Seaside Auto Repair

🔧 What Does the PO430 Code Mean? (And Why Your Check Engine Light Is On) You’re driving along, everything feels fine—and then bam, your check engine light comes on. A quick scan reveals the dreaded PO430 code. Now what? Don’t panic! At Wayside Garage, we see this code all the time, and it doesn’t always mean your catalytic converter needs replacing (but sometimes it does 😬). Let’s break it down. 🔍 What Is Code PO430? PO430: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2) This means your vehicle's computer has detected that the catalytic converter on one side of the engine (Bank 2) isn’t working as efficiently as it should. In simple terms: it’s not cleaning up the exhaust gases properly ... read more

🌡️ Why Is My Coolant Level Low? (And What It Means for Your Engine’s Health) If you’ve popped the hood lately and noticed your coolant tank looking a little empty, don’t brush it off. Low coolant levels can quickly turn into overheating, engine damage, and a whole lot of stress. At Wayside Garage, we see this issue all the time—and the good news is, it's usually fixable when caught early. 🔍 What Causes Low Coolant Levels? There are a few common culprits behind disappearing coolant: Leaks – This is the #1 reason. Leaks can happen in the radiator, hoses, water pump, or heater core. Evaporation over time – While rare, coolant can slowly evaporate if cap ... read more

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

Why Is My Car Making a Clicking Noise When I Turn? So you’re pulling out of a parking lot or making a turn at a stoplight, and suddenly you hear it: click-click-click coming from one side of your car. Maybe it’s subtle… maybe it’s loud enough to make heads turn. Either way, it’s not something you should ignore. At Wayside Garage, we’ve helped plenty of drivers figure out what that clicking sound means—and most importantly, how to stop it before it becomes a bigger issue. 👂 What Does a Clicking Sound When Turning Mean? In most cases, a clicking sound while turning is your car’s way of saying: 🛠️ “Hey, something’s worn out and needs attention!” This sound usually comes from the front wheels, and it often shows up more clear ... read more

Why Is My Steering Wheel Shaking at High Speeds? You’re driving down the freeway, and suddenly your steering wheel starts to shake, especially once you hit around 60 or 70 mph. It might come and go, or it might get worse over time—but one thing’s for sure: it doesn’t feel right. At Wayside Garage, this is one of the most common questions we hear. The good news? It’s usually something fixable. Let’s walk through what could be going on—and how to smooth things out. 👀 Is It Dangerous If My Steering Wheel Is Shaking? It definitely can be. A shaky steering wheel means something’s off with your tires, suspension, steering components, or brakes—all pretty important stuff. The faster you're going, the more those small problems can affect yo ... read more