Seaside Auto Repair

🛢️ How to Avoid Costly Repairs with a Simple Oil Change Routine Most drivers know they need to change their oil—but many wait too long, especially if their car “still seems to run fine.” The truth is, skipping oil changes can quietly wear down your engine, hurt your fuel economy, and lead to expensive repairs you could easily avoid. At Wayside Garage, we help Seaside drivers protect their vehicles—and their wallets—by making oil changes part of a smarter maintenance routine. ⏰ How Often Should You Change Your Oil? It depends on the vehicle and the type of oil. Here's a quick guide: Conventional oil: Every 3,000 to 5,000 milesSynthetic oil: Every ... read more

🛠️ 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