Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

Window tint - Pros and Cons Tinted windows are great for a number of reasons. They can block dangerous UV rays, they look good, and also offer some privacy, so you don't feel like you are driving in a fishbowl when on the road. Keep in mind; there is such a thing as too dark of tint.   Is It Legal? In the south, we encounter many cars with really dark tinted windows. The advantage of dark tint is heat repellant and UV ray reduction. The intense heat of the south does tend to tax your air conditioner, so it is an advantage. As we move to the northern states, dark tint tends to signal that whoever is inside may have reason to hide. Many states have laws in place to limit the tinting of vehicle windows.   Vision Limitation Yes, tinted windows can keep your eyes from sun damage, on darker days, that same tint can impede your vision. Missing an animal crossing the road, a car without headlights, or worse yet, a child running into the way could mean ultimate disaster. It ... read more

We live in a time when it’s getting difficult to find a good auto mechanic or plumber or other tradespersons. Why is this? As a culture, we’ve always pushed our kiddos into pursuing a college education, and we’ve downplayed the intellectual abilities of anyone pursuing a career in the trades. If you took auto shop or woodworking in high school, it was usually because you were told that you weren’t smart enough to take college-level classes. This line of thinking is killing the trades even though we need qualified people to fill these roles just as much today as always. If you stop and think about it, don’t you want a smart auto mechanic? Of COURSE you do! We all do! There is a slow shift in our country’s perspective on intelligence. Considering that all intelligence tests were designed to test someone’s intelligence based on what the average white adult male knows, we’ve definitely missed the mark on actual intelligence. More and more to ... read more

May is the month for the Monaco Grand Prix. This is one of three races around the world that constitutes the Triple Crown of Motorsports. The other two are the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Monaco Grand Prix is a spectacular event that is unique in so many ways. It began in 1929 and is comprised of roadways in Monte Carlo and La Condamine. Many spectators view the race from yachts on the harbor and the racing scene extends well into the night with glamorous all night partying.   Its tight turns and tunnel force drivers to shift more than 50 times in a single lap. This is why pit strategy becomes so important in this race. It’s not just about the power of the car or even the acumen of the driver; the pit crew can make or break who crosses with the checkered flag.   In the earlier years of the race, safety regulations were not in place and it was common for drivers to run into walls, buildings, and even a couple of them landed in the Mediterranea ... read more