Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

As we reflect on 2020, we have hopes for a better year. Please, do not think that we are making any political statements in this week’s blog. Instead, our goal is to find the good in a yearlong, rough situation. We hope that in 2021, we will continue to remain healthy and fully employed, but we also wish for more travel opportunities and the ability to visit friends and family like we did before the Coronavirus. It’s a worthy goal, right?   It is easy to point out all of the things that didn’t go well in 2020. But there is a positive way to look at this year. This year forced us out of our comfort zones and made us find new ways of working, learning, and connecting with friends and family. We no longer take for granted live music, movie theaters, restaurants, amusement parks, and our very own Monterey Bay Aquarium. This year woke us up in many ways that we resisted. But we fully believe that the changes we saw due to COVID-19 are going to benefit us as we move ... read more

If you are staying home for the holidays on the Monterey Peninsula, that’s terrific! 2020 has been quite a year, and we are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful place on California’s Central Coast. If you are looking for places to hang out on the Monterey Peninsula during the 2020 Winter holidays, we have some ideas for you and your family to enjoy.   Enjoy the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail. If you like to walk, bike, skateboard, jog, or take a surrey ride along our rocky shore, our recreational trail is one of the best in the world. The majority of visitors stick to the portion of trail between Lovers Point in Pacific Grove to the Tides Hotel at the border of Monterey and Seaside. However, this trail continues further South to Asilomar State Beach and further North to Castroville. The entire trail is beautiful, so enjoy the view and be sure to wear your facemasks.   Go Golfing. We have world-class golf courses here on the Monterey Peninsula. The Monterey ... read more

It’s almost time to hit the road and go see the family for the holidays. To prepare your vehicle for holiday travel, we thought it would be wise to provide a checklist showing how you can prepare for smooth, stress-free driving.    We hope you enjoy this helpful pre-trip checklist.   Check your tires for proper tread and full inflation. Pack all the tools you would need to change a flat tire. If you’re planning to drive in the snow, be sure to bring tire chains. Make sure your battery is fully charged and shows no signs of corrosion. If your brakes are squeaking or squealing, have them checked. Is your car in need of oil change service? Get it done before you go. Do you have an emergency kit? If you’re driving in snow or plan to travel on isolated roads, do you have enough water, snacks, and warm blankets to keep you safe if you’re stranded? Is your Check Engine light on? If yes, make sure your auto mechanic checks it out. Have you pa ... read more

On Monday, December 7, 2020, we remember Pearl Harbor Day. If you are a longtime local you may know this, but Monterey experienced lasting effects after the Japanese attack. If you are new to the Monterey Peninsula or are a fan of history, this week’s blog centers around Pearl Harbor Day and what happened in the Monterey Peninsula.   The war was brought to California’s coast just eleven days after Pearl Harbor. Several areas were targeted by Japanese submarines, including Cape Mendocino, Monterey Bay, Estero Bay, and San Diego. Monterey Bay was on high alert all the way from Santa Cruz to Pacific Grove. According to the Mobile Ranger blog, submarines in these areas were an effort to scare the Americans into thinking a large attack on the mainland was coming next. The cities were chosen for their locations along commonly used shipping lanes and for the best opportunity to attack ... read more

At CARSTAR Robert’s Collision, we don’t just fix cars – we protect them. One of the questions we often hear from our clients is, “Why do you use Carnauba Wax?” It's a great question, especially for those looking to preserve their vehicle’s paint and maintain that showroom shine. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just want to keep your car looking new, Carnauba Wax plays a key role in protecting your investment. What is Carnauba Wax, and Why Do We Use It? Carnauba Wax, also known as "the queen of waxes," is the go-to choice for car collectors, Concours d'Elegance enthusiasts, and those who appreciate a flawless finish. Unlike other waxes that sit on the paint's surface, Carnauba Wax transforms your car's paint into a deep, liquid-like pool that shimmers under varying light conditions. It's not just about aesthetics either – Carnauba Wax offers superior protection against sc ... read more

Photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we want to remind everyone that there is so much to be grateful for. Yes, this year has been incredibly rough due to COVID-19 and the other challenges we have faced here in California. However, we choose to focus on the good in every situation. That is why we want to list the many things that we are grateful for here at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision:   We are grateful to have a large number of happy clients who are thrilled with our customer service experience and the quality of our work. We are grateful that today’s modern vehicles have so many safety features, that even when a collision occurs, the precious cargo inside is well protected. Of course, not all accidents allow you to walk away without a scratch. But the safety features that have been added to most vehicles can certainly help reduce the risk of higher fatalities. We are grateful for state-of-the-art equipment, tools, and auto body technolo ... read more

How Long Does Auto Body Repair Take? A Step-by-Step Guide to Restoring Your Vehicle When a vehicle needs auto body repair, one of the first questions many car owners ask is, “How long will it take?” The answer varies depending on factors like the type of vehicle, the availability of parts, and the extent of the damage. At CARSTAR Robert’s Collision, we prioritize thorough and precise repairs, ensuring your vehicle returns to you in top condition. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect from the repair process. The Auto Body Repair Process at CARSTAR Robert’s CollisionStep 1: Insurance Coordination Begin by contacting your insurance carrier to report the damage and schedule an assessment. They may require an estimate, which is where we come in! Step 2: Get an Estimate Visit CARSTAR Robert’s Collision in Monterey for a detailed estimate. Our team will assess the damage and provide an estimate for your insurance co ... read more

As holiday travel starts to ramp up in November, the risk of traffic accidents increases. We know you drive carefully, but what should you do if other drivers put you and your vehicle at risk of a collision? Here are the top five things you should do to avoid a collision. Drive defensively. They always stressed this tactic in driving school. The goal is to stay focused on the road, your speed, and where you are in relation to other objects. Distractions are bad, so you should avoid getting caught off guard. Driving takes a lot of mental focus, so it is in your best interest to be considerate of others but take care of yourself first. Keep your speed down. Speeding through neighborhoods isn’t safe, especially when pedestrians, children, pets, or local wildlife are nearby. You never know when an animal or bicyclist could jump out from behind a parked car and surprise you. When you keep your speed to the posted limit or slower, you are more likely to avoid hitting any objects ... read more

With holiday travel coming up, you may want to prepare a COVID-Era Emergency Kit for your family vehicle. To help you get started, we have created a checklist that will help you prepare for an emergency. Checklist If you’re headed to the mountains: Pack appropriate chains for your car  Current medications Gloves Warm blankets Shovel Jumper cables Spare tire, jack, and lug wrench A flashlight and extra batteries Battery jumper cables A basic first aid kit A blanket and warm clothing Bottled water and energy bars Safety flares A tool kit and a windshield ice scraper If you are not sure of what to do in the event of minor roadside emergencies, here are some helpful videos: How to change a flat tire:   <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tn-Xh5ldkXw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-pic ... read more

Years ago, our auto body repair shop was the first of all auto repair shops to receive Green certification from the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program. To obtain this green certification, we had to employ various procedures that prove to be environmentally friendly. One of the major things that helped us earn that certification was our use of waterborne paint. CARSTAR Robert’s Collision was the first and only Green shop in the area using waterborne paint. This type of paint is water-based and the leading auto body paints in the industry that is eco-friendly. Using waterborne paint instead of more 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.  Waterbor ... read more

While Halloween falls on October 31st, National Pumpkin Day is October 26! Pumpkins are often seen as a fun fall holiday decoration and ingredient in festive recipes, but they’re so much more than that. Not only are they full of antioxidants, but they’re also loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and they make fantastic desserts!  The history of National Pumpkin Day begins with the pumpkin itself. The pumpkin is indigenous to the Western Hemisphere, with some of the oldest domesticated pumpkin seeds discovered by archaeologists in the Oaxaca highlands of Mexico. Believed to have originated in Central American over 7,500 years ago, pumpkins are thought to be among the first crops grown by humans in North America. Back then, pumpkins didn’t look much like they do now -- they were originally small, wizened little gourds, with tough exteriors and a bitter flavor. They were ideal to keep throughout the winter, as their thick flesh was easy to store throughout th ... read more

