Is your car AC blowing hot air? Discover common causes and fixes from Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA. Stay cool with professional AC diagnostics and repair!

June 28, 2024

Why Is My Check Engine Light On?

The check engine light turning on can be a cause for concern, but it’s a common issue that many drivers face. Let's explore why this happens and how to address it.

Understanding the Check Engine Light

Your car's check engine light is a signal from the vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU) that something is wrong. Modern cars are equipped with multiple computer modules (anywhere from 30 to 50) that monitor various systems in your vehicle. When something goes amiss, the check engine light illuminates to alert you.

Common Reasons for the Check Engine Light

One often overlooked component that can trigger the check engine light is the oxygen sensor. This sensor plays a critical role in monitoring the exhaust gases and ensuring your engine runs efficiently. Over time, oxygen sensors can become faulty due to exposure to extreme temperatures and contaminants, causing the check engine light to come on.

What Do Oxygen Sensors Do?

1. Front Oxygen Sensors: These sensors help manage the air-fuel ratio by adjusting fuel trims. This ensures your engine runs smoothly.
2. Rear Oxygen Sensors: These sensors monitor the efficiency of the catalytic converter, ensuring it’s reducing harmful emissions properly.

When these sensors malfunction, they can’t relay accurate information to the ECU. This can cause your engine to run too rich (too much fuel) or too lean (not enough fuel), leading to decreased performance, increased emissions, and potential damage to the catalytic converter.

Symptoms of a Faulty Oxygen Sensor

- Decreased fuel efficiency
- Rough engine idle
- Engine misfires
- Increased emissions

Maintenance Tips for Oxygen Sensors

It's recommended to replace your oxygen sensors every 50,000 miles to maintain optimal engine performance. Regular maintenance checks can help prevent issues before they arise. If you're experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, or if your check engine light is on, it might be time to check your oxygen sensors.

Wayside Garage Maintenance Services

At Wayside Garage, we offer comprehensive maintenance services to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly. Our certified technicians use only the correct sensors for your vehicle, ensuring compatibility and performance.

Maintenance Plan Highlights:

- Every 5-6 Months: Oil & Filter Service, Complimentary Inspection
- Annual: Fuel & Air System Tune-Up, Cabin Air Filter Replacement, Battery Service, Engine Air Filter Replacement, Wheel Alignment, Comprehensive Inspection

By following a regular maintenance schedule, you can extend the lifespan of your vehicle and avoid unexpected issues like a check engine light coming on due to a faulty oxygen sensor.

Schedule Your Service Today

If your check engine light is on, don’t wait. Contact us at Wayside Garage to schedule a maintenance check. Call us at (831)-899-2425 or book an appointment online at www.waysidegarage.com

Stay ahead of potential issues and keep your car running efficiently with our expert services.

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ARE MY BRAKES SAFE?

By Stacey Diaz • October 14, 2025

October is more than just pumpkin patches and crisp fall air. For many families in Monterey, it's also the start of darker evenings, wetter roads, and more time on the road. That’s why October is the perfect time to think about one of the most important safety features on your vehicle: your brakes. At Wayside Garage, we participate in the Brakes for Breasts campaign every October. It's not just about brake repair — it’s about raising awareness, supporting breast cancer research, and keeping our community safe on the roads. ________________________________________ What Are the Signs Your Brakes Might Need Attention? Your brakes are your first line of defense in an emergency. If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, it’s time to get your brakes checked: • Squealing or grinding noises • A soft or “spongy” brake pedal • Car pulling to one side when braking • Vibration or shaking when you press the brakes • Increased stopping distance Ignoring these signs can lead to expensive repairs down the road — or worse, a serious accident. We always say: if it feels off, bring it in. ________________________________________ Why Brake Inspections Matter More in Fall With more rain, shorter days, and holiday travel ahead, your brakes are under more stress in the fall. At Wayside Garage, we see an uptick in emergency brake repairs this time of year — many of which could have been avoided with a quick inspection. Our certified technicians will perform a comprehensive brake check, looking at: • Brake pads and rotors • Brake fluid level and condition • Brake lines and hoses • Calipers and hardware And if you’re part of our Wayside Garage Maintenance Plan, your brake inspections are included with your scheduled services. That’s one more reason to stay on track with routine care. ________________________________________ Brakes for Breasts: Repair With a Purpose Every October, we join auto shops nationwide for the Brakes for Breasts campaign. Here’s how it works at Wayside Garage: • You get free brake pads (you only pay for labor and any additional parts if needed). • We donate 10% of the brake job to the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine Fund. It’s a meaningful way to protect your family on the road while supporting groundbreaking research that could change lives. ________________________________________ Why Choose Wayside Garage for Brake Service? We know you have options when it comes to brake repair in Monterey. So why do so many drivers trust us? • Family-owned and operated since 1946 • ASE-certified technicians who care about doing it right • Honest inspections and clear explanations • Free digital vehicle health reports • A shop built on integrity, hospitality, and professionalism When you bring your vehicle to us, you're not just another ticket — you're part of the Wayside Garage family. ________________________________________ Schedule Your Brake Inspection Today October is the best time to have your brakes checked — and support a great cause while you're at it. Whether you’re noticing a problem or just want peace of mind before the holidays, give us a call or schedule an appointment online. Let's keep your vehicle — and your community — safe this fall.