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 for the location of the reservoir.

There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir might go down:

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, 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 to determine when to check the 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.

What to Add

Use only new DOT 4 brake fluid from a sealed container. It is recommended that the brake hydraulic system be flushed and refilled with new DOT 4 fluid at a regular maintenance service every two years. See Additional Required Services and 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: 

This vehicle has disc brakes.

Notice: Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads could result in costly brake repair.

Front disc brake pads have built-in brake pad 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.

Rear disc brake pads do not have built-in brake pad wear indicators. Periodic visual inspection of the rear brake pads is required to determine when to replace the pads. Visually inspect the rear brake pads whenever the rear wheels are removed such as during tire rotation.

1. Set the parking brake and make sure that the brakes have been given enough time to cool.
2. Remove the rear wheels.
3. Visually inspect the rear brake inner pads (C) at each rear wheel through the inspection window in the brake caliper (A).



4. Brake pads should be replaced when the inner pad (C) is worn to 5/64 in (2 mm) of pad thickness (B). New brake pads, with no wear, are 25/64 of an inch (10 mm) thick.
5. After brake pad inspection or replacement, install the rear wheels.

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 bolts are necessary to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel bolts in the proper sequence to torque specifications in Capacities and Specifications.

Brake linings should always be replaced as complete axle sets.

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.

Every brake stop, the disc brakes adjust for wear.

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.