Robert's Auto Repair Blog | Auto Repair Monterey, CA

What’s new at Robert’s Auto Repair?

Posted on March 5, 2012 by admin

The construction from our $2 Million renovation is complete, but we’re always doing something new to improve our processes here at Robert’s Auto Repair. Today, we’d like to feature our Paint Shop.

Our Paint Shop is made up of certified paint shop employees who take pride in their work. We use Waterborne paint, which is friendly to our planet and your vehicle, and it has an additional benefit of drying very quickly. Waterborne paint also creates a safer working environment for our employees and reduces hazardous waste. Robert’s Auto Repair was the first Green shop in the Monterey Peninsula using waterborne paint, and we are very proud of our Green certification from the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program.

To expand our capacity within our Paint Shop, we have added a second paint booth. We are the only Monterey Peninsula auto body shop that has dual spray booths. This renovation is not easily seen from the front of our facility, but the results are evident when you get your vehicle back out on the road in a shorter time period.

Our Paint Shop provides a win-win-win situation for everyone involved. Many insurance companies, including USAA, Progressive, Geico, and Farmers, are very happy to work with Robert’s Auto Repair, because they know we are the direct service provider that will take excellent care of their insured.

The next time you stop by Robert’s Auto Repair, ask Robert for a personal tour of the Paint Shop. We think you’ll like what you see!

Posted in Auto Body, Auto Maintenance, auto repair, Car Repair, Events, Tire Service | Tagged Big Sur, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Castroville, Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Monterey, Moss Landing, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Prunedale, Robert's Auto Repair, Salinas, Sand City, Seaside, What’s new at Robert’s Auto Repair? | Comments Off

Why Should I Remove Cosmetic Scratches and Small Dents?

Posted on February 27, 2012 by admin

If your vehicle is over 1 year old, chances are it has accumulated small scratches and dents along the doors, bumpers, and where tree branches may have rubbed against the paint. If you repair those scratches and dents, you will protect the value of your vehicle and feel that special sense of pride knowing that your ride looks great!

In addition to major auto body and painting, Robert’s Auto Repair offers cosmetic repairs for all those unavoidable minor dents and surface marks. Here is a video demonstrating how our team repairs those cosmetic scratches and small dents:

Posted in Auto Body, Auto Maintenance, auto repair, Car Repair | Tagged Big Sur, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Castroville, Corral de Tierra, Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Monterey, Moss Landing, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Prunedale, Robert's Auto Repair, Salinas, Sand City, Seaside, Why Should I Remove Cosmetic Scratches and Small Dents? | Comments Off

Air & Fuel Filters

Posted on February 20, 2012 by admin

Air filter maintenance is extremely important if you want to let your vehicle’s engine work optimally. Many car owners often complain about hard starting of the car and power loss, and this is mainly due to the problem with air filters. What the air filtration system in your vehicle does, is clean the outside air that comes into the vehicle prior to getting burned with the vehicle’s fuel. If the air that comes into the vehicle from the outside is not clean, it will cause your engine to become damaged. Recommended replacement intervals for air filters are now ranging between 15,000 and 75,000 miles.

Fuel filter replacement intervals vary from between 20,000 miles to 150,000 miles, to “lifetime” in some applications. Modern fuel quality is so good that many import manufacturers leave the replacement interval to the technicians’ discretion. When you visit Robert’s Auto Repair for a regularly scheduled fuel filter or air filter replacement, we’ll let you know our recommendations for your vehicle and consult with you before we complete the service.

Need service, repair, or maintenance on your drive belts? Whatever the need, our staff at Robert’s Auto Repair will be happy to take care of your vehicle so that it may safely take care of you. We proudly serve the engine, mechanical and auto body needs of people who live and work in Monterey, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Sand City, Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Salinas, Corral De Tierra, Pebble Beach, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Prunedale, Castroville, Moss Landing, Big Sur, and North Monterey County.

Call 831-373-1534, or schedule an appointment with Robert’s Auto Repair. Located off of Del Monte Avenue right by Highway 1 near the boarder of Seaside and Monterey, we welcome you to stop by our shop at 234 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940. If you have any questions about your auto’s performance or maintenance, don’t be shy about asking our friendly staff for assistance.

Posted in Auto Body, Auto Maintenance, auto repair, Car Repair, Tire Service | Tagged Air & Fuel Filters, Big Sur, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Castroville, Corral de Tierra, Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Monterey, Moss Landing, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Prunedale, Robert's Auto Repair, Salinas, Sand City, Seaside | Comments Off

Lube, Oil, Filter Replacement

Posted on February 13, 2012 by admin

How frequently should you get your oil changed? What’s the difference between an oil change and a lube job with synthetic oil? When should you become concerned with filter replacement? These are common questions that vary with each vehicle make and model, as well as the driving style of each driver. Fortunately, the staff at Robert’s Auto Repair are knowledgeable about the lube, oil, and filter replacement requirements for each vehicle it services.

