Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio   We proudly serve Coast Auto Insurance customers We're excited to serve Coast Auto Insurance customers at our collision repair shop. Our team is dedicated to providing quality collision repair backed by service you can trust, and partners like Coast Auto insurance are integral in that process!   Why a partnership brings you value At CARSTAR Robert's Collision, we work with all major insurance companies to help you through the process of getting your vehicle repaired after an accident. We understand that dealing with insurance can be stressful, so we do everything we can to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.   Coast Auto Insurance is one of the many insurance companies we work with to bring you the best possible collision repair experience. We are proud to partner with Coast Auto Insurance and provide our customers with the high-quality repairs they deserve. If you have any questions about how we work with y ... read more

Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash Why we partner with amazing companies, like Progressive Insurance! Each month, we like to feature one of our partners at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision. This month, we would like to spotlight Progressive insurance and its incredible legacy of providing high-quality turnkey insurance options to their clients! Progressive Insurance has been around since 1937, which means you get to draw on nearly a century of trust and community credit; built over generations. They really live their name, in that they are a very progressive company when it comes to living their values.  Progressive Insurance makes insurance easier ... read more

Photo by Mat Napo on Unsplash   The holidays are all about spending time with the family, eating good food, enjoying great music, and dishing out all the best stories from the year. Some of us travel a long way to the family get-together, but what we all have in common is that we have to hit the road one way or the other; to gather around the holiday table. The road is full of surprises, and accidents do happen; we want to be ready for them when they do. A great way to prepare for these unfortunate events is to have a road kit ready in your vehicle.   The difference between a disaster and a situation that you can handle can be as simple as having a few things in place before heading out. Imagine something as simple as not having ... read more

    Photo by Holly Mandarich on Unsplash  For this week's blog, we want to highlight some of the more common causes of auto collisions so that you can avoid being in an accident yourself. While commuting to work or going about your day, you may have witnessed an accident on the road and wondered why it happened. At CARSTAR Robert's Collision in Monterey, we care about your safety and want to point out some things to avoid while on the road.  Being able to identify hazards on the road or having the ability to react to avoid accidents requires attention and focus. It is important to remember that your life, your passenger's life, and the lives of other drivers around you can be affected ... read more

from the website This first Monday of this September is better known as Labor Day! This holiday serves as a symbol of the progress and achievement of the working people. There is also a second meaning to Labor Day in which most Americans consider Labor Day to mark the end of summer!    This labor day, we want to acknowledge our hard-working employees who contribute directly towards the amazing work done here at CARSTAR Robert's Collision in Monterey. Without the dedication and commitment of our employees, we would not be able to provide the exceptional service in which we take pride in ourselves.    We encourage you to check out our reviews which highlight the fantastic work done by the leading auto repair team in the Monterey peninsula! We would also like to invite you to check out this video about our customer service!  If you have any questions regarding ... read more

Photo by Marc-Olivier Jodoin on Unsplash    Driving on the highway can be something dangerous, no matter what. For this reason, you must be aware of any obstacles on the road, including pitfalls, which can be the leading cause of a road accident. For this month's blog, we will be giving you some advice on how to avoid potholes or obstructions on the road and how to be safe when driving.     When you are driving on the road, many countless distractions can lead you to an accident. Some of these distractions can be automobiles of all sizes whip around at blinding speed or even not consider the blind spots. Here are some of the steps or precautions you should take to drive safely on the highway:   Avoid blind spots: Large vehicles can be the most common blind spo ... read more

Photo by Deleece Cook on Unsplash    Is your vehicle ready for back-to-school season? Going back to school in person after being away for a long time can be exciting! And because of this it is important to have your vehicle ready and make sure everything is working perfectly, especially the brakes.    Having your car ready for back to school can save you lots of time and money. Your kids or probably yourself are going back to school, which means the hours you spend in the car have just significantly increased! You will be driving from home to school, to work, and back and forth. Below are some of the steps you should consider to have your vehicle and brakes ready for back to school:   Keep an eye on your tires: Your vehicle tires are like your feet; they need to be in go ... read more

