Ford Taurus brake problem

FORD TAURUS
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GOODWITCH06
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This may be extremely elementary, however, I really need some help/an answer. I'm a single female located quite a distance from any repair help. Could someone please tell me if I will lose all braking capability if my car's brake fluid leaks to very low/non-exisistent levels.
To seek repair help I need to travel. I'd prefer to avoid a catastrophe doing so.
Last time I used my Taurus wagon the brake pedal felt a bit low to me.
Sure enough, another couple of miles down the road the brake idiot light came on and stayed on for the additional two miles home. My guess, since I am in heavy road-salting country, is that I have an oxidized and leaking brake line/fitting. I suppose it could also be a brake cylinder or the master cylinder?
Could someone PLEASE tell me whether or not I will lose all braking capability if I try to drive to a repair location (@40 miles+/_).
Jan 7, 2006 at 8:05 AM
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DB554
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you could loose all brakes with no fluid.Since you seem to be in no mans land dont use your brake pedel unless you have to use your parking brake but be very careful put it down gently it does not use brake fluid and will lock up quickly try it a couple of times with no cars around first.when you get to the store PUT BRAKE FLUID IN once you loose to much fluid you will suck air into the brake lines and you will have to bleed the braks to get them back.
Jan 7, 2006 at 3:22 PM
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GOODWITCH06
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Dear db554:

Thank you so much for replying and responding to my problem. I will follow your advice and use the parking brake until I have additional fluid in the brake system. I certainly appreciate your help.

goodwitch06
Jan 7, 2006 at 7:01 PM
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GOODWITCH06
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Hi db554:

One more question: I checked my garaged supply of various fluids. I do have one bottle (12 ozs.) still-sealed with it's foil seal of Prestone Dot 4 brake fluid. I know that it has been in the garage for some time, possibly as long as four years. Since the seal is intact, would you suppose that I can safely use it? Does this product degrade from sitting? If you know, please advise me. Thank you, again.

goodwitch06
Jan 7, 2006 at 7:57 PM
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DB554
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the old brake fluid should still be fine
Jan 8, 2006 at 10:29 AM
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GOODWITCH06
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Dear db554:

Very kind of you to answer. Thank you so much. I'll use the old fluid to facilitate travel to repair shop.

Take care,
goodwitch06
Jan 8, 2006 at 6:31 PM