To compensate for the wear on the brakes. As the brake pads wear down, they move closer to the rotors, and this brings the brake fluid level down slightly. Note: it is not a good idea to continually refill the brake fluid reservoir because a mechanic needs to check the level for an estimate of how much the brakes have worn. If the reservoir is full all the time it would appear that the brakes are not wearing down (which we know isn't true).
Either the brake fluid in the reservoir is low (most cars have a fluid level sensor in the reservoir) because you need new brake pads, or maybe the emergency brake cable is not adjusted properly. Try putting your foot under the emergency brake pedal and pulling up.
You did not list Make, Model, & Year of this vehicle, but the vast majority of cars sold require DOT 3 brake fluid. It is listed on the master cylinder reservoir cap, what exactly to use.
There are many different materials in the brake parts of cars. One of these is the brake fluid, a type of hydraulic fluid.
If your car has not been used lately the first thing you would want to do is look at your fluid levels. Most cars have a hydraulic clutch. The reservoir for this is usually next to the brake fluid reservoir. If your fluid is empty then your clutch will feel extremely loose and not work, you need to fill the reservoir and bleed the clutch. I hope this will help.
Mounted under the hood on the driver's side next to the firewall. Same place you will find the master cylinder on most cars. Has a yellow cap.
A Toyota Camry built in 1998 takes DOT 3 brake fluid. This is the standard brake fluid for passenger cars.
FIRST: You DON'T want to put MORE Brake Fluid! Brake Fluid is NOT meant to be used or consumed at all. IF you need to add more fluid, there is a fluid leak somewhere in the brake system, which can be a DANGEROUS condition! Some cars could show a somewhat "low" level at the Reservoir, specially when the Brake Pads worn out, because the pistons in the brake calipers have to travel farther, but this fluid volume will come back when new pads are installed. Now, Brake Fluid is Hygroscopic and when too much humidity has been absorbed by the fluid, it will lose its properties; therefore it is a good recommendation to CHANGE and flush ALL the fluid every time the pads are renewed or every three years, or as the service manual specifies for your vehicle, but this job is to be performed by knowledgeable brake specialists or a qualified shop. Brake repair and maintenance used to be simple, but newer ABS Brake Systems require much more care and depressurization before any work is attempted. To visually check the Brake Fluid Reservoir level, look at the owner's manual to locate it, and if you want to look inside, first clean around the cap to prevent any dirt from entering the reservoir. Brake Fluid is to be kept absolutely clean.
A 1985 Cutlass Ciera uses type DOT3 brake fluid. It is the standard type of brake fluid for cars with power brakes.
Well that depends on the car. Some cars actually use automatic transmission fluid (ATF) as power steering fluid. Usually, the reservoir cap will say what type of fluid to use.
It takes the same "DOT 3" type brake fluid most cars take.
That is brake fluid. The brake system uses hydraulics to apply the brakes.
DOT4 or DOT5