Photo by Michael Jin on Unsplash Have you ever been in a car accident and don't know what to do? For this month's blog, we will teach you some of the accident checklists you should know when a car accident happens! Driving can be something that sounds fun to do, but it can also be risky if we don't take precautions and are focused on the road. Traffic accidents can happen anytime, to anyone, and for this reason, it is essential to be prepared and know what to do when it happens.    When people suffer a car accident, the first thing they do is get paranoid and leave the scene, which is reasonable. But trying to leave the place of the accident without even calling the police or making sure the other people on the vehicle are okay can be the most common mistake people make in ... read more

Photo by Jan Baborák on Unsplash    Welcome to our August blog! For this blog, we will be talking about relieving your first year of driving and some of the things you can do to calm your nerves and help you drive, like if you have been doing so for years.    The fear of driving is incredibly common among first-time drivers and can be mild or severe. It takes its time, probably up to three months or even more. Even if you start driving on the regular roads, it might take months before becoming really good, but it's all about practice. We all had the experience of having one family member or friend yelling at us while trying to teach us how to drive, but in the end, we all learned how to do it successfully.    Our friends at CARSTAR Robert's want you ... read more

California has been struck by fire after fire in the last few years, and 2020 is up there with the worst fire season our state has ever seen. Along with smoky orange and grey skies and poor to dangerous air quality, California residents have had days and days of ash falling from the sky. With no end to the fires in sight, it’s important to make sure that you keep your car from accumulating long-term damage as a result of the fire season. Keep reading to find out how to keep the air pollution from ruining your car’s paint job, and how to keep the air in your car as clean as possible.  After driving, you’ll likely arrive home with some ash residue. This can be removed quickly and easily by gently wiping down your vehicle with a long-handled car duster to remove any soot and ash that have accumulated. Make sure to pay particular attention to your headlights and taillights to ensure you have maximum visibility. If you have access to a garage where you can park your ... read more

Photo by Tai's Captures on Unsplash With COVID-19 on everyone’s minds and shelter-in-place orders predicted to remain in place for the foreseeable future, masks and gloves have become commonplace. Though social distancing includes staying 6 feet apart and wearing surgical masks and gloves when around others, you may have noticed that some people are continuing to wear them while driving around. Is this necessary? Read on to find out! Since the COVID-19 crisis began, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have recommended that people follow all social distancing guidelines, which includes wearing a cloth face covering while out in public. These face coverings range from scarves to N95 respirators, but the main question is, do we n ... read more

This COVID-19 pandemic has really changed our “normal” way of life here on the Monterey Peninsula, hasn’t it? Since March, we have been encouraged to Shelter In Place, stay at home, only travel for essential business, and stay in our neighborhoods. Multiple events have been canceled, and one of them is our beloved Monterey Car Week. Monterey Car Week is an annual event that many of us -- especially die-hard auto enthusiasts -- look forward to every year. We have made it an annual tradition of sending our marketing gal out to the various open-to-the-public car shows to take photos and share them with our car buddies. We are truly going to miss celebrating Monterey Car Week, for it is an event that brings in approximately $50 Million in annual revenue for the hotels, restaurants, venues, and supporting industries on the Monterey Peninsula. With deep respect, we honor the intention of reducing the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus, and we do encourage everyone to ... read more

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

  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 is a good idea to re ... read more

  At CARSTAR Robert’s Collision and Repair, we know you love your car as much as we do, so we put together a list of car cleaning hacks with handy items already in your home. We hope these hacks are helpful!   Toothbrush cleaning tools Use an old toothbrush to scrub your dash, vents, and console. Toothbrushes are very handy when getting into tight spaces that need a scrub.   Toothpaste your headlights It might sound funny, but headlight lenses get cloudy over time after being exposed to the sun. One way to clear your headlamps and brighten the road is to take some toothpaste and a towel and get scrubbing. It may take an application or two, but the results you will see are impressive!   Q-tip cleaning When nooks and crannies are challenging to get into, grab a Q-tip, and get to rubbing. Q-tips are especially great for cleaning your vent corners and between the shifting lever.   Magic Eraser on vinyl and leather stains Are you finding dirt and ... read more

  Knowing you can safely stop at a short distance is vital to safety on the road. Your brakes are one of the most essential and critical safety features on your vehicle.  Braking systems made up of a series of mechanical parts and sensors on modern cars, each piece plays an important role, and all work together to ensure sufficient stopping power.    You are most likely familiar with some of the parts of your braking system. There are several components, such as a brake pedal, and lesser-known parts such as the master cylinder, brake lines, fluid, pads, rotors, or drums. Older vehicles came with drum brakes; however, these days, vehicles are equipped with rotors, which reduces stress and stopping distance. All of these parts within your braking system work together as a team. They are activated by the brake pedal to slow or stop your vehicle. Driving a car with bad brakes can be a harrowing white-knuckle experience, especially when driving on our freeway system ... read more

