Brake Fluid - Audi A5 Owner's Manual

document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 238 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10
238 Checking and topping up fluids

Brake fluid

Checking brake fluid level
The brake fluid level can be checked at a glance.
– Check the fluid level on the brake fluid reservoir
⇒ fig. 228. It should always be between the "MIN" and
"MAX" marks.
In right-hand drive vehicles the brake fluid reservoir is on the other
side of the engine compartment.
The fluid level may drop slightly after a period of time due to the
automatic compensation for brake pad wear. This is quite normal.
However, if the level goes down noticeably in a short time, or drops
below the "MIN" mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. If
the fluid level in the reservoir is too low, this will be indicated by the
brake warning lamp ⇒ page 31. If this should happen, take the car
to a qualified workshop immediately and have the brake system
inspected.
Changing brake fluid
When required, the brake fluid should be changed by a
competent mechanic with the proper equipment.
Brake fluid gradually absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. If the
water content in the brake fluid is too high, this may cause corrosion
in the brake system over time. In addition, the boiling point of the
brake fluid will be considerably reduced. This could adversely affect
the braking ability in certain circumstances.
For this reason the brake fluid must be changed periodically.
Your vehicle's Service Schedule will tell you when the brake fluid has
to be changed.
Fig. 228 Engine
compartment: Mark-
It is advisable to have the brake fluid changed as part of a regular
ings on brake fluid
Inspection Service at your Audi workshop. They are familiar with the
reservoir
procedure and have the necessary special tools and spare parts as
well as the proper facilities for disposing of the old fluid.
Use only the genuine brake fluid specified by the factory Qualified
workshops know that the brake fluid "DOT 4" is approved by Audi.
The brake fluid must be fresh and unused.
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous; store it in the sealed original container
in a safe place out of reach of children.
Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake
fluid is left in the system for too long. This would seriously affect
the efficiency of the brakes and the safety of the car – risk of acci-
dent.
Caution
Please note that brake fluid will attack the paintwork on contact.