Seaside Auto Repair

Why Should I Service My Transmission? Keeping your car in excellent condition is crucial, especially when it comes to the transmission. At Wayside Garage, we recently serviced a 2016 Toyota Highlander for its 70,000-mile checkup. Among the services performed, the transmission service was particularly vital. Here's why servicing your transmission should be a priority. Importance of Transmission Service Your car's transmission is a complex system that requires regular maintenance to function smoothly. Our ASE certified technicians, emphasized the importance of bringing your car in every six months for an inspection. During these checkups, we sample the transmission fluid and check for any potential issues, such as leaks or necessary updates. For the Highlander, we detected a minor pan gasket leak early on, which is a great example of how timely maintenance can prevent more significant problems. Regular transmission services typically include ... 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 does my steering wheel shake? Have you ever noticed your steering wheel shaking while you drive? It’s not just annoying; it could be a sign of something that needs your attention. Let’s dive into some common causes and how we can help smooth out your ride. 1. Wheel Balance: First up, a common culprit could be unbalanced wheels. Imagine trying to roll a wobbly cart; it’s the same idea with your car. If the weight isn't evenly distributed around your wheels, it can cause your steering wheel to shake. It’s an easy fix, and we’re here to balance things out for you. 2. Brake Check: Does the shaking get worse when you hit the brakes? It might be time to check your brake components. Worn rotors or pads can make your steering wheel vibrate, and that’s your car’s way of saying, “Help!” Remember, effective brakes are key to your safety on the road, so let’s get them checked o ... read more

What does my car need for spring break from Wayside Garage As the flowers bloom and the weather warms up, it's time to give your car some extra love and care. Here are some simple tips to keep your vehicle running smoothly this spring: - Check Your Tires: Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have good tread depth. You can use a tire gauge to check the pressure and a penny to check the tread depth.    - Inspect Your Wipers: Winter weather can be tough on windshield wipers. Check for any signs of wear or damage, and replace them if necessary. Don't forget to top up your windshield washer fluid, too! - Change Your Oil: Remember, engine oil should be replaced every 6 months or 5,000 miles, whichever comes first. Schedule an oil change if you're due for one. - Test Your Battery: Cold weather can take a toll on your car battery. Test it to make sure it's still holding a charge, and replace it if it's weak or old. - Clean Your Car: Even though we d ... read more

At Wayside Garage in Seaside, California, we're all about keeping your car running well and for a long time. One essential way to do that is by getting your oil changed every 5 to 6 months or every 5,000 miles. You might wonder, "Why bother, I don't drive that much?" Let's get into the reasons.  Here are a few reasons why getting your oil changed is a must:     - Keeps Your Engine Happy: Think of your car's engine as its heart. Just like you need to keep your heart healthy, your car's engine needs clean oil to stay in tip-top shape.     - Improves Performance: Fresh oil lubricates the engine's parts, helping them move more freely. This means better performance for your car and smoother rides for you!     - Prevents Engine Wear: Over time, oil can get dirty and break down, causing friction and wear on engine parts. Regularly scheduled oil changes help prevent ... read more