Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

Robert's Collision & Repair(831) 920-0815
Mon - Fri: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Tag Archives: Pebble Beach

How To Keep Cool In Your Car During Summertime

Summer is here, so it is time we start thinking about ways to stay cool and comfortable in our car. Fortunately, Robert’s Collision and Repair has you covered. We have compiled a helpful list of how to stay cool as a cucumber in the summer heat:   Park in the shade: Not only will you car thank you, but you will also feel much cooler. Use a sunshade: These windshield covers keep the harmful UV rays at bay. Cover up the leather: Ouch! Sitting on hot leather is painful, to say the least. To counteract this, cover up your car’s  leather with towels. Keep an eye on the seat belts: The metal on the seat belts can get very hot. It is important to keep an eye on this before put them on you or your family. Stay Dehydrated: Bring large bottles of water and ice to keep you and your family cool and hydrated during the summer heat. We love to bring wine, food, or any other perishable ... read more

Monterey County’s Top Road Trips

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

Get Your Vehicle Ready for This Year’s Car Shows & Festivals

This year’s car show and festival season are just around the corner. Is your car in tip-top shape, both exteriorly and interiorly? Our team would be delighted to answer that question. When you bring your vehicle in Robert’s Collision and Repair, our team will:   Detail and wash your car to perfection. At our 26,000 square foot facility, we will thoroughly detail your vehicle. Your car’s paint will sparkle. Your wheels and tires will shine. Your car’s carpet will smell and look fresh. Our detailing service is the ultimate facial for your beloved vehicle. We boast the latest and most advanced technology in the industry to service and repair your vehicle. From digital photo imaging to computerized paint mixing, we have it all, and we are not afraid to use it. Your car will in pristine condition for the upcoming show and festival season. Does your vehicle need new tires? Look no further than Robert’s Collision & Repair. Our tire center is here t ... read more

Top Car Add-Ons Folks Can’t Live Without

Who doesn’t love to daydream about their perfect car? It is a great way to pass the time. The next time you find yourself daydreaming, think about one of these auto add-ons. Here are the top auto add-ons folk simply can’t live without:   Gentle Liftgates: When you have a bag of groceries in one hand and a child in another, it can be a challenge to raise a heavy liftgate. Gentle liftgates are convenient and designed to make your life a bit easier. Dual Audio and Video: Ever been driving and a fight broke out between younger passengers? Rear monitors allow you to keep a close eye on your child. Electric Pedal Extenders: If you are on the shorter side and struggle to reach the pedal, a pedal extender may be the perfect fit for you. Often, shorter drivers have to sit extremely close to the steering wheel, which isn’t safe for airbag deployment. Pedal extenders will easily solve this problem. Refrigerator/Freezer: Your child has an ice cream, but cannot finish ... read more

What Happens When You Detail Your Car?

As the days and miles go by, your car picks up tons of dirt and grime. Detailing wipes away all that filth, and leaves your car glistening. At a car detailing service, a professional will use special tools and technology to detail the car, both inside and out.   During a detailing service, there are several areas of your car that we can focus on, depending on the service you select:   Paint: One of those areas is your vehicle’s paint. Our team of professionals will clean, correct, and protect the paint of your vehicle. Also, we will polish your vehicle to carefully remove any scratches or swirl marks. We can also wax your car to ensure your paint is properly protected. Chassis and wheels: We believe it is important for our professionals to carefully clean and detail the undercarriage of your car, along with the wheel walls. Headlights and taillights: Our team will polish headlights and taillights that are no longer clear and showing signs of oxidation. Interi ... read more

Where to Off-Road on the Central Coast

California is covered in hilly terrain, which is absolutely perfect for off-road fun. If you are looking to off-road your way into summer, we have compiled a list of the best places on the California coast:   King’s Canyon: This canyon boasts tons of off-road trails. In fact, a couple of them are over twenty miles long. Most of these trails require only two-wheel drive. However, it is an excellent site to practice your four-wheel driving skills as well. Johnson Valley: If you are an avid off-roader, then, more than likely, you know about Johnson Valley. This beautiful place has something for everybody, from ATV to motorcycles. There is literally 190,000 acres for you and your family to explore. Big Sur: Big Sur is known for its breath-taking views. Most people don’t know about its fabulous back roads. The road is narrow with spellbinding twists and turns, along with boasting beautiful Sequoia to gaze upon. Big Sur is the absolute go-to place for off-roaders. Hu ... read more

Ten Things to Consider Before Buying a Car

Buying a car is a big and costly decision. It is important to make sure you have thought everything through. To help with this decision, we have compiled a helpful list of ten things you should consider before driving off the car lot, with a new and expensive responsibility:   Decide what you can afford: Make sure you have established a budget, and make sure you adhere to it. Also, it is important to make sure you can handle the additional costs of the vehicle, besides the initial purchase price. Decide between new and used: Due to the high demand, the prices of used cars are actually skyrocketing. Right now, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a new car. Decide on exactly what you want: Narrow down your list of prospective cars. Before you show up to your local auto dealer, have a good idea of what you want. To do this, we recommend checking out their website and reviews from owners. Figure out your total c ... read more

