Brake Fluid - Cadillac CT4 2023 Owner's Manual

308 Vehicle Care

Brake Fluid

The brake/clutch master cylinder reservoir is
filled with GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
as indicated on the reservoir cap. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0 288 for the
location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
Place the vehicle in P (Park) or Neutral with
the parking brake applied if equipped with a
manual transmission. On a level surface, the
brake fluid level should be between the
minimum and maximum marks on the brake
fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake
fluid level in the reservoir may go down:
Normal brake lining wear. When new
linings are installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
A fluid leak in the brake/clutch hydraulic
system. Have the brake/clutch hydraulic
system fixed. With a leak, the brakes will
not work well.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap
and the area around the cap before
removing it.
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. Add or remove fluid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake/clutch
hydraulic system.
Warning
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/clutch
hydraulic system.
When the brake/clutch fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes on. See
Brake System Warning Light 0 94.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time which
degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid.
Replace brake fluid at the specified intervals
to prevent increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0 363.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0 368.
Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake fluid
could result in damage to the brake
system. This could result in the loss of
braking leading to a possible injury.
Always use the proper GM approved
brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Immediately wash off any
painted surface.