How to Check Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is a necessary and integral part of the brake system on vehicles. It is what is used to convert the energy from one type to another, in conjunction with the master cylinder, every time you depress the brake pedal. Without it, your brakes would not work.
- Release the hood of the car by pulling out on the hood release inside the car. On older vehicles, the hood release is just under the hood outside.
- Feel for a lever and slide it one way or the other to release the hood catch under the hood. Do this if your hood release is on the inside or at the hood. It's a safety catch.
- Find the hood prop and prop up your hood. You will have to insert it somewhere that keeps it from sliding or slipping.
- Locate the brake fluid reservoir. It should be quite visible as you look in the engine compartment. It is typically on the driver's side near the fire wall but not on it.
- Look for the fluid, which is a pinkish-red and normally the reservoir is opaque, meaning you can see through it. You should be able to see the color of the brake fluid.
- Get close enough to the reservoir to see the lines on it. They indicate the fluid level inside the reservoir. You may need a flashlight in low light conditions.
- Notice the fluid level lines that indicate low to full fluid levels. Your reservoir may simply say "Add" instead of "Low" and "Full" or "Min" and "Max."
- Follow the instruction as stated on the cap to avoid getting dirt into the fluid.
- Add brake fluid if the reservoir indicates it is too low. Do not overfill it.