Q. My 2000 Volkswagen Golf has an odd problem with the brake system. From time to time, the ABS and red brake light will come on. It sometimes happens at low speeds and other times on the highway. The only common denominator is it sometimes happens over bumps. I have had the brakes and computer checked and have been told everything is OK. What do you think could be wrong?

A. The most likely problem is a faulty ignition switch. As the switch starts to wear, power is lost to the brake system. The most common cause of this condition is having a heavy key ring. If your key ring has cards, pictures, toys and other items, this could be the cause of your car’s worn ignition.

Chattering wipers

Q. I have a Honda Fit and love the car, but the windshield wipers chatter. I returned to the dealer and they put on new wiper blades, but this didn’t help. Do you have any suggestions?

A. According to AllData, the technical database I use, Honda did issue a technical service bulletin that covers just this problem. Have the Honda dealer check body bulletin number 07-018. The repair is simple; the dealer needs to replace the wiper arms due to insufficient pressure against the windshield.

Failing engine mounts

Q. I have a 2000 Cadillac and the car clunks when I shift in and out of gear. I had the car checked and the repair shop said I need a motor mount. Several years ago, I had a motor mount replaced for the same problem. Back then it was replaced under warranty, but now I have to pay for it. I don’t mind paying for it once, but I don’t want to pay several hundred dollars every three years. What can I do?

A. The motor mount actually fails due to the heat generated from the exhaust manifold. Have your repair shop install the front engine mount heat shield. This should solve the short life of this engine mount.

Cabin air filters

Q. I recently had my car in for service, and the repair shop told me it needs a cabin air filter. I know what an air filter is for my engine, but what is a cabin air filter?

A. A cabin air filter keeps out dust, pollen and other impurities from the car’s heating and air conditioning system. In most cars the filter is fairly simple to replace and costs about $20. When the filter gets badly clogged, it can limit the air flow out of the heater and defroster. As a general rule, the filter should be checked or replaced every 20,000 miles.

Batteries slow electric cars

Q. What do you think about the possibilities of an electric car? They seemed to be all the rage for a few years and now hybrids have taken over. I like the idea of never having to go to a gas station. Do you think we will see a good workable electric car in the near future?

A. Back at the turn of the last century, electric cars were quite popular. They were clean, quiet and easy to drive. The problem was the battery. Battery life was not great, delivering only about 25 to 30 miles between recharges. About 10 years ago, I had an electric car that was manufactured in Massachusetts and battery life was again a problem. In the most recent years, many vehicle manufacturers have developed NAVs. These are neighborhood electric vehicles that have a top speed of 25 miles per hour and generally about a 40-mile range, but still the batteries are the biggest stumbling block. The electric car that has broken the trend of poor performance is the Tesla, a sports car with amazing performance and a great range. The batteries are a lithium-ion type and can be recharged hundreds of times. Currently, the Tesla is available in limited areas and I understand is priced around $100,000.

projocars@projo.com