Top Automobile Trends

Automobiles are constantly improving. Safety features are continually being upgraded. Acceleration is becoming quicker. There are few changes and trends on the horizon that will completely change the way you drive. Here are the five top automobile trends:   Personalization: Because of complex algorithms and software, cars are becoming much more personalized. Basically, cars will adapt and understand their driver’s preference and habits. This will make driving much safer and easier than ever before. ​ Algorithms for everything: From car insurance to car sales, everything will have an algorithm. For example, your specific driving abilities and the area you live in will be used to analyze the cost of your insurance premium. Basically, everything will become a lot more personalized to you and your vehicle. Ethernet in your car: Soon, you will be able to watch movies and television in your cars, thanks to the emergence of th ... read more

Top Must-Have Automotive Apps

There is an app for literally anything your heart desires. All it takes is a press of your button, and within minutes, your life is made marginally easier. This does not end with cars. In fact, we have compiled a list of the seven most helpful and innovative automotive apps out there:   GasBuddy: Tired of driving around town searching for inexpensive gas? This will show you the ten closest and cheapest gas stations. This app would be great for road trips. My Max Speed 2.0: Worried about your kid out on the road by herself? This app will ease your worries. Designed to monitor your car’s location and speed, this app is an excellent way to keep your children safe and out of harm's way. Drive Safe.Ly: Have you ever been driving, heard an alert, and then had resist reaching for your phone to check that important message? This app solves that problem beautifully. From Twitter updates to email, Drive Safe.Ly reads the message to you, and you will not have to press even a ... read more

How Frequently Should You Change Wiper Blades?

Ever wonder how often the wiper blades on your windshield should be changed? Although some wiper blade manufacturers recommend 6 months to one year, the truth is that it all depends on the conditions your car faces.   If you spend the majority of your time on the Monterey Peninsula, where it’s cooler throughout the year and there’s not a lot of rain, your windshield wiper blades could last up to two years. If, however, you use your wiper blades frequently, drive and park in areas with high temperatures, or park your vehicle outside of the protection of a garage, your wiper blades may need to be replaced sooner.   Also, do you have wiper blades attached to the front and to the rear of your vehicle? Many may consider replacing the front windshield wiper blades more frequently than the back since they are used more often. However, the back window wiper blades may get more direct sun and heat, depending on where you park your car on a daily basis. If you have fro ... read more

High Praise from Ingenue / Buick Dealers Group Funny Car

High Praise from Ingenue / Buick Dealers Group Funny Car

At Robert’s Collision & Repair, we have been assisting with the restoration of the Ingenue Funny Car. Here is what Ingenue / Buick Dealers Group Funny Car has been posting about us on their Facebook page.  :-)   March 9, 2016 Facebook update from Ingenue / Buick Dealers Group Funny Car “Picked up the body and dropped it off...every tech in the place (and it's a BIG place) stopped what they were doing to check out Ingenue,lol...pretty funny actually.” March 9, 2016 Facebook update from Ingenue / Buick Dealers Group Funny Car “Stopped by today and snapped these, Jeff was there yesterday and went over everything that needs to be addressed with Martin who is overseeing the project. Areas were marked and noted and progress was actually being made…” March 15, 2016 Facebook update from ... read more

Is It Time For New Brakes?

A lot of drivers may be blissfully -- and dangerously -- unaware that their vehicles need new brakes. If you already know a thing or two about brakes, that’s cool. But for the rest of us who don’t, here are 5 signs you need new brakes:   You recently got into a fender bender because your brakes were worn out. You almost got into an auto accident because your brakes were slow to respond. You hear an annoying screeching sound whenever you put on the brakes. The brake warning light on your dashboard notifies you of a problem with your brakes. You have driven your vehicle over 28,000 miles since the last time you took it in for service and repair.   Robert’s Collision & Repair takes great pride in offering quick and thorough brake repair & service. Here is a recent review from a happy customer about our brake repair service:   “The best service ever! I was there for a getaway and my brakes went out Roberts was the only one to come to ... read more

Five Signs Your Vehicle Needs A New Battery

With all the high-tech functions in today’s newer vehicles, the car battery often loses power faster than expected. Why? Your car battery is already supporting the vehicle’s sophisticated electrical system, but it wears down more quickly after you plug in your phone, your portable music players, your portable video players, etc.   If you’re not sure when your car battery is wearing out, here are five signs it’s time to install a new one:   Your engine is slow to start, or the cranking seems sluggish. Your check engine light is illuminated. You can see through the transparent casing that your battery’s fluid level is low. Your battery is covered in gunk or is bloated, which means there could be a fluid leak or it’s enduring excessive heat. Your car battery is three or more years old. Don’t be caught with a dead battery. Bring your vehicle into Robert’s Collision & Repair for battery replacement and service. We will be ... read more

Are Oil Changes Really That Important?

