Seaside Auto Repair

Why is My Car Making a Humming Noise? Have you ever wondered why your car is making a strange humming noise? If so, you’re not alone. Many drivers experience this issue, and it can be concerning. At Wayside Garage, we recently had a client come in with a similar problem on her 2002 Mercedes. Let's dive into what might be causing that humming noise and how to address it. Common Causes of Humming NoisesWheel Bearings Symptoms: A loose wheel bearing can cause a humming or growling noise, especially noticeable when driving and turning. Inspection: During our inspection, we found significant play in the wheel bearing, which is a clear indicator of wear. A wheel should be tight and not wiggle when checked. Brake Components Impact on Brakes: If the wheel bearing issue is severe, it can affect your brake rotors, causing uneven wear and reducing braking efficiency. This can also lead to a pulsating feeling in ... read more

Is Your Car Worth Fixing? | Evaluating Maintenance vs. Buying New Is it more cost-effective to maintain your current vehicle or to buy a new or used one? Let’s dive into the numbers and help you make an informed decision. Check out our cost-to-own video where we show you how you can save money! The Cost of Maintaining Your Current Vehicle First, let's look at the maintenance costs for your existing vehicle over 75,000 miles. Here’s a breakdown of essential services and their costs: - Fluids, Filters, Belts, Hoses - Battery - Shocks and Struts - Alignment and Tire Rotation - Spark Plugs These items combined add up to about $16,337. Adding repairs for wearable items like brakes and tires, the total comes to around $22,337 over 75,000 miles ... read more

Can a dirty air filter affect engine performance?  Ever wondered what happens when your engine air filter gets dirty? At Wayside Garage, we often see clients coming in for maintenance, and one common issue we spot is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter can cause several problems for your car, impacting its performance and fuel efficiency. Let's dive into why keeping your air filter clean is crucial. What Does an Air Filter Do? The engine air filter is designed to keep dirt, dust, and debris out of your engine. It ensures that only clean air enters the engine, which is vital for efficient combustion. When the air filter is clogged, it restricts airflow, making it harder for the engine to get the oxygen it needs. How Does a Dirty Air Filter Affect Performance? 1. Reduced Power: Your engine is essentially an air pump. When the air filter is dirty, the engine can't get enough air, reducing its power output. You might notice sluggish acceleration and ... read more

Why Is My Car Making a Pinging Noise? Understanding Carbon Buildup and Spark Plug Wear Have you ever noticed a pinging noise while driving your car? It might be due to carbon buildup in your engine or worn-out spark plugs. At Wayside Garage, we recently worked on a 2019 Hyundai with this exact issue. Here's what we discovered and how we fixed it. What Causes Pinging in Your Engine? Pinging, or knocking, often occurs when there's excessive carbon buildup in the engine. This buildup can interfere with the normal combustion process, causing the fuel-air mixture to ignite at the wrong time. Imagine tiny embers in your combustion chamber igniting the mixture too early, leading to that unsettling pinging noise. The Role of Spark Plugs Spark plugs play a crucial role in your car's engine by igniting the fuel-air mixture at the right moment. Over time, they can wear out, and carbon buildup on the electrodes can further hamper ... read more

Why Are Struts Important for Your Car? Maintaining your car's struts is crucial for a smooth and safe driving experience. Today, we're diving into the world of struts and why they are essential for your vehicle's performance and safety. Jonathan from Wayside Garage will help explain the ins and outs of struts and why replacing them on time is vital. What Are Struts? Struts are a crucial part of your car's suspension system. They consist of a spring and a shock absorber, working together to: - Support the vehicle's weight: The spring bears the weight of the car. - Absorb impacts: The shock absorber dampens the motion from bumps, potholes, and curbs. - Enhance stability: Struts help in maintaining vehicle stability during turns and stops. Why Are Struts Important? 1. Smooth Ride: Struts absorb shocks from the road, ensuring a comfortable ride. 2. Safety: They contribute to vehicle stability, preventing excessive ... read more