2001 CHEVROLET EXPRESS brake fluid

6-29
NOTICE:

When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer's instructions for
adding water.

Don't mix water with ready
-to-use washer
fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze
and damage your washer fluid tank and
other parts of the washer system. Also,
water doesn't clean as well as washer fluid.

Fill your washer fluid tank only
three
-quarters full when it's very cold.
This allows for expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank if it is
completely full.

Don't use engine coolant (antifreeze) in
your windshield washer. It can damage
your washer system and paint.
Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is filled with
DOT
-3 brake fluid. See ªEngine Compartment
Overviewº in the Index for the location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in
the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake
fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid
level goes back up.

6-30
The other reason is that fluid is leaking out of the brake
system. If it is, you should have your brake system fixed,
since a leak means that sooner or later your brakes won't
work well, or won't work at all.
So, it isn't a good idea to ªtop offº your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won't correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you'll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
CAUTION:
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on
the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is
hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
fluid only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system. See ªChecking Brake Fluidº
in this section.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
check your brake fluid. See ªPeriodic Maintenance
Inspectionsº in the Index.Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap.
Just look at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level
should be above MIN. If it isn't, have your brake system
checked to see if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system,
make sure the level is above the MIN but not over the
MAX mark.

6-31
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT
-3 brake
fluid. Refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº
in the Index. Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral
-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they'll have to be
replaced. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See ªAppearance Careº in
the Index.

Scheduled Maintenance
7-5
Short Trip/City Definition
Follow the Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance if
any one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:

Most trips are less than 5 miles (8 km). This is
particularly important when outside temperatures
are below freezing.

Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop
-and-go traffic).

You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top
of your vehicle.

If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police,
taxi or other commercial application.
One of the reasons you should follow this schedule
if you operate your vehicle under any of these
conditions is that these conditions cause engine oil
to break down sooner.
Short Trip/City Intervals
At 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Drive Axle Service
(2500 and 3500 Series with locking differential only).
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or 3 months, whichever occurs first). Chassis
Lubrication (or 3 months, whichever occurs first).
Drive Axle Fluid Check.
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Diesel Engine Only:
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Inspection, if driving in
dusty conditions. Drive Axle Service When Towing
(2500 and 3500 Series only). Gasoline Engine Only:
Noise Shields Inspection (GVWR above 10,000 lbs.
only). Diesel Engine Only: Shields and Underhood
Insulation Inspection. Diesel Engine Only:
Thermostatically Controlled Engine Cooling Fan
Check (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).
Diesel Engine Only: Air Intake System Inspection.
Front Wheel Bearing Repack (or at each brake
relining, whichever occurs first).

Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
7-12
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Diesel Engine Only: Inspect engine air cleaner filter if you are driving in
dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote
.)
Gasoline Engine Only: See ªEngine Air Cleaner Filter Restriction Indicator
Checkº in the Index.
Check axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. 2500 and 3500 Series Only:
If driving in dusty areas or when towing a trailer, drain fluid and refill every
15,000 miles (25 000 km).
Clean and repack the front wheel bearings (or at each brake relining,
whichever occurs first).
Vehicles With GVWR Above 10,000 lbs. or Equipped with Diesel Engine
Only: Inspect shields for damage or looseness. Adjust or replace as required.
This is a Noise Emission Control Service. Applicable only to vehicles sold
in the United States.ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
7-15
27,000 Miles (45 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Check axle fluid level and add fluid as needed.
30,000 Miles (50 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Check axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. 2500 and 3500 Series Only:
If driving in dusty areas or when towing a trailer, drain fluid and refill every
15,000 miles (25 000 km).

Clean and repack the front wheel bearings (or at each brake relining,
whichever occurs first).

Replace fuel filter. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote
.)
(Continued)
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
7-22
60,000 Miles (100 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Check axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. 2500 and 3500 Series Only:
If driving in dusty areas or when towing a trailer, drain fluid and refill every
15,000 miles (25 000 km).

Clean and repack the front wheel bearings (or at each brake relining,
whichever occurs first).

Vehicles With GVWR Above 10,000 lbs. or Equipped with Diesel Engine
Only: Inspect shields for damage or looseness. Adjust or replace as required.
This is a Noise Emission Control Service. Applicable only to vehicles sold in
the United States.

Inspect engine accessory drive belt.
An Emission Control Service.

Replace fuel filter.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote
.)ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
7-25
72,000 Miles (120 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Check axle fluid level and add fluid as needed.

Rotate tires. See ªTire Inspection and Rotationº in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)

Diesel Engine Only: Replace fuel cap if driving in dusty conditions.
An Emission Control Service.
75,000 Miles (125 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Clean and repack the front wheel bearings (or at each brake relining,
whichever occurs first).
(Continued)
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE