Brakes; Brake Fluid; If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill - Page 278

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Brakes

Brake Fluid

Your brake master cylinder reservoir is on the driver’s side
of the engine compartment. It is filled with DOT

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3 brake

fluid. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index.

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 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.

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.

When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See “Brake System Warning
Light” in the Index.