While COVID-19 has continued to ravage the world, it’s a difficult time for people in our community to come together and support causes near and dear to our hearts without fear of becoming ill. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s now more important than ever to support these causes, especially when supporting them does so much good. Read on to learn five ways you can support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, despite COVID-19! Join a virtual 5K run/walk There may not be many 5K run/walks to physically go to this year due to the COVID-19 epidemic, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t sign up virtually! Not only are they easy and cheaper than in-person events, but you can participate according to your own schedule and fitness level. Host a fundraising event online Though fundraising in person may not be in the cards right now, there’s so many ways to help fundraise online! Set up a GoFundMe or other similar fu ... read more

While trick-or-treating may not be an option this year, there’s no reason you can’t still show off your Halloween spirit! From dressing up throughout the month of October, decorating your house and front yard, and even getting a costume for your car, there’s no end to the fun you can have this Halloween season. Keep reading to see some great Halloween ideas to dress up your car! Halloween Window Paint For those who like to keep things low key but still enjoy showing off their festive spirit in a more artistic fashion, Halloween window paint is a great option. Paint on spooky ghosts, jack-o-lanterns, bats, or even a whole Halloween-themed masterpiece! There’s no end to the fun designs you could come up with, and it’s a great way to get the kids involved with a fun, creative, and simple Halloween activity.  Halloween Decals and Magnets If you aren’t the artsy type, but are still into the easy Halloween decor, th ... 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

While Columbus Day is observed annually on the second Monday of October, not all states follow this traditional holiday. Instead, they choose to celebrate other events that same day. Enter: National Native American Day! Also known as Native American Day and Indigenous People’s Day, observers of this holiday choose to celebrate the heritage of Native Americans and to share knowledge of the native peoples who have been here since before the start of the American story. Celebrated in South Dakota and Berkeley, California, instead of Columbus Day and statewide in California as a day of observance on the fourth Friday of September, this holiday is meant to uplift and highlight the cultures of our country’s first nations. Many people who celebrate Native Americans’ Day do so through teaching and learning about the traditions, culture, and heritage of Native American peoples. This is frequently paired with awareness-raising activities about their history that aren’t al ... read more

Monterey County is known for its gorgeous scenic views, so what could be better than an impromptu photo shoot surrounded by the Bay Area coast? There’s no better backdrop to photograph the sleek lines of your car than the natural beauty of these locations, so keep reading to find out more! The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail This trail spans 29 glistening miles along the waterfront of Monterey. Passing iconic locations like Old Fisherman’s Wharf, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Asilomar State Beach, there are tons of great photo opportunities to be had along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. River Road Wine Trail in Salinas Valley Not only does this wine trail wind through some of the best wine country in California, but the views of the vineyards and surrounding agriculture create a stunning foil for the sharp angles and stark contrast of your car. Posed next to rolling lush vineyards and the clear blue sky, your car will lo ... read more

A frequently ignored holiday, California Admission Day is the legal holiday in our great state of California that is celebrated as a way to commemorate the anniversary of the 1850 admission of California into the United States Union as the 31st state. Leading up to this day, in 1848, Mexico and the United States had signed a treaty that ended the Mexican War and gave over a significant portion of the Pacific Southwest to the United States. This included California. Just days before the signing of this treaty, gold was discovered along the American River near Sacramento, which pushed forward our state’s admittance into the Union. With the ensuing increase in population from the goldrush, California was in dire need of a civil government presence. In 1849, California sought out statehood as a part of the United States Union. After heated debate among our Congress due to the discussion of slavery, California was entered into the Union. It was soon entered proudly in as the 31st stat ... read more

