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 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, 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.

Caution: If too much brake fluid is added, it can spill on the engine and burn, if the engine is hot enough. You or others could be burned, and the vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only when work is done on the brake and/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.

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.

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 Required Services" in the Limited Warranty, Maintenance and Owner Assistance Information manual. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only. See "Recommended Fluids and Lubricants" in the Limited Warranty, Maintenance and Owner Assistance Information manual.

Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area around the cap before removing it. This helps keep dirt from entering the reservoir.

Caution: With the wrong kind of fluid in the brake hydraulic system, the brakes might not work well. This could cause a crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.

Notice: 

Your vehicle has disc brakes.

Notice: Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads could result in costly brake repair.

Front disc brake pads have built-in brake pad wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed. The sound can come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle is moving, except when you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly.

Caution: The brake wear warning sound means that soon the brakes will not work well. That could lead to an accident. When the brake wear warning sound is heard, have the vehicle serviced.

Rear disc brake pads do not have built-in brake pad wear indicators. Periodic visual inspection of the rear brake pads is required to determine when to replace the pads. Visually inspect the rear brake pads whenever the rear wheels are removed such as during tire rotation.

1. Set the parking brake and make sure that the brakes have been given enough time to cool.
2. Remove the rear wheels.
3. Visually inspect the rear brake inner pads (C) at each rear wheel through the inspection window in the brake caliper (A).



4. Brake pads should be replaced when the inner pad (C) is worn to 5/64 in (2 mm) of pad thickness (B). New brake pads, with no wear, are 25/64 of an inch (10 mm) thick.
5. After brake pad inspection or replacement, install the rear wheels.

Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied. This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes.

Properly torqued wheel bolts are necessary to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel bolts in the proper sequence to torque specifications in Capacities and Specifications .

Brake linings should always be replaced as complete axle sets.

See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does not return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service might be required.

Every time you make a brake stop, the disc brakes adjust for wear.

The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many parts have to be of top quality and work well together if the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality brake parts. When you replace parts of the braking system -- for example, when the brake linings wear down and you need new ones put in -- be sure you get new approved replacement parts. If you do not, the brakes might not work properly. For example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong for your vehicle, the balance between the front and rear brakes can change -- for the worse. The braking performance you have come to expect can change in many other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement brake parts.