Chevrolet Cruze Owners Manual: Brake Fluid
The brake/clutch master cylinder reservoir is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid as indicated on the reservoir cap.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir might go
down:
• The brake fluid level goes down because of normal brake lining wear. When new
linings are installed, the fluid level goes back up.
• A fluid leak in the brake/clutch hydraulic system can also cause a low fluid level. Have the brake/ clutch hydraulic system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later the brakes will not work well.
Do not top off the brake/clutch fluid.
Adding fluid does 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 fluid, as necessary, only when work is done on the brake/clutch hydraulic system.
WARNING
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/clutch hydraulic system.
Checking Brake Fluid
The brake/clutch fluid can be checked without taking off the cap by looking at the brake/clutch fluid reservoir.
The fluid level should be above MIN. If it is not, have the brake/ clutch hydraulic system checked to see if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake/ clutch hydraulic system, make sure the level is above MIN but not over the MAX mark.
When the brake/clutch fluid falls to a low level, the brake warning light comes on.
What to Add
Use only new DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed container.
Always clean the brake/clutch fluid reservoir cap and the area around the cap before removing it. This helps keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
WARNING
With the wrong kind of fluid in the brake/clutch hydraulic system, the brakes might not work well. This could cause a crash. Always use the proper brake/clutch fluid.
Notice
• Using the wrong fluid can badly damage brake/clutch hydraulic system parts.
For example, just a few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in the brake
hydraulic system can damage brake hydraulic system parts so badly that they will
have to be replaced.
Do not let someone put in the wrong kind of fluid.
• If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's painted surfaces, the paint finish can be damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid on the vehicle. If you do, wash it off immediately.
Brakes
This vehicle has front disc brakes and could have rear drum brakes or rear disc
brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake pads ar ...
Battery
Refer to the replacement number on the original battery label when a new battery
is needed.
WARNING
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals k ...
Other materials:
Tracing Powder or Chalk Test
Clean the weatherstrips and the contact surfaces with cleaning solvent.
Apply powder or chalk in an unbroken line to the contact surface of the
weatherstrip surrounding the perimeter of the suspected
areas.
Close the panel completely without slamming the panel. Closing the panel
comple ...
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while driving, especially if the tires are
maintained properly. If air goes out of a tire, it is much more likely to leak out
slowly. But if there ever is a blowout, here are a few tips about what to expect
and what to do: If a front tire fails, the flat tir ...
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could
cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying General Motors.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investig ...