  Accelerating and decelerating should be a smooth, uneventful process. If you feel your car shifting hard, be sure to bring it to the auto mechanics at CARSTAR Robert's Collision and Repair in Monterey, your one-stop repair shop. Catching your shifting issues early can save you a lot of money and be as easy as an adjustment.   Some folks say a clutch is the foot pedal to the left of your brake on the floor of your manual transmission vehicle. Yes, they are half right, the far-left foot pedal is the actual switch which activated the clutch assembly. However, the location of the clutch itself is in your transmission. Does your automatic have a clutch? The answer is yes. An automatic transmission does have a clutch in addition to having sensors automating the activation process, so no foot pedal is needed when driving.   There are five main parts in your clutch that, together, work to sync your engine and wheels, allowing your engine to rev at full speed while you ... read more

    Used parts from a junkyard can be a fantastic alternative to aftermarket parts, UNLESS that used part is also an aftermarket part. Cars can be in an accident more than once. If a vehicle that is in a wrecking yard, say, from a front-end impact and your vehicle requires a left rear door, this part could be a great option. What if that same car had been in an accident prior and was repaired before the front-end collision which made it a total loss? That used part is now not only pulled from the wrecking yard; it is also an aftermarket quality part. That is like doubling down on alternative parts.   Who finds these parts anyway? Used parts go through many hands before they reach a body shop. First, a vehicle has to hit 70% threshold of the resale value before qualifying as a total loss. Once a car is deemed a total loss, it is then towed to a wrecking yard to await tear down. Salvage yards usually have a big fenced-in area as well as different warehouses to store ve ... read more

  Aftermarket and alternative parts have their place in the repair process.   Believe it or not, some vehicles over four years of age begin encountering challenges when tracking down replacement parts. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts may simply no longer be available, and the only option becomes aftermarket or salvaged parts to repair your vehicle.   Remember that for your monthly premium to remain affordable; insurance companies use aftermarket parts in the repair process. Would you use a cheaper part to save money if the two were nearly identical in every way? How about reusing a component that is still good? Insurance companies are faced with this same challenge, and so have come up with policies and protocols to streamline their approval process throughout your automobiles repair.   Collision shops love the fit and feel of an OEM part; it is the preferred part to work with. If aftermarket parts are available and insurance will not pay for an O ... read more

What is OEM insurance?   When shopping for an auto insurance policy, it is essential to ask yourself if OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are non-negotiable. If you feel strongly about having your car repaired with OEM parts, then it will be necessary for you to shop for OEM insurance.   OEM insurance is additional coverage on your car that is an add on to your insurance policy. It ensures that OEM parts will be used to repair your vehicle rather than aftermarket parts. You then have a guarantee that your car is restored to factory specifications with parts specifically made and engineered by your auto manufacturer for your specific vehicle. Each part has been through a rigorous safety and quality-check process by your vehicle's manufacturer.   If you have been in a car accident, be sure to request OEM parts in advance. If your insurance policy does not cover OEM parts and using them for your vehicle repair is essential to you, Robert's CARSTAR Co ... read more

  It may be too late for full-on maintenance before heading home for the holidays, but there’s a few things you can do yourself to help get you where you are going safely and without a breakdown. While most of us don’t have to worry about snow, we want our cars as roadworthy as possible. Check your wipers and if they are deteriorating or simply not doing their job, replace them Check all of your fluids to make sure they are at proper levels Check all hoses and belts to make sure they aren’t loose or deteriorating If you are heading to a snowy areas, have good chains at the ready Check your tires for proper inflation as well as for tread depth and sidewall damage  Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times just in case you get stuck in traffic Have an emergency kit that is updated Your emergency kit should include: current medications, snacks, water, gloves, warm blankets, jumper cables, shovel, flashlight with extra batteries, and a well-stock ... read more