Some people question if regular oil changes are really necessary. Depending on the vehicle, owners can feel that oil changes are pricey and a little inconvenient. Well, in our humble opinion, skimping on your oil changes is “penny wise and pound foolish”.   For those unfamiliar with what goes on in the engine compartment when infrequent oil changes take place, here are a couple of eye-opening videos that will help you better understand the importance of regular oil changes. Though we did not create these videos, we are happy to share this useful information.     Video 1:  Why It Is Important To Change Your Oil We feel this mechanic’s video is right on the money. However, if you are using synthetic oil, you may only need to change it every 6,000 miles.     Video 2:  What Happens When You Don’t Change Your Oil Part 1 This video clearly shows all the work needed to remove the sludge made by the dirty oil ... read more

Giving Back To Our Community

Giving Back To Our Community

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

Classic Car Love Songs

Throughout February, we have been in a romantic mood about our vehicles. To finish this month’s theme, here are some of our five favorite classic car love songs.   Billy Ocean - Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car   The Clash - Brand New Cadillac   Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway   Janis Joplin - Mercedes Benz   Don McLean - American Pie   At Robert’s Collision & Repair, we love to help you any way we can with your vehicle, and we hope you enjoyed our favorite songs. For high-quality auto body repair, mechanical repair, oil changes, auto paint, auto detailing, and tire service, come see us at 234 Ramona Avenue in Monterey, CA. For your conve ... read more

Rekindling An Old Love: How To Make Your Vehicle Feel Fresh & New Again

A lot of us love our cars. For some of us, they are our babies. Our pride and joy.   But over time, our love for our cars may wane, especially if they don’t run like they should, don’t look as great as they used to, and they need a lot of repair. This is when new cars tend to lure us away from our old, beloved vehicles. For those of us who really, really want to keep that love alive with their vehicles, there is a way to rekindle that passion, and Robert’s Collision & Repair can help. Let’s say you really adore love your vehicle and want to make it look shiny and new again. Robert’s Collision & Repair has a few solutions for you, including:   Paint correction and dent repair Auto detailing Mechanical restoration   Paint correction and dent repair: If your vehicle looks like it has been scraped up, been in a few accidents, and has suffered at the hands of everyday wear and tear, paint correction and dent repair is a great s ... read more

A Valentine’s Gift Your Love Won’t Forget

A Valentine’s Gift Your Love Won’t Forget

Whether you are single, married, or if “it’s complicated”, we have a Valentine’s Day gift idea your love won’t forget.   Some claim that “they way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”, and that “diamonds are a girl’s best friend”. While some may agree, we feel that giving a Valentine’s Day makeover to your lover’s automobile is a gift that will get a lot of mileage.   What do we mean by a Valentine’s Day makeover? We are suggesting a day at the car spa, also known as Robert’s Collision & Repair. Depending on what your love’s vehicle requires, here are some services we provide:   Minor or major service, to make sure your love’s vehicle is operating at peak performance. Auto body work and paint correction to remove dents, scratches, dings, and scrapes. Wheel alignment and tire rotation, or a new set of tires to keep them safe on the road. Brake repair, so ... read more

Our Romance With Cars: An American Love Story

There’s something appealing and sexy about cars. For generations, America has had a passion for automobile, and today, we want to examine our cultural love affair with cars.   Sleek Sex Appeal: Open any Car & Driver magazine, and you’ll see beautiful photographs of sleek, sexy, fast cars. The images of any featured automobile play with light bouncing off the curves, or a blurred background evoking speed. Sex sells, and auto manufacturers know how to make vehicles look slick and beautiful.   Power: There’s something hot about raw power. What car aficionado doesn’t love gripping the steering wheel, putting the car in gear, and revving the engine? I remember driving my husband’s Mazda Miata around the Santa Cruz Mountains one day, and I felt like I was driving a rocket. I loved driving that tiny car with the top down, hugging the curves of the winding road, and feeling like I was the coolest chick on wheels!   Assets: When we are k ... read more

5 Great Songs for Stormy Weather

We love rain, and goodness knows we certainly need it. Just for fun, we thought we would share our five favorite songs we listen to while it’s raining.   “Stormy Weather” by Lena Horne   “Here Comes The Rain Again” by Eurythmics   “I Love A Rainy Night” by Eddie Rabbitt   “Umbrella” by Rihanna   “It’s Raining Again” by Supertramp   At Robert’s Collision & Repair, we love to help you any way we can with your vehicle, and we hope you enjoyed our favorite songs. For high-quality auto body repair, mechanical repair, oil changes, auto paint, auto detailing, and tire service, come see us at 234 Ramona Avenue in Monterey, CA. For your convenience, schedule an appointment by calling 831-373-1534.   Robert’s Collision & Repair: The premier auto repair center on the Monterey Peninsula.  

