Seaside Auto Repair

🛠️ 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 Car Making a Squealing Noise When I Drive? That high-pitched squeal coming from your car can stop you in your tracks—literally and emotionally. Whether it happens when you start driving, hit the brakes, or just roll through a parking lot, it's not a sound you want to ignore. At Wayside Garage, we help drivers every day who ask the same question: “What’s that squealing noise, and do I need to worry?” Let’s break down what could be causing it—and what you should do next. 🔍 What Causes a Squealing Noise While Driving? There are a few key areas to check when you hear that sharp, squeaky sound: 1. Worn Brake Pads 🛑 This is by far the most common cause. Brake pads are designed with a wear indicator ... read more

Why Is My Car Making a Clicking Noise When I Turn? So you’re pulling out of a parking lot or making a turn at a stoplight, and suddenly you hear it: click-click-click coming from one side of your car. Maybe it’s subtle… maybe it’s loud enough to make heads turn. Either way, it’s not something you should ignore. At Wayside Garage, we’ve helped plenty of drivers figure out what that clicking sound means—and most importantly, how to stop it before it becomes a bigger issue. 👂 What Does a Clicking Sound When Turning Mean? In most cases, a clicking sound while turning is your car’s way of saying: 🛠️ “Hey, something’s worn out and needs attention!” This sound usually comes from the front wheels, and it often shows up more clear ... read more

Why Is My Steering Wheel Shaking at High Speeds? You’re driving down the freeway, and suddenly your steering wheel starts to shake, especially once you hit around 60 or 70 mph. It might come and go, or it might get worse over time—but one thing’s for sure: it doesn’t feel right. At Wayside Garage, this is one of the most common questions we hear. The good news? It’s usually something fixable. Let’s walk through what could be going on—and how to smooth things out. 👀 Is It Dangerous If My Steering Wheel Is Shaking? It definitely can be. A shaky steering wheel means something’s off with your tires, suspension, steering components, or brakes—all pretty important stuff. The faster you're going, the more those small problems can affect yo ... read more