Brake Fluid - Chevrolet 2012 Malibu Owner's Manual

9-26 Vehicle Care

Brake Fluid

The brake/clutch master cylinder
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
fluid level in the reservoir might
go down:
.
The 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/clutch
hydraulic system can also cause
a low fluid level. Repair the
brake/clutch hydraulic system,
since a leak means that sooner
or later the brakes and/or clutch
will not work well.
Do not top up 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 brake 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 on page 4‑23.
What to Add
Use only new DOT 3 brake fluid
from a sealed container.
Always clean the brake/clutch fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it. This
helps keep dirt from entering the
reservoir.
{
WARNING
With the wrong kind of fluid in the
brake/clutch hydraulic system, the
brakes might not work well. This
could cause a crash. Always use
the proper brake/clutch fluid.