274 Vehicle CareBrake FluidThe brake master cylinder reservoiris filled with DOT 3 brake fluid. SeeEngine Compartment Overview0 261 for the location of thereservoir.There are only two reasons why thebrake fluid level in the reservoir maygo down:. Normal brake lining wear. Whennew linings are installed, thefluid level goes back up.. A fluid leak in the brakehydraulic system. Have thebrake hydraulic system fixed.With a leak, the brakes will notwork well.Always clean the brake fluidreservoir cap and the area aroundthe cap before removing it.Do not top off the brake fluid.Adding fluid does not correct a leak.If fluid is added when the linings areworn, there will be too much fluidwhen new brake linings areinstalled. Add or remove fluid, asnecessary, only when work is doneon the brake hydraulic system.{ WarningIf too much brake fluid is added, itcan spill on the engine and burn,if the engine is hot enough. Youor others could be burned, andthe vehicle could be damaged.Add brake fluid only when work isdone on the brake hydraulicsystem.When the brake fluid falls to a lowlevel, the brake warning light comeson. See Brake System WarningLight 0 132.Brake fluid absorbs water over time.Replace brake fluid at the specifiedintervals to prevent increasedstopping distance. See MaintenanceSchedule 0 333.Checking Brake FluidCheck brake fluid by looking at thebrake fluid reservoir. See EngineCompartment Overview 0 261.The fluid level should be aboveMIN. If it is not, have the brakehydraulic system checked to see ifthere is a leak.After work is done on the brakehydraulic system, make sure thelevel is above MIN but not over theMAX mark.
