Seaside Auto Repair

Why Do I Need to Pay for a Brake Inspection? When you call a shop asking for a price on brakes, there's a lot more we need to know before we can give you an accurate quote. As a shop, our main goal is to ensure your safety and provide the best service possible. This often starts with asking a few questions to understand your situation better: 1. Front or Rear Brakes? - Different cars and issues require different parts and labor. 2. Pads, Rotors, Calipers? - Knowing what parts you might need helps us prepare and provide an accurate quote. 3. What Are You Experiencing? - Strange noises, vibrations, or poor braking performance can indicate different problems. Here is a Real-Life Example Recently, a European vehicle came to us for a second opinion after another shop inspected it. The customer had asked for a price over the phone, but without seeing the car, we couldn't provide an accurate quote.  When we ... read more

Why Is My Car's Air Conditioning Not Working? Understanding Your Car's AC System When the air conditioning in your car stops working, it can be a real discomfort, especially during hot summer days. At Wayside Garage, we frequently see vehicles with AC issues, ranging from low Freon levels to leaking components. Today, we’ll take a closer look at one of the most common culprits: the evaporator core. What is the Evaporator Core? The evaporator core is an essential part of your car's air conditioning system, located in the dashboard. It functions similarly to a small radiator and is crucial for cooling down the interior of your car. Here's how it works: 1. Heat Absorption: The evaporator core absorbs heat from the air inside your car. 2. Cooling Process: It cools the air by removing the heat, making the inside of the car feel cold. 3. Refrigerant Cycle: Hot air flows through the core, causing the refrigerant to boil and turn into a gas, which th ... read more

Choosing a Mechanic: A Relationship for Your Car's Health Picking the right mechanic is like choosing the right doctor for yourself. Just as you trust your doctor with your health, you should trust your mechanic with your car. At Wayside Garage, we believe that building a long-term relationship with a trusted mechanic is crucial for your vehicle’s longevity and performance. Here’s why: Why Consistency Matters Vehicles that frequently switch mechanics often face more issues. Our long-term clients benefit because our certified technicians are familiar with their vehicles' history and specific needs. This familiarity allows us to provide tailored maintenance plans and anticipate potential issues before they become major problems. The Value of a Maintenance Plan Regular maintenance is essential to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently. Cars are a significant investment, and maintaining them properly is mor ... read more

Why Are My Brakes Screeching? Hearing a screeching sound when you hit the brakes can be alarming. Not only is it unpleasant, but it can also indicate that something is wrong with your vehicle. Understanding the reasons behind this noise is crucial for maintaining your car’s safety and performance. Common Causes of Screeching Brakes Worn Brake Pads One of the most common reasons for screeching brakes is worn brake pads. Brake pads have a metal indicator that produces a screeching sound when they’re nearly worn out. This noise serves as a warning that it’s time to replace the pads. Ignoring this sound can lead to more serious damage and reduced braking efficiency. Dust and Debris Sometimes, dust and debris can get caught between the brake pads and the rotor, causing a screeching sound. This is often a temporary issue and can be resolved by cleaning the brakes. Regular maintenance and cleaning can prevent this proble ... read more

Why Are My Chevy Truck’s Brakes Failing? Maintaining your Chevy truck’s brakes is crucial for safety and performance. A common issue Chevy truck owners face is brake failure, often due to worn-out brake drums, shoes, and wheel cylinders. Let’s dive into why this happens and how to fix it. Understanding Brake Components 1. Brake Drums: These house the brake shoes and are crucial for stopping your vehicle. 2. Brake Shoes: These press against the drum to create the friction needed to stop. 3. Wheel Cylinders: These use hydraulic pressure to push the brake shoes against the drum. Signs of Brake Issues If your brakes are failing, you might notice: - A spongy brake pedal. - Brake fluid leaks. - Unusual noises when braking. Common Causes and Solutions Seized Wheel Cylinder: When a wheel cylinder seizes, it can cause brake fluid to leak, contaminating the brake shoes. This leads to reduced braking effi ... read more