Seaside Auto Repair

Why Should I Service My Transmission? Keeping your car in excellent condition is crucial, especially when it comes to the transmission. At Wayside Garage, we recently serviced a 2016 Toyota Highlander for its 70,000-mile checkup. Among the services performed, the transmission service was particularly vital. Here's why servicing your transmission should be a priority. Importance of Transmission Service Your car's transmission is a complex system that requires regular maintenance to function smoothly. Our ASE certified technicians, emphasized the importance of bringing your car in every six months for an inspection. During these checkups, we sample the transmission fluid and check for any potential issues, such as leaks or necessary updates. For the Highlander, we detected a minor pan gasket leak early on, which is a great example of how timely maintenance can prevent more significant problems. Regular transmission services typically include ... read more

Essential Maintenance Tips for Audi Owners in Seaside, CA Owning an Audi means experiencing luxury, performance, and style. To keep your Audi in top shape, regular maintenance is key. At Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, we specialize in providing exceptional Audi services to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently. Here's a comprehensive guide to essential maintenance for your Audi. Why is Regular Maintenance Crucial for Your Audi? Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of your Audi. It helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, maintains the vehicle’s resale value, and ensures a safe driving experience. Let’s dive into the details of what your Audi needs to stay in peak condition. Keep Your Engine Purring: Oil and Filter Changes Every 5,000 Miles Imagine the smooth hum of a well-oiled engine as you cruise along Monterey’s scenic 17-Mile Drive. To keep that engine running smoothly ... read more

Why Is My Car Overheating? Common Causes and How to Prevent Them Hey everyone, it's Stacey from Wayside Garage! Today, we're tackling a question we often get: "Why is my car overheating?" Jonathan and I recently worked on a Ford Escape with this issue, and we found some interesting things that we want to share with you. Let's dive into the details and learn how to prevent overheating in your vehicle. Common Causes of Overheating:1. Broken Belts: In the case of the Ford Escape, we discovered a broken belt. The customer initially heard a belt noise but didn't think much of it. This belt drives crucial components like the water pump, which circulates coolant through the engine. When the belt broke, the water pump stopped working, leading to overheating.  2. Faulty Water Pump: The squealing noise the customer heard was actually the water pump starting to fail. A w ... read more

Why would I need a Catalytic Converter? At Wayside Garage, we recently had a Toyota Tacoma come in with a check engine light on. Jonathan and I dove into the diagnostics to figure out what was going on. Here's a rundown of our process and findings, which might help you understand what goes into diagnosing and fixing such issues. Understanding the Problem The check engine light was triggered by a P0430 code, which points to a problem with the catalytic converter, specifically on bank two. This code indicates that the catalytic converter isn't operating efficiently. Diagnostic Process 1. Pulling Codes: We started by pulling the diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) using our scanner. 2. Driving and Monitoring: We then drove the vehicle with the scanner connected while monitoring the upstream and downstream oxygen sensors. These sensors help us understand how well the catalytic converter is performing. What We Found ... read more

Should I Fix My Car Or Trade It In? True Cost To Own New Versus Maintaining the Vehicle You Already Own At Wayside Garage, we believe in the longevity and performance of your vehicle. Whether you’re driving a 2024 Honda Accord or a trusty 2010 model, maintaining your car is essential to keep it running smoothly. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the costs and benefits of maintaining your vehicle versus buying a new or used one. The Costs of Maintaining Your Current Vehicle Regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your vehicle. Here’s a breakdown of typical services and their costs over 75,000 miles: - Fluids (oil, brake, transmission, etc.): Essential for smooth operation, to be checked and replaced as per manufacturer guidelines. - Belts and Hoses: Inspect for wear and tear to prevent breakdowns. - Filters (oil, air, fuel, cabin): Replace regularly to ensure clean operation. - Batteries: Check and re ... read more