Summer is around the corner, and that usually means Summer road trips. Here are some tips to prepare your vehicle for Summer driving:

1. Check your tires regularly. — Robert’s Auto Repair has a tire service center, so allow us to take a look at your tires, wheels, and alignment for safety.

2. Check your cooling and air conditioning systems. — Robert’s Auto Repair will be happy to test your cooling system and your AC system to make sure there are no leaks or problems.

3. Change your oil on schedule and keep full. — Regular oil changes will keep your engine running perfectly during summertime heat and extensive road trips.

4. Check the gas cap. — The gas cap is an important component of your car’s emission control system, so we will make sure the gasket is properly in place.

5. Check your lighting and visibility. — Robert’s Auto Repair will double check all your safety lights and make certain your windows are free of cracks and dings.

6. Use a pro for long trips. — Many wise travelers bring their vehicles in to Robert’s Auto Repair for complete, proactive auto service. We have the expensive diagnostics equipment, while a smaller shop may not.

If you are interested in having your vehicle inspected for safety, schedule an appointment with Robert’s Auto Repair at 831-373-1534.

Many wonder what the process for auto body repair after an auto accident. At Robert’s Auto Repair, our goal is to take a bunch of lemons and turn them into lemonade for our customers. Here is the general process of what happens after an auto accident takes place, until the automobile is fully restored:

1. When you arrive, you are greeted by our repair estimators.
2. We will estimate your vehicle, then move it into production.
3. Once it goes into production, we disassemble the vehicle and inspect it for further damage.
4. Then we update the estimate and notify the insurance company.
5. When your vehicle is in the body shop, we will prepare the vehicle by grinding the panel that needs to be straightened, metal finish pin weld the sheet metal back to its original shape, and finish it off with a thin coat of Bondo; sanding it down with 180 grit.
6. When the car comes out of the body shop and moves into the paint shop, it’s like moving into a surgery room. The state-of-the-art equipment will kick into gear, by curing our primer so we have no dive back or shrinkage. Normally what used to take about 6 – 8 hours to complete is done in 10 – 15 minutes.
7. We bag the car to protect the rest of the finish on the vehicle. We feather edge and prime; then block, then prime…and when it’s finished off in 600 grit, then it goes into our state-of-the-art waterborne paint booth.
8. In the paint booth, we apply our environmentally friendly waterborne paint (which makes us green certified). We apply our clear coat. We bake it at a 170 – 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and it brings it back to the factory pre-loss condition.
9. After cool down, the vehicle is ready for assembly.
10. After assembly, it goes to the detail rack.
11. After the detail, the customer is called, and it’s ready for pick-up.
Estimated completion time: 6 to 8 hours! As you can see, our state-of-the-art equipment at Robert’s Auto Repair allows us to return your car to you within the same day!

To schedule an appointment with our auto body repair shop, call Robert’s Auto Repair at 831-373-1535.

Have you heard of our Customer Rewards program at Robert’s Auto Repair? Our rewards program is designed to save you money on future invoices, every time you come to Robert’s Auto Repair for service. If you are not already familiar with our Customer Rewards program, here’s how it works: http://www.roberts-autorepair.com/rewards-card.php#cls

Scattered April showers and major Spring storms cause inconvenience and minor accidents on Monterey County’s freeways. Given the imminent hazard April showers create, it is a good idea for all drivers, especially teenage or inexperienced ones, to review the causes and solutions to hydroplaning as it may save you or a loved one from getting into an accident.

Hydroplaning occurs when the tires of your vehicle cannot displace water fast enough to make proper contact with road surface. The result of this condition is a loss of steering to the affected tires. If all the tires are affected, the loss of steering will be complete.

Evidence that partial hydroplaning is occurring and complete hydroplaning is imminent is a loosening of the steering response as well as a pulling of the vehicle toward the body of water. Generally, hydroplaning is avoidable as it is caused by “driver error” and tire problems, which could potentially lead to a catastrophic accident.

The major causes of hydroplaning are:

Speed: Hydroplaning does not generally occur at speeds of less than 50 mph, except when deep, pooled water is present. The faster a vehicle travels, the less time a tire has to displace standing water, thereby increasing the chance the car will become “waterborne” and hydroplane.

