Seaside Auto Repair

As a true believer in preventative maintenance, I cannot stress enough the importance of taking care of your vehicle to ensure its longevity. Whether it's gas, diesel, hybrid, and even an electric vehicle, they all need proper maintenance. Below, I will discuss the top 10 car maintenance services that will keep your car running and on the road for up to 300,000 miles and beyond. Regular Oil Changes Regular oil changes are crucial in maintaining the health of your car's engine. Engine oil lubricates and cools the engine components, preventing them from overheating and reducing friction. It's suggested that you change your oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. Tire Maintenance Tires are an essential part of your car's overall performance, and proper maintenance can help you maximize their lifespan. Regular tire rotations and alignments ensure even wear and tear, which can also extend their lifespan. Additionally, proper inflation can ... read more

Have you heard the saying, "Good. Fast. Cheap. Any two, but never all three"? Well, in my opinion, this is true. Nowadays there is no such thing as an "oil change". To care for your car, you should consider a 5,000-mile or 4 to 6-month service (whichever occurs first).  I know many of you are saying, "but I'm not driving my car as much". Hear me out.  Most vehicle manufacturers state that oil services should be performed every 5,000, 7,500, or 10,000 miles. Have you ever asked yourself why in recent years that has changed? It was standard to have your car serviced every 3-4 months or every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Well, I did my research! I found that the main reason for the change was to meet JD Powers' service standard requirements. In doing so, this brings down the cost-to-own and makes the vehicle more appealing to you, the consumer. What they neglect to advertise is that engine oil, as with any other lubricant, breaks down over time. W ... read more

There could be several reasons why your car shakes when you press the brakes. Some of the most common causes include: 1. Warped or damaged brake rotors: When the brake rotors are warped or damaged, they can cause the brake pedal to vibrate or shake when you apply the brakes. 2. Worn brake pads: Over time, the brake pads can wear down, causing them to vibrate or shake when you apply the brakes. 3. Loose or worn suspension components: If your car's suspension components, such as the shock absorbers, struts, or ball joints, are worn or loose, they can cause the car to vibrate or shake when you brake. 4. Sticking brake caliper: A sticking brake caliper can cause the brake pads to wear unevenly, leading to shaking or vibration when you brake. 5. Unevenly worn tires: If your car's tires are worn unevenly, they can cause the car to shake or vibrate when you brake. It is recommended that you have a qualified mechanic inspect your car to determine the exact cause of the shaking wh ... read more

Mouse vs Car I'd like to share with you some of the things we see going on with the cars in our community. It's that time of year again... Season of the mouse!  This year it is shocking the number of cars we see that have signs of rodent's nest or rodent damage. There have been many that have extensive enough damage that we are getting the vehicle owner's insurance involved. Yes, if you have coverage, your insurance will cover rodent damage.  With that being said, I would like to revisit some possible deterrents that we can all do to help keep the mice at bay. One or more of these may save you a bunch of money and a ton of heartache.  Let's start with the easy one. If you live in an area that allows, popping your hood to allow extra airflow can help. Remember to close your hood before you drive off. Mice love a nice cozy area away from the wind to snuggle and create their nest. Your engine compartment is a perfect spot for them.&n ... read more

Why do my brakes squeak?   Brakes are an essential part of any vehicle and ensure a smooth, safe ride. However, over time they can begin to squeak or squeal. This can be annoying and embarrassing, but it's important to understand the cause of this problem so you can fix it accordingly. There are a few reasons why your brakes may start to squeak. One possibility is that your brake pads are getting old and need to be replaced. Another possibility is that your brakes are dirty and need to be cleaned. Lastly, it's possible that you have a loose brake caliper or other components that need to be tightened.   If you're experiencing Brake noise, the first thing you should do is bring your car to a Brake Shop or Auto Repair center so they can take a look and diagnose the problem. From there, they'll be able to tell you what needs to be done to fix it.   At Wayside Garage, our ASE Certified technicians are happy to inspect your brakes! Give u ... read more