What Should You Do When Your Check Engine Light Comes On?

November 1, 2024

Seeing your check engine light come on can be nerve-wracking, but there’s no need to panic! Here’s a straightforward guide to help you handle the situation safely and with confidence.

1. Stay Calm & Check for Immediate Signs

The check engine light can mean a variety of things, from a loose gas cap to engine issues. First, check if there’s any change in your car’s performance. If you hear strange noises, notice smoke, or feel the engine isn’t running smoothly, pull over safely and consider calling for help.

2. Tighten or Check the Gas Cap

Believe it or not, a loose gas cap is one of the most common reasons for a check engine light. If the gas cap is loose or missing, your car’s fuel system won’t be able to seal properly, which triggers the light. Tighten it until you hear a click, and see if the light goes off after a few drives.

3. Observe the Check Engine Light’s Behavior

Flashing or Steady? A steady light indicates a less urgent issue, while a flashing light usually signals a more serious problem. A flashing check engine light often points to engine misfires, which can damage your engine and emissions system if not addressed quickly.

4. Visit Wayside Garage for a Professional Diagnostic Test

This is where the experts come in! At Wayside Garage, we can run a full diagnostic scan to decode the exact reason your check engine light turned on. We connect directly to your car’s onboard computer to read the error codes, giving us a precise idea of what needs attention. As part of our maintenance plan, regular diagnostic checks and inspections help you prevent these situations before they become costly fixes.

5. Take Care of Repairs Promptly

Once you know the problem, it’s essential to address it quickly. Whether it’s a minor fix or something more involved, prompt attention can save you time, money, and the hassle of future repairs. Plus, ongoing issues can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and may damage other parts of your vehicle.

6. Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance to Prevent Future Issues

Following a regular maintenance schedule is the best way to avoid surprise check engine lights. At Wayside Garage, we recommend oil and filter services every 5-6 months, air filter changes, fuel system tune-ups, and comprehensive inspections each year to keep your engine running smoothly and reduce the risk of unexpected issues.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Ignore the Light!

While it might be tempting to ignore the check engine light if everything seems “fine,” remember that it’s your vehicle’s way of alerting you to potential issues. Small problems can grow into big (and costly) repairs if left unchecked.

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How Do I Know If My Tires Are Safe to Drive On?

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. 🚗 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 .: 🔹 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. 🔹 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. 🔹 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. 🔹 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. 💡 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. 🛠️ 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.