Brakes - Pontiac 2006 GTO 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. If it is, you
should have your brake system fixed, since a leak
means that sooner or later your brakes will not work
well, or will not work at all.
So, it is not a good idea to top off your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid will not correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your 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.
Your brake master cylinder
reservoir is filled with
DOT-4 brake fluid. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12 for
the location of the
reservoir.
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CAUTION:
If you have 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. See "Checking Brake Fluid"
in this section.
When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-27 .
Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap.
Look at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level should
be between the MIN and MAX marks on the reservoir. If
it is not, have your brake system checked to see if
there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system, make
sure the level is between the MIN and MAX marks.
5-35