2007 Saturn Ion Owner's Manual - Page 308

Brakes Brake Fluid The hydraulic clutch and brake master cylinder use the same reservoir. The reservoir is filled with DOT-3 brake fluid. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 280 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 system or hydraulic clutch system if you have a manual transaxle. If it is, you should have both systems checked and the necessary repairs made, since a leak means that sooner or later your brakes and/or clutch will not work well, or will not work at all. 308 So, it is not a good idea to top off your brake fluid. Adding brake fluid will not correct a leak. If you add fluid when your linings are worn, then you will have too much fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add or remove brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is done on the brake and/or clutch hydraulic system. {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. When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake warning light will come on. See Brake System Warning Light on page 170.