2010 Pontiac Vibe Owner's Manual - Page 211

Vehicle Care 9-27 Brake Fluid There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir might go down: Add or remove brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is done on the brake/clutch hydraulic system. • The brake fluid level goes down because of normal brake lining wear. When new linings are installed, the fluid level goes back up. The brake master cylinder and, on manual transmission vehicles, the clutch hydraulic system use the same reservoir. The reservoir is filled with DOT-3 brake fluid as indicated on the reservoir cap. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 9-6 for the location of the reservoir. { 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 hydraulic system. When the brake fluid falls to a low level, the brake warning light comes on. See Brake System Warning Light on page 4-17. • A fluid leak in the brake and/or clutch hydraulic system can also cause a low fluid level. Have the brake and/or clutch hydraulic system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later the brakes and/or clutch 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.