1996 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 274

Brakes Brake Fluid your brake system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later your brakes won't work well, or won't work at all. So, it isn't a good idea to "top off" your brake fluid. 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 workis done on the brake hydraulic system. If you havetoo much brake fluid, can spill on the it engine. Thefluid will burn if the engine fs hot 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 in the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid goes downto an acceptable level during normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid level goes backup. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you should have 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'' in the Index.