Seaside Auto Repair

How Often Should I Change My Brake Pads? Your vehicle's brake pads are one of the most critical components for your safety on the road, yet knowing when to change them can be tricky. So, how often should you change your brake pads? The answer depends on several factors like your driving habits, the type of vehicle, and even the quality of the brake pads themselves. General Guidelines for Brake Pad Replacement On average, most brake pads should be replaced every 30,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on their wear. However, it's essential to listen to your vehicle—literally! Squeaking or grinding noises when you brake are often tell-tale signs that your pads are worn out and need immediate attention. At Wayside Garage, we recommend having your brakes inspected every time you bring your vehicle in for service. Regular brake checks help catch potential issues early, saving you money in the long run and ensuring your car is al ... read more

Wayside Garage Partners with Brakes for Breasts: 8th Year of Making a Difference October is here, and it's time to gear up for a cause that's near and dear to our hearts! For the 8th consecutive year, Wayside Garage is proud to partner with Brakes for Breasts, a campaign that raises funds for breast cancer research. Throughout October, we’ll be offering free brake pads with every brake service, and 10% of the proceeds from these services will go directly to breast cancer research. What Is Brakes for Breasts? Brakes for Breasts is an inspiring initiative that unites independent auto repair shops across the nation in the fight against breast cancer. The funds raised through this campaign are dedicated to developing a breast cancer vaccine, providing hope for millions affected by this disease. How You Can Help Supporting the cause is simple. When you bring your car to Wayside Garage for a brake service this October, you’ll receive free bra ... read more

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

Why Do I Need to Pay for a Brake Inspection? When you call a shop asking for a price on brakes, there's a lot more we need to know before we can give you an accurate quote. As a shop, our main goal is to ensure your safety and provide the best service possible. This often starts with asking a few questions to understand your situation better: 1. Front or Rear Brakes? - Different cars and issues require different parts and labor. 2. Pads, Rotors, Calipers? - Knowing what parts you might need helps us prepare and provide an accurate quote. 3. What Are You Experiencing? - Strange noises, vibrations, or poor braking performance can indicate different problems. Here is a Real-Life Example Recently, a European vehicle came to us for a second opinion after another shop inspected it. The customer had asked for a price over the phone, but without seeing the car, we couldn't provide an accurate quote.  When we ... read more

Why Are My Brakes Screeching? Hearing a screeching sound when you hit the brakes can be alarming. Not only is it unpleasant, but it can also indicate that something is wrong with your vehicle. Understanding the reasons behind this noise is crucial for maintaining your car’s safety and performance. Common Causes of Screeching Brakes Worn Brake Pads One of the most common reasons for screeching brakes is worn brake pads. Brake pads have a metal indicator that produces a screeching sound when they’re nearly worn out. This noise serves as a warning that it’s time to replace the pads. Ignoring this sound can lead to more serious damage and reduced braking efficiency. Dust and Debris Sometimes, dust and debris can get caught between the brake pads and the rotor, causing a screeching sound. This is often a temporary issue and can be resolved by cleaning the brakes. Regular maintenance and cleaning can prevent this proble ... read more