Seaside Auto Repair

If your car has overheated, it's crucial to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage. Here's what you can do: 1. Pull Over Safely: As soon as you notice the temperature gauge rising or steam coming from under the hood, safely pull over to the side of the road or into a parking lot. Turn off the engine immediately to prevent further overheating. 2. Allow Engine to Cool: Do not attempt to open the hood right away, as it can be extremely hot and dangerous. Allow the engine to cool down for at least 30 minutes before attempting to open the hood. 3. Check Coolant Level: Once the engine has cooled, carefully open the hood and check the coolant reservoir. If it's low, add coolant to the appropriate level. Be cautious, as the radiator and coolant can still be hot. 4. Inspect for Leaks: Look for any signs of coolant leaks under the car or around the engine. Leaks can indicate a damaged hose, radi ... read more

What does my car need for spring break from Wayside Garage As the flowers bloom and the weather warms up, it's time to give your car some extra love and care. Here are some simple tips to keep your vehicle running smoothly this spring: - Check Your Tires: Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have good tread depth. You can use a tire gauge to check the pressure and a penny to check the tread depth.    - Inspect Your Wipers: Winter weather can be tough on windshield wipers. Check for any signs of wear or damage, and replace them if necessary. Don't forget to top up your windshield washer fluid, too! - Change Your Oil: Remember, engine oil should be replaced every 6 months or 5,000 miles, whichever comes first. Schedule an oil change if you're due for one. - Test Your Battery: Cold weather can take a toll on your car battery. Test it to make sure it's still holding a charge, and replace it if it's weak or old. - Clean Your Car: Even though we d ... read more

At Wayside Garage in Seaside, California, we're all about keeping your car running well and for a long time. One essential way to do that is by getting your oil changed every 5 to 6 months or every 5,000 miles. You might wonder, "Why bother, I don't drive that much?" Let's get into the reasons.  Here are a few reasons why getting your oil changed is a must:     - Keeps Your Engine Happy: Think of your car's engine as its heart. Just like you need to keep your heart healthy, your car's engine needs clean oil to stay in tip-top shape.     - Improves Performance: Fresh oil lubricates the engine's parts, helping them move more freely. This means better performance for your car and smoother rides for you!     - Prevents Engine Wear: Over time, oil can get dirty and break down, causing friction and wear on engine parts. Regularly scheduled oil changes help prevent ... read more

Hey there, fellow car enthusiasts! We're here to chat about something that often comes up in our garage: customer-supplied parts. We totally understand that you might want to bring in your own parts for your car repairs, but there are some reasons why we kindly decline these requests. Let's go over a few of the reason.  First things first, let's talk about liability. Our garage operates under a strict liability insurance policy. This means that if we use a part that you supply and it fails, our insurance won't cover any potential damage. That's a risk we can't take because it leaves both us and you at risk. Next would be our warranties. You know how when you buy something new, it often comes with a warranty? Well, the same goes for the parts we use. If we install a part that you bring in, our usual 3-year or 30,000-mile warranty simply can't apply. Like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole – it just doesn't work! Quality ... read more

We know you're busy folks, but taking care of your car is super important. Today, we're going to talk about something that might surprise you: rodents and your car. Yep, those little critters can cause big problems if you're not careful. You see, rodents like mice and rats love to cozy up in warm places during the colder months. And what's warmer than the engine bay of your car? Unfortunately, they don't just hang out there for the warmth. They like to nibble on things, like wires and hoses. And that's bad news for your car. Here's why it's crucial to get your car checked at least every six months: 1. Prevention is Key: By getting your car checked regularly, a mechanic can spot any signs of rodent activity before it becomes a big problem. They can look for chewed wires, nests, and other telltale signs. 2. Avoid Costly Repairs: If rodents damage your car's wiring or other important parts, it can be expen ... read more