TO: TODD (because he has no available comment system):

there is no "break" fluid in your car. only "brake" fluid. and you can check it under your hood. after opening the hood, stand on the far right side (in front of your driver's side door) and you'll see a translucent cyclinder (about 2.5"-3" in diameter) with a black lid on it. twist the lid off. if you dont see liquid that's bad. i dont know how to check for leaks, but at least you can keep it full until you get it fixed. I don't know where your family usually takes stuff, but I always took mine to Beagley Automotive (my dad can tell you how to get there) in town and they treated me well.

i'm afraid i can't help much with the research paper.

good luck.