Seaside Auto Repair

🛢️ How to Avoid Costly Repairs with a Simple Oil Change Routine Most drivers know they need to change their oil—but many wait too long, especially if their car “still seems to run fine.” The truth is, skipping oil changes can quietly wear down your engine, hurt your fuel economy, and lead to expensive repairs you could easily avoid. At Wayside Garage, we help Seaside drivers protect their vehicles—and their wallets—by making oil changes part of a smarter maintenance routine. ⏰ How Often Should You Change Your Oil? It depends on the vehicle and the type of oil. Here's a quick guide: Conventional oil: Every 3,000 to 5,000 milesSynthetic oil: Every ... read more

🛠️ The Best Auto Shop Near You in Seaside, CA – What to Look For When your check engine light flashes on—or your brakes start to squeal—your first thought is probably, “I need a good auto shop near me... and fast.” But how do you know which one to trust? At Wayside Garage, we’ve been helping Seaside and Monterey County drivers feel confident in their repairs since 1946. So today, we’re sharing how to spot a quality shop—and why so many locals choose us. 🔍 What Makes an Auto Shop “The Best”? If you're not a car expert, here are five signs you're choosing a reliable, professional shop: ✅ 1. Certified Technicians Look for certifications like ASE (Automotive Service Excellence), which shows that mechanics are ... read more

🚗 Is Your Car A/C Ready for Summer? Don’t Sweat It – Tips from Seaside’s Trusted Shop Summer in Monterey County can be beautiful—but nothing spoils a sunny day like a car blowing warm air instead of cool A/C. If your vehicle’s air conditioning isn’t keeping up, it could be time for a professional A/C service. At Wayside Garage, we help drivers stay comfortable and safe by diagnosing and fixing A/C problems before they turn into bigger (and hotter) issues. 🌬️ Why Is My Car A/C Blowing Warm Air? Your car’s A/C system relies on refrigerant, electrical components, and airflow. If something’s off, you might notice: Warm or humid air coming through the vents Weak airflow even on high settings Strange smells when the A/C runs Loud noises when turning on the fan Even newer vehicles (including ... read more

🌡️ Why Is My Coolant Level Low? (And What It Means for Your Engine’s Health) If you’ve popped the hood lately and noticed your coolant tank looking a little empty, don’t brush it off. Low coolant levels can quickly turn into overheating, engine damage, and a whole lot of stress. At Wayside Garage, we see this issue all the time—and the good news is, it's usually fixable when caught early. 🔍 What Causes Low Coolant Levels? There are a few common culprits behind disappearing coolant: Leaks – This is the #1 reason. Leaks can happen in the radiator, hoses, water pump, or heater core. Evaporation over time – While rare, coolant can slowly evaporate if cap ... read more

Why Are My Brakes Grinding? Brake Repair in Seaside, Monterey & Pacific Grove Hearing a grinding noise when braking? That awful sound is a warning sign you shouldn’t ignore! Whether you’re driving through Monterey, Seaside, Pacific Grove, or Carmel, CA, worn-out brake pads or damaged rotors could be putting your safety at risk. At Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, we specialize in brake repair to keep you safe on the road. Here’s what might be causing your grinding brakes and what to do about it. 1. Worn-Out Brake Pads (Most Common Cause!) The #1 reason for grinding brakes is worn-out brake pads. Over time, the friction materia ... read more