Water Depth on Roadways: Pooled or standing water will decrease tire contact with the roadway and may result in hydroplaning.

Tire Pressure: Increased speed and under-inflated tires can result in your losing up to 40 percent of your tires’ contact with the road, leading to hydroplaning.

Tread Depth: Proper tire tread depth allows water to escape, providing proper contact between the tire and the roadway. It is recommended that you have at least 1/16-inch tread depth. A quick way of checking the proper tread is to insert a penny upside down in the tire groove at which point you should not be able to see the top of President Lincoln’s head.

Overloading and Heavy Vehicles: These conditions may contribute to hydroplaning.

To minimize your chances of hydroplaning and getting into an accident, it is suggested that you do at least the following:

Reduce Speed: During a heavy rain storm, experts recommend slowing down to 30 mph. Remember, the posted speed limit is the maximum driving speed for optimum driving conditions. If roadway conditions are less than optimal, you must slow down. The likelihood of hydroplaning increases with higher speeds.

Avoid Sudden Braking: In order to properly slow your vehicle down remove your foot from the accelerator rather than slam on your brakes. Once you regain traction then slowly brake.

Do Not Turn Your Wheel Sharply: It is better to steer straight ahead to get your vehicle under control before turning abruptly.

Follow the Vehicle Tracks: If at all possible, follow in the traveled portion of the roadway where the vehicle in front of you has already wicked the water from the roadway.

Avoid Standing Water: Pooled and standing water decrease tire contact with the road. Avoid standing water whenever possible or reduce your speed before hitting a puddle.

If you recognize the potential hazards before driving your vehicle and take the appropriate remedial action, you can greatly reduce the risk of accidents for you and your loved ones. If you have specific questions about your vehicle’s safety systems and tires, try talking to the team at Robert’s Auto Repair, where we can repair or replace your tires, perform wheel alignment, test your brakes, and check all of the safety systems on your vehicle. Call Robert’s Auto Repair today at 831-373-1534 to schedule an appointment.

Robert’s Auto Repair is proud to offer electrical system repair and maintenance on all vehicles, including electric vehicles. With the help of the Department of Motor Vehicles, here are a few things you should know about repairing your vehicle’s electrical system:

Ignition — http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/ignition.php

Alternator — http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/alternator.php

Batteries — http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/batteries.php

Granted, most of you who come to Robert’s Auto Repair are not the DIY auto mechanics. However, if you wish to tackle these repair projects yourself, the information provided above can be quite helpful.
Whether or not you decide to try and fix your vehicle’s electrical system yourself, or bring it into Robert’s Auto Repair, we will be happy to assist you, one way or the other.

If your vehicle won’t start or if you feel it is acting rather sluggish, we will diagnose what’s going on with your vehicle’s electrical system and repair what is ailing it. Call Robert’s Auto Repair today at 831-373-1534 to schedule an appointment.

Have you noticed how often it is that people don’t give enough attention to their tires? It seems very common, but ignoring your tires is can become a major safety issue. Why? Because tires are your car’s only contact to the road.

No matter how good an engine your car has, how good a construction it has , what basic speed and acceleration it has, in the end it all comes down to tires and how they can alter your car’s performance on the road. Not only should you pay attention to your tires, but you should learn the difference between good tires and bad tires, cheap tires and expensive tires, sizes of tires , and the seasons and conditions your tires are made for.

Here’s a quick list of things to look out for when choosing tires:
1. Make sure you’re choosing the proper size of tires. A wrong size of tires can mean everything from a slight discomfort to a serious safety issue. Tire sizes are usually indicated in your car’s manual. If you lost yours or you got a bargain car from somewhere without it, be sure to check the manufacturer’s website for the proper tire size.

2. If you’re driving in a certain season , it’s best to use a tire made for that season. For example summer tires in the summer, winter tires in the winter. A compromise exists, with all-season tires, but they also have certain drawbacks. All season tires perform well in every season except for the winter, when they perform very poorly. Avoid using all season tires during the winter at all costs.

