Q–I own a 1997 Toyota Corolla with 16,000 miles on it. I use my car mainly for city driving (work, shopping and others). A few weeks ago, when the weather first dropped to 10 degrees, on my way to work I noticed the brake warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. My first thought is that my hand brake was on, so I grabbed the hand brake and pushed the button to release it. But the light stayed on.
I pulled the car over to check if something was wrong, then the brake light went off. Then, after a few hundred feet, and after applying the brakes, the brake warning light illuminated again. Then it turned off again. I am still having this problem, usually on cold mornings. Would there be a problem in the long run having the brake light on even though my parking hand brake is not engaged .S., Harwood Heights
A–The warning light glows to let you know there is a problem and should not be ignored. In your case, we suspect that there may be trouble in the hydraulic system–maybe even a leak. If so, a pressure differential switch activates the warning light and you should have a professional check your brakes right away.
Q–I just had the rear brakes redone on my 1992 GMC truck since I didn’t like the looks of the shoes when I inspected them (they had cracks). They replaced the shoes, springs and wheel cylinders. The drums were smooth with no markings. The shop was going to cut the drums until it was discovered the cutting machine had quit.
They convinced me, and I agreed since the drums were very smooth and clean, that cutting them was not necessary. The brake shoes had not scored the drums. Did I make a poor judgment call .R., Downers Grove
A–We don’t think so. How do the brakes feel? If they seem to be working all right, you need not worry.
Q–I hope you don’t mind one more letter about damaged armrests (Motormouth, Nov. 30) Mine was cracked in four places, and I had a 3-inch by 4-inch hole. I tried kits and a repair shop. Nothing worked. Then I went to Internet and found Dr. Vinyl. It was unbelievable. They make a complete plastic overlay for Cadillac and I assume other makes. The texture and color match is perfect. I am in no way connected to them but will recommend them without reservation.B.S., Rockford
A–We have seen some of Dr. Vinyl’s trucks around but don’t know anything about this company other than what we learned from its Web site, which, by the way, is www.drvinyl.com.
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Bob Weber is an ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician. Address your technical questions about cars and trucks to Motormouth, 17717 Silcott Springs Rd., Purcellville, Va., 20132. Send e-mail, with name and town, to MotormouthTribune@netscape.net. Answers will be supplied only through the newspaper.
