Seaside Auto Repair

At Wayside Garage in Seaside, California, we're all about keeping your car running well and for a long time. One essential way to do that is by getting your oil changed every 5 to 6 months or every 5,000 miles. You might wonder, "Why bother, I don't drive that much?" Let's get into the reasons.  Here are a few reasons why getting your oil changed is a must:     - Keeps Your Engine Happy: Think of your car's engine as its heart. Just like you need to keep your heart healthy, your car's engine needs clean oil to stay in tip-top shape.     - Improves Performance: Fresh oil lubricates the engine's parts, helping them move more freely. This means better performance for your car and smoother rides for you!     - Prevents Engine Wear: Over time, oil can get dirty and break down, causing friction and wear on engine parts. Regularly scheduled oil changes help prevent ... read more

We know you're busy folks, but taking care of your car is super important. Today, we're going to talk about something that might surprise you: rodents and your car. Yep, those little critters can cause big problems if you're not careful. You see, rodents like mice and rats love to cozy up in warm places during the colder months. And what's warmer than the engine bay of your car? Unfortunately, they don't just hang out there for the warmth. They like to nibble on things, like wires and hoses. And that's bad news for your car. Here's why it's crucial to get your car checked at least every six months: 1. Prevention is Key: By getting your car checked regularly, a mechanic can spot any signs of rodent activity before it becomes a big problem. They can look for chewed wires, nests, and other telltale signs. 2. Avoid Costly Repairs: If rodents damage your car's wiring or other important parts, it can be expen ... read more

Ever hopped into your car and noticed that distinct smell of gasoline? It can be a bit concerning, right? No worries! Let's talk about why your car might smell like gas and what could be causing it. When your car smells like gas, it's important to pay attention because it might signal a problem. Here are some reasons why: 1. Fuel Leaks: Any leaks in your car's fuel system, like from hoses or the fuel tank, can let gas escape and cause a noticeable smell. 2. Engine Misfires: When your engine doesn't burn fuel correctly, it can produce a gas smell. This might happen due to faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or other engine components. 3. Incorrect Air and Fuel Ratios: Sometimes, worn-out or defective ignition and fuel components can mess with the balance of air and fuel in your engine. This can lead to a gas smell lingering in your car. 4. Evaporative System Issues: Modern cars have systems to capture and manage gas ... read more

Are you finding yourself stranded with a dead car battery more often than you'd like? If so, you're not alone. Understanding why your car battery keeps dying can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run. Let's explore some common culprits and solutions to keep your car powered up and running smoothly or check out this video!  1. Parasitic Draw: Ever left something plugged into your car overnight, only to find your battery drained the next morning? This could be due to a parasitic draw issue. It happens when certain electrical components in your car continue to draw power even when the engine is off. Make sure to unplug devices and check for lights that may be staying on unnecessarily. 2. Charging System Problems: Your car's alternator and voltage regulator play crucial roles in keeping the battery charged while you drive. If either of these components mal ... read more