Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

Photo by Jim Strasma on Unsplash   Before having kids, you may well have kept your car in fantastic condition. But kids can be rough on vehicles, especially when they’re young and don’t know any better. While they’ll (hopefully) understand how to keep the car cleaner as they get older, here’s a list of 5 tips and tricks from the team at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision & Repair to help kid-proof your car.   Organize, Organize, Organize There are a million gizmos and gadgets on the market to keep your car neat and tidy. Still, the biggest lifesaver when you have kids is knowing where everything is in your vehicle. But before you can figure out where everything is, you need somewhere to put ... read more

  You are most likely aware that computers now monitor and control nearly every component of your vehicle. Depending on your experience and knowledge, you may think that a car's computer will "tell" you what is going on with your vehicle. Others believe that when a scan tool is like magic; when plugged into their car that the issue is reset, never to come back again. Some folks are terrified of the entire diagnosing process, and some use the computer diagnosis process to seem like an auto whisperer of sorts.   The code reading process is quite simple when broken down. There is a scan tool called a DLC device (Diagnostic Link Connector). Many brands and types are available that have varying capabilities depending on quality. Simple scan tools are only code readers that scan your vehicle's memory for stored DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes).   It is a common misconception that the DTC codes stored in your car's computer will tell you precisely what ... read more

  The dread of finding a new check engine light on in your car can be stressful. Luckily for you, the auto repair experts CARSTAR Robert's Collision and Repair in Monterey are experienced in troubleshooting and are here to take your worries away. Check engine lights come on for a variety of reasons. Before you get stressed out, check your gas cap, some sensors monitor for vapor leaks and will throw a code for merely not having your fuel cap adequately secured. Of course, a blinking check engine light could also mean something as serious as engine misfire, which needs to be addressed by a professional right away to avoid permanent damage to your engine.   You want to pay attention to your check engine light; it is connected to your vehicle's emission system, explicitly designed to monitor it throughout the life of your car. Emission systems and engines in your car are directly tied together, which means the health of one can indicate the health of the other, so pay ... 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

Some cars have a light that comes on. Some emit an attention-grabbing tone. Other, older models just quietly sneak into the red zone. All have a needle pointing ominously to “E.” We’re talking about the “Low Fuel” warning. We’ve all been there. During a busy day, it’s easy to neglect that stop for a fill-up. Many times, we think it can wait: “Oh, I can go another 50 miles, easy,” we think. Maybe yes, maybe no. The fact is that some mechanics say you should always keep at least a quarter-full tank. That’s because it’s bad for your fuel pump. How? The pump is submerged in fuel, and that keeps it cool. Letting it work out in the open air can cause overheating and an expensive repair. We’re not the first to ponder this subject. A company called Your Mechanic did the research and found that the distance you can go with the fuel warning on varies wildly. For instance, a Ford Escape’s or Transit’s light co ... read more

A lit up check engine light could mean a lot of things. Perhaps it’s a small issue or it could indicate the problem is more serious. If your car is not surging smoke, chances are that you are not in immediate danger. The check engine light is there to keep car drivers aware of engine irregularities and sensory malfunctions. The vehicle’s onboard computer, or engine control unit (ECU), can adjust to make sure that the engine is running efficiently. What do you do when the sensor is getting a bad reading and that “pesky” check engine light turns on?   It’s best to have a professional auto mechanic take a look at your vehicle when your check engine light comes on. They’ll use a code reader that plugs into the vehicle and gives a report. In some cases, there may be an easy solution and you can remedy the problem yourself. For example, not tightening your car’s gas cap all the was could result with a flashing check engine light. If you have ... read more

Going on road trips is all a matter of perspective. You can look at it as boring or as an adventure! Music makes everything better! Having the right tunes for a road trip is essential to make the hours go faster. Perhaps you’ve always had dreams of being a rock star. This is your chance! A road trip paired with inspiring melodies and lyrics is a great way to bond with your passengers or belt it out at the top of your lungs with your family and friends in the car. The team at  Robert’s Collision & Repair wants your time on the road to be entertaining so we’ve compiled these 20 songs that are sure to be invigorating:   "LA Woman," The Doors "Rock Steady," Aretha Franklin "Going Down the Road Feelin' Bad," the Grateful Dead "Midnight Rider," Allman Brothers "I Get Around," Beach Boys Also, songs about cars. "Little Red Corvette," Prince "Given to Fly," Pearl Jam "The Bo ... read more