What To Do In An Auto Accident

We are in the midst of the rainy season and that means a lot of people are out on hazardous roads. Unfortunately, accidents happen frequently during this season. If you are involved in a traffic accident, here are some suggestions on what to do:   Before an Accident -- Be sure to carry your driver’s license, current proof of insurance, pen, paper, and a mobile phone with a camera. These items will help make the post-accident process much easier. Also carry a set of cones, warning triangles, or emergency flares in your trunk to help alert traffic. Immediately after an Accident -- 1. Stay calm. Take a deep breath. Think about your safety and those around you. 2. If someone is injured, call 911 immediately. Additionally, call police if there is significant damage to your vehicles. 3. Get off the road as quickly as possible. If you had a minor fender bender, you don't have to leave the cars where they are. If you cannot move your vehicle, alert approaching drivers by ... read more

Your Vehicle’s New Year’s Resolutions for 2016

Editorial Note:  We can’t help but publish this love letter from your vehicle each year. It’s one of our annual traditions. Happy New Year from the entire Robert’s Auto Repair team!   I, my human's vehicle, do solemnly swear to make the following New Year's Resolutions for 2016.   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 ... read more

Keeping Your Sanity During the Holiday Road Trip

Holiday travel can be stressful. We know. Especially when you have many places to visit and people to see in the short time span of one or two days. Here are some holiday tips that should help save your sanity.   Pack a scarf. It can keep you warm, serve as a pillow, or add some style to your outfit. Scarves are smart to travel with and they don’t take up too much space.   Stock your safety kit. You’ll be glad you have a safety kit in the event of a breakdown or closed roads. Stock your safety kit with the following items:   Ice scraper Tow rope Blankets Flashlights A bag of sand or rock salt First aid kit Change for toll roads Water Snacks Travel on “off” days. If you can plan to leave super early or super late, you’ll face less traffic. Can you take the time to travel late at night or on the actual holiday itself? You might endure less travel stress if you do.   Get your vehicle serviced and repaired. Wouldn’t yo ... read more

Preparing Your Vehicles for Winter

We’ve been saying it all year, but El Nino is here and we all need to be prepared. Is your car equally ready for the havoc El Nino and the winter storms will bring? Here are some ideas about how to prepare your vehicles for winter.   Get your vehicle serviced regularly. Every 15,000 miles, your vehicle requires either minor or major service (odd numbers tend to be for minor service, while even numbers tend to be for major service). If your vehicle requires service, we will follow the steps to make certain your automotive oil is free of debris, your filters are clean, your brakes and tires are in good shape, your systems are operating properly, and your engine is in good shape. Our goal is to meet all the manufacturer service recommendations so your vehicle performs to factory specifications; keeping you safe while you traverse the wet roads and windy conditions. Protect your paint job. If you want to protect your vehicle’s paint fro ... read more

How to Pack Your Car for the Holiday Road Trip

Are you a packing expert, or are you a packing mess? If you want to pack a bunch of stuff, plus passengers, plus the family pets, and still have some legroom, here are some tips for packing your car for the holiday road trip.     Keep in mind the size of your vehicle. If it’s small, you will be more limited in what you can take with you. Whatever vehicle size you have, see how many non-essentials you can remove from the vehicle, like in the trunk and back seats, before you load it up for the holiday road trip. Be selective about the number of suitcases you take and how much will go into them. If you can, travel lightly and purchase the toiletries and other disposables when you arrive at your destination. Place heavier items on the bottom so they do not crush the lighter items. This is important, for sharp turns and sudden stops can shift your cargo around, so plan carefully when loading. Keep valuables, like computers, phones, and wrapped gifts out of sight. If y ... read more

Road Trip Tips for the Thanksgiving Holiday

On the way to Grandma’s house for the Thanksgiving holiday, road trips can be long and stressful. To make your road trip go more smoothly, with less squabbling from the passengers and less shouting at the other drivers, here are some survival tips for your holiday drive.   Be prepared. -- Like a good Boy Scout or Girl Scout, be sure to have an emergency kit, extra drinks, snacks, blankets, a spare tire and tire changing tools, and plenty of audio entertainment. If you’re prepared for anything, you and your passengers will be able to relax more.   Breathe through the traffic jams. -- Traffic happens. Chances are high that you and everyone else are leaving town around the same time and driving back home the same time, too. If you’re stuck in traffic, remember to breathe deeply, enjoy the journey, and know that “slow and steady” will get you to your destination more safely than the “let’s-speed-and-get-into-an-accident” approac ... read more

What Does Your Car COLOR Say About You?

