Pontiac Sunbird Owner's Manual page 218

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 won't work well, or won't
work at all.
So, it isn't a good idea to "top off' your
brake fluid. Adding brake fluid won't
correct a leak. If you add fluid when
your linings are worn, then you'll 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.
If you have too much brake
h
fluid, it can spill on
the
engine. The fluid will burn if the
engine i s 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.
When your brake fluid falls to a low
level, your brake warning light will
come on. See the Index under Brake
System Warning Light.
What to Add: When you do need brake
fluid, use only DOT-3 brake fluid-such
as Delco Supreme ll@ (GM Part No.
1052535). Use new brake fluid from a
sealed container
only.
DOT-5 silicone brake fluid can
damage your vehicle. Don't use it.
Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid. For
example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can
damage brake system parts so
badly that they'll have to be
replaced.
Brake fluid can damage paint, so
be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle.
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