2008 Saturn Astra Owner's Manual - Page 212
2008 Saturn Astra Manual
Page 212 highlights
9-22 Vehicle Service and Care have the brake or clutch hydraulic system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later the brakes or clutch will not work well. It is not a good idea to top off the brake fluid. Adding brake fluid will 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 brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is done on the brake or clutch hydraulic system. Refer to "Scheduled Maintenance" in the Limited Warranty, Maintenance and Owner Assistance Information manual to determine when to check the brake fluid. Brakes Brake Fluid Checking Brake Fluid The brake fluid can be checked without taking off the cap by looking at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level should be above MIN. If it is not, have your brake hydraulic system checked to see if there is a leak. After work is done on the brake hydraulic system, make sure the level is above the MIN but not over the MAX mark. The brake master cylinder and, on manual transmission vehicles, the clutch hydraulic system use the same reservoir. The reservoir is filled with DOT-4 brake fluid. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 9-6 for the location of the reservoir. There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid level goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out of the brake or clutch hydraulic system. If it is, { CAUTION If your vehicle has too much brake fluid, it can spill on the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is 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 and/or clutch hydraulic system. What to Add When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-4 brake fluid. It is recommended that you flush the brake hydraulic system and refill it with new DOT-4 fluid at a regular maintenance service every two years. See "Additional