1996 GMC Savana Van Owner's Manual - Page 250

Brakes Brake Fluid qoes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you should have your brake system fixed, sincea leak means that sooner or later your brakes won't work well, or won't work at all. c So, it isn't a good idea t o "top off' your brake tluid. Adding brake fluid won't correct a leak. If you add fluid when your linings are worn, then you'll have too much fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add (or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system. A CAUTION Your brake master cylinder reservoir is here. It is filled with DOT-3 brake fluid. There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level i n the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid 2 wes down t o an acceptable level during nonnal brake lining wear. When new linings are put i n , thc tluid levcl If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill the on engine. The fluidwill burn if the engineis hot enough. You or others could be burned, and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to check your brake fluid. See "Periodic Maintenance Inspections" i n the Index. 6-26