Typically, an oil change / lube job is recommended every 3000 miles. Air filters are replaced at varying intervals, along with wiper blade replacement. When you visit Robert’s Auto Repair for a regularly scheduled lube, oil, and filter replacement, we’ll let you know our recommendations for your vehicle and consult with you before we complete the service.

Need a lube, oil and filter replacement? Whatever the need, our staff at Robert’s Auto Repair will be happy to take care of your vehicle so that it may safely take care of you. We proudly serve the engine, mechanical and auto body needs of people who live and work in Monterey, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Sand City, Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Salinas, Corral De Tierra, Pebble Beach, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Prunedale, Castroville, Moss Landing, Big Sur, and North Monterey County.

Posted in Auto Maintenance, auto repair, Car Repair | Tagged Big Sur, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Castroville, Corral de Tierra, Del Rey Oaks, Filter Replacement, Lube, Marina, Monterey, Moss Landing, Oil, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Prunedale, Robert's Auto Repair, Salinas, Sand City, Seaside | Comments Off

Complete Tune-Ups

Posted on February 6, 2012 by admin

A properly tuned car, truck or SUV can improve your gas mileage and performance, and it also helps keep our environment greener. With today’s gas prices, having your car inspected annually to determine if your vehicle could benefit from a complete tune-up is a great way to save money on gas, keep your car performing at its best, and have a longer lifespan.

A complete tune-up service includes inspecting and adjusting all of the vehicle’s systems that contribute to efficient fuel combustion. How do you know when you need a tune-up service? If you keep track of your gas mileage and it worsens by 10% or more, it’s time for a tune-up. Many drivers also seek a tune-up when experiencing any type of sluggish response from their vehicle.

Need service, repair, and a complete tune-up? Whatever the need, our staff at Robert’s Auto Repair will be happy to take care of your vehicle so that it may safely take care of you. We proudly serve the engine, mechanical and auto body needs of people who live and work in Monterey, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Sand City, Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Salinas, Corral De Tierra, Pebble Beach, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Prunedale, Castroville, Moss Landing, Big Sur, and North Monterey County.

Posted in Auto Maintenance, auto repair, Car Repair | Tagged Big Sur, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Castroville, Complete Tune-Ups, Corral de Tierra, Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Monterey, Moss Landing, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Prunedale, Robert's Auto Repair, Salinas, Sand City, Seaside | Comments Off

Hoses at Robert’s Auto Repair

Posted on January 23, 2012 by admin

If not maintained properly, a car engine can overheat just as easily in the winter months as during the summer. Coolant hoses are a very important part of the total cooling system. They are the fluid connectors between the engine, the radiator and heater.

Most cars have a handful of hoses. Since hoses are so vital to safe engine operation, most car experts recommend replacing them if they are over four years old, or if they feel soft at the ends. Fortunately, they can be conveniently replaced when it’s time to flush the cooling system and install new coolant.

Need service, repair, or maintenance on your automobile’s hoses? Whatever the need, our staff at Robert’s Auto Repair will be happy to take care of your vehicle so that it may safely take care of you. We proudly serve the engine, mechanical and auto body needs of people who live and work in Monterey, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Sand City, Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Salinas, Corral De Tierra, Pebble Beach, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Prunedale, Castroville, Moss Landing, Big Sur, and North Monterey County.

Posted in Auto Maintenance, auto repair, Car Repair | Tagged Big Sur, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Castroville, Corral de Tierra, Del Rey Oaks, Hoses, Marina, Monterey, Moss Landing, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Prunedale, Robert’s Auto Repair, Salinas, Sand City, Seaside | Comments Off

Drive Belts at Robert’s Auto Repair

Posted on January 16, 2012 by admin

The engine drives fan belts / drive belts to power components such as the alternator, AC compressor, power steering pump, and engine cooling fans. Drive belts are made of rubber and wear out over time, especially if they come into contact with oil.

Periodic inspection is necessary to determine if drive belts need to be replaced; many manufacturers have set specific replacement intervals. If one drive belt is worn or has failed, the remaining drive belts should also be replaced. Often, drive belts are overlooked until they fail. Regular inspection and maintenance of your drive belts can prevent roadside breakdowns from happening to your vehicle.

Posted in Auto Maintenance, auto repair, Car Repair | Tagged Big Sur, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Castroville, Corral de Tierra, Del Rey Oaks, Drive Belts, Marina, Monterey, Moss Landing, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Prunedale, Robert’s Auto Repair, Salinas, Sand City, Seaside | Comments Off

Automotive Electrical Systems at Robert’s Auto Repair

Posted on January 9, 2012 by admin

Today’s automobile electrical systems are getting more intricate and are stressing the limits of current technology, but they are generally designed from the same principles used 30-plus years ago. The battery is the vehicle’s power storage device used to start the engine and help operate the electrical accessories installed on your car. Average battery life has become shorter as energy requirements have increased. Lifespan depends on usage, which now averages 6 months to 48 months, yet only 30% of all batteries actually reach the 48-month mark.

