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

🚨 Is It Safe to Drive With the Check Engine Light On? (And When It’s Not Worth the Risk)   You’re cruising along when ding!—that little orange check engine light pops on. Your car still feels fine… so is it okay to keep driving? Short answer? Maybe. But maybe not. At Wayside Garage, we’ve helped hundreds of customers figure out exactly what their check engine light means—and whether it’s safe to drive or time to park it. 🔍 Why Is My Check Engine Light On? Modern cars have sensors that constantly monitor your engine and emissions system. When something isn’t working quite right, the light comes on. Here are some common causes: Loose gas cap – Yep, it really can be that simple ... read more

🛢️ Why Is There Oil Under My Car? (What That Puddle Means and How to Fix It) So you pull out of your driveway and there it is—a dark puddle under your car. It smells a little burnt, feels slick, and definitely wasn’t there yesterday. The most likely culprit? An oil leak. At Wayside Garage, we see this every week. And while oil leaks can look scary, the fix is often faster and more affordable than most people think. 🔍 What Causes Oil to Leak? Here are the most common sources of oil leaks we find during inspections: Worn valve cover gaskets – These seals degrade over time, especially in older vehicles. Oil pan gasket leak &nda ... read more

🚙 Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake? (And What You Can Do About It Before It Gets Worse) That shaky, vibrating feeling when you hit the brakes isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s a red flag. Whether you feel it in your steering wheel, seat, or even your brake pedal, shaking when braking is one of the most common brake system complaints we see at Wayside Garage. The good news? It’s almost always fixable, and often at a much lower cost than people expect. 🔍 What Causes Your Car to Shake When Braking? The most likely culprits are: Warped brake rotors – When rotors wear unevenly, the pads don’t grip smoothly, causing vibration. Worn-out brake pads – If pads are low or uneven, they can cause pulsing or s ... read more