The New FANTASTIC – Social Distancing and Cars

May 12, 2020

We have learned a lot over the past few months. Some things we have had to re-learn and some are pretty new to our communities. Many of them are simple things. Relearning to wash and scrub our hands for 20 seconds, I don’t know about you but, I now sing Happy Birthday to myself many times a day.

Disinfecting every single surface that could possibly be touched, our grandmothers would be so proud of us. Last but not least, social distancing. Growing up with siblings, my mom preached the two foot rule. If we didn’t give each other an arms length distance and we were caught bickering or starting to pick on each other, the bunny slipper would come flying! It was my moms way of keeping us from fighting, or at least trying to do so. Who would have known that a simple skill that we were taught while young would come back to be a huge part of our lives?

You’re probably thinking, what does social distancing have to do with cars? Well, for me, it has made me realize how much I love people and a lot of the people I see are because of their car! I miss being able to invite people in and asking them to take a seat so that we can chat. I miss being able to hug so many of my loved ones and clients. I miss a good handshake. Don’t get me wrong, we have been trying reach out to many of our long time clients to check on them. Calling to chat and make sure that they have what they need. It’s been heartwarming being able to have so many wonderful conversations with both young and old.

With that said, I do realize that somethings will not be able to go back to the way they were. We have entered into a new FANTASTIC, not normal, but fantastic! As I said, I love people, but I also love my two foot rule that I grew up with. Here is why I say new fantastic. Think back of the times that you would spend waiting in line to pay for groceries, or better yet, an amusement park ride. Remember how close people would stand? Sometimes they would stand so close to you that it was uncomfortable for you or someone waiting with you. You would try and inch your way forward to give yourself space, but they would follow. In the new FANTASTIC we are allowed space. We can still be close enough to chat or give that someone a compliment but now they can feel confident and good about themselves. We have learned to be more patient. We understand that it may take a little more time to finish the errands that we need to do. In the new fantastic we are spending more time with our immediate families. Family dinners, walks around the block, waving at your neighbors, a friendly “hi” as you pass by. These are all amazing things that seem to be making a comeback and I love that!

As we venture into this new FANTASTIC, I’d like to take a moment of gratitude for every single person that has come into our lives. Many blessings to you all! Together we will be FANTASTIC!

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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.