Seaside Auto Repair

Ready for the Road: Essential Pre-Trip Maintenance for Your Sprinter Van RV As summer winds down and Labor Day approaches, it’s the perfect time to hit the road for that final summer getaway. If you’re planning a road trip in your Ram Sprinter or Mercedes Sprinter van RV, ensuring your vehicle is "road trip ready" is essential. At Wayside Garage, we understand the importance of preparing your vehicle for long journeys. Here's a guide to the key maintenance tasks you should consider before you embark on your next adventure. Why Pre-Trip Maintenance Matters Long road trips can put a significant strain on your Sprinter van, especially when it's fully loaded with gear, supplies, and passengers. Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, improves fuel efficiency, and ensures the safety of everyone on board. Whether you're exploring national parks or heading to the coast, a well-maintained vehicle means more ... read more

Keep Your Car in Top Shape with Wayside Garage’s Car Care Membership! At Wayside Garage, we understand that keeping your car in optimal condition can sometimes be a hassle. From unexpected repairs to routine maintenance, the costs can quickly add up. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our Car Care Membership – a comprehensive, cost-effective solution designed to give you peace of mind and keep your vehicle running smoothly all year round. What is the Car Care Membership? Our Car Care Membership is an annual subscription plan that offers a variety of maintenance services tailored to your vehicle’s needs. By signing up, you’ll benefit from significant savings on essential car care services and enjoy the convenience of regular maintenance without the surprise costs. Here’s a closer look at what each plan offers: Gold Plan - $59.75/month - 4 Oil Changes (Semi-synthetic or Synthetic) - Tire R ... read more

Why You Should Have a Pre-Purchase Inspection Before Buying a Used Car Buying a used car can be a great way to save money, but it’s important to make sure you’re getting a reliable vehicle. One of the best ways to ensure this is by having a pre-purchase inspection done by a professional mechanic. Here at Wayside Garage, we offer comprehensive pre-purchase inspections to give you peace of mind and help you make an informed decision. What is a Pre-Purchase Inspection? A pre-purchase inspection is a thorough evaluation of a used vehicle by a certified mechanic before you buy it. The goal is to uncover any potential issues or hidden problems that could affect the car’s performance, safety, and value. This inspection can save you from unexpected repairs and expenses down the road. Why Choose Wayside Garage for Your Pre-Purchase Inspection? At Wayside Garage, our pre-purchase inspection includes several critical checks ... read more

Why Do I Need an Alignment?Importance of Wheel Alignment If you've recently installed new tires, an alignment is crucial to ensure your vehicle handles properly. New tires with fresh tread can significantly impact how your vehicle sits and handles. If you notice your car pulling to the left or right while driving straight, it’s a clear indication that you need an alignment.  When to Get an Alignment 1. New Tires: Fresh tread changes the vehicle's handling. 2. Vehicle Modifications: Installing a lift or lowering kit necessitates an alignment to prevent uneven tire wear. 3. Driving Issues: If your car pulls to one side, it could be due to misalignment. 4. Wear and Tear: Uneven tire wear can result from hitting potholes, curbs, or worn-out steering and suspension parts. Benefits of Regular Alignment Checks Regular alignment check ... read more

Why is My Check Engine Light On? | The Oak Tree It's a common question: "Why is my check engine light on?" At Wayside Garage, we see this issue frequently. Your car's check engine light can illuminate for various reasons, and understanding why is crucial to maintaining your vehicle's health. Understanding Your Vehicle's Diagnostics Modern cars are complex, equipped with 30 to 50 computer modules. When we perform diagnostics, we're plugging into your car's onboard diagnostic port and scanning these computers for error codes. Think of your car’s diagnostic system as an oak tree: - Diagnostic Port: The trunk, where we connect our equipment. - Computer Modules: The branches stemming from the trunk. - Subcomponents: The smaller branches and leaves. When the check engine light comes on, we identify the main "branch" causing the issue and then inspect the ... read more