2000 Saab 9-3 Owner's Manual - Page 176

176 Car care brake pads are worn and need replacing. It is therefore essential that brake pads be checked regularly, as specified in the service program, see page 215. Brake- clutch fluid and brake pads WARNING Brake fluid deteriorates as it becomes old. Because it is hygroscopic, it absorbs water from the air and, in time, could allow vapor to form in the brake system, thus reducing its performance. It is therefore important that brake fluid be changed regularly, as specified in the service program, see page 215. NOTE Avoid spilling brake fluid onto paintwork, since it can cause the paint to bubble and lift. If any brake fluid is spilled, the area should be flushed with large quantities of water as quickly as possible. IB894 Checking the fluid level The combined brake and clutch-fluid reservoir is transparent to facilitate checking of the fluid level. The level should be between the MAX and MIN marks. Top up, as necessary, with DOT 4 fluid. Do not use DOT 5 brake fluid. Use only new brake fluid from a sealed container. Check that there are no leaks in the brake system. Changing of the brake fluid should be carried out by an authorized Saab dealer. The vehicle´s regular braking system is adjusted automatically, but the parking brake has to be adjusted manually. This work, involving adjustment of the parking brake cables and brake pads, must only be carried out by an authorized Saab dealer. It is not possible to detect, through abnormal pedal or parking brake-lever travel, whether Brake pad wear indicators The outboard brake pads on the front wheels incorporate pad-wear indicators. When the lining is down to 0.11 in (3 mm), the pad will produce a screeching, squealing or scraping noise when the brakes are applied. New pads should be installed without delay. Brake pads should only be changed by an authorized Saab dealer. To ensure optimum brake performance, use only Saab original brake pads.