Top 5 Safety Items to Check on Your Car

January 1, 2020

Happy New Year and welcome to 2020! Mother Nature sure has graced us with an overabundance of water recently. With the amount of water on the roads, it’s important to remember to be extra cautious while behind the wheel. Here are the TOP 5 SAFETY items to check on your car. Be sure to keep your battery in good condition. No one wants to leave the house, run through the rain, jump in the car and have it not start. It’s a good idea to have your battery tested to make sure that the connections are clean and that it has the proper cold cranking amps. Cold weather can reduce a batteries cranking power. Here is a tip, if you battery is more than five years old, it may be time to replace it before it leaves you stranded. Worse case, be sure you know how to jump start your car. Living in “sunny” California, we tend to forget about our wiper blades until we really need them.


The problem is, when we really need them is when we realize that we cannot see through streaked and smudged windshield. My suggestion, replace your wiper blades every six months to eliminate the possibility of a driving hazard. Wiper blades are not the only visibility hazard while driving. It’s a good idea to check your defroster and heater to make sure that they are operating properly. We tend to forget about the defrost mode in our cars until the windshield is completely fogged. We have all seen the pictures or videos of the dog hanging out of the car window. We definitely do not want to reenact that scene, especially in the rain. You know how you naturally feel colder when it’s raining outside? Well, your engine oil is feeling the same way.


Cold weather can cause the engine oil to thicken and make it harder for the engine to turn over. It’s so important to use the correct viscosity of oil that your cars manufacture recommends. Not all oils are the same. Different oil weights can be affected differently by temperature. Be sure that when you are having your car serviced that the correct oil is being used. It’s not the name brand that matters most, it’s the properties of the oil that are important. Finally, although I could list many more, tires! If you have been putting off getting tires because they still have a little more tread, it’s time to take the plunge and get a new set. My dad always said, “Tires are the first thing to touch the road.” A good rule of thumb is to replace the tires when the tread depth is at 2/32″ – 3/32″.


An easy way to check this is by finding the wear indicator in between the tread on your tire. If it’s flush to the tread, it’s time for new tires. The less tread you have on your tires, the more stopping distance you will need. Studies show that a tire with 4/32″ tread depth will have an increase of about 87 feet stopping distance. Tire pressure is also very important in inclement weather. Cold air can cause a lower tire pressure.


Be sure to check your tires periodically or have your local garage check your tires and pressure for you.


ο»ΏThe busy holiday season is over. There is no better time than the first month of the year to make sure that your car is safe for you, your family and those driving around you. Have a safe and happy 2020!

