Seaside Auto Repair

Why is my car shaking when I brake? At Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, we're dedicated to ensuring your vehicle is in top condition for safe and smooth driving. Recently, a 1995 Toyota Land Cruiser came into our shop concerned about shaking while braking After out inspection and testing we found a worn outer tie rod. In this blog we will be highlighting the importance of a component often overlooked: the outer tie rod end. Let’s dive into why this part is crucial for your vehicle’s steering system and overall safety. The outer tie rod end is a critical part of your vehicle’s steering mechanism. It serves as a ball and socket joint that connects the steering knuckle — the part to which the wheels are mounted — to the steering linkage, which is controlled by the steering gear. This connection is pivotal for transferring the steering wheel's movements to the front wheels, allowing your vehicle to change direction smoothly and accurat ... read more

Why Do I Need An Air Filter?     A clean air filter is vital for the health of your engine, ensuring it performs efficiently and extends its lifespan. At Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, we recently examined a Ford truck with a significantly dirty air filter that had accumulated what looked to be around 100,000 miles of grit and debris. This example underscores the necessity of routine air filter checks and replacements. Why Replace Your Air Filter Regularly? Protecting Your Engine:   The air filter acts as the lungs of your engine, filtering out dust, dirt, and other pollutants before they can enter the engine compartment. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, causing the engine to work harder, which can lead to increased fuel consumption and, over time, significant engine wear. Recommendation for Air Filter Replacement:  While the general recommendation might be to change your air filter every ... read more

Why Is My Wheel Wobbling? A wobbling wheel can be a sign of serious issues that need immediate attention for your safety and vehicle integrity. At Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, we recently dealt with a customer driving an RV with this exact problem. The culprit? Worn wheel bearings. Let's dive into what wheel bearings are, why they're important, and how they can affect your driving experience. What Are Wheel Bearings? Wheel bearings are crucial components that allow your vehicle's wheels to rotate smoothly and freely. They bear the vehicle's weight and withstand the forces generated by the wheels. Depending on the vehicle, there are different styles of wheel bearings. Some bearings require routine maintenance, while others are sealed and considered non-serviceable.   When wheel bearings wear out, they can become noisy, producing a whirring or growling noise that increases with speed. This noise may change—becoming louder or quieter&mdash ... read more

Why Are My Brakes Grinding?  Properly functioning brakes are essential for the safety of any vehicle. At Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, we often handle cases where customers bring in vehicles with uneven brake wear. Let's delve into a recent example involving a GMC Denali to illustrate the importance of regular brake inspections and maintenance. The client was experiencing a grinding noise when the brakes were applied. Upon inspection, we discovered that the front brake pads of their GMC Denali were in poor condition. One pad was severely scuffed, and alarmingly, its counterpart was completely missing. This severe uneven wear was traced back to a seized brake caliper. This malfunction caused the brake pads to wear unevenly and ultimately led to a dangerous metal-on-metal grinding situation, necessitating immediate replacement of the front brakes. Brake calipers play a crucial role in your vehicle's braking system. They are responsible for applying press ... read more

Why Is My Car Shaking?  Experiencing a shake in your car can be a sign of underlying issues that need immediate attention. At Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, we often encounter vehicles with this problem and are well-equipped to diagnose and resolve it. Let’s explore one of the common reasons your car might be shaking and how we can help ensure your vehicle remains safe and reliable. Tire Wear and Damage:   One of the primary causes of car shaking is tire issues. Tires are your vehicle's only contact with the road, and their condition is critical to your driving experience. For example, uneven wear or internal damage in a tire can lead to significant vibrations. We recently examined a tire that was not only worn down to the wear indicator but was also beginning to split internally — a clear sign that it was time for a replacement. The Importance of Proper Tire Maintenance:  Ensuring your tires are ... read more