1997 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 281

Brakes Brake Fluid of the brake system. If it is, you should have your brake system fixed, sincea leak means that sooneror later your brakes won't work well,or won't work atall. So, it isn't a good idea to "top off' your brakefluid. Adding brake fluid won't correct a leak. If you add fluid when your linings are worn, then you'll too much have fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add (or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when is work done on the brakehydrwlic system. Your brake master cylinder reservoir here. It is filled is with DOT-3 brake fluid. There are only two reasons why brake fluid level in the 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 fluidlevel goes back up. The other reasonis that fluidis leaking out If you have too much brake fluid, can spill it on the engine. The fluid will burn if engine the is hot enough.You 'or others could be burned, and your vehicle could damaged. Add brake be fluid onlywhen work is done on the brake hydraulic system. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule determine when to to check your brake fluid. "Periodic Maintenance See Inspections" in the Index. 6-36