Golden retriever cooling off in front of a fan beside a parked SUV, illustrating the need for summer
By Stacey Diaz July 7, 2025
Stay cool this summer with professional car A/C repair in Seaside, CA. Wayside Garage offers expert diagnostics, recharge service, and free pick-up and delivery.
By Wayside Garage July 5, 2025
Discover top-notch transmission repair at Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA. Ensure smooth driving with our expert team. Schedule an online appointment now!
By Stacey Diaz July 3, 2025
How Do I Know If My Tires Are Safe to Drive On? Tips from Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA for National Tire Safety Week Tire safety is one of those things drivers don’t think about — until it’s too late. But as a local shop owner with over 38 years under the hood, I can tell you: the health of your tires has a major impact on how your car handles, brakes, and keeps you safe out on the road. That’s why we’re proud to support National Tire Safety Week 2025 , happening June 30 to July 4 — an annual effort from the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association to educate drivers on proper tire maintenance. And right here at Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA , we’re doing our part to help folks check in before they check out for summer road trips. πŸš— So, How Do You Know If Your Tires Are Safe? It really comes down to four key checks — easy to remember with the acronym P.A.R.T .: πŸ”Ή P = Pressure Low tire pressure leads to poor fuel economy, sluggish handling, and faster wear. We recommend checking pressure monthly, especially before long drives. Always check when your tires are “cold” — that means before you hit the road, not after a grocery run. πŸ”Ή A = Alignment If your car’s drifting left or right, or your steering feels off, your alignment may be out of whack. Misalignment causes uneven wear, hurts handling, and can shorten your tire life — not to mention your patience. πŸ”Ή R = Rotation You’d be surprised how fast tires can wear unevenly. We rotate tires every 5,000–7,500 miles to make sure all four tires wear evenly. This extends tire life and keeps your vehicle handling the way it should. πŸ”Ή T = Tread Tires need grip, especially in wet or winding road conditions. We recommend checking tread depth monthly. If your tire tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch or less — or if you see visible cracking or bulges — it’s time to replace them. πŸ’‘ Quick Tip: Stick a penny into your tread, Lincoln's head down. If you can see all of Honest Abe's noggin, your tread is too low. πŸ› οΈ What We Offer at Wayside Garage, Seaside CA We’ve been serving the Seaside community for nearly four decades, and tire safety is something we don’t take lightly. Our tire services include: Tire pressure checks and adjustments Computerized wheel alignments Tire rotations and balancing Tread inspections and honest tire replacement recommendations Tire age checks — rubber breaks down over time, even if your tread looks good. Most tires should be replaced every 6 years, regardless of wear. Whether you're planning a road trip or just commuting to work, swing by Wayside Garage in Seaside for a tire check. No pressure (pun intended) — just experienced, straightforward service you can trust. ❓ FAQ: Tire Safety Questions We Hear All the Time Q: How do I know when my tires need to be replaced? A: If your tread is worn past 2/32", your tires are over six years old, or you notice bulges or cracks — it’s time to replace them. Q: How often should I rotate my tires? A: Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. We include this as part of routine maintenance at Wayside Garage. Q: Can alignment affect tire wear that quickly? A: Absolutely. One pothole or curb can knock alignment off. If your car pulls or your tires wear unevenly, it’s time for an alignment check. Q: What tire pressure should I use? A: Check your driver’s door sticker or owner’s manual — never use the number printed on the tire itself. 🏁 Drive Into Summer with Confidence This National Tire Safety Week , don’t just guess your tires are safe — know they are. Bring your vehicle to Wayside Garage in Seaside, California and let our experienced team give your tires a full safety check. You’ll leave knowing your pressure’s perfect, your alignment’s dialed in, and your tread is road-trip ready. Stop by or schedule your service today — we’re here to keep you rolling, safely.
Wayside Garage Joins Brakes for Breasts 2024 | Free Brake Pads for a Cause
March 24, 2025
Support breast cancer research with Wayside Garage! Get free brake pads in October and help fund the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine. Call now to book!
How Often Should You Get an Oil Change? | Seaside & Monterey
March 19, 2025
Keep your engine running smoothly with regular oil changes at Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA. Learn how often to change your oil and book your service today!
Why Is My Check Engine Light On? | Seaside & Monterey Diagnostics
March 17, 2025
Check engine light on in Seaside or Monterey, CA? Discover common causes and get expert diagnostics at Wayside Garage. Call now to book your service!
Why Does My Car Battery Keep Dying? | Seaside & Monterey Battery Help
March 15, 2025
Car battery keeps dying? From old batteries to alternator issues, find out why and get expert help at Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA. Call us for battery testing and replacement!
Why Won’t My Car Start? Prevent a Dead Battery with Tips from Wayside Garage
March 5, 2025
Don’t get stranded with a dead battery! Learn how to prevent battery issues and keep your car running smoothly. Schedule a battery check at Wayside Garage today!
Your Older Car Is a Pot O’ Gold | Save Thousands with Maintenance
March 4, 2025
Thinking of buying new? Discover why maintaining your current car is a smarter financial choice. Save money with expert care at Wayside Garage!
When Should I Replace My Brakes? Top Warning Signs | Wayside Garage
February 27, 2025
Is your car pulling to one side or making squealing noises? Discover the warning signs of worn brakes and get a professional inspection at Wayside Garage today!
More Posts