Whenever a car’s electrical system exhibits symptoms of a charging or starting system failure, the most basic test that should be performed first is a visual and voltage test of the battery. Once the exact condition of the battery is known, then it is easier to discover which system components may or may not be working properly, such as the fuses, starter, or alternator.

Need service, repair, or maintenance on your electrical system? Whatever the need, our staff at Robert’s Auto Repair will be happy to take care of your vehicle so that it may safely take care of you. We proudly serve the engine, mechanical and auto body needs of people who live and work in Monterey, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Sand City, Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Salinas, Corral De Tierra, Pebble Beach, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Prunedale, Castroville, Moss Landing, Big Sur, and North Monterey County.

Posted in Auto Body, Auto Maintenance, auto repair, Car Repair | Tagged Automotive Electrical Systems, Big Sur, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Castroville, Corral de Tierra, Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Monterey, Moss Landing, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Prunedale, Robert’s Auto Repair, Salinas, Sand City, Seaside | Comments Off

Timing Belts at Robert’s Auto Repair

Posted on January 4, 2012 by admin

Generally, the timing belt (or timing chain) is the sole component that keeps the camshaft and crankshaft in sync. Replacing the timing belt (a cogged reinforced-rubber belt) at regular intervals — generally every 60,000 miles unless the automobile manufacturer specifies longer — is a lot less expensive and aggravating than having it break while the engine is running.

A broken timing belt usually means catastrophe for an interference engine, and major inconvenience for a non-interference engine. In an interference engine, the valves and piston share the same air space. They never touch, unless your timing belt breaks or skips, and this is a catastrophic failure that requires removing the head and replacing bent valves. Non-interference engines do not risk this contact if the timing belt goes. Nonetheless, either can leave you stranded, so regular timing belt replacement is very important.

Need service, repair, or maintenance on your timing belt? Whatever the need, our staff at Robert’s Auto Repair will be happy to take care of your vehicle so that it may safely take care of you. We proudly serve the engine, mechanical and auto body needs of people who live and work in Monterey, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Sand City, Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Salinas, Corral De Tierra, Pebble Beach, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Prunedale, Castroville, Moss Landing, Big Sur, and North Monterey County.

Posted in Auto Body, Auto Maintenance, auto repair, Car Repair | Tagged Big Sur, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Castroville, Corral de Tierra, Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Monterey, Moss Landing, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Prunedale, Robert’s Auto Repair, Salinas, Sand City, Seaside, Timing Belts | Comments Off

Your Vehicle’s New Year’s Resolutions for 2012

Posted on December 29, 2011 by admin

I, my human’s vehicle, do solemnly swear to make the following New Year’s Resolutions for 2012.
I resolve to carry my humans and their precious cargo safely wherever they drive me.
I resolve to stop as quickly as possible when faced with an emergency situation.
I resolve to respond quickly when my gas pedal is pushed, my steering wheel is turned, my brakes are applied, and when my human is running late.
I resolve to provide warmth when it’s cold, air conditioning when it’s hot, and shelter from the rain, wind, sleet, snow, and hail.
I resolve to never hydroplane, slide, or lose control of myself on the road.
I resolve to use gasoline efficiently, helping my human’s money stretch as far as possible.
I resolve to avoid all accidents, scratches, pot holes, and any damage that would harm me or make my insurance go up.
I resolve to always serve my humans reliably, safely, comfortably, and be ready to go anytime they need me.
I resolve to do everything I can to prevent my humans from locking their keys inside me.

I, my human’s vehicle, will be fully equipped to meet all of my 2012 New Year’s Resolutions if my humans remember that I am part of the family and that I need regular maintenance if I am able to keep my promises.

I, my human’s vehicle, will be delighted to uphold my promises if they take me in for a check-up, repair, some detailing work, some tire work, and/or some body work at Robert’s Auto Repair, located at 234 Ramona Avenue in Monterey, California 93940.

I will even be happy to use my on-board phone system (if I have one) to call Robert’s Auto Repair at 831-373-1534 on their behalf to schedule an appointment for myself so my humans don’t have to worry about my health and safety…

…If only my human could authorize me to sign the credit card.

Dependably,
Your Beloved Vehicle

Posted in Auto Body, Auto Maintenance, auto repair, Car Repair, Events, Tire Service | Tagged 2012, Big Sur, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Castroville, Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Monterey, Moss Landing, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Prunedale, Robert's Auto Repair, Sand City, Seaside, Your Vehicle's New Year's Resolutions | Comments Off

Main: (831) 373-1534
Body Shop: (831) 373-1535