How to Add Brake Fluid to a Chevrolet Lumina

Although it is an important safety measure to check the brake fluid level of your Chevrolet Lumina sedan on a monthly basis, you should never need to add brake fluid to the reservoir. If the fluid level is too low for safe operation of your vehicle you probably have a leak in your brake system that needs to be addressed by a professional. Adding brake fluid to the reservoir will help to keep the brakes functioning, but use extreme caution and check the fluid level often until you can take the car to the shop.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A clean rag or paper towel
• DOT-3 Brake Fluid
• A shallow funnel

1. Place the transmission in the Park position. Turn the ignition switch off. Allow the engine to cool. Pull back on the hood release lever located under the dash to the left of the driver’s side. Release the hood safety catch located under the left center of the hood. Lift the hood to its fully opened position.

2. Locate the brake master cylinder with the attached brake fluid reservoir next to the firewall on the driver’s side the engine. Wipe the brake fluid reservoir lid with a clean rag or paper towel to clean it before opening. Grasp the brake fluid reservoir lid and twist it counter clockwise. Remove the lid from the reservoir and set it aside.

3. Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir. There will be a “high” and “low” level indicator on the reservoir or on an attached dipstick on the lid. Ensure the brake fluid in the reservoir rests between those two levels. Do not add brake fluid unless the fluid level is below the “low” level indicator.

4. Place a shallow funnel into the brake fluid reservoir. Add only enough DOT-3 brake fluid to the reservoir to bring the fluid level to the “low” level indicator. Lift the funnel carefully and allow any remaining fluid to drip into the reservoir. Place a rag or paper towel under the funnel to prevent brake fluid from dripping on the engine. Set the funnel aside.

5. Replace the lid onto the reservoir and twist clockwise to seal the brake fluid reservoir. Close the hood. Dispose of the soiled rags or paper towels in an approved container. Have the brake system inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not top off the brake fluid if the level is between the “high” and “low” level indicators.
• Using any kind of fluid other than DOT-3 brake fluid can cause serious damage to your brakes.
• Brake fluid can damage painted surfaces. Wash off any spills immediately.
• Brake fluid spilled on a hot engine can catch fire causing serious burns and engine damage.

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