Seaside Auto Repair

Check Engine Light: A Deep Dive at Wayside Garage At Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, we recently had a client come in with a Chevy Volt experiencing a check engine light issue. The modern Chevy Volt, like many vehicles today, is equipped with approximately 30 to 50 different computers, each monitoring various systems and components.  When diagnosing a check engine light, our first step is phase one testing, where we scan the vehicle's computer for codes. In this particular case, our expert technician, Jonathan, found multiple codes stored in the computer. Some of these codes were even duplicated across different modules. Decoding the Codes: A Layman's Explanation To make sense of this, think of the car as the trunk of an oak tree. When we plug the scanner into the vehicle, it's like identifying the trunk. Each code we find directs us to a specific branch, and from there, we may need to examine smaller branches and leaves to find the exact issue.&nbs ... read more

Why is my engine knocking? At Wayside Garage, we recently had a client whose vehicle had to be towed in due to a concerning knocking noise. Our certified technician, Marcus, took the necessary precaution to check the engine oil level before starting the engine. He found the oil level to be full and relatively clean, which prompted us to have a deeper conversation with the client. It turns out the client had added oil only after hearing the knocking noise. Unfortunately, this meant the engine had already suffered from low oil levels for too long, leading to significant damage. Despite adding oil later, the damage was already done, leading to the need for an engine repair or even a replacement. The Importance of Regular Oil Checks Engines can burn oil, and it's not uncommon for a vehicle to use up to one quart every 1,000 miles. This is why it's crucial to regularly check your oil level. Running your engine on low oil can cause severe damage ... read more

Maximizing Your Electric and Hybrid Vehicle's Lifespan: Essential Maintenance Tips Maintaining your electric or hybrid vehicle is crucial to ensure it runs efficiently and lasts as long as possible. At Wayside Garage, we specialize in providing top-notch maintenance services for all types of vehicles, including electric and hybrid models. In this blog post, we'll cover essential maintenance tips to help you get the most out of your investment. Understanding Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Maintenance Many people believe that electric and hybrid vehicles require less maintenance compared to traditional gas or diesel engines. While it's true that these vehicles have fewer moving parts, they still need regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Key Maintenance Areas for Hybrid Vehicles Hybrid vehicles, like the Chevy Volt, combine a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor. This setup means t ... read more

Why is my truck leaking? Hi, it's Stacey at Wayside Garage. Today, we're diving into an issue we found on a 2019 Ford Expedition with a 3.5-liter engine. The vehicle was brought in for an oil leak concern, but upon inspection, we discovered the real culprit was a leaking water pump. Identifying the Leak When our client noticed what they thought was an oil leak, it turned out to be coolant leaking from the water pump. Alan, our certified technician, found that the water pump bearing had failed, leading to the coolant leak. It's a common misconception to confuse coolant leaks with oil leaks, especially if the coolant hasn't been changed regularly. Over time, coolant can degrade, becoming acidic and changing color, which can easily be mistaken for oil. The Importance of Regular Coolant Maintenance Regular maintenance of your vehicle's cooling system is crucial. Coolant should be changed at intervals recommended by ... read more

Why Should I Service My Transmission? Keeping your car in excellent condition is crucial, especially when it comes to the transmission. At Wayside Garage, we recently serviced a 2016 Toyota Highlander for its 70,000-mile checkup. Among the services performed, the transmission service was particularly vital. Here's why servicing your transmission should be a priority. Importance of Transmission Service Your car's transmission is a complex system that requires regular maintenance to function smoothly. Our ASE certified technicians, emphasized the importance of bringing your car in every six months for an inspection. During these checkups, we sample the transmission fluid and check for any potential issues, such as leaks or necessary updates. For the Highlander, we detected a minor pan gasket leak early on, which is a great example of how timely maintenance can prevent more significant problems. Regular transmission services typically include ... read more