What’s your favorite color? Okay, now...what’s your favorite car color? Similar to what car you choose speaks volumes about your personality, the same can be said about your preferred car color. Borrowing from the Today Show, here is what your car color of choice says about you… or how you wish to be perceived.   Black = Serious, classic, elegant, professional White = Fastidious, pure, direct, pristine Red = Bold, confident, sensual, outgoing Orange = Artistic, one-of-a-kind, complex, individualistic Blue = Calm, credible, faithful, authoritative Silver = Elegant, forward-thinking, prestigious, futuristic Green = Well-balanced, no-fuss, organic, trustworthy Brown = Natural, down-to-earth, powerful, unique Yellow = Joyful, effervescent, sense of humor Gold = Glamorous, warm, intelligent   So, how accurate were these descriptions for you? Pretty close, huh? W ... read more

What Your Vehicle Says About You

Have you considered what your car, truck, SUV, or mini-van says about you and your personality? Most people “match” what they drive.   Young “Fast and Furious” fans like super-sporty cars that look as fast as they drive, while older James Bond fans like to drive cars that are sleek and expensive.   Soccer moms want a larger vehicle that can safely transport the team and will protect them in the event of an accident.   Many people who live on the Monterey Peninsula prefer small cars, such as the Mini Cooper, the Smart car, or the Fiat, to match their small homes and small parking spaces.   The list goes on, but here at Robert’s Collision & Repair, we are happy to repair and service them all.   If you want to have some fun, take this quiz to find out what car matches best with your personality.   At Robert’s ... read more

Seven Smartphone Apps that Help Car Owners

Technology is a wonderful thing, especially when it comes to your car. Here are a few smartphone apps that are designed to help you out with your vehicle.   RepairPal is designed to help you find a trustworthy auto repair shop. Of course, Robert’s Collision & Repair is proud to be listed on RepairPal.   GasBuddy helps you locate the cheapest gas near you. Plus you get the chance to win $100 in free gas daily.   greenMeter is an app that measures your vehicle’s power and fuel usage to show you how efficiently you are driving, your fuel consumption, and your impact on the environment.   Dynolicious Fusion is an app for gear heads that allows you to measure your 0-60 mph results. It’s fun if you like to test your power when you punch the gas. &nb ... read more

Halloween Tutorial: How to Dress Up Your Car

Halloween Tutorial: How to Dress Up Your Car

Ever heard of trunk or treating? It is a new way to celebrate Halloween that involves candy, cars, and costumes! What more could you ask for?   Basically, car owners turn their tailgate or trunk into a front porch, complete with a costume and candy. Car owners meet at a central location, and kids can go from car to car amassing tons of candy. It completely eliminates door-to-door doorbell ringing, and is a safe, fun, and festive way to celebrate Halloween.   The fun part is dressing up your car for a trunk or treating event. You can go for a scary look, or even recreate your kids’ favorite Disney Movie. The possibilities are endless. Here are just a few ideas:   Add some teeth and tongue to the trunk of your SUV. Don’t forget about the candy for the end of the tongue. What about bringing your front yard to the back of your pick-up truck? Use lawn ornaments, such as skeletons, tombstones, or cobwebs, to decorate. If you are a fan of Disney, this on ... read more

October is Auto Battery Safety Month

October is Auto Battery Safety Month

  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

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Why Auto Insurance Companies Trust Robert’s Collision & Repair

To become a preferred vendor for an Auto Insurance Company is a big deal. In order to reach the status of preferred vendor, an auto body repair shop must meet certain criteria, be open to business audits, agree on specific pricing, have a good reputation, and work in close partnership with the Auto Insurance Companies. Because of our hard work and premier service, Robert’s Collision & Repair is delighted to be a preferred vendor for the following automotive insurance companies: State Farm Progressive Farmers Geico USAA There are ten things that Robert’s Collision & Repair has accomplished that makes us stand out among the competition. Here are the top ten reasons why so many reputable insurance companies place their trust in us for auto body repair work: We are the biggest DRP facility for USAA Insurance. We are the #2 ARX facility for Geico Insurance in 2015. We now have I-CAR Gold Class Status for Collision Repair. We offer an iron-clad written warr ... read more

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Prepare To Drive In The Rain -- We Hope for El Nino!

Prepare To Drive In The Rain -- We Hope for El Nino!

