Seaside Auto Repair

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

What’s Causing That Clunking Sound When I Go Over Bumps? You’re cruising along, hit a speed bump, and clunk!—your car makes a sound that definitely wasn’t there before. It might feel like something shifted, knocked, or even bounced under the car. At Wayside Garage, we hear this concern a lot, and the good news is: you’re not imagining things. That clunk is trying to tell you something. 🚗 Is a Clunk Over Bumps a Big Deal? It might be. While not every noise is an emergency, clunking when you hit bumps often means there’s something loose, worn out, or broken in your suspension system—the parts that help keep your ride smooth and your tires on the road. And when suspension parts start to fail, it doesn’t just make your car noisy—it can mes ... read more

Why Is My Car Making a Humming Noise? Ever been driving along, minding your own business, when suddenly you notice this low, steady humming noise coming from your car? It's kind of like a quiet growl that gets louder as you speed up. At first, you might brush it off—maybe it's the road, right? But if it keeps happening, it’s definitely worth checking out. At Wayside Garage, we see this issue all the time. And while humming noises can be caused by a few different things, they’re often a sign that something’s starting to wear out. Let’s break it down together. 🚘 Is a Humming Noise Something to Worry About? Short answer: Yes—usually. Your car isn’t supposed to hum (at least not loudly). If the ... read more

Why Are My Brakes Grinding? Brake Repair in Seaside, Monterey & Pacific Grove Hearing a grinding noise when braking? That awful sound is a warning sign you shouldn’t ignore! Whether you’re driving through Monterey, Seaside, Pacific Grove, or Carmel, CA, worn-out brake pads or damaged rotors could be putting your safety at risk. At Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, we specialize in brake repair to keep you safe on the road. Here’s what might be causing your grinding brakes and what to do about it. 1. Worn-Out Brake Pads (Most Common Cause!) The #1 reason for grinding brakes is worn-out brake pads. Over time, the friction materia ... read more

Your Car Is a Pot O’ Gold: Why It Pays to Keep Your Older Vehicle I recently had a fantastic conversation with a woman about her car. Connecting with people, hearing their stories, and helping them make the best decisions for their vehicles is what I love most about my job. She and her husband had an older Toyota, and she called me with some concerns. As we talked, she expressed how much they relied on that car—it was their only mode of transportation, and her husband needed it to make a three-hour drive to critical doctor appointments. As we discussed their options, she worried about the car's age and whether it made sense to keep it. We compared the cost of maintaining an older car versus buying a new one. And that’s when it hit me—that car sitting in your driveway is your Pot O’ Gold.The True Cost of a New Car in 2025 It&rsquo ... read more