We have worked hard to earn and retain our Green certification from the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program. CARSTAR Robert’s Auto Repair was the first and only Green shop in the area using waterborne paint. What that means is that we care about the environment as well as being able to provide you with the best paint for your vehicle.    Using waterborne paint instead of harmful kinds is better for the environment and your vehicle for several reasons:   First of all, we don’t have to sacrifice quality. This technology reduces hazardous waste that negatively impacts the environment as well as our employees. When waterborne paint is used, it serves an effective solution for lowering volatile organic compound emissions.  Waterborne paint improves air quality and our environment. CARSTAR Robert’s Collision & Repair hires only certified technicians who are well trained and uses our state-of-the-art equipment. We have invested in the be ... read more

When it comes to your vehicle's braking system, you never want to put off necessary repairs. You must be able to stop when you need to stop. That may seem obvious to you, but you'd be surprised how many people put off taking care of their brakes. You want to have them inspected periodically, and anytime something seems off with your brakes, that's the time to quit messing around and get them taken care of ASAP! Your safety and that of your passengers are always the number one priority at CARSTAR Robert's Collision & Repair. Make sure that it's yours too.    Here are some common issues that we see here at CARSTAR Robert's Auto Repair that require brake repair and service:   General wear: Over time, the brake pads wear down. Your braking system works hard for you every day. Because of their regular use, take the time to have your brake pads checked every six months or when you suspect a problem. Things to look out for include squeaking, grin ... read more

While we don’t get snow and ice here in lovely Monterey, we do get a fair share of rain. Instead of locking down in hibernation mode, follow these tips to help keep you safe. You can prepare yourself and your vehicle for commuting in the rain and while it contributes to nearly 1.2 million traffic crashes each year, you don’t have to be a part of that statistic. While it’s true that we are fully equipped at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision & Repair to fully restore your vehicle after a crash, we would much rather help you avoid requiring our auto body services! Here are some helpful tips to keep your vehicle safe while driving in wet weather. Posted speed limits are designed for good weather. When conditions aren’t great, slow down and give yourself extra room around you.  Don’t use your cruise control since it can increase the danger when hydroplaning.  Keep your headlights on for better visibility. Minimize the likelihood of hydroplaning ... read more

When you look around this time of year, it’s hard not to begin to get into the holiday spirit. This is the time of year for gratitude as well as gift-giving. Giving a gift to your car isn’t such a crazy idea, but there are endless ideas out there for the auto enthusiast in your life too.  Auto Detailing Auto detailing is one of the specialty services offered at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision & Repair. It’s a great gift for your car or for the car enthusiast in your life. Consider it a spa treatment, and who wouldn’t want a spa treatment for Christmas? Detailing provides practical benefits too. It will get the gunk and dirt off of your car, and that will help protect the integrity of your paint.  Now that your car is detailed and clean, take a look at some of these ideas to help keep it that way: A Car Garbage Can is always a great idea to help ... read more

Before you hit the road and head out for Thanksgiving travel, make sure to take the time to prepare for your trip. One of the most important things to do that is often overlooked is some simple preventive maintenance. You want to be prepared for the road ahead and that can help decrease the likelihood of getting stranded or worse. Here’s a short list of some of the things you can do to be prepared:  Replace worn out wiper blades Check your tire pressure regularly Also check tread depth, wear, and for anything that’s penetrated a tire Keep your gas tank at least half full  Check to make sure your rear window defroster is working Have your vehicle serviced before long drives Have an updated safety/emergency kit Keep your eye on the weather. Remember that even here on the coast, the weather can surprise us. Even more so if you’re heading inland and through any mountain passes. This will help you stay prepared and ready for the unexpected. If you are head ... read more

  Fuel efficiency can easily start with your tires. When we head into the colder months, even though we live in a temperate climate, it still affects your tires and your fuel efficiency. In general, the colder weather can greatly affect your vehicle’s fuel economy. It takes longer for your​ engine to warm up and reach its best fuel consumption temperature.  When the weather changes, make sure you regularly check the air pressure in your tires because they fluctuate with the weather. When the air pressure is just right, you’ll get the most out of your tires and your fuel efficiency will improve.  When you are looking for more ways to improve fuel efficiency, try these suggestions: Whenever possible, park in the warmest place. If you have an option to park in a garage, do so. Any shelter will help with warmth.  Even on cold days, don’t warm up your car too much. The longer you idle, the less fuel-efficient your car. Combine your trips. Planning a ... read more

