Seaside Auto Repair

Why Is My Car Making Noise From the Rear? Common Causes and Solutions If you’re hearing strange noises from the rear of your vehicle, it’s not something to ignore. Recently, at Wayside Garage, we had a Dodge Dart come in with a concerning noise coming from the right rear. After a thorough inspection, we discovered a severely damaged wheel bearing that could have led to catastrophic consequences if not addressed in time. Let’s dive into what causes this issue and how regular maintenance can prevent it. What Causes Noise from the Rear of Your Vehicle? One of the most common causes of noise from the rear of your vehicle is a worn-out wheel bearing. Wheel bearings are essential for allowing the wheels to spin freely with minimal friction. Over time, these bearings can wear out due to heat, lack of lubrication, or simply age. When a wheel bearing starts to fail, you might notice a grinding or h ... read more

What is a Digital Vehicle Inspection at Wayside Garage? If you're wondering why a comprehensive vehicle inspection is essential, you're not alone. Many car owners often overlook this crucial service, but it can be the key to keeping your vehicle safe and reliable on the road. At Wayside Garage in Seaside, California, we offer a digital vehicle health inspection tailored to meet your needs, whether you're due for an oil change or concerned about your brakes. In this post, we'll dive into the benefits of our comprehensive inspections and why they're a must for every car owner. What is a Comprehensive Vehicle Inspection? A comprehensive vehicle inspection at Wayside Garage goes beyond the basics. It includes all the checks in our complimentary inspection, plus a detailed examination of critical components like your brakes, tires, fluids, and alignment. We also run a full computer diagnostic ... read more

Why Is My Coolant Level Low? Understanding Your Vehicle's Cooling System If you've ever popped the hood of your car and noticed the coolant level is low, you might wonder why. The cooling system is crucial in keeping your engine from overheating, but a low coolant level could indicate a problem or just be a normal part of vehicle maintenance. Let's break down the possible reasons and what you should do about it. Understanding the Cooling System Your car's cooling system is designed to keep the engine at an optimal temperature. It circulates a mixture of water and antifreeze (coolant) through the engine to absorb heat and then releases that heat through the radiator. The coolant reservoir, often called a degas bottle, acts as an overflow tank where the coolant expands and contracts as it heats up and cools down. While this system is mostly sealed, allowing minimal evaporation, some coolant loss over time can happen. This is because t ... read more

How to Keep Your Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon in Top Shape Owning a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon is all about adventure and rugged performance. But to keep that performance in top shape, especially if your Jeep is lifted, regular maintenance is key. One critical step is ensuring that your steering system and suspension are checked twice a year. The Importance of Tight Steering If there's one thing every Jeep owner should know, it's the importance of tight steering. Whether you're cruising down the highway or tackling off-road trails, precise steering is crucial for safety and control. Recently, during an inspection of a 2007 Jeep Wrangler, we found that the right front sway bar link was loose, while the left front was tight. This imbalance can lead to steering issues, making your ride less stable and safe. Why It Matters: Loose steering components, like sway bar links, can cause uneven handling and increase wear o ... read more

Is Your Jeep or Truck Ready for an Off-Road Adventure? Here's How a Pre-Trip Inspection at Wayside Garage Can Help Planning an off-road trip is exciting, but ensuring your vehicle is prepared for the rugged terrain is crucial. Whether you drive a Jeep, truck, or another off-road vehicle, the challenges of trails, rocks, and unpredictable landscapes require more than just enthusiasm. At Wayside Garage, we understand the importance of vehicle readiness and offer comprehensive pre-trip inspections to give you peace of mind before you hit the trail. Why Is a Pre-Trip Inspection Important? Off-road driving puts your vehicle through extreme conditions that can test its limits. From steep inclines to deep mud, every component of your vehicle must be in top condition. A pre-trip inspection can help identify potential issues that might not be apparent in everyday driving but could become major problems on the trail. This inspection ensures your vehicle i ... read more