3. Avoid using only 2 winter tires, or 2 summer tires, when you actually need a full set. No matter how hard someone is trying to convince you it’s the same thing, do not believe them. That can only cause discomfort and loss of safety. If you use two different types of tires, that would only mean that two parts of your car will move differently when steering, and that is a potential risk.

So instead of ignoring your tires, try paying more attention to them. Change your car tires whenever necessary. If you’re not sure about the specific details, then try talking to the team at Robert’s Auto Repair, where we can repair or replace your tires, and perform wheel alignment. Call Robert’s Auto Repair today at 831-373-1534 to schedule an appointment.

In tough economic times it makes sense to maximize every dollar. In terms of car buying, that suggests buying a clean used car instead of springing for a shiny new one. But is buying a used car always cheaper than buying a new vehicle? In most typical economic climates, the answer is a resounding “yes.” However, the current economic climate is anything but typical. In fact, the deals on some new cars are so generous they actually make a new car less expensive than both a one-year-old used and certified pre-owned version of the same model.

To illustrate this point, Edmunds.com compared the vehicles’ True Market Value® transaction prices and the interest payments typically made for each vehicle. Because used/certified pre-owned cars are generally financed at a higher rate than new cars, a shopper can actually save money by purchasing a new vehicle instead of a used version in some cases.

When considering financing, maintenance, taxes and other costs, buying a used vehicle may not always be cheaper than buying a new one. If you’re having trouble deciding between buying new vs. used, let this car calculator help. Enter the purchase price, loan terms, interest rate, insurance, vehicle age and tax rates to compare the costs of buying new vs used.

Regardless if your vehicle is new or used, Robert’s Auto Repair will treat your new-new vehicle, new-used vehicle, or loyal-current vehicle with love and respect. If your vehicle needs mechanical repair, auto body repair, detailing, paint touch-ups, new tires or wheel alignment, call today at 831-373-1534 to schedule an appointment.

There are many reasons why a car may not start. To really know, you’ll want to bring your vehicle in to Robert’s Auto Repair for a thorough inspection, but here are some of the top reasons your car may be unable to start:

Electric Fuel Pump Failure /Fuel Filter Restriction
One of the most common no-start problems we have seen is the failure of in-tank electric fuel pumps, primarily due to lack of proper scheduled maintainance. If the fuel filter is not changed at the proper intervals, they may clog up and not allow fuel to get where it needs to go. Another cause for premature fuel pump failure is allowing the fuel level to get to below ¼ tank and below for extended periods or running completely out of fuel running out of fuel allows the electric fuel pump to run “dry” which nearly immediately ruins the pump.

Timing Belt Failure / Timing Belt Tensioner failure
Timing belts are designed to last approx. 40,000-60,000 miles under normal use. Not changing the timing belt before it “breaks” can result in expensive engine damage in some vehicles, such as Honda, Acura, Nissan, and Mitsubishi. Always have the timing belt changed a little before the recommended change interval, and check the tensioner. Replace it if questionable. Timing belt tensioner failure is common.

Distributor Failure / Including Ignition Control Modules
We have seen many distributor failures on Hondas, especially due to bearing failure.

ECM/ PCM Failure (computer)
Unfortunately, computer failure happens. The good news is that our diagnostic tests can detect these issues fairly quickly.

Alternators
Alternators are used in modern automobiles to charge the battery and to power the electrical system when its engine is running. If your alternator is not working, chances are your battery is dead, too.

Cam Sensors
The cam sensor tells the computer where your cam is in it’s rotation. The info is used to determine spark timing and fuel delivery. if it’s bad, you’ll run rough or not at all.

Batteries/ Cables /Clamps
Many neglected corroded Batteries find their way to our facility. Batteries do not last forever! Poor Maintenance practices cause many battery failures which often lead to other problems.

Electrical Problems
Many problems associated with day-to-day drive-ability are caused by voltage variations and must be the first step in troubleshooting any problem. This is due to the use of computerized controls in most cars these days and even quite minor voltage changes can alter the controls. Your car’s electrical system must be load tested to certain standards, which can be simulated by turning on all the accessories and lights for simple voltage drain but that is not an all-inclusive test.

