Chrysler Repair: Brake warning light, dot 4 brake fluid, brake fluid reservoir

Question
QUESTION: When I make a sharp right turn, the brake light comes on the dash for just a second.  Any idea what might cause that? Thanks, Lisa

ANSWER: Hi Lisa,
I suspect it is a sign that the level of brake fluid in the reservoir located above the master brake cylinder is too low so that when you turn sharply the float inside the reservoir goes past the minimum point required to turn on the warning light. I would suggest that the brake fluid reservoir lid be opened and accessed for fill level. You can add DOT 4 brake fluid until it reaches the lower surface of the opening. Then I would take a look at the inside surface of all four tires (view from under the car) to see if you see any signs of radial shiny strips that would result from a loss of fluid in the wheel brake cylinder dripping down on the tire. Also access the lines that connect from the master cylinder to the wheel for a possible site of fluid loss. Ideally, you should not loose brake fluid from the reservoir accept for the normal loss that occurs as the brake pads/lining wear which will cause additional fluid to be drawn from the reservoir. You might want to access whether your brake pads are worn so far as too require replacement if you can't find a leak somewhere. In any case, add some brake fluid to the reservoir to get it full enough to eliminate the light from coming on. If that is not done then the light will come on when you are just driving straight in addition to turning sharply. Then check the level regularly to access whether there is a continuing loss of fluid which needs to be explained.
Roland
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QUESTION: Thanks.  I just oil change at an instant oil change place.  Should they have caught this?  It was happening before I went in there.

Answer
Hi Lisa,
It depends upon how they advertise and what they say there service consists of on the work order/receipt that you received. If they state that other "fluids" level checking is part of the service, then yes the brake fluid level should have been checked. Otherwise, if they make no commitment to do anything other than change the oil then there is less support for "malpractice". In any case, you can check this yourself if you look under the hood, directly in front of the firewall and in line with the brake pedal position where you should see a container where there is also a large can (the power brake vacuum chamber) nearby. It will something about "brake fluid" and possibly something about "DOT 4". That is the reservoir of which I spoke. Of course you can go back to the oil change place and request them to do it.
Roland