Oil Change Near Me | Seaside & Monterey's Best Oil Change Service

March 19, 2025

How Often Should You Get an Oil Change? | Seaside & Monterey Oil Change Service

Regular oil changes are one of the best ways to keep your engine running smoothly and prevent expensive repairs. If you're driving in Monterey, Seaside, Pacific Grove, or Carmel, CA, keeping up with routine oil changes ensures your car stays reliable and fuel-efficient.

At Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, we offer a premium oil change service that includes:

✔ Engine oil & filter replacement (up to 5 quarts of oil)
✔ Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) or Vehicle Health Inspection
✔ Top-tier service from ASE-certified technicians
✔ Only $89.95 + tax & disposal (most cars)

Let’s break down why oil changes matter, how often you need one, and signs it’s time for service.

Why Are Oil Changes So Important?

Your engine needs clean oil to stay lubricated, reduce friction, and prevent overheating. Over time, oil breaks down, gets contaminated with dirt and debris, and loses its effectiveness.

🚗 Skipping oil changes can lead to:

❌ Engine wear and tear
❌ Overheating and sludge buildup
❌ Poor fuel efficiency
❌ Costly engine repairs

💡 The good news? Regular oil changes can help your engine last 200,000+ miles!

How Often Should You Get an Oil Change?

The answer depends on your driving habits and vehicle type:

🔹 Every 5,000 miles – Standard for modern vehicles using synthetic or blended oils.
🔹 Every 3,000-5,000 miles – If you drive in stop-and-go traffic, short trips, or extreme weather.
🔹 Follow your owner’s manual – Every car is different, and we can help you stay on schedule!

💡 Not sure when your last oil change was? Bring your car to Wayside Garage for a quick check!

Signs Your Car Needs an Oil Change

🚨 Your oil change light is on – Your car is telling you it's time!
🔴 Engine sounds louder than usual – Dirty oil can’t lubricate parts properly.
🛢 Oil looks dark & gritty – Fresh oil is amber; dirty oil is black.
🚗 Sluggish performance or reduced MPG – Old oil increases friction, making your engine work harder.
🔥 Burning smell from the engine – This could indicate low or dirty oil.

💡 If you notice any of these signs, book an oil change at Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, today!

What’s Included in Our $89.95 Oil Change Service?

At Wayside Garage, we go beyond a basic oil change! For $89.95 + tax & disposal, our service includes:

✔ Engine oil change & new oil filter (up to 5 quarts, most cars)
✔ Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) or Vehicle Health Inspection
✔ Tire pressure check & top-off of essential fluids
✔ Inspection of belts, hoses, and overall vehicle condition

📍 Located in Seaside, CA, we serve drivers from Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Carmel.

📅 Schedule your oil change today! Call us or book online.

Why Choose Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA?

✅ Trusted, family-owned shop – Serving Monterey Peninsula drivers for 79 years!
✅ ASE-Certified Technicians – Skilled professionals who care about your car.
✅ More than just an oil change – Our Digital Vehicle Inspection helps prevent costly repairs.
✅ Honest, transparent pricing – No hidden fees, just great service!

🚗 We make oil changes easy & hassle-free!

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How Do I Know If My Tires Are Safe to Drive On?

By Stacey Diaz • July 3, 2025

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.