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The Brake fluid reservoir level becomes low when the fluid leaks out somewhere in the system. Brake fluid isn't something that is consumed in normal operation.

The Brake fluid reservoir level becomes low when the fluid leaks out somewhere in the system. Brake fluid isn't something that is consumed in normal operation. When fluid can be pushed out as a leak that is lost force that is not applied to stopping. When fluid can get out air can get in and air is compressible so this makes the hydraulic braking system feel spongy. Adding more fluid and bleeding the air out of the system may temporarily make it seem like there is no problem but if you note the level dropping then you ought to find the leak or you risk losing control of your vehicle and run in to some thing or some one. I can't believe it got so bad you were putting it in park at intersections. That is really dangerous!!

jacquesm 8y ago
Could be. But what also could be is that during a previous maintenance visit a part of the brake system was replaced which led to loss of some fluid and they forgot to top it off. After all, if there is a leak in the system OP would not be able to drive the car for a year without the issue recurring.
- ams6110 8y ago
  In a disc brake system, the brake fluid level will become lower due to normal wear on the pads. Often an indicator that pads are worn is that the low brake fluid warning light will illuminate on the dashboard. If you top up the fluid at that point, everything will seem normal, but the pads will continue to wear until the friction material is entirely gone. Sinking pedal while stopped can also be caused by leaking seals in the master cylinder. So yes, low fluid level is either an indication of pad wear or a leak, it's not a normal condition and if you don't know the cause, you should take it to a shop that can check it out.
  - imtringued 8y ago
    >If you top up the fluid at that point, everything will seem normal, but the pads will continue to wear until the friction material is entirely gone. No, nothing will seem normal if your brake pads are worn out. Depending on your care your brake pads are designed in a way that an electrical signal is activated or they make a loud noise before they wear out completely.
- dazc 8y ago
  If this was the case, wouldn't it be standard practice to bleed the system and top it up?
  - HeyLaughingBoy 8y ago
    Considering that sometimes mechanics forget to do basic things like tighten oil drain plugs, that happening wouldn't surprise me.

jacquesm 8y ago

Could be. But what also could be is that during a previous maintenance visit a part of the brake system was replaced which led to loss of some fluid and they forgot to top it off. After all, if there is a leak in the system OP would not be able to drive the car for a year without the issue recurring.

ams6110 8y ago
In a disc brake system, the brake fluid level will become lower due to normal wear on the pads. Often an indicator that pads are worn is that the low brake fluid warning light will illuminate on the dashboard. If you top up the fluid at that point, everything will seem normal, but the pads will continue to wear until the friction material is entirely gone. Sinking pedal while stopped can also be caused by leaking seals in the master cylinder. So yes, low fluid level is either an indication of pad wear or a leak, it's not a normal condition and if you don't know the cause, you should take it to a shop that can check it out.
- imtringued 8y ago
  >If you top up the fluid at that point, everything will seem normal, but the pads will continue to wear until the friction material is entirely gone. No, nothing will seem normal if your brake pads are worn out. Depending on your care your brake pads are designed in a way that an electrical signal is activated or they make a loud noise before they wear out completely.
dazc 8y ago
If this was the case, wouldn't it be standard practice to bleed the system and top it up?
- HeyLaughingBoy 8y ago
  Considering that sometimes mechanics forget to do basic things like tighten oil drain plugs, that happening wouldn't surprise me.