Dave’s Free Car Repair Advice

Kia sedona 02 all of sudden brake pedal went solid and brakes stuck on for about 3-5 miles then released. Went further 20 miles then same happened, got home switched off car left 4 an hour then restarted, brakes normal…any ideas cheers

Alan, happy to see you made it home OK… That can be a scary way to be cruising down the road, with bad brakes… Anyway, I am sure you have checked your brake fluid level by now, also you may want to make sure your emergency brake is not on, which could make things act up. Also check the vacuum line going to the vacuum brake assist diaphragm right near your brake fluid reservoir. With the vacuum line leaking this would make your brakes ” hard ” to push. Check both ends of this line, it is usually quite thick and sturdy but may have vibrated loose. Good Luck Alan, Drive safe!

WD-40 has been around for 55 years! People use it for all kinds of things around the house as well as on their cars.

Invented by the Rocket Chemical Company of San Diego, California, the team of inventors were working on a line of industrial rust-prevention solvents and degreasers for use in the aerospace industry. WD-40 literally stands for water displacement 40th attempt.

Some of the Uses for WD-40 on Cars and Trucks

These are only a few of the automotive uses for WD-40:

• Removes tar from chassis

• Removes decals from windows and bumper

2002 nissan sentra, standard trany. Upon ingition, the engine either oscillates or idles at 30,000 rpm, and the highway cruising (100kph) at 30,000 rpm. Is it the computer and should it be replaced? Thanks, Dave!!

Hello Frank,

This is interesting. I take it the instrument panel is digital since it is displaying 30,000 rpm instead of a reasonable 3000. Even if it idles at 3000 rpm that is way too high.  If the engine seems like it is idling way too high then it does need to go into the shop for diagnostics.

When you’re shopping for a new car, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and sexy looks of a car. But you need to keep in mind repair costs - some cars may be cheap, but if the five-year repair cost is high you might be better off buying your second choice in that vehicle’s class.

In some cases there’s a big difference for vehicles by the same maker. In any case, the last thing you want to do is buy a repair nightmare.