What should be done first when conducting a brake fluid leak inspection?

When conducting a brake fluid leak inspection, the first step should be to open the hood. This is essential because the brake fluid reservoir is typically located under the hood, and it allows you to directly assess the level of brake fluid in the reservoir and check for any visible signs of leakage in the brake fluid lines or around the master cylinder.

By inspecting these areas first, you can identify any potential issues that might require further inspection or repair. This approach ensures that you gather critical information about the brake system’s condition before moving on to other components like brake pads or tire pressures, which, while important for overall vehicle safety, are not directly related to assessing the integrity of the brake fluid system.