No matter what type of car you own, the significance of preventative maintenance is absolutely essential. The team at Robert’s Collision & Repair feels that all responsible car owners need to be very mindful of preventive maintenance. Our highly skilled auto mechanics are happy to inspect your vehicle to see if any repairs should be done to prevent malfunctions, dangerous situations on the road, and hefty costs down the line.   Safety Preventative maintenance lets drivers have some peace of mind because it’s comforting to know that your automobile is in good working order. For example, if your brakes are inspected regularly, you’ll know that they are operating within safe operating limits. If you wait until something goes wrong, you’re putting yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road at risk.   Extend lifespan of car Preventative maintenance is one of the easiest things you can do to prolong the life of your vehicle. When you ... read more

It’s Halloween costume time. This year, give your car some Halloween spirit with a costume of its own. Take a look at some of the creative ideas below.       You can find more Halloween vehicle costume ideas here:https://www.google.com/search?q=halloween+car+decorations&sa=X&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&ved=0ahUKEwjD9Mv8-8zWAhXGbSYKHbwFAxAQ7AkITg&biw=1618&bih=910   When your vehicle requires auto repair and scheduled maintenance, we invite you to visit Robert’s Collision & Repair at 234 Ramona Avenue in Monterey, CA, right off of Del Monte Blvd. and Highway 1 in Monterey. If you have questions, give us a call at 831-373-1534. You’ll be glad you did

June 2017 Monthly Offer -- Free Brake Inspection. Offer valid through June 30, 2017. One coupon per visit. Not valid with other specials and offers.   Do your brakes stop on a dime? If yes, you’re in good shape. However, if your brakes are acting sluggish, or creep along when you push down on the pedal, we encourage you to take advantage of our Free Brake Inspection during the month of June.   A free brake inspection can mean a big difference in your vehicle’s safety. When you come in for a free brake inspection, we will:   Measure material of brake pads/shoes Measure thickness of brake rotors/drums Visually inspect for damaged/overheated brake components Check hydraulic system for leaks, brake fluid condition, and fluid level Check operation and condition of parking brake Visually inspect all brake system components such as calipers, master cylinder, hoses, seals, etc.   With all the summer road trips you have planned, doesn’t it make ... read more

Monterey has some of the best produce around to offer, but the key is knowing where to find them! Most Farmer’s markets in the area are a safe bet, but finding the best roadside stands can be a bit trickier. Here are a few suggestions for produce stands and farmer’s markets from a few Monterey locals here at Robert’s Collision and Repair.   The Farm in Salinas Valley. This produce location even has it’s own web page! http://thefarm-salinasvalley.com/farm-store/produce-stand/ Del Monte Produce is a local produce stand with three different locations, the nearest one in Monterey at 2400 Del Monte Ave. in Monterey. http://freshdelmonte.com/ Valley Produce and Spice is a regular produce stand at 399 Reservation Road in Marina. Finally, there is a handful of produce stands along Highway 101 in Gilroy. You’ll roll past several different p ... read more

April 2017 Monthly Offer -- $10 Off Service. Offer valid through April 30, 2017. One coupon per visit. Not valid with other specials and offers.   It’s Tax Time, and in an effort to help our customers save money, we are offering a flat $10 off service. Which service? Any service.   It doesn’t matter if it’s an oil change or a major 60,000-mile service. We are willing to knock $10 off any service you need. Yep, that’s how we help you stretch your dollars so you can pay Uncle Sam and remain safe on the road, all at the same time.   This offer is good for the month of April only, so don’t miss out on this grand opportunity to save. To take advantage of this special $10 Off Service, schedule an appointment with our Service Department at 831-373-1534 and mention this offer. We look forward to seeing you soon!  

