Seaside Auto Repair

Can a bad hose cause my car to overheat?Why Regular Hose and Belt Replacements Are Essential for Your Vehicle's Health When it comes to vehicle maintenance, many drivers overlook the importance of regularly replacing hoses and belts. However, as our recent experience with a 2001 Mazda Protégé demonstrates, neglecting these components can lead to serious issues, including coolant leaks, overheating, and charging system failures. Let’s dive into why keeping up with hose and belt maintenance is crucial for your vehicle's longevity and performance. The Hidden Dangers of Worn-Out Belts and Hoses Belts and hoses may not seem as critical as your engine or brakes, but they play a vital role in your vehicle's overall health. The alternator belt, for example, is responsible for powering essential components like the alternator and water pump. If this belt snaps, it can cause your battery to stop charging and ... read more

What causes fuel leaks in cars?Why Regular Fuel System Inspections Are Essential for Your Vehicle's Safety When it comes to keeping your vehicle running safely and efficiently, the fuel system often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. But as recent cases here at Wayside Garage have shown, issues like fuel leaks can develop in critical areas, such as the fuel pump. We’ve recently serviced a 2015 Ford Transit and a 2006 Dodge Ram, both of which came in with dangerous fuel leaks due to seals on the fuel pump drying out and cracking. This issue can lead to hazardous conditions, including the risk of a fire if fuel drips onto hot exhaust components. Why Fuel Leaks Happen Fuel pumps are typically located inside the fuel tank, where they play a crucial role in delivering fuel to the engine. Over time, the seals and gaskets that keep the system airtight can deteriorate, especially on older vehicles. This wear and tear c ... read more

When should I replace spark plugs on my Honda? Keeping Your Honda CRV in Top Shape with Regular Maintenance Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your Honda CRV runs smoothly and efficiently for years to come. At Wayside Garage, we're dedicated to helping you get the most out of your vehicle. In this post, we'll cover some crucial maintenance tasks for your CRV, including spark plug replacement, engine air filter changes, and serpentine belt inspections. These steps are vital in preventing unexpected issues and keeping your car in excellent condition. Why Spark Plug Replacement Matters There's a common misconception that you only need to replace spark plugs when something goes wrong. However, spark plugs should be changed as part of routine maintenance to keep your engine running efficiently. For most vehicles, including the Honda CRV, it's recommended to replace spark plugs every 60,000 miles or five years​. Regular replacement he ... read more

Discover the Perfect Maintenance Plan for Your Vehicle with Wayside Garage Keeping your car in top condition is easier than ever with Wayside Garage's Car Care Membership Subscription Plan! Much like your Netflix or gym membership, our plan helps you manage car maintenance with affordable monthly payments. Let's dive into the three levels of our membership plan, each designed to suit different driving needs and budgets. Bronze Package: Essential Maintenance for the Everyday Driver Our Bronze Package is perfect if you drive a moderate amount each year. For just $26 per month, you'll receive: - Two Oil and Filter Services per Year: Ideal for the average driver, this keeps your engine running smoothly. - One Engine Air Filter Replacement: Helps maintain clean air intake, improving fuel efficiency. - Tire Rotation and Repair: Ensures even tire wear and extends tire life. - Fluid Top-Offs: Keeps essential fluids like brake and coolant topped ... read more

Why Is My Car Making Noise From the Rear? Common Causes and Solutions If you’re hearing strange noises from the rear of your vehicle, it’s not something to ignore. Recently, at Wayside Garage, we had a Dodge Dart come in with a concerning noise coming from the right rear. After a thorough inspection, we discovered a severely damaged wheel bearing that could have led to catastrophic consequences if not addressed in time. Let’s dive into what causes this issue and how regular maintenance can prevent it. What Causes Noise from the Rear of Your Vehicle? One of the most common causes of noise from the rear of your vehicle is a worn-out wheel bearing. Wheel bearings are essential for allowing the wheels to spin freely with minimal friction. Over time, these bearings can wear out due to heat, lack of lubrication, or simply age. When a wheel bearing starts to fail, you might notice a grinding or humming noise coming from the affected wheel ... read more