“There is a greater than 90% chance that El Niño will continue through Northern Hemisphere winter 2015-2016 and around an 80% chance it will last through early spring 2016.” -- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration With a notable “Godzilla” El Nino season coming, the parched state of California is ready to welcome some serious rainstorms...we hope.  Please, oh please, El Nino, help us end this drought! To prepare for the forecasted Fall and Winter storms, be smart and prepare your vehicle for commuting in the rain. Wet pavement contributes to nearly 1.2 million traffic crashes each year. Though we are fully equipped at Robert’s Collision & Repair to fix your vehicle after a crash, we want to help you avoid needing our auto body shop if we can. Here are some helpful tips to keep your vehicle safe while driving in wet weather. Slow down in the rain. Speed limits are set for ideal conditions with no rain and good visibility. T ... read more

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Driving Safety Tips Around Kids and Schools

Now that school is back in session, we drivers need to remember to be extra careful while driving in the morning before school begins and in the early afternoon when school lets out. Here are some additional back to school safety tips to help keep kids safe. School Safety for Kids -- safety tips provided by the Klass Kids Foundation Ensure that children take the trip to and from school with at least one other person. There is safety in numbers. Show your children the safest routes to and from school. Walk on the sidewalk (if available) against traffic and avoid alleys, stairwells and shortcut paths. Children at a school bus stop require vigilant supervision when they are picked up in the morning and when they are dropped off in the afternoon. This can be accomplished via high or low-tech means. Surveillance cameras provide an unblinking eye on all activities within their parameters. Local parents can ... read more

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Celebrating Labor Day with Robert’s Collision & Repair

Celebrating Labor Day with Robert’s Collision & Repair

We love laboring over the vehicles of our clients. It is both an honor and a privilege to serve our customers with outstanding auto body repair, tire service, mechanical repair, auto detailing, and waterborne paint services. This Labor Day, we are celebrating the near-completion of our renovations to our 26,000 square foot auto repair facility. If you have been a client of ours for a while, you probably have noticed how our look has evolved over time. Sprucing up our shop with new equipment, a new exterior, and a new interior design, has certainly been a labor of love for several years. In honor of Labor Day, we want to celebrate by offering our clients a 10% discount up to $100 for any mechanical repair or service from Tuesday, September 1 through Friday, September 11, if you mention this blog. Call David Robinson of Robert’s Collision & Repair at 831-373-1534 to book your appointment for any of the following mechanical services or repairs: Remember to contact David Robinson a ... read more

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Events

Back To School Car Care

Uh-oh! Summer’s almost over. While the kids get ready to go back to school, make sure the vehicles they’ll be riding in are also back-to-school ready. Here is a helpful video that shows how to make your vehicle safe for the Fall driving season. Not all our clients are comfortable working on their own vehicles, and that’s where Robert’s Collision & Repair can help. Bring your vehicle into our Monterey facility and we will give it a complete safety inspection while it is in for service. If we find any areas of your vehicle that need attention, we will address the issues with you. If you need auto body, mechanical repair, tire service, detailing service, or auto paint service during Monterey Car Week, we invite you to visit us at Robert’s Collision & Repair, located just off Highway 1 at the Del Monte Blvd. Pacific Grove exit. Our shop address is 234 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940. Call 831-373-1534 to schedule an appointment

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Auto Maintenance

Road Trip Idea: Tour Monterey Wine Country

Monterey County is home to many wonderful wineries. If you’re looking for a quick Summer road trip, or a romantic weekend, here is an informative video that highlights some of Monterey County’s top wineries. If you need auto body, mechanical repair, tire service, detailing service, or auto paint service before you hit the wineries in Monterey County, we invite you to visit us at Robert’s Collision & Repair, located just off Highway 1 at the Del Monte Blvd. Pacific Grove exit. Our shop address is 234 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940. Call 831-373-1534 to schedule an appointment. Remember, please drink responsibly while visiting our local wineries, and please have a designated driver. We want you all to be safe out there! :-)

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Get Ready! It’s Auto Week on the Monterey Peninsula!

If you want to see the full schedule for Monterey Car Week, click here for the official website. However, if you want tips on how to enjoy Auto Week on a budget, watch this helpful video: If you need auto body, mechanical repair, tire service, detailing service, or auto paint service during Monterey Car Week, we invite you to visit us at Robert’s Collision & Repair, located just off Highway 1 at the Del Monte Blvd. Pacific Grove exit. Our shop address is 234 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940. Call 831-373-1534 to schedule an appointment

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Events

Our 5 Favorite Songs about Cars

Summer is here, and nothing adds to a road trip better than awesome music! These are our five favorite songs about cars. Enjoy! :-) #5 -- “I Can’t Drive 55” by Sammy Hagar#4 -- “Panama” by Van Halen#3 -- “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman#2 -- “The Distance” by Cake#1 -- “Drive My Car” by The Beatles If you need auto body, mechanical repair, tire service, detailing service, or auto paint service on your vehicles, we invite you to visit us at Robert’s Collision & Repair, located just off Highway 1 at the Del Monte Blvd. Pacific Grove exit. Our shop address is 234 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940. Call 831-373-1534 to schedule an appointment

