Where Can I Get Brake Repair Near Seaside or Monterey?
Stacey Diaz • October 28, 2025
Where Can I Get Brake Repair Near Seaside or Monterey?
A Scary Close Call—and a Brake Pad That Told the Truth
Not long ago, a local mom brought her SUV into Wayside Garage because she noticed a slight grinding sound when coming to a stop. She thought it was just dust in the brakes—but what we found told a different story.
Her front brake pads had worn down to 3mm, which is the minimum safe limit. Even more concerning, one side was worn more than the other—a red flag for a sticking brake caliper. That uneven wear puts extra pressure on both the pads and the rotors.
Luckily, we caught it just in time. We replaced the pads, installed new rotors (because they were affected too), and resolved the caliper issue to ensure safe, even braking.
Why We Replace Rotors When Replacing Pads
Most modern vehicles benefit from replacing rotors at the same time as brake pads. Here's why:
- New rotors = even contact and longer pad life
- Machining rotors is often more expensive than just replacing them
- Reusing old rotors can cause:
- Premature pad wear
- Brake pulsation or vibration
- Grinding or squealing noises
- Uneven braking and reduced safety
Replacing both at once ensures smoother stops, better performance, and helps you get the most out of your new brake pads.
When Should You Get Your Brakes Checked?
Every 6 months or 12,000 miles, you should have your brakes professionally inspected—even if they seem fine. This helps prevent:
- Hitting that critical 3mm wear limit
- Hidden issues like caliper or brake line problems
- Costly damage to rotors and other brake components
Don’t wait until you hear grinding or feel vibration—by then, damage is already happening.
October = Brakes for Breasts
Now through October 31st, get:
- Free brake pads or shoes with any brake service
- 10% of your brake repair cost donated to breast cancer research
- 100% of donations go to research—no admin fees
Join us in supporting this life-saving cause while keeping your own vehicle safe on the road.
What Happens During a Brake Inspection?
We follow our Wayside Maintenance Plan, which recommends brake inspections every 6 months. When you bring your car in, our certified techs check:
- Pad thickness (looking for that 3mm mark)
- Rotor wear or warping
- Brake fluid and hydraulics
- Calipers, brake lines, and master cylinder
- Road test for brake performance, noise, and feel
We’ll explain exactly what we find and whether replacing rotors is recommended.
Serving Seaside, Monterey, Marina & Beyond
At Wayside Garage, we’re not here to pressure you—we’re here to help you stay safe and informed. As a trusted, family-owned shop in Seaside, we believe in transparency, integrity, and professionalism.
Schedule Your Brake Inspection Today
Whether you're hearing noises or just due for a check, this is your chance to:
- Protect your safety
- Extend the life of your brakes
- Support breast cancer research
Book your brake service before October 31st and take advantage of our Brakes for Breasts offer today.
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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.
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