  When you are looking for quality auto repair or collision repair services, turn to the pros auto mechanics at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision & Repair in Monterey. We’ve been serving this beautiful part of the country since 1996. We have invested in state of the art equipment to have what it takes to restore your vehicle to factory-level condition. Our team continues to receive education in order to be the best at what we do. Your satisfaction matters.       When you are looking for an auto repair facility to partner with on the needs of your vehicle, look for a team with experience and education. It’s not enough to simply be a trained technician, it requires constant education. You’ll also want to work with a shop that cares about you. You’ll know when you walk through the doors if it feels good. You’ll want a shop like CARSTAR Robert’s Collision & Repair that takes the time to not only listen to you but will also ... read more

When doing maintenance on our cars, there can be a few places that can be easily overlooked. While our headlights themselves are not one of them, the lens very well could be! When we drive, we can take for granted the amount of wear and tear our car takes, but the lens of our headlights also takes a beating from the bugs, UV rays, dirt, and gravel.  Clean lenses provide increased visibility and improved safety, but when they get worn, they get cloudy, yellowed (caused by UV rays reaction with the polycarbonate material that almost all headlights are made from), and decrease just how far you’re going to be able to see. At night, decreased visibility severely increases the likelihood of something going wrong. Your headlights are your eyes and you want them clean and at peak condition. Thankfully, replacing them is not the only way to ensure that you’re safe driving at night. The auto repair team of highly skilled auto mechanics at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision & ... read more

Just like you would listen to your child or your pet if they weren’t feeling well, take the time to listen to your vehicle. Know the regular sounds it makes so that when something is amiss, you’ll recognize it as an issue that needs to be addressed.  The longer you ignore a weird sound or check engine light, the more serious (and expensive!) the problem can become. When you receive regular preventive maintenance, that can help you stay ahead of issues too. The following is a shortlist of the sounds that are telling you it’s time to see the pros at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision & Repair in Monterey! Squealing or grinding noise when you apply pressure to the brakes. That could mean worn out brakes pads or worse. The grinding noise could mean you’re down to metal and that’s never good. Stay safe and have that taken care of ASAP!  Ticking or tapping noises coming from the engine could mean that you are low on oil or that your engine has lost ... read more

Some people just can’t help themselves when it comes to decorating their cars for Halloween. And even if we aren’t one of those people, most of us certainly enjoy seeing what others have done. It’s fun to see a car that’s all dressed up and ready for some trick-or-treating. Take a look at what we’ve spotted that are easy ways to dress up your car for this Halloween… or maybe for year-around fun! Just click on the photo and it will take you to the Amazon page so you can start dressing up YOUR car!     ... read more

Americans place a high value on their cars. It represents freedom and status and allows us to show off ait about who we are. If you love your car and want to keep it running at optimum performance levels for as long as possible, or you simply want to get the best gas mileage possible, you’ll want to make preventive maintenance a priority. Here are a few basic maintenance and cleaning tips to keep your car loving you as much as you love your car:   Preventive maintenance pays off in the short term and the long run. Some of it you can easily do yourself and some you’ll find helpful to have a trained, qualified auto mechanic with the skills and equipment to do the job right. Listen to your car and get to know the regular noises it makes so you will know when something is off-kilter. Also, get to know what is in your owner’s manual and use it as a guide for staying on top of your preventive maintenance.    Here are some of the simple checks and procedur ... read more

  When you need quality auto repair services, whether it’s for the outside body or what lays under the hood, you’ll want to turn to a reputable shop you can trust. It can be scary to leave your vehicle with just any shop and that’s why CARSTAR Robert’s Collision & Repair has worked so hard to earn a solid reputation for not only quality workmanship, but for also delivering the very best in customer service experiences. We are here for you and it shows in all that we do.  The entire team at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision & Repair follows up on our mission to ease your worries and help to decrease the stress around having your vehicle worked on to bring it back to its original splendor or simply help you get the most out of it in a way that you remain safe. We work on gaining and keeping your trust from the moment you drive onto our property and well beyond the moment you pull away. It’s a lifelong endeavor and one we take seriously. Th ... read more