For us, it’s become a tradition to share a few New Year’s Resolutions with you. Sometimes resolutions are tough to stick to, but these 5 simple car care routines are quick and easy to maintain. Little reminders to do the simple things to keep your car running until next year! 1) Get your car washed regularly This is one of those little things that fall to the side after a while. Keeping your car washed and clean can help maintain visibility and extend the life of your paint coat! 2) Check the oil Making sure you always have enough motor oil in the engine is a simple thing to check, and cheap to maintain. And it’s great for your engine! 3) Check your tires Just a couple extra minutes in the morning, make sure your tires aren’t going flat on you. You can even use the penny trick! 4) Take it in for maintenance Yes, we know. You hear this all the time. Even still, we can’t stress enough how important regular maintenance like oil changes are to the life ... read more

Why not start summer off with a fun road trip through Monterey County? Monterey County is home to beautiful, scenic drives, and June is the perfect time to take advantage of it. We have compiled a list of Monterey County’s top road trips:   Highway One: Known to be the best scenic route in Monterey County, Highway One is a road trip not to miss. In fact, it has been named one of the top scenic drives in the world. This road is literally in our background. Why not enjoy it? 17 Mile Drive: 17 Mile Drive has earned a reputation for being one of the most beautiful places in the world. From gazing upon magnificent mansions to beautiful beaches, 17 Mile Drive has a little something for everybody. Old Coast Road: Before Highway One, this road was the only way to get into Big Sur. This historic road is similar to a time-machine. It will transport you back to the olden days, complete with a single lane dirt road and beautiful s ... read more

Robert’s Collision & Repair believes in giving back to our community here on the Monterey Peninsula. Over the years, we have sponsored Little League baseball teams and have been active participants in the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. In recent times, we have been helping to feed Sunday breakfast to the homeless at Del Monte Beach with the guidance of Al Siekert & Friends.     Sunday Breakfast on the Beach is a weekly event spearheaded by Alvin Siekert, of Al’s Catering, who donates his time to feeding healthy food to the homeless every Sunday morning. There are a number of sponsors who support this good cause, and thanks to encouragement from one of our very own staff members, Michelle Mitchell, we are one of the newer sponsors. The sponsors on the Monterey Peninsula that donate to Breakfast on the Beach include:   Tillie Gorts Pixels Graphic Design Grove Market John Troia and Troia Foods, Inc. Loulou's Griddle In the Middle Le ... read more

  Auto battery Safety Month is in October. To celebrate, Robert’s Collision & Auto Repair is happy to provide information about maintaining a car’s battery and warning signs of a dying battery.   Tips for maintaining a car's battery: If you can, park in a garage. A thoroughly insulated garage will keep your battery warm, which will prolong the life of the battery. Drive your vehicle on a routine basis. Avoid frequent, short drives. Try not to leave vehicle accessories on for a long period of time. For example, leaving a cell phone charger plugged in will require the battery to recharge constantly, which shortens the life of the battery. Make sure to have your vehicle serviced regularly. An engine in poor condition will overload the battery. Typically, batteries last about two to three years, but how do you know if your battery is on the verge of dying? Here are the signs to watch out for: Your engine cranks when you turn the key, but it will not st ... read more

Creep....creep....creep.... Ever notice how your brakes might slip a little and creep forward when you're at a stop? Yep, that's when you know you need to come to Robert's Auto Repair for a FREE brake safety inspection. Don't let soft and sloppy brakes put you or your precious cargo in harm's way...especially as you start off the school year. If you have any of these things happening with your vehicle, it's time to come in for a FREE brake safety inspection: Your brake pedal shifts levels after you've had your foot on it for a while. Your brakes are making any kind of noise. Your brakes feel soft and sloppy. Your vehicle wants to creep forward into a crosswalk. If it's been a while since you've had your brakes checked. If any of this sounds familiar, don't wait long before contacting Robert's Auto Repair for a FREE brake safety inspection at 831-373-1534. In order to get your FREE brake safety inspection, make sure you mention this blog. Otherwise, you may be charged for your Brak ... read more