MAY 2020

April 14, 2020

The year 2020 has been, well, a roller coaster to say the least. Life will always be full of ups and downs. I have always been told that it’s how we handle our times in the valley that make us stronger. When the COVID-19 shelter in place occurred, we took a hard look at the way we operated. I mean, it’s hard to not come in close contact with someone when you are taking care of their car. After all, the best part of our industry is getting to build a relationship with YOU. This can be a little difficult without face to face contact. To keep our clients and our team safe, we started to make changes.

First, we went on the hunt for sanitizing product and as so many others out there, we came up empty handed. We did some research and found that we could make our own hand sanitizer with products that we had at home. We also happened to have sanitizing wipes at home and brought them in. It started with sanitizing every surface when people entered the office. Within days, or more like hours, we progressed our safety procedures. It was time to buckle down and fight this virus!

As an essential service, we had to do what we needed to keep our community mobile. The changes we have made allow us to provide a safe and healthy environment for all. Here is what Wayside Garage is doing for our community.

We have put into place “Contact-less” service. We are now offering our Concierge Service at no charge. We now schedule your vehicle for a pick up during a window of time. We arrange to collect the keys with no contact. Upon picking up your vehicle, we sanitize the outer door handle, steering wheel, inner door handle, shifter, and any touched knobs. We also dress your vehicle with a steering wheel cover, floor mat, and seat cover. We then drive your vehicle to our facility to perform any needed services. Each of our technicians use gloves during all services. We are a digital shop. Being a digital shop allows us to provide you with a detailed assessment of your car or truck. It also allows us to provide you with photos of repairs that are performed, and updates throughout the process. During our process we will not only call you to discuss your vehicles health or needs, we provide information through email and text.

Once your services are complete, we arrange your vehicle delivery. Payments are processed through phone and email. We have recently changed our processor to allow us to capture a signature through email. Upon delivering your vehicle, we re-sanitize as we did upon pick up.

We also offer the choice of dropping your vehicle off and putting the keys through the key-drop. We will then call or email to communicate the needs of your vehicle. Each vehicle gets the same sanitation procedure as our “Concierge Service”. Upon completion, we are arranging a contact less pickup catered to your needs. You can then return to your car and continue with your day.

This process has worked out phenomenally! In making these changes, our clients are able to relax at home or continue their work without the added stress of caring for their car. More so than that, it has created a way to keep everyone safe and healthy. Our team has decided to continue this practice even after the shelter in place is lifted. Wayside Garage will forever adapt to the changing scenarios of life. We will continue to be heroes of mobility for our community as we all fight this pandemic. We continue to keep your doctors, nurses, first responders, grocery store clerks, and all other essential workers safely moving. This important so that they can be there for us all. Above it all, we are happy to do so.

There is one last thing that is important to add. There are many out there that are in dire need of food. There are children that relied on school meals to eat. There are people that have underlying health issues that cannot leave their homes to buy food. We have partnered with a local non-profit, ALL IN MONTEREY, to help them help others. I ask, if you have a Facebook page, please like the Wayside Garage page and share our post about helping them out. For each page like we will donate $1 and for each share of that post we will donate $1 up to $1000.00. Help us help those in need.

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How Do I Make My Car Last Longer?

By Stacey Diaz • November 12, 2025

These days, keeping your car longer just makes sense. New vehicle prices, rising interest rates, higher registration fees, and insurance costs have more folks than ever asking: 👉 “ How do I make my car last longer?” At Wayside Garage, we specialize in helping our clients get the most life out of their vehicles with affordable, preventative maintenance — and we’ve been doing it for generations. Why Car Maintenance Is Smarter Than Buying New The cost to maintain your current car is dramatically lower than replacing it. Here’s a quick comparison: Maintaining your vehicle: About $0.25–$0.30 per mile Buying new or newer: Anywhere from $0.80 to $1.20 per mile That’s a huge difference. We even have a cost-to-own video that breaks this down in more detail — just ask and we’ll send it to you! Tips to Make Your Car Last Longer Want to protect your vehicle (and your wallet)? Here’s how: 🔧 Stick to a Maintenance Schedule We recommend servicing your vehicle at least twice a year — ideally every four months. At Wayside Garage, we make it easy by pre-scheduling priority reservations for our customers. Here’s what to keep up with: Oil & filter changes Fluid checks & top-offs Battery & charging system tests (especially before colder weather) Brake inspections at least once a year Belts, hoses & filter checks annually 🚨 Don’t Ignore Warning Signs If you hear a strange noise or see a warning light, don’t wait. Catching small issues early can save you thousands and avoid roadside breakdowns. 🛞 Rotate & Align Tires A yearly wheel alignment protects your suspension, brakes, and tires — and improves fuel economy too. Real Customer Example: 300,000+ Miles Strong One of our long-time customers drives a Volkswagen we’ve maintained since it was nearly new. He just passed 300,000 miles — and it’s still going strong. Recently, we caught his wheel bearings needing replacement before they failed. The repair cost him around $800–$1,000 — less than one month’s payment on a new car. That fix will last him years, and he avoided a breakdown entirely. Be Proactive, Not Reactive That’s our best advice in one word: Proactive. Plan ahead. Know what’s coming. Spread out services to avoid big surprises. And treat your car like your body — the more care you give it, the longer it’ll serve you well. Need Help Keeping Your Car Running? At Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA , we’ve got your back. Our certified technicians follow a proven maintenance plan based on nearly 40 years of experience to keep your car safe, efficient, and long-lasting. 📞 Call us today at (831) 899-2425 or stop by to schedule your next service.

Where Can I Get Brake Repair Near Seaside or Monterey?

By Stacey Diaz • October 28, 2025

Need brake repair near Seaside or Monterey? Free pads and 10% donated to breast cancer research through Oct. 31st at Wayside Garage. Book now.

Everything You Need to Know About Transmission Service and Repair at Wayside Garage

By Wayside Garage • October 25, 2025

Enhance your car's performance with Wayside Garage's advanced transmission service in Seaside, CA. Trust our experts for quality care. Visit us today!

Brake inspection, Car safety, Brake maintenance, Brake pad replacement, Wayside Garage

WHEN SHOULD I GET MY BRAKES INSPECTED?

By Stacey Diaz • October 14, 2025

Not sure when to check your brakes? Learn the signs and timing for brake inspections — and why October is a smart time to visit Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA.

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.