Your Thanksgiving Road Trip Car Check in Seaside, CA
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Thanksgiving is a little over two weeks away. If you plan to drive to family in the Central Valley, the Bay Area, or down Highway 101, now is a good time to look your car over. A problem found in your driveway costs less than one found on the shoulder of Highway 152 at night.
Here's what our service advisors look at before a long trip, and what to check yourself.
Start With Your Tires
Your tires are the only part of the car touching the road. Long drives, full trunks, and wet November roads all put them to work.
Check the pressure
Look for the sticker inside the driver's door. It lists the right pressure for your car. Check your tires when they're cold, before you drive. Cooler mornings on the Peninsula drop tire pressure, so a tire that looked fine in September might be low now.
Check the tread
Worn tread is a bigger problem in the rain. Water has nowhere to go, and the tire slides. Put a penny in the tread with Lincoln's head pointing down. If you see the top of his head, it's time to shop for tires.
Brakes and Steering
A loaded car takes longer to stop. Pay attention to how your brakes feel on your next few drives around town.
Signs to watch for
- Squealing or grinding when you stop
- A pulsing brake pedal
- The car pulling to one side
- A steering wheel that shakes at highway speed
Any of these is worth a look before you leave. A pull or a shake might mean an alignment issue, which also wears your tires faster.
Battery, Wipers, and Lights
These three get ignored until they fail. November gives you shorter days and the first real storms, so you'll lean on all three.
Battery
Most batteries give little warning. If your car cranks slowly in the morning, or your battery is a few years old, have it tested. A test takes a few minutes during any visit.
Wipers
Salt air and coastal sun dry out wiper rubber. If your blades streak, skip, or chatter, replace them before you go. Top off your washer fluid too.
Lights
Walk around your car with the lights on. Check headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. Cloudy headlights cut how far you see on dark rural roads.
Fluids and Oil
Check your oil level and look at the date on your oil change sticker. If you're close to due, get it done before the trip, not after. Long highway miles add up fast.
While your car is in the shop, we check coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid. Leaks show up best on a lift, not on a busy holiday morning.
Right now, get a synthetic oil service for $49.99 when you pair it with any other service. See the details at waysidegarage.com/coupons.
What a Pre-Trip Inspection Looks Like at Wayside Garage
Thanksgiving is a little over two weeks away. If you plan to drive to family in the Central Valley, the Bay Area, or down Highway 101, now is a good time to look your car over. A problem found in your driveway costs less than one found on the shoulder of Highway 152 at night.
Here's what our service advisors look at before a long trip, and what to check yourself.
Start With Your Tires
Your tires are the only part of the car touching the road. Long drives, full trunks, and wet November roads all put them to work.
Check the pressure
Look for the sticker inside the driver's door. It lists the right pressure for your car. Check your tires when they're cold, before you drive. Cooler mornings on the Peninsula drop tire pressure, so a tire that looked fine in September might be low now.
Check the tread
Worn tread is a bigger problem in the rain. Water has nowhere to go, and the tire slides. Put a penny in the tread with Lincoln's head pointing down. If you see the top of his head, it's time to shop for tires.
Brakes and Steering
A loaded car takes longer to stop. Pay attention to how your brakes feel on your next few drives around town.
Signs to watch for
- Squealing or grinding when you stop
- A pulsing brake pedal
- The car pulling to one side
- A steering wheel that shakes at highway speed
Any of these is worth a look before you leave. A pull or a shake might mean an alignment issue, which also wears your tires faster.
Battery, Wipers, and Lights
These three get ignored until they fail. November gives you shorter days and the first real storms, so you'll lean on all three.
Battery
Most batteries give little warning. If your car cranks slowly in the morning, or your battery is a few years old, have it tested. A test takes a few minutes during any visit.
Wipers
Salt air and coastal sun dry out wiper rubber. If your blades streak, skip, or chatter, replace them before you go. Top off your washer fluid too.
Lights
Walk around your car with the lights on. Check headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. Cloudy headlights cut how far you see on dark rural roads.
Fluids and Oil
Check your oil level and look at the date on your oil change sticker. If you're close to due, get it done before the trip, not after. Long highway miles add up fast.
While your car is in the shop, we check coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid. Leaks show up best on a lift, not on a busy holiday morning.
Right now, get a synthetic oil service for $49.99 when you pair it with any other service. See the details at waysidegarage.com/coupons.
What a Pre-Trip Inspection Looks Like at Wayside Garage
When you bring your car to either of our Seaside shops, our technicians do a digital inspection. You get photos and notes sent to your phone. You see what we see, from tread depth to brake pads to leaks.
We sort what we find into what is urgent, what holds for later, and what looks good. You decide what to fix and when. No pressure.
Repairs we do come with our 36-month, 36,000-mile nationwide warranty.
Plan Ahead for the Holiday Week
The week before Thanksgiving fills up fast. Book early so your car is ready before you pack. Both shops are open Monday to Friday and closed on weekends.
- Del Monte: 2003 Del Monte Blvd, Seaside. Open 8:00 to 4:30, Monday to Friday.
- Ord Grove: 1020 Ord Grove Ave, Seaside. Open 8:00 to 4:30, Monday to Thursday, and 8:00 to 4:00 on Friday.
FAQ
How far ahead should I schedule a pre-trip inspection?
Aim for one to two weeks before you leave. That gives you time to order parts or fit in a repair without a rush.
What if you find something I don't want to fix right away?
That's your call. Your digital inspection shows photos and notes, so you see the issue and decide. We tell you what is a safety concern and what holds for later.
Does your warranty cover me if I break down out of town?
Our repairs carry a 36-month, 36,000-mile nationwide warranty. Call us and we'll walk you through your next steps.
Does the $49.99 offer work with an inspection?
Yes. The $49.99 synthetic oil service applies when you pair it with another service. Details are at waysidegarage.com/coupons.
Get Ready Before You Go
Book online at waysidegarage.com or call the shop nearest you. We'll look your car over, send you photos, and help you get to Thanksgiving dinner without surprises.
