1996 Ford Escort Owner's Manual - Page 316

NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner. Follow your community's standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call your local recycling center to find out about recycling automotive fluids. Manual Transaxle Fluid The lubricant level and quality should not deteriorate under normal driving conditions. However, you should have the fluid level checked occasionally. If lubricant is required, see Lubricant specifications in the Index. Brake Fluid If you have a manual transaxle, the brake fluid reservoir in your vehicle includes the clutch fluid reservoir. Under normal circumstances, your vehicle should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However, expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall as you put more mileage on your vehicle and the brake pads wear. You should check the brake fluid at every scheduled engine oil change, but be sure to check it at least once a year. You can do this by looking at the fluid level in the plastic reservoir on the master cylinder. (See The Engine Types in this chapter to locate the master cylinder.) The fluid level should be at or near the MAX mark. If the brake fluid level is low, the brake warning light in the instrument cluster will illuminate. RWARNING Brake fluid is toxic. 317