Seaside Auto Repair

October is Brakes for Breasts Month at Wayside Garage! Your vehicle’s brakes are one of the most critical components when it comes to safety. Whether you're driving around town or hitting the highway, properly functioning brakes can be the difference between a close call and a serious accident. That’s why at Wayside Garage, we’re excited to support the Brakes for Breasts campaign this October. This month, you can get a free set of brake pads or brake shoes when you schedule a brake service, and we will donate 10% of all brake repair proceeds to help fund breast cancer vaccine research. Why Are Your Brakes So Important? Your brakes are what allow your car to stop quickly and safely. Over time, wear and tear from daily driving can cause brake pads to thin out, reducing their effectiveness. If left unchecked, worn brake pads can lead to further damage to your braking system, such as rotor wear or even brake failur ... read more

Why Are My Brakes Grinding?  Properly functioning brakes are essential for the safety of any vehicle. At Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, we often handle cases where customers bring in vehicles with uneven brake wear. Let's delve into a recent example involving a GMC Denali to illustrate the importance of regular brake inspections and maintenance. The client was experiencing a grinding noise when the brakes were applied. Upon inspection, we discovered that the front brake pads of their GMC Denali were in poor condition. One pad was severely scuffed, and alarmingly, its counterpart was completely missing. This severe uneven wear was traced back to a seized brake caliper. This malfunction caused the brake pads to wear unevenly and ultimately led to a dangerous metal-on-metal grinding situation, necessitating immediate replacement of the front brakes. Brake calipers play a crucial role in your vehicle's braking system. They are responsible for applying press ... read more

Why Does My Car Squeak When I Drive?   Do you ever ask yourself, "Why does my car squeak when I drive?" It's a pretty common concern for drivers. There are several possible reasons behind those annoying squeaks. Fortunately, at Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, we're here to shed some light on this issue and offer solutions to get you back on the road smoothly. 1. Worn Brake Pads: One of the most common reasons for squeaking while driving is worn brake pads. When brake pads wear down, a metal wear indicator can come into contact with the rotor, causing a squealing sound. If you notice this noise, it's important to have your brakes inspected and replaced if necessary to ensure safe driving. 2. Loose or Worn Belts: Another culprit for squeaking noises could be loose or worn belts in your engine. Over time, belts can become loose or develop cracks, leading to squeaks as they rub against pulleys or other compone ... read more

  Today, we're tackling a question that's essential for keeping your ride safe and sound: brake replacement frequency. At Wayside Garage, located in Seaside, CA, we often hear folks asking, "How often do I really need to replace my brakes?" Well, let's put the pedal to the metal and shed some light on this topic. On average, brakes typically need a refresh every 50,000 miles or so. But hold onto your steering wheel, because there's more to the story than just hitting that milestone. First off, let's talk about your driving style. Are you the type who coasts smoothly to a stop, or do you tend to slam on the brakes like you're auditioning for a NASCAR race? Your braking habits can greatly affect how quickly those brake pads wear down. Next, consider what you're driving. Are you behind the wheel of a hefty truck hauling heavy loads, or do you prefer zipping around in a sleek sedan? The size and weight of your vehicle can play a role in how oft ... 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