Seaside Auto Repair

Why is My Car Pulling? Understanding the Cause and Solution Have you ever been driving down the road and felt your car pulling to one side? This can be not only frustrating but also potentially dangerous. At Wayside Garage, we recently had a customer with a 2007 BMW experiencing this very issue. After a thorough inspection, we found that the alignment was off, and the tires were worn unevenly. Let's break down why this happens and how to prevent it. Common Causes of a Car Pulling When your car pulls to one side, several factors could be at play: Wheel Alignment Issues: Misaligned wheels are a leading cause of a car pulling. Your vehicle's alignment can be thrown off by hitting potholes, curbs, or even parking lot stoppers. Uneven Tire Wear: If the tires on your car are worn unevenly, it can affect how your car drives, even if you correct the alignment. In our customer's case ... read more

Wayside Garage Joins Brakes for Breasts 2024 At Wayside Garage, we're proud to announce our partnership with Brakes for Breasts for the 2024 campaign. This year marks another opportunity to support a cause close to our hearts—raising awareness and funds to fight breast cancer. By joining this movement, we’re offering our customers a chance to make a real difference while keeping their cars in top shape. What Is Brakes for Breasts? Brakes for Breasts is a nationwide fundraiser that unites independent auto repair shops in the fight against breast cancer. The campaign focuses on helping fund research for the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine, a revolutionary treatment that could one day stop breast cancer before it starts. How It Works Throughout the month of October 2024, Wayside Garage will be offering FREE brake pads to all customers who schedule a brake service. You only pay for the labor and any other necessary parts. In tur ... read more

Why Is My Check Engine Light On? PO430 Is your check engine light on, and your car's computer is throwing a P0430 code? For drivers of older vehicles like the 2000 Ford Windstar, this can be a cause for concern, but it doesn’t have to be. At Wayside Garage, we’ve seen this issue often and can help explain what’s going on. What Does a P0430 Code Mean? A P0430 code refers to "Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold" for bank two, which means your catalytic converter on that side of the engine isn’t performing efficiently. The catalytic converter is responsible for reducing harmful emissions from your engine, so when this component struggles, it could be bad news for both your vehicle’s performance and the environment. What Causes a P0430 Code? Several issues can trigger a P0430 code: Aging Oxygen Sensors: These sensors monitor your engine's fuel mixture. If they aren’t functioning properly, they can ... read more

Why Is My Car Leaking? Radiator Hose Hey there, Stacey here from Wayside Garage in Seaside, California! Today, we’re tackling a common car issue that could sneak up on you—a fluid leak. Specifically, we're diving into cooling system leaks, which can lead to bigger problems if not addressed. What We Found on This 2014 Hybrid C-Max One of our recent customers brought in a 2014 Hybrid C-Max with a mysterious fluid leak. After a thorough inspection, we found two leaks, but today we'll focus on the cooling system. We discovered that the radiator hoses, particularly the lower hose, were leaking. The Importance of Your Radiator Hoses Radiator hoses aren’t just small pieces of rubber. In this case, the lower radiator hose assembly was the culprit, and you can’t simply replace a section—it’s an all-in-one deal. Given the vehicle's age and ... read more

Why Is My Check Engine Light On? Rodents Might Be to Blame! At Wayside Garage, we recently helped a client with a check engine light, traction control light, and poor engine performance. Our certified technician, Jonathan, found an unexpected culprit: rodents had chewed through the wiring! When the car was brought in, it wouldn’t stay running. After running diagnostics, Jonathan discovered a mass airflow sensor code. This sensor, which helps measure the air going into the engine, had been damaged, but that wasn't the only issue. Under the hood, we found clear signs of rodent activity—chewed wires and seeds near the sensor. Why Rodent Damage Happens Rodents like mice and rats are notorious for seeking shelter in warm engine compartments, especially during colder months. They can chew through wires, causing significant damage to your vehicle’s electrical system. In this case, th ... read more