Saturn 2009 ASTRA - Manual (Page 206)

Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder and, on
manual transmission vehicles,
the clutch hydraulic system use the
same reservoir. The reservoir is
filled with DOT-4 brake fluid.
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 9-6 for the location of
the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir
might go down:
• The brake 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 and/or
clutch hydraulic system can also
cause a low fluid level. Have the
brake and/or clutch hydraulic
system fixed, since a leak means
that sooner or later the brakes
and/or clutch will not work well.
Do not top off the brake/clutch fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the brake
linings are worn, there will be too
much fluid when new brake linings
are installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake/clutch hydraulic system.
{ CAUTION
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,
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
and the vehicle could be
damaged. Add brake fluid only
when work is done on the brake
and/or clutch hydraulic system.
Refer to Scheduled Maintenance on
page 11-3 to determine when to
check the brake fluid.
Checking Brake Fluid
The brake fluid can be checked
without taking off the cap by looking
at the brake fluid reservoir.
The fluid level should be above
MIN. If it is not, have your brake
hydraulic system checked to see if
there is a leak. After work is
done on the brake hydraulic system,
make sure the level is above the
MIN but not over the MAX mark.
9-22 Vehicle Service and Care