Brandnew98Civic

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to this site and am finding it a little overwhelming (so am not sure if I'm even posting this in the right place!). My car is a very gently used '98 Civic. I've been very fortunate with it and love it but it's getting up there so it's probably high time that I sucked it up and learned more about it so I can make it last as long as possible (forever would be nice!). I'm on a budget (obviously- haha) but would still like to do the best I can to take care of it properly.

Currently, there is this:

The car: 1998 Honda Civic LX, 109,000 miles.

A month after my car got inspected this year, the brake light started coming on. I'd stop at a red light, then after accelerating again, it'd come on. About 50-100 feet later, it'd turn off. My husband checked the brake fluid and it was just barely below the "maximum" line. He also checked for leaks. Nada. To be on the safe side, I brought it to my mechanic and had him check for leaks and top off the brake fluid. Now, about three weeks later, it's happening again- and again with the fluid just below the max line. Husband added brake fluid, gonna drive it today and see if the problem is gone again, but it's making me a nervous wreck.

My brother used to be a transmission specialist and does a lot of work on his own cars. I don't drive very much. He says the fluid in the reservoir may just be "old" and suggested that we get a turkey baster, use it to take as much fluid out as possible, then add new, clean fluid.

For reasons I won't bother getting into here, I don't always trust Big Brother Bob's advice. What do you guys think? Any help/ feedback much appreciated!

PS: If that IS what I should do, what's the proper way to get rid of the old brake fluid?

EDIT: The manual says I must use Honda brake fluid. The mechanic says that's horseshit. My husband agrees. Who is right?

EDIT #2: No noises at all coming from the brakes themselves and it did just pass inspection this spring so I'm assuming they're okay. That being said, I got the car in 2006, around 60,000 miles and have never had to buy brakes for it. I don't drive much and I'm very conservative with my brakes (yes, I'm that ******* that lets up on the gas 3 blocks from the red light).

EDIT #3: Back from running errands, and so far no brake light...

Thank you all in advance!

J-RAD

I have used other brake fluids besides OEM Honda and it has worked fine. many people believe that everything should be from Honda, and thats good. although sometimes money or convenience convince people to buy things other than OEM honda. i think you're fine. just buy the correct fluid.