Brakes - Pontiac Vibe 2007 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 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, or
will not work at all.
306
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 282
for the location of
the reservoir.
So, it is not a good idea to top off the brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid will not correct a leak. If
you add fluid when the linings are worn, then you
will have too much fluid when you get new
brake linings. You should 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 166.