Locate the brake fluid reservoir – The brake fluid reservoir is normally located under the hood, on the driver’s side of the vehicle, against the back of the engine compartment or near the base of the windshield. Tip: Some vehicles have the brake fluid reservoir under a plastic access panel.

If your brake fluid is at or above the “MIN” line, your brake fluid level is fine and you don’t need to add any. If your fluid is below the “MIN” line, carefully pry the reservoir cap off, and then add brake fluid until the level is just under the “MAX” line. Do not overfill.

Prestone 12 Ounce DOT 3 Brake Fluid.

Unless the existing brake fluid within the system is contaminated (dirt, water etc.) you can probably safely add fluid to the old. Just ensure that the new fluid that you add is the same as what is in the system. Otherwise a full brake system flush and fill will be in order…..and that can add lots of $$$.

Because the brake system is completely sealed, brake fluid should remain close to full, however, some fluid loss is normal. Low fluid may indicate there is a leak in the system, especially if it has been filled recently. Brake fluid leaks are serious as they provide little to no stopping power while driving.

Low brake fluid or worn brake pads are other reasons your Brake Warning Light may come on. If the brakes are leaking, you will not be able to stop the car. This is dangerous and your vehicle should not be driven in this condition.

Signs that Your Brake Fluid Needs to be Changed

1. Your ABS Light Comes On.
2. Pedal Problems.
3. Strange Noises When Braking.
4. Brake Pads Not Functioning as Well.
5. A Burning Smell.

Step 6: Pump the brakes. Top up the brake fluid in the reservoir after every interval of pumping the brakes. The brake fluid change is complete when the fluid looks new in the brake bleeder hose.

If you don’t have your Brake Fluid changed as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer this will lead to Moisture Contamination in your brake reservoir where the Brake Fluid is stored. When you don’t change your brake fluid, your cars braking capabilities suffer greatly for it leading to Poor Braking Performance.

A brake pedal that sinks all the way to the floor could indicate a problem with the brake master cylinder or it could be due to a brake fluid leak. In either case, a careful assessment is required – once the issue is accurately diagnosed, you can then go ahead and fix the issue.

5 symptoms of a bad master cylinder

1. Abnormal brake pedal behavior.
2. The brake warning light comes on.
3. Low brake fluid level.
4. Depressed/sinking brake pedal.
5. Contaminated brake fluid.
6. Park on level ground.
7. Look under the hood.
8. Start the engine.

The average cost to replace the master cylinder will be around $320 and $500, with the parts cost being between $100 and $210, and the labor costs to be between $230 and $300 on average.

Replacing a brake master cylinder is not a difficult task to do in your own garage for most vehicle models. But you need to prepare. Sometimes, you’ll need to remove some components, hoses, or wires out of the way. Make sure to keep track of where they go, along with their respective fasteners, so you don’t lose them.