Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid. See Engine Compartment Overview for reservoir location and access.
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 hydraulic system can also cause a low fluid level. Have the brake hydraulic system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later the brakes will not work well. |
Do not top off the brake 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 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, and the vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
If the ignition is on and the brake fluid is low, the SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM message displays in the Driver Information Center (DIC). See DIC Warnings and Messages.
What to Add
Use only new DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed container. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.
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.
Notice:
• Using the wrong fluid can badly damage brake hydraulic system parts. For
example, just a few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in the brake hydraulic
system can damage brake hydraulic system parts so badly that they will have to be
replaced. Do not let someone put in the wrong kind of fluid. • If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's painted surfaces, the paint
finish can be damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid on the vehicle.
If you do, wash it off immediately. See
Washing Your Vehicle
.
Brake Wear
This vehicle has disc brakes. Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed. The sound can come and go or be heard all the time the vehicle is moving, except when applying the brake pedal firmly.
Caution: The brake wear warning sound means that soon the brakes will not work well. That could lead to an accident. When the brake wear warning sound is heard, have the vehicle serviced.
Notice: Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied. This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper sequence to torque specifications in Capacities and Specifications.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does not return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time the brakes are applied, with or without the vehicle moving, the brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many parts have to be of top quality and work well together if the vehicle is to have really good braking. The vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality brake parts. When parts of the braking system are replaced -- for example, when the brake linings wear down and new ones are installed -- be sure to get new approved replacement parts. If this is not done, the brakes might not work properly. For example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong for the vehicle, the balance between the front and rear brakes can change -- for the worse. The braking performance expected can change in many other ways if the wrong replacement brake parts are installed.
