On 1/22/04 3:16 PM, in article
fdebf8ed.0401221316.309abbde@posting.google.com, "Sebastian"
<sstula@hotmail.com> wrote:

> I have a 2002 Civic EX with ABS. Approximately 10,000km's (6,000
> miles) and 6 months ago the reservoir for the break fluid was at the
> Minimum level, I refilled the reservoir to the max line and now it is
> at the Minimum level again. This is the first car that I've owned
> with ABS so I'm wondering if this is normal.
>

Not normal. ABS does not drink fluid any more than normal brakes. You
either have a leak or your brakes are quickly wearing down. You should
check several things:

1. look for fluid at the back of the master cylinder, on the face of the
power brake booster. If there is anything there, your master cylinder is
failing and needs to be replaced ASAP.

2. Check the brake pad thickness at the wheels. If the pads are less than
the minimum service thickness, you need a brake job.

3. While you are looking at the pads, look also for leaks in the wheel
cylinders, which also means you need a brake job.

> Also, does the type of break fluid that I use have any impact on
> breaking performance. I was at my local automotive shop and noticed
> the following types of break fluid, DOT3, DOT4, and DOT3 for ABS. Does
> it matter which one I use?
>

Yes, it matters. The owner's manual, or a call to your local Honda dealer
parts counter will tell which you need for that car.

> Thanks!