Seaside Auto Repair

How to Check Your Tire Pressure Ensuring your tires are properly inflated is essential for safe driving, better fuel efficiency, and extending the life of your tires. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you check your tire pressure effectively: 1. Gather What You Need Start with a tire pressure gauge. You’ll find digital, dial, or stick gauges at auto supply stores. Digital gauges are user-friendly, while dial and stick gauges are classic options. Brands like Accutire and Milton are known for reliable gauges. 2. Find the Recommended Pressure Locate the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) for your vehicle. Check your owner’s manual or look for a label inside the driver’s side door jamb. 3. Check Tire Pressure When Cold For an accurate reading, check your tire pressure when the tires are cold. This means waiting at least three hours after driving or checking first thing in the morning. 4. Remove the Valve Cap Unscrew the valve cap fr ... read more

How to Check Tires for Uneven Wear Keeping your tires in peak condition is essential for their lifespan and safety. Here's how to effectively check for uneven wear: Park on a Level Surface: Begin by finding a flat surface to park your vehicle. This ensures stability while you inspect all four tires. Visual Inspection of Tread: Look closely at the tread of each tire. Examine the surface for any sections that appear more worn down than others. Use a Tread Depth Gauge: For more accuracy, you can use a tread depth gauge. If you don’t have one, a quarter can be an alternative tool—insert it into the tread grooves to measure depth. Compare Tire Sides: Inspect both the inner and outer edges of each tire. Look for any significant differences in wear patterns or signs of feathering. Check for Damage: Scan for visible damage like cracks or bulges, which can be indicators of more serious iss ... read more

Discover the Perfect Car Care Plan for Your Vehicle at Wayside Garage In today's busy world, maintaining your vehicle shouldn't be a hassle or a surprise expense. That's why Wayside Garage offers a Car Care Membership Subscription Plan—it’s like a Netflix or gym subscription, but for your car’s health! With affordable monthly payments and convenient reminders, you can keep your car running smoothly all year without worrying about big repair bills. Let’s dive into the three levels of our membership plans and find the perfect one for your driving needs. Bronze Package: Essential Coverage for Everyday Drivers The Bronze Package is our most affordable option at just $26 per month. It's ideal for drivers who need standard maintenance throughout the year and covers essential services, including: Two Oil and Filter Services per Year: For the typical driver, two oil c ... read more

Should You Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection for Your Next Used Car? Thinking about buying a used vehicle? It’s a smart way to save money while still getting a reliable car – if you do your due diligence. One essential step before signing anything is to have the vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic. This can save you from unexpected problems and help you make a well-informed purchase. At Wayside Garage, we specialize in pre-purchase inspections that give you a comprehensive look at the car’s condition. Here’s why a pre-purchase inspection is worth it and what you can expect when you bring your potential new vehicle to us. Why Have a Pre-Purchase Inspection Done? A used car can come with a history that isn’t immediately visible. Hidden issues can affect its performance, longevity, and safety. A thorough inspection reveals potential problems and shows if the vehicle was regularly maintained, letting you buy with confidence. And most ... read more

Trick or Treat? Can I bring my own parts to a mechanic? Halloween brings the excitement of mystery and fun, but when it comes to auto repairs, mysteries are best left to haunted houses—not your car! Choosing to bring your own parts to the repair shop might seem like a treat for your wallet, but it can lead to some scary “tricks” down the road. This Halloween, let’s explore why relying on certified mechanics to supply the parts for your vehicle is the sweetest (and smartest) choice. 1. Beware the Trick: Liability Insurance Won’t Cover Customer-Supplied Parts Imagine stepping into a haunted house without any protection—it’s risky and unpredictable. That’s similar to bringing your own parts to an auto shop. When you bring in parts from outside, liability insurance that covers professional work at the shop often doesn’t apply. Why? Liability Risks: If a part you provided fails, liability insurance won ... read more