Everyone loves Labor Day for the three-day weekend it gives us, but when was the last time you sat down and thought about what it represents? At CARSTAR Robert’s Collision & Repair, we like Labor Day just as much as the rest, so why not learn a bit more about it? Keep reading for the origins of Labor Day, and some great ways to celebrate it near and around Monterey! Labor Day falls on the first Monday in September, and was originally created by the labor movement. The holiday is dedicated to the social and economic achievements that were only made possible by the masses of American workers. In the true community spirit, it is celebrated yearly as a national tribute all that American workers have contributed to the United States. The first Labor Day was celebrated September 5, 1882, in New York City. Planned by the Central Labor Union, the first Labor Day celebration was originally in the form of a parade. Determined to showcase the strength and spirit of the trade and labor o ... read more

For those who prefer their creature comforts but still appreciate the beauty of the world around them, the scenic drives around Monterey, CA, are the best of both worlds. Without ever leaving your vehicle's comfort, you can drive all around the Monterey Bay coast and soak in the sights. Keep reading to learn about four scenic drives to try out.  Highway 1 Highway 1 is the most well-known scenic drive Monterey County has to offer, and one of the best scenic drives in the world. Showing off a wide range of local geography, you'll find wetlands and fishing ports, as well as artichoke fields and rolling sand dunes. Framed by cypress forests and the rocky coastline, you'll find your way through Monterey and up through Big Sur's ancient redwood forest. 17-Mile Drive Also known as a highly prized cycling route, 17-Mile Drive is also one of California's best scenic routes. Beginning as a carriage road for guests at the Hotel del Mont ... read more

Social distancing guidelines have made many summer pastimes challenging to partake in, to say the least. Thankfully, cycling isn't one of them! No matter if you're new to Monterey or a local through and through, this list of the best cycling destinations near Monterey will be sure to please.  Fisherman's Wharf to Lovers Point: Perfect for beginners, this route will let you soak in the best sights that the Monterey coastline has to offer. This simple bike path along Fisherman's Wharf through to Lover's Point is especially popular among beginner cyclists due to its separation from traffic. This makes it a safe and secure path for families to take with their kids. Who wouldn't love this route?  Cachagua Loop: An advanced ride, the Cachagua Loop is for those cyclists who like a challenge. Promising lovely valley views, riders can take the 30-mile loop from Carmel Valley Village through some of Cachagua's finest viney ... read more

With another round of shutdowns for California on the horizon, our food industry has taken a major hit. Why not get out of the house for a bit while you drive down to pick up some takeout? It will be a pleasant evening drive, and you'll be supporting your local restaurants in the process! You can turn your ride into a picnic and take in some of the beautiful scenery the Monterey bay area has to offer. Keep reading for some of the top-rated takeouts in the Monterey Bay area to try.    Red House Café: Home to the historic "Little Red House," the Red House Café has become a local landmark befitting the Little Red House's history. Initially built in 1895, the Little Red House opened up the Red House Café in 1996 along with a garden shop. Both are still here today and serve up only the best New American cuisine with a European influence. With an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, and a location to die for, you can take ... read more

Many drivers may think that winter is the most dangerous time of year to be on the road. However, it's been shown that a higher number of car crashes and automobile-related injuries and fatalities actually occur from July to August. Not to mention, that the summer months are also when teen accidents and deaths are at an exceptionally high point with so many young people home for the summer. Keep reading to learn more about common summer road hazards and how to avoid them.  Tire Blowouts: It's pure science; hot temperatures cause air to expand, which causes the air in your tires to expand. This can lead to nothing, but it can also lead to a tire blowout during a heatwave. And while a parked car with a blown-out tire may not sound like too much of a problem, what happens when that tire is on the highway?   To keep this from happening to your tires, make sure to frequently check your tire pressure – leaving a small electric pressure gauge in your ... read more

