2011 Chevrolet Cruze Owner's Manual - Page 270

10-24 . Vehicle Care Checking Brake Fluid The brake/clutch fluid can be checked without taking off the cap by looking at the brake/clutch fluid reservoir. The fluid level should be above MIN. If it is not, have the brake/ clutch hydraulic system checked to see if there is a leak. After work is done on the brake/ clutch hydraulic system, make sure the level is above MIN but not over the MAX mark. When the brake/clutch fluid falls to a low level, the brake warning light comes on. See Brake System Warning Light on page 5‑16. What to Add Use only new DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed container. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 11‑6. Always clean the brake/clutch fluid reservoir cap and the area around the cap before removing it. This helps keep dirt from entering the reservoir. A fluid leak in the brake/clutch hydraulic system can also cause a low fluid level. Have the brake/ clutch hydraulic system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later the brakes 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 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. { WARNING With the wrong kind of fluid in the brake/clutch hydraulic system, the brakes might not work well. This could cause a crash. Always use the proper brake/clutch fluid. Notice . { WARNING 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/clutch hydraulic system. Using the wrong fluid can badly damage brake/clutch 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.