Seaside Auto Repair

Trick or Treat? Can I bring my own parts to a mechanic? Halloween brings the excitement of mystery and fun, but when it comes to auto repairs, mysteries are best left to haunted houses—not your car! Choosing to bring your own parts to the repair shop might seem like a treat for your wallet, but it can lead to some scary “tricks” down the road. This Halloween, let’s explore why relying on certified mechanics to supply the parts for your vehicle is the sweetest (and smartest) choice. 1. Beware the Trick: Liability Insurance Won’t Cover Customer-Supplied Parts Imagine stepping into a haunted house without any protection—it’s risky and unpredictable. That’s similar to bringing your own parts to an auto shop. When you bring in parts from outside, liability insurance that covers professional work at the shop often doesn’t apply. Why? Liability Risks: If a part you provided fails, liability insurance won ... read more

Why Are My Brakes Squeaking? Squeaking brakes can be frustrating, but they also serve as an important warning that your brake system may need attention. At Wayside Garage, we believe it’s important to understand what causes your brakes to squeak and how to address the issue before it leads to bigger problems. Why Do My Brakes Squeak? Squeaking brakes are a common issue, and there are several possible reasons behind it: 1. Worn Brake Pads The most frequent cause of squeaking brakes is worn-out brake pads. Modern brake pads often come with a built-in metal wear indicator, which makes a high-pitched noise when the pads are getting too thin. This squeal is your car’s way of telling you it’s time for a replacement before more damage is done to the brake system​ 2. Moisture or Debris Sometimes, squeaking can occur due to moisture or debris, like dust or small rocks, getting stuck between the brake pads and rotors. Th ... read more

Why Are My Brakes Grinding? Hearing a grinding noise when you hit the brakes is never a good sign. It’s not only frustrating, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your brake system that needs immediate attention. At Wayside Garage, we want to help you understand why your brakes are grinding and what you can do to fix the problem. Why Are My Brakes Grinding? Brakes typically grind when there's metal-on-metal contact happening within the braking system. This noise usually points to worn-out parts, but there can be other causes as well. Here are the most common reasons why your brakes might be grinding: 1. Worn Brake Pads The most frequent cause of grinding brakes is worn-out brake pads. Brake pads are designed to wear down over time, and if they’re not replaced regularly, they can wear all the way down to the metal. When this happens, the metal backing of the brake pad starts to make contact with the rotor, leading to a grin ... read more

wheel shake wayside garage by Stacey Diaz Why Is My Steering Wheel Shaking When I Brake? If you've ever felt your steering wheel shake when braking, you know it can be alarming. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it's also a sign that something might be wrong with your vehicle. At Wayside Garage, we’re here to help you understand why this happens and what you can do about it. Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake? When your steering wheel vibrates during braking, it’s often due to issues in your brake or suspension system. Here are some common reasons this happens: 1. Warped Brake Rotors Your brake rotors are the discs that your brake pads clamp down on to stop your vehicle. Over time, these rotors can warp due to heat, wear, or uneven press ... read more

October is Brakes for Breasts Month at Wayside Garage! Your vehicle’s brakes are one of the most critical components when it comes to safety. Whether you're driving around town or hitting the highway, properly functioning brakes can be the difference between a close call and a serious accident. That’s why at Wayside Garage, we’re excited to support the Brakes for Breasts campaign this October. This month, you can get a free set of brake pads or brake shoes when you schedule a brake service, and we will donate 10% of all brake repair proceeds to help fund breast cancer vaccine research. Why Are Your Brakes So Important? Your brakes are what allow your car to stop quickly and safely. Over time, wear and tear from daily driving can cause brake pads to thin out, reducing their effectiveness. If left unchecked, worn brake pads can lead to further damage to your braking system, such as rotor wear or even brake failur ... read more