Check engine light diagnostic near me - Seaside & Monterey

March 17, 2025

It’s never a good feeling when your check engine light suddenly turns on. Is it a small issue, or is your engine about to fail? If you're driving in Monterey, Seaside, Pacific Grove, or Carmel, CA, and see that dreaded dashboard warning, don’t panic—Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, is here to help!

Your check engine light could be triggered by something minor like a loose gas cap or a serious problem like an engine misfire. Let’s break down the most common causes, what they mean, and when you should seek professional help.

What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?

Your check engine light (CEL) is part of your car’s onboard diagnostic system (OBD-II). When your vehicle detects an issue, it triggers the light and stores a trouble code, which a mechanic can scan to diagnose the problem.

There are two types of check engine lights:

🟡 Solid Check Engine Light – A warning that something needs attention soon.
🔴 Flashing Check Engine Light – A serious issue that requires immediate service!

💡 Tip: If your check engine light is flashing, pull over safely and call for help—this could indicate an engine misfire that can cause severe damage.

Top 5 Reasons Your Check Engine Light Is On

1. Loose or Faulty Gas Cap

Believe it or not, a loose or cracked gas cap can trigger your check engine light. The fuel system needs to stay sealed to maintain proper pressure.

How to Fix It:

✅ Tighten the gas cap and drive for a few miles—if the light turns off, you’re good to go!
🚗 If the light stays on, you may need a new gas cap or further diagnostics.

2. Failing Oxygen Sensor (O2 Sensor)

Your O2 sensor monitors how much oxygen is in the exhaust and helps adjust fuel efficiency. If it fails, your car burns more gas and increases emissions.

Signs of a Bad O2 Sensor:

🔴 Decreased gas mileage
🔴 Rotten egg or sulfur smell from the exhaust
🔴 Rough idling

💡 Fix: Ignoring this can damage your catalytic converter, leading to expensive repairs. Visit Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, for an O2 sensor check.

3. Bad Spark Plugs or Ignition Coils

Faulty spark plugs or ignition coils can cause misfires, making your check engine light flash.

Symptoms of Bad Spark Plugs:

⚠ Hard starting or rough idle
⚠ Poor acceleration or sluggish engine performance
⚠ Check engine light flashing while driving

💡 Fix: Spark plugs should be replaced every 30,000-100,000 miles, depending on your vehicle. We can check and replace them for you at Wayside Garage!

4. Catalytic Converter Failure

Your catalytic converter helps reduce emissions. If it fails, your car won’t pass a California smog test and may struggle to run.

Symptoms of Catalytic Converter Issues:

⚠ Check engine light stays on
⚠ Reduced fuel efficiency
⚠ Rotten egg smell from the exhaust

💡 Fix: If left unchecked, this can cause costly damage. Get a diagnostic check at Wayside Garage before it gets worse!

5. Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) Failure

Your MAF sensor controls the air-fuel mixture in your engine. If it fails, your engine may stall or hesitate when accelerating.

Signs of a Bad MAF Sensor:

🔴 Rough idling or stalling
🔴 Trouble starting the car
🔴 Decreased fuel economy

💡 Fix: Replacing a faulty MAF sensor early can prevent further engine issues. Stop by Wayside Garage for an inspection!

What Should You Do If Your Check Engine Light Comes On?

🚗 Step 1: Check Your Gas Cap – If it’s loose, tighten it and drive for a few miles.
🛠 Step 2: Look for Other Symptoms – Is your engine running rough? Is the light flashing?
🔧 Step 3: Get a Professional Diagnostic Check – Ignoring the problem could lead to expensive repairs!

At Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, we offer fast and accurate check engine light diagnostics!

📅 Schedule a diagnostic service today! Call us or book online.

👉 schedule your check engine light service!

Why Choose Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA?

✅ ASE-Certified Technicians – Experts in check engine light diagnostics
✅ Serving Monterey, Seaside, Pacific Grove & Carmel – Your trusted local repair shop
✅ State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Tools – Get the right answer the first time
✅ Transparent, Honest Service – No unnecessary repairs—just what your car needs!

📍 Visit us in Seaside, CA, for expert auto repair!

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How Do I Know If My Tires Are Safe to Drive On? Tips from Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA for National Tire Safety Week Tire safety is one of those things drivers don’t think about — until it’s too late. But as a local shop owner with over 38 years under the hood, I can tell you: the health of your tires has a major impact on how your car handles, brakes, and keeps you safe out on the road. That’s why we’re proud to support National Tire Safety Week 2025 , happening June 30 to July 4 — an annual effort from the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association to educate drivers on proper tire maintenance. And right here at Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA , we’re doing our part to help folks check in before they check out for summer road trips. 🚗 So, How Do You Know If Your Tires Are Safe? It really comes down to four key checks — easy to remember with the acronym P.A.R.T .: 🔹 P = Pressure Low tire pressure leads to poor fuel economy, sluggish handling, and faster wear. We recommend checking pressure monthly, especially before long drives. Always check when your tires are “cold” — that means before you hit the road, not after a grocery run. 🔹 A = Alignment If your car’s drifting left or right, or your steering feels off, your alignment may be out of whack. Misalignment causes uneven wear, hurts handling, and can shorten your tire life — not to mention your patience. 🔹 R = Rotation You’d be surprised how fast tires can wear unevenly. We rotate tires every 5,000–7,500 miles to make sure all four tires wear evenly. This extends tire life and keeps your vehicle handling the way it should. 🔹 T = Tread Tires need grip, especially in wet or winding road conditions. We recommend checking tread depth monthly. If your tire tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch or less — or if you see visible cracking or bulges — it’s time to replace them. 💡 Quick Tip: Stick a penny into your tread, Lincoln's head down. If you can see all of Honest Abe's noggin, your tread is too low. 🛠️ What We Offer at Wayside Garage, Seaside CA We’ve been serving the Seaside community for nearly four decades, and tire safety is something we don’t take lightly. Our tire services include: Tire pressure checks and adjustments Computerized wheel alignments Tire rotations and balancing Tread inspections and honest tire replacement recommendations Tire age checks — rubber breaks down over time, even if your tread looks good. Most tires should be replaced every 6 years, regardless of wear. Whether you're planning a road trip or just commuting to work, swing by Wayside Garage in Seaside for a tire check. No pressure (pun intended) — just experienced, straightforward service you can trust. ❓ FAQ: Tire Safety Questions We Hear All the Time Q: How do I know when my tires need to be replaced? A: If your tread is worn past 2/32", your tires are over six years old, or you notice bulges or cracks — it’s time to replace them. Q: How often should I rotate my tires? A: Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. We include this as part of routine maintenance at Wayside Garage. Q: Can alignment affect tire wear that quickly? A: Absolutely. One pothole or curb can knock alignment off. If your car pulls or your tires wear unevenly, it’s time for an alignment check. Q: What tire pressure should I use? A: Check your driver’s door sticker or owner’s manual — never use the number printed on the tire itself. 🏁 Drive Into Summer with Confidence This National Tire Safety Week , don’t just guess your tires are safe — know they are. Bring your vehicle to Wayside Garage in Seaside, California and let our experienced team give your tires a full safety check. You’ll leave knowing your pressure’s perfect, your alignment’s dialed in, and your tread is road-trip ready. Stop by or schedule your service today — we’re here to keep you rolling, safely.