Seaside Auto Repair

Mouse vs Car I'd like to share with you some of the things we see going on with the cars in our community. It's that time of year again... Season of the mouse!  This year it is shocking the number of cars we see that have signs of rodent's nest or rodent damage. There have been many that have extensive enough damage that we are getting the vehicle owner's insurance involved. Yes, if you have coverage, your insurance will cover rodent damage.  With that being said, I would like to revisit some possible deterrents that we can all do to help keep the mice at bay. One or more of these may save you a bunch of money and a ton of heartache.  Let's start with the easy one. If you live in an area that allows, popping your hood to allow extra airflow can help. Remember to close your hood before you drive off. Mice love a nice cozy area away from the wind to snuggle and create their nest. Your engine compartment is a perfect spot for them.&n ... read more

Why do my brakes squeak?   Brakes are an essential part of any vehicle and ensure a smooth, safe ride. However, over time they can begin to squeak or squeal. This can be annoying and embarrassing, but it's important to understand the cause of this problem so you can fix it accordingly. There are a few reasons why your brakes may start to squeak. One possibility is that your brake pads are getting old and need to be replaced. Another possibility is that your brakes are dirty and need to be cleaned. Lastly, it's possible that you have a loose brake caliper or other components that need to be tightened.   If you're experiencing Brake noise, the first thing you should do is bring your car to a Brake Shop or Auto Repair center so they can take a look and diagnose the problem. From there, they'll be able to tell you what needs to be done to fix it.   At Wayside Garage, our ASE Certified technicians are happy to inspect your brakes! Give u ... read more

When do I need brakes?     A few signs indicate it might be time for new brakes. If your car is pulling to one side when you brake, or if the brake pedal feels spongy when depressed, these could be signs that your brakes need attention. Another telltale sign is a high-pitched squealing noise from your wheels when you brake. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to have your brakes checked by a professional.   Of course, the best way to know for sure if your brakes need replacement is to have them inspected by one of our qualified technicians. We can not only tell you, but show you definitively whether or not your brakes need to be replaced. So if you're unsure, it's always best to err on the side of caution and get them checked out. Better safe than sorry!   Do you have any other questions about when to replace your brakes? Make a Reservation or Call us at ... read more

Although electric vehicles may appear to be “service free”, they do indeed still need a little tender loving care. An EV doesn’t require services such as tune-ups, oil changes, cooling system flush, or transmission services. However, an EV is not maintenance-free. As per the manufacturer’s recommendations, there are periodic services and inspections are required. If the recommendations are not followed, it is possible that your warranty may be affected. What are these maintenance items you ask? The most self-evident would be tire rotations and wiper blades. Don’t forget the cabin air filter and inspecting for possible rodent issues. Most sound pretty simple. Yet, it is highly recommended that you have a trained technician perform the service. Doing so will keep your warranty and avoid any possibility of an unknown or unseen exposure to the high voltage wiring. Typical monthly service for an EV would be checking tire pressu ... read more

The average driver believes that shock absorbers are only meant to keep your car from bouncing up and down too much. It used to be that a simple bounce test or drive over a speed bump was a great indicator that it was time to replace the shocks or struts. The facts are shocks and struts do not wear out overnight. Shocks and struts tend to wear gradually over time. Shocks and struts absolutely contribute to your car or truck’s ride, but they do so much more. They help your vehicle stay in control while driving and while stopping. Most people do not realize that uneven tire wear or noisy tires can be symptoms of worn or damaged shocks or struts. Weak shocks or struts can produce a cupped or scalloped tire tread that results in uneven tire wear patches. These patches will cause a roaring or tapping noise while you drive. Another issue that is overlooked due to weak shocks or struts is braking ability. Sounds weird, right? How do my tires affect my braking? They are two separate s ... read more