Q: My 2012 Passat brake pedal felt soft and went to the floor in July 2024. My shop determined air was in the lines and bled the brakes. The problem returned a few weeks later. They replaced the master cylinder and bled the brakes again. The problem returned a few weeks later. They bled the brakes again. The problem again returned. Each time the shop bled the brakes, they confirmed there were no fluid leaks or air in the lines. The shop is unable to diagnose the root cause. Any suggestions?

R.M., Richmond, Vermont

A: It sounds like it’s still a master cylinder problem. Perhaps you got a bad replacement part. It happens. But I wouldn’t rule out a bad brake caliper. The piston may not be behaving properly.

Q: Is it OK to leave the wipers fully up with a strong wind?

R.J., Chicago

A: I have neither had a problem nor heard any problem from anyone else. It beats letting the wipers freeze to the windshield and getting destroyed when switched on.

Q: My husband and I enjoy your column every week. My question is about cruise control. Is it OK to use in the steep mountains, small roads and the highway? And can you use it when it is raining? Can't find anything in the manual.

J.G., Chicago

A: Yes, it’s OK. Depending on the make and model the cruise control may even slow the vehicle if it coasts too fast — rain or shine.

Q: I have a 2012 Honda Insight, which has really been reliable. But a few months ago, first the Check Tires light came on, then the TPMS light. I took it to the dealer who just put air in the tires and said they couldn't find anything else wrong. Then two weeks ago, it happened again. This time the TPMS light, which had been on for nearly a week, went off just when I took the car in. Again, he put air in the tires but said he couldn't find anything else wrong. The light was off when I drove it out of the dealership, but yesterday it came back on again. I've heard that cold weather sometimes causes a problem like this, and we've had very cold weather for weeks now. Do you think this is why the light comes on? Can I just ignore it until the weather warms up? I doubt temperature swings had any effect.

C.H., DeKalb, Illinois

A: If they adjusted the tire pressure only to have the warning light come on again, there may be a slow leak on one of the tires. Other than that, perhaps a tire pressure sensor’s battery may be getting low. The batteries are expected to last 10 years and you have gone beyond that. There likely weren’t any wild temperature swings.

Q: I have a 2011 Jeep Liberty with a blown engine. My warranty will cover a replacement. The dealership service department is telling me that it will take 6 to 9 months to get a remanufactured engine. I hear different stories that I can get one in weeks? Why is the dealership quoting me 6 to 9 months? I have had it in there 3 months already.

T.A., Oakdale, Minnesota

A: I don’t know where the dealership sources its engines, but there is a company in Jasper Indiana that I have known, and used, for many years, www.jasperengines.com. Discuss getting a remanufactured engine from Jasper with your service manager. Another option to investigate is having an independent shop replace the engine and then seeking reimbursement from the dealership.

©2025 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.