Fluid Recommendations
Use only DOT 3 or DOT 4 specified brake fluids from a well-sealed container. If you are not sure about the state of the liquid (whether or not it was well sealed), better use a new one. It is very important that the fluid is within specification so that the high temperatures generated by modern disc brakes do not cause the fluid to boil and reduce stopping power. In the liquid, for the same reason, there should be no moisture.
Level check
The brake master cylinder fluid level should be checked every few weeks for signs of leakage or low levels. A sudden drop in level may indicate a leak in the system. The reservoir is located in the left rear of the engine compartment near the bulkhead and is made of plastic; the level can be checked against the light.
Normal depressing of the brake pedal causes a gradual decrease in the level. But the liquid in this case is not absent; it was only redistributed within the system. If the level decrease is gradual, check the front brakes before topping up the fluid. If the system was filled before the new brakes were installed, the reservoir would overflow.
All Hondas have MAX and MIN lines on the brake fluid reservoirs. Brake fluid should always be maintained at the MAX line, but not above it. When adding brake fluid, observe the following precautions:
1. Use only recommended fluids: DOT 3 or DOT 4; type SAE J 1703b HD.
2. Never reuse brake fluids and never use dirty, cloudy or air bubble fluids.
3. Store liquid in a clean, dry place in your container. Tighten the cover tightly and do not poke a hole in it.
4. Before opening, thoroughly clean any dirt around the master cylinder reservoir cap.
5. Be extra careful with liquid stains. The painted surface of the car can be damaged by brake fluid.
Clutch fluid
Manuals on the 1990-91 Accord and 1988-91 Prelude use a hydraulic clutch system. When the clutch pedal is pressed to the floor, the fluid compresses and the clutch engages. Other vehicles use a cable-actuated clutch.
The clutch fluid reservoir is located in the same area as the brake master cylinder reservoir. The clutch reservoir is hard to see due to its smaller size. The fluid used here, checking and filling is completely the same as the brake fluid reservoir. Always wipe the tank surface before removing it. Periodic fluid compensation may be required as the clutch wears.