MAY 2020

April 14, 2020

The year 2020 has been, well, a roller coaster to say the least. Life will always be full of ups and downs. I have always been told that it’s how we handle our times in the valley that make us stronger. When the COVID-19 shelter in place occurred, we took a hard look at the way we operated. I mean, it’s hard to not come in close contact with someone when you are taking care of their car. After all, the best part of our industry is getting to build a relationship with YOU. This can be a little difficult without face to face contact. To keep our clients and our team safe, we started to make changes.

First, we went on the hunt for sanitizing product and as so many others out there, we came up empty handed. We did some research and found that we could make our own hand sanitizer with products that we had at home. We also happened to have sanitizing wipes at home and brought them in. It started with sanitizing every surface when people entered the office. Within days, or more like hours, we progressed our safety procedures. It was time to buckle down and fight this virus!

As an essential service, we had to do what we needed to keep our community mobile. The changes we have made allow us to provide a safe and healthy environment for all. Here is what Wayside Garage is doing for our community.

We have put into place “Contact-less” service. We are now offering our Concierge Service at no charge. We now schedule your vehicle for a pick up during a window of time. We arrange to collect the keys with no contact. Upon picking up your vehicle, we sanitize the outer door handle, steering wheel, inner door handle, shifter, and any touched knobs. We also dress your vehicle with a steering wheel cover, floor mat, and seat cover. We then drive your vehicle to our facility to perform any needed services. Each of our technicians use gloves during all services. We are a digital shop. Being a digital shop allows us to provide you with a detailed assessment of your car or truck. It also allows us to provide you with photos of repairs that are performed, and updates throughout the process. During our process we will not only call you to discuss your vehicles health or needs, we provide information through email and text.

Once your services are complete, we arrange your vehicle delivery. Payments are processed through phone and email. We have recently changed our processor to allow us to capture a signature through email. Upon delivering your vehicle, we re-sanitize as we did upon pick up.

We also offer the choice of dropping your vehicle off and putting the keys through the key-drop. We will then call or email to communicate the needs of your vehicle. Each vehicle gets the same sanitation procedure as our “Concierge Service”. Upon completion, we are arranging a contact less pickup catered to your needs. You can then return to your car and continue with your day.

This process has worked out phenomenally! In making these changes, our clients are able to relax at home or continue their work without the added stress of caring for their car. More so than that, it has created a way to keep everyone safe and healthy. Our team has decided to continue this practice even after the shelter in place is lifted. Wayside Garage will forever adapt to the changing scenarios of life. We will continue to be heroes of mobility for our community as we all fight this pandemic. We continue to keep your doctors, nurses, first responders, grocery store clerks, and all other essential workers safely moving. This important so that they can be there for us all. Above it all, we are happy to do so.

There is one last thing that is important to add. There are many out there that are in dire need of food. There are children that relied on school meals to eat. There are people that have underlying health issues that cannot leave their homes to buy food. We have partnered with a local non-profit, ALL IN MONTEREY, to help them help others. I ask, if you have a Facebook page, please like the Wayside Garage page and share our post about helping them out. For each page like we will donate $1 and for each share of that post we will donate $1 up to $1000.00. Help us help those in need.

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ARE MY BRAKES SAFE?

By Stacey Diaz • October 14, 2025

October is more than just pumpkin patches and crisp fall air. For many families in Monterey, it's also the start of darker evenings, wetter roads, and more time on the road. That’s why October is the perfect time to think about one of the most important safety features on your vehicle: your brakes. At Wayside Garage, we participate in the Brakes for Breasts campaign every October. It's not just about brake repair — it’s about raising awareness, supporting breast cancer research, and keeping our community safe on the roads. ________________________________________ What Are the Signs Your Brakes Might Need Attention? Your brakes are your first line of defense in an emergency. If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, it’s time to get your brakes checked: • Squealing or grinding noises • A soft or “spongy” brake pedal • Car pulling to one side when braking • Vibration or shaking when you press the brakes • Increased stopping distance Ignoring these signs can lead to expensive repairs down the road — or worse, a serious accident. We always say: if it feels off, bring it in. ________________________________________ Why Brake Inspections Matter More in Fall With more rain, shorter days, and holiday travel ahead, your brakes are under more stress in the fall. At Wayside Garage, we see an uptick in emergency brake repairs this time of year — many of which could have been avoided with a quick inspection. Our certified technicians will perform a comprehensive brake check, looking at: • Brake pads and rotors • Brake fluid level and condition • Brake lines and hoses • Calipers and hardware And if you’re part of our Wayside Garage Maintenance Plan, your brake inspections are included with your scheduled services. That’s one more reason to stay on track with routine care. ________________________________________ Brakes for Breasts: Repair With a Purpose Every October, we join auto shops nationwide for the Brakes for Breasts campaign. Here’s how it works at Wayside Garage: • You get free brake pads (you only pay for labor and any additional parts if needed). • We donate 10% of the brake job to the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine Fund. It’s a meaningful way to protect your family on the road while supporting groundbreaking research that could change lives. ________________________________________ Why Choose Wayside Garage for Brake Service? We know you have options when it comes to brake repair in Monterey. So why do so many drivers trust us? • Family-owned and operated since 1946 • ASE-certified technicians who care about doing it right • Honest inspections and clear explanations • Free digital vehicle health reports • A shop built on integrity, hospitality, and professionalism When you bring your vehicle to us, you're not just another ticket — you're part of the Wayside Garage family. ________________________________________ Schedule Your Brake Inspection Today October is the best time to have your brakes checked — and support a great cause while you're at it. Whether you’re noticing a problem or just want peace of mind before the holidays, give us a call or schedule an appointment online. Let's keep your vehicle — and your community — safe this fall.