Seaside Auto Repair

🚨 Is It Safe to Drive With the Check Engine Light On? (And When It’s Not Worth the Risk)   You’re cruising along when ding!—that little orange check engine light pops on. Your car still feels fine… so is it okay to keep driving? Short answer? Maybe. But maybe not. At Wayside Garage, we’ve helped hundreds of customers figure out exactly what their check engine light means—and whether it’s safe to drive or time to park it. 🔍 Why Is My Check Engine Light On? Modern cars have sensors that constantly monitor your engine and emissions system. When something isn’t working quite right, the light comes on. Here are some common causes: Loose gas cap – Yep, it really can be that simple ... read more

🛢️ Why Is There Oil Under My Car? (What That Puddle Means and How to Fix It) So you pull out of your driveway and there it is—a dark puddle under your car. It smells a little burnt, feels slick, and definitely wasn’t there yesterday. The most likely culprit? An oil leak. At Wayside Garage, we see this every week. And while oil leaks can look scary, the fix is often faster and more affordable than most people think. 🔍 What Causes Oil to Leak? Here are the most common sources of oil leaks we find during inspections: Worn valve cover gaskets – These seals degrade over time, especially in older vehicles. Oil pan gasket leak &nda ... read more

🚙 Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake? (And What You Can Do About It Before It Gets Worse) That shaky, vibrating feeling when you hit the brakes isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s a red flag. Whether you feel it in your steering wheel, seat, or even your brake pedal, shaking when braking is one of the most common brake system complaints we see at Wayside Garage. The good news? It’s almost always fixable, and often at a much lower cost than people expect. 🔍 What Causes Your Car to Shake When Braking? The most likely culprits are: Warped brake rotors – When rotors wear unevenly, the pads don’t grip smoothly, causing vibration. Worn-out brake pads – If pads are low or uneven, they can cause pulsing or s ... read more

❄️ Why Isn’t My AC Blowing Cold Air? (And How to Fix It Before Summer Hits)Meta Description: Is your car’s AC not blowing cold air? Find out the most common causes and affordable fixes to stay cool this summer. There’s nothing worse than hitting the road on a warm day and realizing your AC is blowing warm, stale air. If you’re wondering why your car’s AC isn't working like it used to, you're not alone. At Wayside Garage, we see this issue spike every spring. The good news? Many fixes are quick, affordable, and can save you from sweating it out all summer. 🔍 Why Is My AC Not Blowing Cold? Here are the most common reasons your AC is failing to cool: Low refrigeran ... read more