Seaside Auto Repair

Why Is My Check Engine Light On? PO430 Is your check engine light on, and your car's computer is throwing a P0430 code? For drivers of older vehicles like the 2000 Ford Windstar, this can be a cause for concern, but it doesn’t have to be. At Wayside Garage, we’ve seen this issue often and can help explain what’s going on. What Does a P0430 Code Mean? A P0430 code refers to "Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold" for bank two, which means your catalytic converter on that side of the engine isn’t performing efficiently. The catalytic converter is responsible for reducing harmful emissions from your engine, so when this component struggles, it could be bad news for both your vehicle’s performance and the environment. What Causes a P0430 Code? Several issues can trigger a P0430 code: Aging Oxygen Sensors: These sensors monitor your engine's fuel mixture. If they aren’t functioning properly, they can ... read more

Why Is My Car Leaking? Radiator Hose Hey there, Stacey here from Wayside Garage in Seaside, California! Today, we’re tackling a common car issue that could sneak up on you—a fluid leak. Specifically, we're diving into cooling system leaks, which can lead to bigger problems if not addressed. What We Found on This 2014 Hybrid C-Max One of our recent customers brought in a 2014 Hybrid C-Max with a mysterious fluid leak. After a thorough inspection, we found two leaks, but today we'll focus on the cooling system. We discovered that the radiator hoses, particularly the lower hose, were leaking. The Importance of Your Radiator Hoses Radiator hoses aren’t just small pieces of rubber. In this case, the lower radiator hose assembly was the culprit, and you can’t simply replace a section—it’s an all-in-one deal. Given the vehicle's age and ... read more

Why Is My Check Engine Light On? Rodents Might Be to Blame! At Wayside Garage, we recently helped a client with a check engine light, traction control light, and poor engine performance. Our certified technician, Jonathan, found an unexpected culprit: rodents had chewed through the wiring! When the car was brought in, it wouldn’t stay running. After running diagnostics, Jonathan discovered a mass airflow sensor code. This sensor, which helps measure the air going into the engine, had been damaged, but that wasn't the only issue. Under the hood, we found clear signs of rodent activity—chewed wires and seeds near the sensor. Why Rodent Damage Happens Rodents like mice and rats are notorious for seeking shelter in warm engine compartments, especially during colder months. They can chew through wires, causing significant damage to your vehicle’s electrical system. In this case, th ... read more

Why Is My Car Leaking Fluid? If you've been putting off that transmission service, it might be time to reconsider. At Wayside Garage, we recently had a 2014 Ford C-Max come in with a fluid leak that seemed to be engine oil at first. Upon inspection, however, we discovered it was actually transmission fluid leaking from a worn transmission cooler line. This isn't uncommon, especially in older vehicles. Over time, seals can become brittle, allowing transmission fluid to leak and cause serious damage. What Causes Transmission Leaks? Transmission cooler lines are vital to regulating the temperature of your transmission. These lines transport fluid to the cooler, preventing the transmission from overheating. Unfortunately, the seals that connect the cooler lines to the transmission can become hard and brittle with age and mileage, allowing fluid to seep out. Once the fluid leaks, your transmission could ... read more

What Maintenance Does My Electric Vehicle Need? Electric vehicles (EVs) are the future of driving, offering a cleaner, quieter, and often more cost-effective alternative to traditional gasoline cars. However, like any vehicle, your EV needs regular maintenance to stay in top shape. Here's why keeping up with maintenance is crucial and what you should focus on to keep your EV running smoothly. Why EV Maintenance Is Important1. Safety First Safety is the top priority when it comes to vehicle maintenance. EVs are designed with advanced technology, including regenerative braking systems, high-voltage batteries, and electric drive systems. Regular maintenance ensures that these components work properly, reducing the risk of breakdowns or accidents. For example, inspecting the brakes and traction control annually ensures that your vehicle can stop effectively, even in emergency situations ... read more