmission vehicles, the
clutch hydraulic system use the
same reservoir. The reservoir is filled
with DOT-3 brake fluid as indicated
on the reservoir cap. See Engine
Compartment Overview on page 9-6
for the location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir
might go down:
•
The brake fluid level goes down
because of normal brake lining
wear. When new linings are
installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
•
A fluid leak in the brake and/or
clutch hydraulic system can also
cause a low fluid level. Have the
brake and/or clutch hydraulic
system fixed, since a leak means
that sooner or later the brakes
and/or clutch will not work well.
Do not top off the brake/clutch fluid.
Adding fluid does 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.
Vehicle Care
Add or remove brake fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake/clutch hydraulic system.
{
CAUTION
If too much brake fluid is added,
it can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work
is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light on page 4-17.
9-27