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash Though everyone’s summer plans have likely been upended due to COVID-19, that doesn’t mean that you can’t make summer fun for the kids! Many families have chosen to keep their kids home from summer camps, and some might have closed their doors for now. Whatever the situation, there’s no end to the great ideas that will keep your children busy and entertained all summer long. 1.       Make Your Own Camp: This one’s a no-brainer, but there’s nothing stopping you and the kids from making your own stay-at-home summer camp! With a little planning and preparation, you can keep the kids occupied with arts and crafts projects, fun science experiments, and even cooking lessons! Head to Google and plan your curriculum as you see fit. You can even pitch a tent in the backyard or the ... read more

Photo by Victor He on Unsplash Staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic. For many people, especially during the summer, physical activity is usually something they’d be doing outside at parks, beaches, campgrounds, and a host of other summer destinations. Keep reading for places to go and ways to stay active, even while shelter-in-place restrictions are in place! Visit parks that are close to home! Places you can and should visit will ideally be close by and won’t require much traveling. Visit those parks that are closest to you and check with the park or recreation area well in advance to learn how to prepare safely. Find out if there are bathroom facilities and other services that are still open and available to the public. Beaches and othe ... read more

Photo by Maxwell Ridgeway on Unsplash Depending on where you live and what you do for a living, you might find that you spend an awful lot of time in your car on your way to and from work, drives to school, and every other little errand you might have. Unfortunately, commuting for more than 20 minutes a day can cause chronic stress. That's why the CARSTAR Robert's Collision and Repair team wants to help you de-stress and decompress while you drive with this list of tips and tricks to try! Healthy Habits While Driving: Most of us hop in the car first thing in the morning, with some toast or a bagel and coffee to try and beat the morning traffic. Try getting up a little earlier so your morning routine is calm, and you have plenty of time to make a healthy breakfast. You might even want to pack some snacks for the road, or blend up a sm ... read more

Photo by Luca Peng on Unsplash At CARSTAR Robert's Collision and Repair, we know that traveling with your beloved pets can be a constant struggle. To help you make the most of your driving time with your pets and keep your family's smaller extensions safe and happy, take a look at this list of tips and tricks to traveling with pets! Before any extended travel, you should always make sure your pets are healthy to do so. Take them to the veterinarian for a checkup, make sure all their vaccinations are up-to-date and copy those records with you. If you're planning on flying with an airline, these records are required. Making sure your pets stay healthy means you also need to bring along enough of their regular food, medication, and water for them to last the duration of the trip. Traveling for humans and pets is a little different depending on what kind of a ... read more

Photo by Frank Zhang on Unsplash Summer is in full swing, and unfortunately, big vacations might not be a possibility with continued shelter-in-place orders on the horizon. Luckily, there’s nothing like a family road trip to brighten everyone’s spirits and get out of the house. But because road trips involve extended time in the car, it can be tough to keep the kids occupied. Keep reading for some ideas to keep the kids entertained the next time you head out on a road trip! First up on the list is the ever-popular backseat-turned-movie theater. This tip is especially easy for those cars with built-in DVD players for the backseat. If you don’t have this nifty little feature, portable DVD players built for the vehicle ... read more

Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash With COVID-19 causing record numbers of disinfectant and cleaning supply sales (and shortages) around the world, it’s natural to worry about getting your car’s interior clean as a whistle. The team at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision & Repair knows your family’s safety is your number one priority. Still, we don’t want you to ruin your car in the process! Read on to find out the best practices to use when disinfecting your vehicle.  First, a little bit of information about how COVID-19 reacts to certain surfaces: the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is passed from person to person when they cough or sneeze. Tiny droplets are released, carrying the virus, which a healthy person ... read more

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

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

Happy Memorial Day. Today is a day to thank and remember the military personnel who gave their lives so we could enjoy our freedoms. Before we go any further, we want to encourage you to take a moment and reflect on all of the people in your life who have sacrificed and served our country. If you have the opportunity to say a prayer and thank them, that would be a wonderful way to let them know they are not forgotten. Last week, we suggested 5 ways to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend while sheltering in place on the Monterey Peninsula. We’re curious. Did you go camping in your backyard? Did you get outside and go for a hike? Did you visit a park, get in the water, or have a virtual BBQ with your friends? Look, today is Memorial Day and it’s time for you to have some fun. Even if you don’t go anywhere, take some time for self-care and enjoy the day off. You deserve some down time. After the holiday, that’s when you can jump back into work and find ways to keep yo ... read more

