Seaside Auto Repair

If you own a Honda Odyssey and have noticed oil spots under your vehicle, you're not alone. Oil leaks are a common issue, especially as vehicles age. Let's dive into why your Honda Odyssey might be leaking oil and how Wayside Garage can help keep your vehicle in top shape. Common Causes of Oil Leaks One of the most common causes of oil leaks in a 2006 Honda Odyssey is a faulty oil filter housing seal. Over time, the rubber seals can dry out and crack due to exposure to engine heat and pressure, leading to leaks. The oil filter housing mounts to the engine block and houses the oil filter, making it a crucial component in maintaining proper oil pressure and cleanliness. Symptoms of a Faulty Oil Filter Housing Seal Oil spots: Noticing oil spots under your car is a clear sign of a leak. Oil residue: Finding oil around the engine block or oil filter housing indicates a possible seal failure. Oil level: A dropping oil level on the dipstick is a ... read more

Why Is My Car Overheating? Common Causes and How to Prevent Them Hey everyone, it's Stacey from Wayside Garage! Today, we're tackling a question we often get: "Why is my car overheating?" Jonathan and I recently worked on a Ford Escape with this issue, and we found some interesting things that we want to share with you. Let's dive into the details and learn how to prevent overheating in your vehicle. Common Causes of Overheating:1. Broken Belts: In the case of the Ford Escape, we discovered a broken belt. The customer initially heard a belt noise but didn't think much of it. This belt drives crucial components like the water pump, which circulates coolant through the engine. When the belt broke, the water pump stopped working, leading to overheating.  2. Faulty Water Pump: The squealing noise the customer heard was actually the water pump starting to fail. A w ... read more

Why would I need a Catalytic Converter? At Wayside Garage, we recently had a Toyota Tacoma come in with a check engine light on. Jonathan and I dove into the diagnostics to figure out what was going on. Here's a rundown of our process and findings, which might help you understand what goes into diagnosing and fixing such issues. Understanding the Problem The check engine light was triggered by a P0430 code, which points to a problem with the catalytic converter, specifically on bank two. This code indicates that the catalytic converter isn't operating efficiently. Diagnostic Process 1. Pulling Codes: We started by pulling the diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) using our scanner. 2. Driving and Monitoring: We then drove the vehicle with the scanner connected while monitoring the upstream and downstream oxygen sensors. These sensors help us understand how well the catalytic converter is performing. What We Found ... read more

Why Are My Brakes Grinding?  Properly functioning brakes are essential for the safety of any vehicle. At Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, we often handle cases where customers bring in vehicles with uneven brake wear. Let's delve into a recent example involving a GMC Denali to illustrate the importance of regular brake inspections and maintenance. The client was experiencing a grinding noise when the brakes were applied. Upon inspection, we discovered that the front brake pads of their GMC Denali were in poor condition. One pad was severely scuffed, and alarmingly, its counterpart was completely missing. This severe uneven wear was traced back to a seized brake caliper. This malfunction caused the brake pads to wear unevenly and ultimately led to a dangerous metal-on-metal grinding situation, necessitating immediate replacement of the front brakes. Brake calipers play a crucial role in your vehicle's braking system. They are responsible for applying press ... read more

Why Does My Car Rattle When I Drive?   Are you hearing rattling noises coming from your car while you drive? Don't ignore them! At Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, we understand that these rattles can be concerning, and we're here to help diagnose the issue and get you back on the road with confidence. Loose Exhaust System: A common cause of rattling noises is a loose or damaged exhaust system. Over time, the metal components of the exhaust system can wear down or become loose, leading to rattling sounds as you drive. If you suspect an issue with your exhaust system, it's important to have it inspected and repaired quickly to prevent further damage and ensure your safety on the road. Worn Suspension Components: Another potential culprit for rattling noises is worn suspension components. Components like struts, shocks, or control arms can wear down over time, leading to rattling or clunking sounds as you drive over ... read more