Quick Lube; A thing of the past?

March 29, 2023

Have you heard the saying, "Good. Fast. Cheap. Any two, but never all three"? Well, in my opinion, this is true. Nowadays there is no such thing as an "oil change". To care for your car, you should consider a 5,000-mile or 4 to 6-month service (whichever occurs first). I know many of you are saying, "but I'm not driving my car as much". Hear me out.

Most vehicle manufacturers state that oil services should be performed every 5,000, 7,500, or 10,000 miles. Have you ever asked yourself why in recent years that has changed? It was standard to have your car serviced every 3-4 months or every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Well, I did my research! I found that the main reason for the change was to meet JD Powers' service standard requirements. In doing so, this brings down the cost-to-own and makes the vehicle more appealing to you, the consumer. What they neglect to advertise is that engine oil, as with any other lubricant, breaks down over time. When oil circulates through the engine, the oil breaks down. A vehicle that sits or is not driven often, has issues with oil contamination.

Think about the car that sits a lot. More than likely when it is driven, it is to go to the grocery store or run a quick errand. This type of driving does not allow the engine to reach the proper operating temperature. This causes the engine to run richer than normal because it is not fully warmed up. That rich condition along with oil contamination or dilution from condensation creates an environment that may cause internal engine damage. I want to be sure that you have the tools you need to make your car last. Growing up in the automotive industry, I have seen a lot of change. I want to share some of the things that I have been seeing in recent years.

-An engine making noise due to being 5 and a half quarts low on fluid due to a missing oil filter seal.
-Leaking drain plugs.
-Leaking oil filters.
-Excessive oil sludge.
-Check engine lights due to lack of lubrication.
-Sticking actuators or sensors.

Of course, we all know mistakes happen and these things are not all due to a "quick lube". It is my goal to stress the importance of having a professional perform a proper "service" twice a year.

How do you get the best service possible?

Do your research. Find a garage that you trust and are willing to create a relationship with. Think of them as your car doctor. When you make an appointment for service, be sure to allow them ample time. There are reasons oil and filter services are taking longer. Your vehicle is receiving more than oil and a filter. Expect your vehicle to be at the facility for 3-4 hours. To provide the very best service, there are necessary inspections. There are many possible oil and fluid requirements. The top repair facilities will use quality parts and provide you with a health check.

Most repair shops strive to provide you with a comfortable experience. We know that taking your car in for service is not "fun". There are things to consider to make your visit easier. Communication is key. If there are any concerns about the vehicle mention them to your advisor. They want to make sure that you are happy with your car. Here are a few questions to ask to help with your service experience:

-What time should I expect my car to be ready?
-What time should I receive a call to go over my inspection results?
-What levels of services/inspections are available?
-Are there any additives that I should be using? (Engine additives are amazing for today's vehicles.)
-Is there a shuttle as a form of transportation?
-What is nearby in case a form of transportation is not available?

Once you have found your car people there's an important question to ask yourself. Is my vehicle worth investing in to make it last as long as possible? If the answer is yes, keep on reading! This article is perfect for you. If the answer is no, you may be looking to buy another vehicle. If you are, it's a good idea to keep reading to be sure and get the most out of your next car.

So what else is included in a service?

A wise man once asked me, why change your engine oil if you never change any of the other fluids? This was eye-opening. There are so many systems in cars that the fluid is never or rarely changed throughout the life of the vehicle. Take into consideration...

The number of transmissions that are never serviced.
The number of differentials that are never serviced.
The number of cooling systems that are never serviced.
The number of power steering systems that are never serviced.
The cars and trucks that are not maintained are sure to have mechanical failure earlier on.

Think of the thousands of dollars saved when the vehicle receives a proper service. It's a good idea to put together a maintenance plan so that you aren't blindsided by a mechanical breakdown caused by a lack of service.

In conclusion, my goal is to help you to get the biggest bang for your buck! All vehicles, new or used, are expensive to replace. Take care of your car and it will take care of you. Plan to visit your garage every 4 to 6 months for a check-up (service). You will be enjoying your car for years and years (and save money long term)! Happy driving!

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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.