With the Shelter In Place Ordinance lasting until May 31st here on the Monterey Peninsula, the Memorial Day Weekend is expected to look a little different in 2020. We won’t be able to gather in large groups to celebrate the traditional kick-off to Summer, but we are very fortunate to live and work in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Living on the Monterey Peninsula has its benefits. The temperature is never too hot or too cold. Our Monterey Bay is breathtakingly beautiful. We have some of the most legendary golf courses in our backyard. Plus, we are a community filled with wonderful people who have added much richness to our long history. Truly, if we cannot go anywhere during the Memorial Day Weekend, staying here at home is not a bad thing at all. However, if you are looking to get outside and enjoy the sunshine, here are five ways to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend. Go camping in your own backyard. If you have a large enough backyard, why not set up a tent and ... read more

We can’t help but love spring; it is as if the world is waking up refreshed and renewed -- flowers are starting to bloom, the sun is starting to shine, and the animals are starting to come out of hibernation. For many of us, the start of spring is a signal for us to start to spring clean to get rid of any remnants of winter. Here are some tips on how to quickly and easily spring clean your family vehicle:  First, start with your vehicle’s exterior.  Start by washing your vehicle bumper-to-bumper twice in a row to make sure you get any and all dirt and debris on your car.  Let’s get those tires sparkling by cleaning them with a tire-cleaning spray and brush.  Don’t forget about the underbody of your vehicle. You would be surprised to learn how much grime and dirt can accumulate on the underbody of your vehicle during wintertime.  When all finished, use a microfiber cloth to completely dry your vehicle.  Now, you’re ready ... read more

Driving in the rain can be one of the most challenging driving situations you can encounter. When it is rainy out, there is a higher chance of an accident. No matter where you live, you will encounter driving in the rain at some point. Knowing exactly how your car handles in wet conditions and how to adjust your driving in limited visibility situations will help you stay safe and alert on the road. First of all, if you are not feeling comfortable driving, don't! If you can wait out the rain, that is your best bet. Slick conditions become dangerous conditions in a hurry; you are valuable to your loved ones, so stay safe by making safe decisions. Have you checked your tires lately? If you have uneven tread wear, it is a good idea to have your tires rotated. Many of the tire stores will rotate your tires for free, air them up and tell you if you require any maintenance and how much life is left in your tires. Next, check your headlights, taillight, and make sure your windshield wipe ... read more

Did you know that Toyota's produce more than 10 million vehicles each year? The Toyota Motor Corporation is and has been a leader of sales in Hybrid and electric automobiles, which keeps them on the leading edge of technology and demand by the people. By building cars under different brands, such as Hino, Lexus, Daihatsu, Ranze, Toyota anchored its foothold as a multinational conglomerate throughout the world. Founded in 1937 by visionary Kiichiro Toyoda, early designs were modeled after the Chevy and Dodge Power Wagon. During WWII, Toyota was contracted to build trucks for the imperial Japanese army, which once the war was lost, both the country and Toyota were thrust into economic instability. Finally, in 1947, Toyota built its first passenger car, which helped bring them through. In the 1950s, Toyota began importing vehicles to the United States and was also contracted to build cars for the Korean war. By the 1960s, the affordable Toyota cars became popular across the country ... read more

Most of us dog lovers, want our pup with us in the car. We all have to take our dog here and there, be it the groomers, or just enjoying a ride together. There is not much more satisfying than jingling your keys, and seeing that cute tail wag; we love more opportunities to spend time with Fido. More than half of us drive with our dogs more than once per month. That is a lot of pup's in the car on the road!   When we bring our human family in the car, we make sure they are buckled up, which begs the question, why would we not do the same for our four-legged furry friends? If you decide to take Fido along in the car for a ride, consider investing in a dog safety belt and buckle them into the back seat for safety. If you think of it, a dog that is loose in the car in a time of impact not only becomes a missile, there is a high chance of them getting thrown out of the window. If your pup is in the front seat and an airbag goes off, they will be severely injured. We all know and se ... read more