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How to Save Money on Gasoline

Want to save money at the gas pump? Aside from shopping around town for the lowest gas prices, we have found a great video that gives some extra money saving tips. Summertime is when we typically see gas prices climb up high, and after all, who doesn’t want to save money at the pump? Here are eight secret gas saving tips that could help your car avoid guzzling precious fuel too fast. Want to make certain your vehicle is running as efficiently as possible? Robert’s Collision & Repair is here to help. We invite you to visit us at Robert’s Collision & Repair, 234 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940. Our shop is located just off Highway 1 at the Del Monte Blvd. Pacific Grove exit. Call us today at 831-373-1534 to schedule an appointment

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Summertime Tutorial: Boost Your Automobile Knowledge

Want to know more about how your vehicle works? Here are some helpful videos that will educate you about your car and make you a smarter driver. Enjoy! How Does Your Internal Combustion Engine Work? How To Check Your Oil Level and Other Car Fluids How To Change a Flat Tire How To Tow a Camper Trailer How To Drive a Manual Transmission How To Check Your Tires Would you like to make sure everything on your vehicle is working properly? Robert’s Collision & Repair is here to help. We offer full auto body repair, mechanical repair, tire service, detailing service, and auto paint service for your vehicles. We invite you to visit us at Robert’s Collision & Repair, located just off Highway 1 at the Del Monte Blvd. Pacific Grove exit. Our shop address is 234 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940. Call 831-373-1534 to schedule an appointment

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Auto Maintenance

How to Avoid Summer Accidents

Throughout Summer, drivers tend to travel more. Whether driving around town or while on vacation, here are some helpful tips to avoid Summer traffic accidents: Do Not Text & Drive -- It’s against the law and very unsafe. Drive Hands Free While Talking on the Phone -- It is against the law to use handheld cellphones while driving. Do Not Drink & Drive -- Assign a designated driver if necessary. Do Not Drive While Sleepy -- When you feel tired, pull over in a safe place and take a nap. Do Not Drive While Medicated -- Heavy medications + driving can be bad news, so get another person to drive you. Pay Special Attention to Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Skateboarders, and Elderly Drivers -- They are everywhere, and they can pop up out of nowhere to surprise you. Give them the right of way at intersections, crosswalks, and bicycle lanes. When you see an elderly driver who is driving slower than you’d prefer, slow down and have patience. You, too, will grow older, and you, t ... read more

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Auto Maintenance

Celebrating Our Independence with Patriotic Cars

Celebrating Our Independence with Patriotic Cars

To celebrate our nation’s freedom and Independence Day, we thought it would be fun to list the top ten American cars for patriotic drivers. If the weekend’s festivities, apple pie, and fireworks inspired you to buy a new ride, here are some vehicles to consider that are made in the U.S.A. Ford Mustang Coupe Chevrolet Silverado Truck Dodge Challenger Coupe Cadillac XTS Sedan GMC Yukon SUV Ram 1500 Truck Hyundai Sonata Sedan Jeep Patriot SUV Toyota Camry Sedan Acura ILX Sedan Of course, you can purchase these patriotic vehicles new or used. To us, it doesn’t matter...as long as you are happy with your ride. However, if your American made vehicle needs service, auto body repair, maintenance, tire service, detailing, or paint, we are happy to help at Robert’s Collision & Repair in Monterey. We are located just off Highway 1 at the Del Monte Blvd. Pacific Grove exit. Our shop address is 234 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940, and the cross street is Del Monte Blvd. Call ... read more

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Events

Excellent Auto Repair -- It’s All In The Process

Robert’s Collision & Repair is the premier auto repair center on the Monterey Peninsula for a good reason: Excellent Auto Repair Processes. To the average customer, what they see at an auto repair facility is how well the staff interacts with them, that they drop off their vehicle in one condition, and that they pick up their vehicle in better condition. However, there is so much more that goes into the auto repair process. From simple mechanical repair to extensive auto body repair, Robert’s Collision & Repair is always striving to excel in the following processes: Communication at each step of the repair to keep customers informed. Documented workflow processes to make the repair work more efficient. Checklists and verification processes with each step of the process. Clear internal communication dealing with everyday issues and case-specific challenges. Two way communication with each Insurance company to make certain the customer gets the best possible aut ... read more

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auto repair

How To Prepare Your Vehicle for Summer Heat

For those of us living on the Monterey Peninsula, it’s sometimes easy to forget how hot it can get during Summer. While we live in the overcast world of “June Gloom”, thousands of visitors from the Central Valley, Texas, and other hot climates are flocking to our cool peninsula. If you are planning a Summer road trip to an area within California or the United States that has temperatures in the 100s, here are four tips to prepare your vehicle for the extreme heat: Park in the shade when possible. This will keep your car cooler -- both inside the car and within the engine compartment. Extreme heat will make your battery lose power faster, so do your best to keep your car cool. Protect your engine from overheating. Make certain your engine has fresh, clean oil, the fluids are topped off, the belts and hoses are in good condition, and that any worn parts have been replaced. Protecting your engine before you hit the road will reduce your vehicle’s risk of an inconvenient breakdown ... read more

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Auto Maintenance

It’s Auto Show Season!

