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Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with DOT-4 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
hydraulic system. If it is, have the
brake hydraulic system fixed,
since a leak means that sooner or
later the brakes will not work well.
It is not a good idea to top off the
brake fluid. Adding brake fluid
will 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 hydraulic system.
{ CAUTION
If your vehicle has 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 the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light
will come on. See Brake System
Warning Light on page 4-16.
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use
only DOT-4 brake fluid. It is
recommended that you flush the
brake hydraulic system and refill it
with new DOT-4 fluid at a regular
maintenance service every two
years. See “Additional Required
Services” in the Maintenance
Schedule. Use new brake fluid from
a sealed container only. See
“Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Maintenance
Schedule.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir
cap and the area around the cap
before removing it. This helps keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
{ CAUTION
With the wrong kind of fluid in
the brake hydraulic system, the
brakes might not work well. This
could cause a crash. Always use
the proper brake fluid.
9-24 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual