Should You Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection for Your Next Used Car?

November 5, 2024

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 sellers are willing to allow an inspection – a great sign that they have nothing to hide.

What’s Included in a Wayside Garage Pre-Purchase Inspection?

When you schedule a pre-purchase inspection at Wayside Garage, here’s what we check to give you peace of mind:

Computer System Scan: Our inspection starts with a full computer scan. Some sellers reset the vehicle’s computer to hide underlying issues, so we look for any reset codes or warning signs of trouble.
Brake Inspection: We take off the wheels to closely examine the brakes. Since good brakes are essential for safety, we ensure they’re in solid working condition.
Tires, Suspension, and Steering: Tires, suspension, and steering are key for a smooth ride and responsive handling. We check these areas to ensure everything is safe and reliable.
Alignment and Undercarriage: A proper alignment keeps your vehicle driving straight and prevents excessive tire wear. We also check the undercarriage for fluid leaks or damage, as these can indicate costly repairs down the road.
Vehicle History and Maintenance Records: We take a close look at the vehicle’s CarFax or similar history report to see how well the car has been maintained. We also verify that regular oil changes and other services were done on time. Mileage accuracy is also critical; we check for any signs of tampering to ensure the odometer reading is accurate.

Benefits of a Pre-Purchase Inspection

Avoid Costly Repairs: By identifying problems early, you can save yourself the expense and frustration of unexpected repairs.
Better Negotiation: If our inspection finds issues, you can use this information to negotiate with the seller for a fairer price.
Peace of Mind: Knowing the car’s condition before buying means fewer surprises and more confidence in your investment.

Ready to Schedule a Pre-Purchase Inspection?

A pre-purchase inspection is the best way to protect your investment and make sure you’re driving off in a safe, reliable vehicle. At Wayside Garage, we pride ourselves on thorough, reliable inspections that reveal the full picture of a used car’s condition.

Give us a call today at 831-899-2425 to book your inspection. Let us help you make a confident and well-informed purchase!

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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.