When is it time to replace your tires? You’ll want to partner with your auto repair experts to get the most out of your tires. If you properly care for your tires, not only will you get better gas mileage, but you’ll be able to get many more months and miles out of them before having to invest in a new set. Take a look at the photo below to see signs of a problem before it gets any worse.    Here are some tips on what to look for and how to get the most out of them: Get in the habit of looking for wear and tear on your tires. The more you know your tires, the easier it will be to identify a problem. Regularly check the air pressure in your tires and when you do that, take that time to give the rest of your tire a once over.  Inspect the tire tread depth and wear. Use a penny to help you assess the depth. If you can’t see Lincoln’s head because it’s well nestled into a deep tread, you’re good to go. If it’s completely exposed ... read more

Even if you wash your car on a regular basis, at the car wash or at home, it’s still in your best interest to have it professionally detailed at least once a year. If you can swing it every 4 months, even better! The more you detail it, the better it will serve you over time. There’s nothing quite like getting into a freshly detailed car. It feels good and it looks terrific. The harsh chemicals used by the car wash facilities as well as what is found in many everyday kinds of soap we tend to use on our vehicles can cause damage or leave buildup. They can lead to the destruction of your car’s paint job as well as contribute to rust spots that can cause extensive damage over time.  The point of washing your car is to get it clean. The point of detailing your car is to bring it back to its original state of beauty or to get as close to that as possible. Detailing means that only the best equipment and cleansers are used to restore to as near perfect as possible. Th ... read more

For many of us, some of our very best friends are furry and have four legs and we don’t like to leave them behind. Traveling with Fido can be wonderful. It can also be challenging. When we plan ahead and remember that they have needs too, it usually can be a lovely harmonious experience.  Take breaks: Every couple of hours to take a potty break and stretch your legs and theirs.  Hydrate: They need to stay hydrated just like you do. It doesn’t require fancy expensive bowls off of Amazon. Simple goes a long way and water rules. Seatbelts: Seatbelts for all! As much as seat belts keep you safe, they do that for Fido too. They can also prevent Fido from turning into a projectile and that would be terrible for you both.  Fido-friendly places to stay: You might be surprised just how many places are open to Fido staying with you. Doesn’t even require you to sneak him in under the cover of darkness. Check out https://www.bri ... read more

Whether you are a new car-owner or you’ve been driving the roads of Monterey and beyond, there are a few things that are important for all vehicle owners to know about and have on hand. You don’t want to get caught unaware and you certainly do want to get the most out of your vehicle even if you only paid $500 for the one you’re driving right now! It doesn’t take much effort or a lot of money to stay ahead of the curve.   Simple preventive maintenance. You don’t have to be a trained mechanic to handle the most basic preventive maintenance practices. Regularly check your basic fluids: oil, brake fluid, antifreeze, and windshield wiper fluid. Checking tires regularly is another simple preventive maintenance activity that can save you money and keep you safe. Look for wear and tear, check tread depth, and check the air pressure. When your tires are in good shape, your car grips the road the way it was intended and it helps you maximize your gas mileage ... read more

  Even the most proactive vehicle owner can find themselves dealing with a car that’s overheated. It’s true that if you stay on a regular preventive maintenance schedule, not only will you save yourself money in the long run, you’ll significantly decrease the chances of ending up broken down on the side of the road.     Regardless, if it ever happens to you, make sure you know what to do to minimize the damage that’s already been done. The worst thing you can do is to keep driving it like nothing's wrong.    Your best bet is to pull over immediately. The more you drive after it overheats, the more extensive the damage. Even so, stay safe and pull over in a good location and turn off the engine. Don’t be in a hurry to open the hood. Wait until it’s completely cooled down. You may not be able to see that on your temperature gauge on the dash, so just don’t rush.  Pull out your owner’s manual if you&r ... read more

While Monterey is definitely one of the most amazing cities in the country, it's still nice to get away once in a while and enjoy other beautiful spots not too far away. Spring is upon us and it's a great time for a road trip.   Before embarking on your journey, we would love to see you at Robert's Collision & Repair to help you best prepare your car for a trip. This can help keep you from finding yourself stranded on the side of the road and putting a damper on your vacation.     First destination, Malibu! Take I-5 southbound along the coast and visit a classic California city that offers fantastic views and lots to do. Stopping points include visiting Pepperdine University, Paradise Cove, and Malibu Creek State Park. If you want to experience some of the most beautiful beaches in California, check out one of the dozen beaches Malibu has to offer including Leo Carillo beach. Regardless of your length of stay, most folks never run out of things to do i ... read more