Summertime is always a busy time for auto shows here on the Monterey Peninsula. Mark your calendars! Here are some upcoming car shows you won’t want to miss: Capitola Car Show -- June 6 - 7, 2015 Just to the north of us, but still on the Monterey Bay, Capitola hosts its annual Rod and Custom Classic Car Show. Over 300 hot rods, muscle cars, vintage coupes, roadsters, and classics drive along the coast and shine in the sun along Capitola Beach. http://www.capitolacarshow.com/ FIM Superbike World Championship / GEICO Motorcycle U.S. Round -- July 17 - 19, 2015 If you’re into sport bikes and racing, you don’t want to miss the high rev excitement at Laguna Seca. This famous Mazda Raceway is known around the world for its tough track, and there are plenty of motorcycle and auto races going on through Summer. http://www.mazdaraceway.com/events Monterey Car Week -- August 10 - 16, 2015 This is the ... read more

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Events

Frequent Misconceptions About Paint

Do my parts come already painted from the factory? Some do, some don’t. Some parts, like bumpers and moldings come painted from the dealers, but some are blanks that need to be painted. However, if the painted part comes already painted, there is no guarantee that it’ll match the paint on your car. Sometimes it is better to mix the paint from scratch to match the tint and shade of your vehicle as closely as possible, especially if your vehicle has been weathered or faded over time. Can I get pre-mixed paints from the factory? The factory does offer touch up paint, but that is intended for very small areas. You will not save money or time by purchasing pre-mixed paint from the factory because the weathering or fading of your vehicle’s paint may change the tint of the original color. That is why it is important to have an expert auto body painter mix and match the paint to the same shade on your vehicle. If you were to go ahead and put pre-mixed factory paint on your ... read more

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Auto Paint

When Do Your Tires Need Replacing?

When Do Your Tires Need Replacing?

Not sure when you replace your tires? Here are some tips that will help you determine when your tires should be repaired or replaced. Step 1: Check your tires periodically for wear. We understand that you probably don’t look at your tires very often, but it’s a good habit to get into. If you look at them regularly, you will have an easier time discerning whether the tires are in good shape or if a problem is developing. Step 2: Recognize what’s going on with your tire wear. Do any of your tires look like this? If yes, it’s time to replace your tires. Step 3: How is the tire tread holding up? If you can stick a penny in between the tire tread and Lincoln’s head is covered, your tires still have plenty of tread. However, if you stick the penny in between the tread and you can clearly see Lincoln’s head, your tires need to be replaced. Step 4: Do you see any signs of bubbling, cupping, or bulging in your tires? If yes, your tires are at risk of blowing ou ... read more

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tire service

How To Change A Tire

Everyone should know how to change a tire, even if they are lucky enough to never have to. Knowing how to change a flat tire is one of those life skills that is right up there with knowing how to administer CPR, and knowing how to swim. Even if you already know how to change a tire and it has been a while since you have had to do it, here is a helpful reminder. Step 1: Pull over to a safe spot off the road. Try to head for a well lit area that is far enough away from moving traffic. Step 2: Turn on your hazard lights. Not only will this safety feature let other drivers know that your vehicle is stranded, but it may also summon help from other passersby. Step 3: Look for the tire changing tools in your vehicle, often stored near the spare tire in the trunk area. Grab the wrench and use it to loosen the lug nuts on the tire. Step 4: Use the jack to lift the vehicle off the ground. Follow jack directions accordingly to ensure safety. Step 5: Remov ... read more

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tire service

Visual Inspection vs. Computer Notification: Which Is Better?

Is a visual inspection better than a notice generated by your vehicle’s computer? Yes, and no. Both are important aspects of auto repair, and both have their advantages. Ideally, you should combine the two for a thorough inspection and assessment of your vehicle’s safety. Computer notifications are great, because they notify you -- assuming you have a newer car with a system display or readout -- when your tires are low, your engine needs service, your air filters need to be replaced, your oil needs changing, etc. Take a Mini Cooper Countryman, for example. The display will show green tires if the tire pressure is good, and red tires if the tire pressure is too low. Additionally, when you take your car into Robert’s Collision & Repair for service, its computer will give our technicians a readout of things to check. Using the Mini Cooper Countryman example again, the computer notified our staff that the brake pads may need to be replaced. Computer notifications are a good thing ... read more

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Auto Maintenance
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