Q: I have come across motorists whose brake lights come on hundreds of feet before a stop light. Brake lights come on, the vehicle immediately slows and it eventually comes to a complete stop at the light. Strictly in terms of brake wear, does a gentle stop over a long distance and time wear out the brakes less than a firmer stop (no skid marks) at a light? Figure initial speed is 40-45 mph.

D.D., Palos Hills, Illinois

A: Energy can be neither created nor destroyed. While braking, friction converts kinetic energy to heat energy. The wear would be about the same — all other things being equal. However, intense heat from hard braking impacts both the brake pads and rotors. I have seen rotors glowing at night during 24-hour races. I have no intention, though, of applying a formula for the transfer of energy for your 40-45 mph figure. Yeah, I expect I will get mail from physicists.

Q: I own a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek with 44,000 miles without any issues. Recently the engine has gotten much louder. I took it to a Subaru dealer who couldn't find any problems and told us that it's normal and that this engine gets louder as the car gets older. Your take?

M.E., Woodridge, Illinois

A: I would check out the engine’s air intake system. There may be a leak from a loose duct. Check the air filter and its housing and replace the filter. Finally make sure no items are rubbing or vibrating. Look for shiny marks.

Q: Many decades ago, I worked part time at a Clark gas station. I remember one of the drivers who delivered our product cautioning me not to ever fill up whenever a fuel tanker was off-loading its gas. He said that the fuel being poured into the underground tanks would kick up water or sediment sitting at the bottom, and if you were pumping gas at the same time, you could end up fouling your own fuel system. That's made me wonder, is that still an issue to be concerned with these days?

M.P., Palatine, Illinois

A: It is unlikely any junk will reach your car’s gas tank. First of all, there is a lip and spillage bucket in the access hole where the fuel is delivered to prevent stuff from getting into the underground tank. Second, the pickup for the dispenser (“gas pump”) is well above the bottom of the tank. Third, there is a filter between the tank and the dispenser. Additionally, station attendants use a long measuring stick to inventory the fuel level in the underground tank. They may also apply water-detecting goo to the end of the stick.

Q: Enjoy your column, even though I don’t know much about cars. One thing I do know however, is that I love my 2010 VW Beetle. The oversized dashboard -- and its ample distance from the steering wheel -- give me a panoramic view of the road. I have a great mechanic who told me that this car actually has half of a Lamborghini engine! It does have great pickup. Why did VW halt production of the Beetle?

A.G., Chicago

A: Weak sales. The last Beetle rolled off the assembly line in July 2019. But rumor has it that it may be reincarnated as an electric car.

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