1998 Chevrolet Express Van Owner's Manual - Page 267

Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when There are only reasons why the brake fluid level the two in to check your brake fluid. See "Periodic Maintenance is reservoir might go down. The first that the brake fluid Inspections" in the Index. normal brake goes down to an acceptable level during lining wear. When new linings are putin, the fluid level goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out Checking Brake Fluid of the brake system. it is, you should have your brake If system fixed, since leak means that sooner or later your a brakes won't work well, or won't work all. at So, it isn't a good ideato "top off" your brake fluid. Adding brake fluid won't correct leak. Ifyou add fluid a when yourlinings are worn, then you'll have too much fluid when you get new brake linings. should add You (or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is done on the brakehydraulic system. If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on the engine. The fluid will burnthe engineis if hot enough.You or others could be burned, and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only when work is done the brake on hydraulic system. You can checkthe brake fluid without takingoff the cap. Just look at the brakefluid reservoir. The fluid level should be aboveMIN. If it isn't, have your brake system checked to see if there is a leak. 6-28