Women should become auto mechanics if that is what their heart’s desire. There is no better time than right now to make this happen. There is a considerable shortage of qualified technicians and service advisors. That leaves the doors wide open for women to step in and take their place in this industry. With only 2% of the auto repair workforce checking the female box, it’s just a matter of time before that number significantly increases. Women mechanics work just as hard as the men do, tend to have better attention to detail than most men, and their communication skills are often much better than their male counterparts. These are generalizations, but you get the gist. There is room, and a need, for women in this industry. Any woman who is interested in becoming an auto mechanic or technician should pursue a career in the industry. There is an old stereotype that the automotive industry is a "man's world" and while much of that still rings true, more and m ... read more

Spring is here, and that means it’s time for some good old fashioned spring cleaning. That’s why April is perfect for National Car Care Month and if you can create the habit of regular maintenance for your car, you’ll help extend its life as well as maximize performance. We should all have cars that look as good as this classic Mercedes-Benz! Keeping your clean will also help to get the most out of your paint job and your interior. Extending the life of all parts of your vehicle is within your grasp! So much you can do on your own, but when you need help, Robert’s Collision & Repair is here to help with the more significant issues as well as being able to provide you with the very best in detailing service that you just cannot do on your own! When you are ready to start a routine for your car, begin with your owner’s manual! Funny how it hides behind all of the things you’ve shoved in there when making room for someone to sit in the passenger ... read more

Life might be a highway, but when you’re speeding along, you’re probably not getting the most out of your fuel consumption. Do you want to know some great ways to increase fuel efficiency? Everyone wants to save money, but oftentimes we throw it away because we are careless or just don’t know how best to do it. When it comes to fuel efficiency, here are some solid suggestions that has the power to improve yours 5-25%: 1.       Don’t road rage. When you are flying past the guy that was just ahead of you or your slamming on your breaks, not only is that bad for your blood pressure, it’s also bad for your gas mileage. Set your cruise control so it keeps you even-steven. 2.       We know this won’t work on the freeways, but keep in mind you get the best gas mileage when you’re going around 50 miles an hour. This is currently the best speed for the best gas mileage. We know that it won’t always matter ... read more

Flying cars aren’t just for Harry Potter and his friends. When it comes to the future, we don’t always know what it holds, but we do know that flying automobiles will become something real instead of something that’s been relegated to the imagination. From flying delivery trucks to airbuses… okay, so it won’t exactly look like Fed-Ex and UPS trucks with wings, but you will have to look to the skies to see them coming. A lot of the technology being developed focuses on automation as well as the bigger issues our current modes of transportation presents. Boeing is working on numerous technologies that will lead to automated ways to get around in a ride-sharing capacity. So not only will we be flying around when we want to get somewhere, but it won’t even (necessarily) be us doing the flying.   Big companies like Boeing aren’t the only ones diving into the world of aerial travel; plenty of do-it-yourselfers are hitting it hard too. F ... read more

We may not be completely into spring, but groundhog Punxsutawney Phil said spring should be in full force about now. What that means for us here in beautiful Monterey is that it’s time for some spring cleaning!   It’s time to change your car’s air filter for one. Your owner’s manual probably says every 12,000 to 15,000, but if you have problems with dust and pollen you might want to do that sooner. Keep the cabin of your car free from bad smells as well as things that might make ya sneeze. Achoo! Bless you!  It’s also good for your engine. Your air filter holds dual responsibilities in keeping your interior clean but also keeps the debris and dirt out of your engine. When your air filter has broken down, it lets in the things that can lead to real problems for your engine and no one wants that! Give your car a good washing! Use a little white vinegar and water on your wheels to get them sparkly clean. Another good trick for your paint jo ... read more

  To say that Monterey is such a beautiful place to visit seems redundant. If you are fortunate enough to LIVE here, then you should be steeped in gratitude. It would be kinda hard not to be, really. Think about this time of year and how many parts of the country aren’t necessarily steeped in gratitude but in snow, sleet, and downright terrible weather! Makes me shiver simply to think about it. We often refer to our spring as being a “secret summer” for a reason: The temps are mild, skies mostly clear, and not much fog. What more could a person ask for? That’s why so many people want to live here and when they can’t, they still want to visit. Can’t blame them, that’s for sure! One of the most amazing aspects of this area is the sheer amount or wildflowers that grace our hillsides and coastline. If this is something that floats your boat, here are some of the top spots in the area: Garrapata State Park (irises, poppies, Indian Paintbrush) ... read more

