Spring Has Sprung! Make Sure Your Vehicle is Road Ready!

April 11, 2019

It’s Spring! One of my most favorite seasons for so many reasons. Spring is the time of year that we are blessed with longer days and glorious sunrises. Spring brings a little more sunshine into our lives. I know we need rain but this year it seems as though we have had an over abundance of water falling from the sky. Spring gives us many holidays to spend time with our loved ones and it also brings Spring Break. With Spring Break comes travel and road trips! Well because of that, I thought it would be nice to share a few pre-travel safety tips.


Recently I took a drive to Los Angeles with my daughter so that she and her friend could attend a book signing. Before we hit the road, I wanted to be sure that my car was safe. I know you are thinking, “Hello, you own and work at a repair shop!” Although this may be true, just like you, I have to schedule an appointment for my service and maintence. No special treatment here. So I made sure that I gave myself at least a week before leaving to get my car into the shop for a service and inspection.


Once my appointment date arrived, I handed over my keys so that the technicians could get started. First step was the inspection. I had them make sure that they checked each of the fluids. Brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and of course the washer fluid. They took the time to check all the rubber on my car, coolant carrying and vacuum hoses, wiper blades and belts. The filters were also inspected and a complete visual of the engine compartment. Once they put my car on the lift they were able to start draining the engine oil and remove the engine oil filter. With my car lifted, they removed the wheel and tire assemblies to inspect and rotate the tires. They also were able to check the brakes, supsension and steering to make sure there were no issues.


Now, most of the time the only service needed would be an oil and filter change, but I did in fact need a couple of items. My air filter was dirty so I had them replace it with a new filter. Air filters are so important to the function of your engine. You can read more about the importance of the air filter on my website blog page.


They replaced my cabin air filter because it was very dirty. I was not surprised by this especially with the dust storms of pollen that we have had lately. That allergy infested powder gets trapped in the cabin filter and becomes a bacteria breeding ground. I definitely didn’t want to risk inhaling that nastiness.


Ok, this next thing is one of the utmost important items to me. If you are at all like me you will understand why. Windshield washer fluid and windshield wiper blades! I swear a dirty windshield is one of my pet peeves when it comes to driving. I can drive through mud and dust and my car can look like I just got back from driving the rubicon trail. If my windshield is clean and my wiper blades clean the window with no streaks, I am one happy girl. It’s the little things right?
Last, but surely not least, tires. My dad always stressed to me that tires are the first thing to touch the road. The good thing was, because I keep up on my maintenance and rotate my tires at every 5,000 mile service, my tires had worn evenly. I also had enough tread to be able to take my daughter on her road trip and order my tires in to have them replaced the next week.


That was it! With my car serviced and inspected, I was given a green light for a safe road trip.


You may be thinking that this seems like a lot to keep track of with so many services, but the reality is this…


If you use a Certified Shop to perform your services, they will make sure that you are taking care of your vehicle and in turn your family. They will have a way of keeping your service records and get to know the needs of your car and you. This time of year we see so many young adults getting ready to head out for Spring Break trips or to drive hundreds of miles to get home from college. Let’s make sure that the vehicle they are using is safe and will get them to their destination and their family and friends. I preach safety first, but I also know that it’s so much less expensive in the long run to invest in your car. Preventative maintenance will keep you happy on the road with far less mechanical breakdowns. Besides, we all know that minor repairs are way less than a new car payment and new car insurance and registration.

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Now get out there and enjoy the longer days and the gorgeous place we call home! Get your car checked out then grab your hubby, kids or your bestie and hit the road… Happy travels.


By Wayside Garage July 5, 2025
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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. πŸš— 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 .: πŸ”Ή 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. πŸ”Ή 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. πŸ”Ή 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. πŸ”Ή 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. πŸ’‘ 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. πŸ› οΈ 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.
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