Seaside Auto Repair

Ready for the Road: Essential Pre-Trip Maintenance for Your Sprinter Van RV As summer winds down and Labor Day approaches, it’s the perfect time to hit the road for that final summer getaway. If you’re planning a road trip in your Ram Sprinter or Mercedes Sprinter van RV, ensuring your vehicle is "road trip ready" is essential. At Wayside Garage, we understand the importance of preparing your vehicle for long journeys. Here's a guide to the key maintenance tasks you should consider before you embark on your next adventure. Why Pre-Trip Maintenance Matters Long road trips can put a significant strain on your Sprinter van, especially when it's fully loaded with gear, supplies, and passengers. Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, improves fuel efficiency, and ensures the safety of everyone on board. Whether you're exploring national parks or heading to the coast, a well-maintained vehicle means more ... read more

Why Do I Need an Alignment?Importance of Wheel Alignment If you've recently installed new tires, an alignment is crucial to ensure your vehicle handles properly. New tires with fresh tread can significantly impact how your vehicle sits and handles. If you notice your car pulling to the left or right while driving straight, it’s a clear indication that you need an alignment.  When to Get an Alignment 1. New Tires: Fresh tread changes the vehicle's handling. 2. Vehicle Modifications: Installing a lift or lowering kit necessitates an alignment to prevent uneven tire wear. 3. Driving Issues: If your car pulls to one side, it could be due to misalignment. 4. Wear and Tear: Uneven tire wear can result from hitting potholes, curbs, or worn-out steering and suspension parts. Benefits of Regular Alignment Checks Regular alignment check ... read more

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

Do I Really Need Testing? At Wayside Garage, we often get asked why there’s a cost associated with testing. It's a great question and here's an example that explains why testing is crucial for accurate and effective repairs. Real-Life Example We had a client with a Ford Fusion experiencing airflow issues. Our technician conducted a series of tests and discovered that the actuator behind the glove box was defective. The client was initially unhappy, unaware that his vehicle has three actuators, each varying significantly in replacement cost depending on their location and function. Our technician used a scanner to check for trouble codes but found none. He then tested the HVAC circuit, traced the wiring, and tested the electrical connections for each actuator. This thorough testing pinpointed the defective actuator, leading to its precise replacement. Why Testing Matters Testing is essential for several reasons: 1. Proper Diagnosis ... read more

Why Do I Need to Pay for a Brake Inspection? When you call a shop asking for a price on brakes, there's a lot more we need to know before we can give you an accurate quote. As a shop, our main goal is to ensure your safety and provide the best service possible. This often starts with asking a few questions to understand your situation better: 1. Front or Rear Brakes? - Different cars and issues require different parts and labor. 2. Pads, Rotors, Calipers? - Knowing what parts you might need helps us prepare and provide an accurate quote. 3. What Are You Experiencing? - Strange noises, vibrations, or poor braking performance can indicate different problems. Here is a Real-Life Example Recently, a European vehicle came to us for a second opinion after another shop inspected it. The customer had asked for a price over the phone, but without seeing the car, we couldn't provide an accurate quote.  When we ... read more