Reasons to Service Your Car in 2021

January 12, 2021

Cheers to a new year!

We have been through so many challenges in the past year. One of those challenges has been lack of mobility. We Americans are resilient. We have adjusted and have found that we can still get things done with limited resources. One thing that may be suffering that we may be unaware of is our car. Like our bodies, when a car is idle many things can start to deteriorate.

Most people will ask, “How can I need that service, I haven’t been driving as much?” So what happens to your car when it sits?

When a vehicle sits for an extended period of time, the chemistry and structure are disrupted. Gaskets and seals become dry or brittle. Tires can become flat, brittle and the rubber starts to crack. Batteries drain, putting you in a situation of not starting when needed. Gasoline starts to gum up. Rust starts to spread and engine oil deteriorates.

These are only a few examples of systems that are affected.

Let’s look at gaskets and seals. Think of a rubber band. When a rubber band is used often, it has a longer life expectancy. Now think of a rubber band that sits. That rubber band losses it’s elasticity and becomes brittle. When you pull on that rubber band, it snaps. Gaskets and seals are the same.

Tires, tires like gaskets and seals, are made up of a rubber composition. If tires are not used, they begin to break down and crack. Those tires will get flat spots and with the cracks, air escapes. If your tires get a flat spot from sitting, there is no way to revive that tire. The tire must be replaced with new.

More than likely, the first issue you will notice will be a dead battery. Especially in cold weather, your battery will have a hard time recovering if it loses its charge. Electronics on your vehicle will also draw power from you battery to keep memory alive. Ground wire issues can happen and sitting will speed up corrosion. That corrosion can also contribute to the draw.

One of the sometimes forgotten systems is your fuel system. Your fuel tank is not an air tight, sealed system. As oxygen interacts with your fuel it becomes less stabile. Fuel that sits starts to become almost gel like. As it travels through the fuel system it wreaks havoc causing performance issues.

Engine oil deteriorates a lot faster when it is not being used as designed. Most people assume that because they aren’t driving as often, they don’t need to change the oil as frequently. The fact of the matter is, that is quite the opposite. Oil, when it isn’t used as intended, breaks down and loses it’s lubrication and cooling properties. This lack of lubrication and cooling cause premature engine wear.

All the above are a few reasons why we recommend servicing your vehicle every 3,000 to 5,000 miles OR every 4 to 6 months. To keep your car in good running condition, have a professional service your vehicle at least twice per year to inspect for any possible issues. A professional inspection and service can lower your chances of having any unforseen issue. It’s better to be safe than sorry, I always say.

Has it been a while since your cars last service? Show your car some love and make a reservation with your certified mechanic. Take care of you car and it will keep you and your family safe and ready when you need it.

Together we can make 2021 the best year ever!

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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.