Seaside Auto Repair

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

Mouse vs. Car: Protecting Your Vehicle from Rodent Damage It’s that time of year again—the Season of the Mouse! 🐭🚗 Every year, we see a surprising number of vehicles come into the shop with signs of rodent nests or damage. This year is no exception! In fact, some cases have been so severe that we’ve had to involve the vehicle owner's insurance to cover repairs. Yes, if you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance may cover rodent damage—but wouldn’t it be better to prevent it altogether? Let’s go over some effective deterrents to help keep those pesky mice out of your car. Even trying ... read more

How Worn Control Arm Bushings Impact Tire Wear Worn control arm bushings can quietly but significantly impact your vehicle’s suspension, ultimately leading to premature tire wear. Control arm bushings work similarly to cartilage in human joints, providing a flexible cushion between various suspension components. When these bushings wear out, however, they lose their ability to stabilize and align the control arm correctly. This misalignment can create issues that cause uneven and accelerated tire wear, often resulting in costly repairs down the line. Effects on Tire Wear Misaligned Wheels Worn bushings allow the control arm to shift, throwing off the wheel’s alignment. This can result in uneven tire wear, most commonly observed on the outer edges of the tire. Premature Tire Degradation Misaligned wheels place additional stress on tires, leading to faster wear. Drivers may find themselves needing tire replacements more ... read more

How to Check Tires for Uneven Wear Keeping your tires in peak condition is essential for their lifespan and safety. Here's how to effectively check for uneven wear: Park on a Level Surface: Begin by finding a flat surface to park your vehicle. This ensures stability while you inspect all four tires. Visual Inspection of Tread: Look closely at the tread of each tire. Examine the surface for any sections that appear more worn down than others. Use a Tread Depth Gauge: For more accuracy, you can use a tread depth gauge. If you don’t have one, a quarter can be an alternative tool—insert it into the tread grooves to measure depth. Compare Tire Sides: Inspect both the inner and outer edges of each tire. Look for any significant differences in wear patterns or signs of feathering. Check for Damage: Scan for visible damage like cracks or bulges, which can be indicators of more serious iss ... read more