Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

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 t ... read more

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 ... read more