Posted on 6/16/2025

Mechanic Near Me: How to Spot a Trustworthy Auto Shop in Seaside, CA If you’ve ever searched for a “mechanic near me,” you know how overwhelming the results can be. Every shop claims to be the best, but how can you really tell? At Wayside Garage, we believe in educating drivers so they can make informed decisions about their vehicle and who they trust to service it. Here's what to look for when choosing an auto repair shop—and why so many Seaside and Monterey County drivers rely on us. What to Look For in a Trustworthy Mechanic 1. Diagnostics First, Not Guesswork A professional shop should always begin with a thorough diagnostic. If a mechanic jumps straight to repairs without a proper inspection, you’re more likely to end up paying for unnecessary parts and labor. 2. Certified and Qualified Technicians Look for ASE-certified technicians. This certification ensures that the people working on your vehicle have been trained and tested to perform acc ... read more
Posted on 6/2/2025

🛠️ The Best Auto Shop Near You in Seaside, CA – What to Look For When your check engine light flashes on—or your brakes start to squeal—your first thought is probably, “I need a good auto shop near me... and fast.” But how do you know which one to trust? At Wayside Garage, we’ve been helping Seaside and Monterey County drivers feel confident in their repairs since 1946. So today, we’re sharing how to spot a quality shop—and why so many locals choose us. 🔍 What Makes an Auto Shop “The Best”? If you're not a car expert, here are five signs you're choosing a reliable, professional shop: ✅ 1. Certified Technicians Look for certifications like ASE (Automotive Service Excellence), which shows that mechanics are ... read more
Posted on 3/24/2025

Auto Repair Near Me: How to Find the Best Mechanic in Monterey County When your car starts acting up, the first thing you do is search for “auto repair near me.” But with so many options in Seaside, Monterey, Marina, Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Hwy 68, how do you know which shop to trust? At Wayside Garage, we believe in honest, high-quality service that keeps you safe on the road. Whether you need a simple oil change, brake repair, A/C service, or a full engine diagnosis, finding the right local mechanic is key to keeping your car running smoothly. 🚗 What Our Customers Say: "I came here after reading the reviews… I could ... read more
Posted on 11/5/2024
Should You Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection for Your Next Used Car? Thinking about buying a used vehicle? It’s a smart way to save money while still getting a reliable car – if you do your due diligence. One essential step before signing anything is to have the vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic. This can save you from unexpected problems and help you make a well-informed purchase. At Wayside Garage, we specialize in pre-purchase inspections that give you a comprehensive look at the car’s condition. Here’s why a pre-purchase inspection is worth it and what you can expect when you bring your potential new vehicle to us. Why Have a Pre-Purchase Inspection Done? A used car can come with a history that isn’t immediately visible. Hidden issues can affect its performance, longevity, and safety. A thorough inspection reveals potential problems and shows if the vehicle was regularly maintained, letting you buy with confidence. And most ... read more
Posted on 10/31/2024

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