If you’re like me, you don’t pay as much attention to the needs of your car as often as you should. For most of us, we know what we like in the way of auto aesthetics and we want to get to where we need to go with as little challenge as possible. Well, that’s all fine and dandy, but if we refuse to provide our vehicle with some much-needed love, then it might simply refuse to love us in return and leave us stranded on the roadside. It’s not just about a pretty face and just like humans, if we don’t take care of what’s under the hood, the results will not be kind to us.  Yes, cars these days can often go much longer than the olden-days-recommended 3,000 miles, but they still need changing once in awhile. Oil is the lubricant your engine needs in order to run. Period. Without it, your engine will seize up and you’ll be looking at either a seriously ridiculous repair bill or you will need to buy a new (to you) car. Preferably one whose owner ... read more

Those loyal to the brand would ask the question, why NOT drive a Mercedes-Benz? The automobile marque first appeared in 1926 although the history goes back to the first petrol-powered car receiving its patent in 1886. Karl Benz created it and Bertha Benz finance the venture. The slogan for the brand is “the best or nothing” and it really does show in every effort they make in design, technology, and drivability. So why else would one want to own and drive a Mercedes-Benz? To start with, did you know that driving a Mercedes Benz will make you live longer? Okay, well that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but at the same time, think about this: Mercedes Benz designs cars to make your life a nicer place to be. They are beautifully designed and engineered in a way to help you relax behind the wheel. So, in reality then, maybe driving a Merc really DOES help you live longer.  You drive a Mercedes because you appreciate the finer things in life. You like to look good as y ... read more

  The Valentine season is upon us and it is not reserved for humans alone. Sometimes we love our cars more than most humans we know and they give us love that simply cannot be offered from a guy or a gal. Who knows what I’m talking about? The feel of the steering wheel under our grip, the way we mold into the seats as she hugs a tight curve, the power we experience as we navigate our way through 17 Mile Drive… these are the gifts our car gives us every day. How can we reciprocate, you ask?   Take your car out for a drive. Hit 17 Mile Drive and let ‘er rip down our beautiful coastline. There’s no better feeling for you and your car than hitting the open road. We live in such a beautiful part of the world and there are so many wonderful places to explore right here in our own backyard. So, fill up your gas tank, check your fluids and your tire’s air pressure and hit the road for a freedom-filled afternoon or pedal-to-the-metal fun! A ... read more

  As we launch into the new year, it sure is fun to check out the latest and greatest zipping around our local roadways and this one sure demands our attention. The Chevy Corvette ZR1 hits hard as a true Ferrari contender. WHAT you say? Yup! Hop in and lets go for a ride. The reason it is able to hang with the big boys is that it has a dual fuel-injected supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine. 755 or raw horsepower under the hood doesn’t hurt either. Considering that the 2019 Subaru Forester boasts a whopping 182 horsepower… well, you get the idea. $120,000 should get you out the door and cruising down the coast with the top down on your new Vette.  If you’re looking for an all-electric car that will go from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds then look no further than the 2019 Porsche Mission E sports sedan. This is a zippy little sports sedan with 600 horsepower that will help you to feel like you’re on the track instead of the highway. You won’t see this in the d ... read more

Juggernauts… Mercedes-Benz and BMW are two of the biggest in the automotive industry and to say that each has loyal followings is an understatement. To say they have a cult-like following is more on track. Each one wields its magic that has the power to draw you in for life. Throughout automotive history, BMW has focused on delivering the ultimate driving experience while Mercedes-Benz espoused ultimate comfort. Both offer high on the luxury scale, and not many people on the planet would be embarrassed to pull up to one of their high school reunions in either one.  When it comes to safety, the brands are pretty well matched with specific models coming in with perfect 10s. JD Powers reports that the Mercedes E-Class and the BMW 2 Series and X1 hold onto to safety perfection. Performance, safety, reliability… all are close. Interiors… well, let’s talk comfort and luxury. While the Mercedes holds the highest rep for supreme comfort, it does not deliver on ... read more