Seaside Auto Repair

What Maintenance Does My Electric Vehicle Need? Electric vehicles (EVs) are the future of driving, offering a cleaner, quieter, and often more cost-effective alternative to traditional gasoline cars. However, like any vehicle, your EV needs regular maintenance to stay in top shape. Here's why keeping up with maintenance is crucial and what you should focus on to keep your EV running smoothly. Why EV Maintenance Is Important1. Safety First Safety is the top priority when it comes to vehicle maintenance. EVs are designed with advanced technology, including regenerative braking systems, high-voltage batteries, and electric drive systems. Regular maintenance ensures that these components work properly, reducing the risk of breakdowns or accidents. For example, inspecting the brakes and traction control annually ensures that your vehicle can stop effectively, even in emergency situations. 2. Maximizing Battery Life ... read more

How can I tell if my transmission needs servicing?Keep Your Mitsubishi Running Smoothly with Regular Maintenance At Wayside Garage, we recently had a Mitsubishi come in with a couple of issues that needed attention. The first was a faulty fan that wasn’t working properly. After performing some tests, we discovered that the blower motor was defective. Our ASE-certified technicians installed a new blower motor, and now the fan is running perfectly! But that wasn’t all. During our comprehensive digital inspection, we noticed that the transmission fluid was due for a service. Transmission fluid plays a crucial role in keeping your vehicle running smoothly by lubricating, cleaning, and cooling the internal components of the transmission. Over time, it can break down, leading to potential wear and tear. Why Regular Transmission Fluid Service is Essential We recommend doing a transmission fluid exchange every three years or ... read more

Can a bad hose cause my car to overheat?Why Regular Hose and Belt Replacements Are Essential for Your Vehicle's Health When it comes to vehicle maintenance, many drivers overlook the importance of regularly replacing hoses and belts. However, as our recent experience with a 2001 Mazda Protégé demonstrates, neglecting these components can lead to serious issues, including coolant leaks, overheating, and charging system failures. Let’s dive into why keeping up with hose and belt maintenance is crucial for your vehicle's longevity and performance. The Hidden Dangers of Worn-Out Belts and Hoses Belts and hoses may not seem as critical as your engine or brakes, but they play a vital role in your vehicle's overall health. The alternator belt, for example, is responsible for powering essential components like the alternator and water pump. If this belt snaps, it can cause your battery to stop charging and ... read more

What causes fuel leaks in cars?Why Regular Fuel System Inspections Are Essential for Your Vehicle's Safety When it comes to keeping your vehicle running safely and efficiently, the fuel system often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. But as recent cases here at Wayside Garage have shown, issues like fuel leaks can develop in critical areas, such as the fuel pump. We’ve recently serviced a 2015 Ford Transit and a 2006 Dodge Ram, both of which came in with dangerous fuel leaks due to seals on the fuel pump drying out and cracking. This issue can lead to hazardous conditions, including the risk of a fire if fuel drips onto hot exhaust components. Why Fuel Leaks Happen Fuel pumps are typically located inside the fuel tank, where they play a crucial role in delivering fuel to the engine. Over time, the seals and gaskets that keep the system airtight can deteriorate, especially on older vehicles. This wear and tear c ... read more

When should I replace spark plugs on my Honda? Keeping Your Honda CRV in Top Shape with Regular Maintenance Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your Honda CRV runs smoothly and efficiently for years to come. At Wayside Garage, we're dedicated to helping you get the most out of your vehicle. In this post, we'll cover some crucial maintenance tasks for your CRV, including spark plug replacement, engine air filter changes, and serpentine belt inspections. These steps are vital in preventing unexpected issues and keeping your car in excellent condition. Why Spark Plug Replacement Matters There's a common misconception that you only need to replace spark plugs when something goes wrong. However, spark plugs should be changed as part of routine maintenance to keep your engine running efficiently. For most vehicles, including the Honda CRV, it's recommended to replace spark plugs every 60,000 miles or five years​. Regular replacement he ... read more