Seaside Auto Repair

Why Is My Check Engine Light On? The check engine light turning on can be a cause for concern, but it’s a common issue that many drivers face. Let's explore why this happens and how to address it. Understanding the Check Engine Light Your car's check engine light is a signal from the vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU) that something is wrong. Modern cars are equipped with multiple computer modules (anywhere from 30 to 50) that monitor various systems in your vehicle. When something goes amiss, the check engine light illuminates to alert you. Common Reasons for the Check Engine Light One often overlooked component that can trigger the check engine light is the oxygen sensor. This sensor plays a critical role in monitoring the exhaust gases and ensuring your engine runs efficiently. Over time, oxygen sensors can become faulty due to exposure to extreme temperatures and contaminants, causing the check engine light to come on. What Do Oxy ... read more

Why Is My Car Not Blowing Cold Air? If your car is blowing hot air on a warm day, it’s definitely time to get your AC checked. At Wayside Garage, we recently had a BMW X1 with this very issue. After running some diagnostics, our technician discovered that the refrigerant level had dropped. This is a common problem that can happen over time and with different types of refrigerant. Let’s explore why this happens and what you can do to stay cool. Why Is My Car AC Blowing Hot Air? There are several reasons why your car’s AC might blow hot air instead of keeping you cool: 1. Low Refrigerant Levels:    - The most common cause is low refrigerant levels. Refrigerant, often referred to as "freon" in older systems, is crucial for cooling the air in your AC system. Over time, it can leak out due to wear and tear. 2. Leaks in the AC System:    - Tiny holes or cracks can develop in the AC system’s components, leading to leak ... read more

Why is My Car Making a Humming Noise? Have you ever wondered why your car is making a strange humming noise? If so, you’re not alone. Many drivers experience this issue, and it can be concerning. At Wayside Garage, we recently had a client come in with a similar problem on her 2002 Mercedes. Let's dive into what might be causing that humming noise and how to address it. Common Causes of Humming NoisesWheel Bearings Symptoms: A loose wheel bearing can cause a humming or growling noise, especially noticeable when driving and turning. Inspection: During our inspection, we found significant play in the wheel bearing, which is a clear indicator of wear. A wheel should be tight and not wiggle when checked. Brake Components Impact on Brakes: If the wheel bearing issue is severe, it can affect your brake rotors, causing uneven wear and reducing braking efficiency. This can also lead to a pulsating feeling in ... read more

Is Your Car Worth Fixing? | Evaluating Maintenance vs. Buying New Is it more cost-effective to maintain your current vehicle or to buy a new or used one? Let’s dive into the numbers and help you make an informed decision. Check out our cost-to-own video where we show you how you can save money! The Cost of Maintaining Your Current Vehicle First, let's look at the maintenance costs for your existing vehicle over 75,000 miles. Here’s a breakdown of essential services and their costs: - Fluids, Filters, Belts, Hoses - Battery - Shocks and Struts - Alignment and Tire Rotation - Spark Plugs These items combined add up to about $16,337. Adding repairs for wearable items like brakes and tires, the total comes to around $22,337 over 75,000 miles ... read more

Why Choose Wayside Garage? Choosing the right place for your car maintenance and repair can be daunting. Here's why Wayside Garage should be your go-to choice for all your automotive needs: 1. Comprehensive Maintenance Plans At Wayside Garage, we offer thorough maintenance plans to keep your vehicle in top shape: Every 5-6 Months: Oil & Filter Service and a Complimentary Inspection every 5,000 miles or 6 months. Annually: Fuel & Air System Decarbonization/Tune-Up, Cabin Air Filter, Battery Service, Engine Air Filter, Wheel Alignment, and Comprehensive Inspection every 10,000 miles or 12 months. Every 2 Years: Brake Fluid Service, Fuel Filter, and Complete Inspection every 24,000 miles or 24 months. Every 3 Years: Power Steering Fluid Service, Cooling System Service, Transmission Service, Front Wheel Bearing Repack, Transfer Case Service, Rear Differential Service, and Front Differential Service every 30,000 miles or 30 months. Every 5 Years: Spark P ... read more