Seaside Auto Repair

Mouse vs. Car: Protecting Your Vehicle from Rodent Damage It’s that time of year again—the Season of the Mouse! 🐭🚗 Every year, we see a surprising number of vehicles come into the shop with signs of rodent nests or damage. This year is no exception! In fact, some cases have been so severe that we’ve had to involve the vehicle owner's insurance to cover repairs. Yes, if you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance may cover rodent damage—but wouldn’t it be better to prevent it altogether? Let’s go over some effective deterrents to help keep those pesky mice out of your car. Even trying ... 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