Miscellaneous
Vehicles out of fuel due to inaccurate fuel gauges.
Engines locked up due to lack of oil.
Plugged Exhaust systems (catalytic converters).

If your car won’t start, contact Robert’s Auto Repair immediately at 831-373-1534. We’ll be happy to bring your vehicle in for repair, and get you back on the road as quickly as possible. We’re here to help!

When was the last time you read your vehicle’s Owners Manual? If it’s been a while, and you’re not sure what that light on the dash board means, or what that beeping noise is, chances are your Owners Manual will explain it all.

Your Owners Manual will tell you everything from the curb weight of your car to the type of gas and oil you should use. It includes information about replacing the tires, decoding the dashboard lights, and even changing your headlight bulbs. Needless to say, your Owners Manual is a handy reference book tailored to your specific make, model, and year of car.

But, what if you purchased a used vehicle and you cannot locate the Owners Manual? There are several ideas that will allow you to get to know your vehicle thru and thru:

1. Look up your vehicle’s Owners Manual online.
If you don’t have the original Owners Manual, you can check to see if it’s available online. Most automakers have electronic versions of at least some model year’s manuals available for free.

2. Consult with our team at Robert’s Auto Repair.
Because we are the premier auto repair center in the area, chances are very high that we have worked on your make and model of vehicle before. Our ASE Certified Technicians have extensive knowledge about all common auto manufacturers, and have the resources to answer your questions about your vehicle.

3. Order one from a dealer.
Though it will not be free, your local car dealer can order the Owners Manual for your vehicle’s make, model, and year.

4. Find one at a salvage yard.
If you have an older car, or a vehicle that has become harder to find, you might get lucky enough to find an Owners Manual at a salvage yard. There’s no guarantee, of course, that you’ll find the exact copy you need, but you might enjoy the hunt.

If you’ve not seen these before, they bear repeating. Check out our FAQs and if you don’t see the answer to your question, feel free to call us directly at 831-373-1534. We’re here to help!

Q. How often should I rotate my tires?
Your tires should be rotated every other oil change, or every 6000 miles. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear.

Q. Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the recommended interval?
YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement.

Q. What does it mean if my “check engine” or “service engine soon” light comes on?
There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicle’s engine performance and emissions. When one of these fails, the “check engine” light is illuminated. Although your car may seem to run fine, it is important to have the issue addressed to prevent long-term problems.

Q. What should I do if my car starts to overheat?
This is a very serious problem – if your car overheats for too long, you can damage your engine. As soon as possible, find a safe place to pull off the road and shut the engine off! Do not attempt to check the fluid level in the radiator; the hot fluid can cause severe burns. The best thing to do is have your car towed to Robert’s Auto Repair.

Q. When should I get my oil changed?
You should get your oil changed every 3000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Q. Why is engine oil milky brown?
Milky brown engine oil is an indication of coolant in the oil. This can be caused by a blown head gasket (or other gasket), a failed transmission cooler, or cracked casings. This condition is very serious and needs to be checked by a professional technician immediately.

Q. How do I make sure my car battery has a good electrical connection?
Battery cables and terminals should be cleaned and inspected periodically to make sure they provide a good electrical connection.

Q. Should I consider using synthetic motor oil in my vehicle?
Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines. Or for vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), and vehicles that operate in extremely cold or hot climates. Although more expensive than mineral-based oils, synthetic motor oils can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes.

Q. When should I replace my car’s fuel filter?
To help ensure dependable, trouble-free performance, replace your car’s fuel filter approximately every 30,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Q. When should I change my spark plugs?
For maximum fuel economy and peak engine performance, your spark plugs should be replaced every 30 months or 30,000 miles, unless your vehicle is equipped with 100,000-mile platinum tipped spark plugs.

Q. I need to replace a burned out fuse, what should I do?
Always replace burned-out fuses with ones of the same amperage (printed on the fuse) and note that if a fuse continues to “blow,” you should have the circuit checked professionally by one of our technicians for defects.