Sometimes when we leave the hardware store we find ourselves looking at the lumber or carpet we purchased, compare it to the size of our car and realize that what seemed like a great idea in the store now poses a potential transportation issue. How far is too far? Well, this is an easy enough question to answer. You can hang items over the front of your vehicle up to three feet, four feet past the rear of your car and four inches on each side of your car.   If you have items that overhang past four feet, it must be properly marked with a red flag on each side, the load needs to have some type of side marker as close to the front and rear, plus two reflectors. In reality, our cars and trucks won't really have a big issue with this, anything that much larger than your vehicle then a professional delivery will be a better option. If you need to use your personal vehicle to transport an item, then you will need to abide by the same laws that commercial trucks follow.   Secure ... read more

How does moisture get into our headlights, anyway? No one wants to find moisture in their headlights, especially if you have invested in custom lights for your car. Finding moisture in your headlights doesn't mean your headlights are damaged or broken, or that you need to run out and buy a new pair. Fear not, although you may find a foggy cloud inside your headlights on occasion, they might still be just fine. Condensation that forms in your headlight is something that happens when the air outside of your headlight is cooler than the air inside the lens. If you drive around for a few hours, more than likely, the moisture will dissipate because your headlights have warmed up. Most headlights have tiny vents on the top and bottom of each headlight; for this reason, these vents will allow moisture to come in, and escape as needed.   Have you special ordered new headlights, and received them, opened the package to find them fogged up? This can be a very distressing occurrence, and ... read more

Distracted driving is more and more common on the road these days, and has become the number one killer, literally even more than drunk driving. We are all guilty from time to time of driving distracted in one way or another, it is human to do so, and ultimately convenient to multi-task. We all know or have that one friend that is the cell phone chatter, the texter, the make-up expert, the food queen, or the in-car DJ. Distracted driving has become nearly fashionable in some sense. However, it also can become quite deadly, so here are some tips to help reduce distractions in the car.   Use the phone for emergencies only  When you are driving, it is best to keep both hands on the road, and your mind trained at the task at hand, driving. Cell phone use should be reserved for emergency use only when driving, and it is even better to pull over to the right side shoulder of the road if you need to make a call. Did you know that even hands-free devices still pose a distraction? It ... read more

Classic cars have a rumble and feel that most of us are eager to experience. There is nothing like it! If you are off on a big road trip, chances are you won't want to be spending long hours in a rumbling beast, so we have put together a list of products to help reduce road noise for you.   Undercoating Undercoating is fantastic for many reasons, not only does it help seal up the underside of your car preventing new rust issues, it acts a bit like glue sealing up and creating a barrier, this barrier is suitable for sound dampening. Undercoating reduces road noise when properly applied to your car.   Sound Deadening Mat This type of mat sticks on the inside of your car underneath your carpet. It can be tricky to install because you have to pull up your carpet to apply. However, you will be pleased with the results. This sound deadening mat performs well, absorbing the sound. Sound deadening mat is made up of a heavy, dense tar type of product. There are other brands that a ... 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

  When your car was new, its paint was pristine and glossy. Over time your vehicle becomes exposed to everyday wear and tear, and your paint begins to fade and full. Here is a list of 5 everyday things that can damage your car's paint, some of which may surprise you.   Bug Juice The front of your car seems to collect bugs splattered across the front, especially in summer. Once these bugs are dead, they can seem harmless; however, if you don't immediately remove them, you can find your car has permanently etched bug imprints in your paint. As soon as you are able, you can take a soft cloth and grab some bug and tar remover and get to work to prevent your car from becoming a graveyard of bug imprints.   Bird Poo Although we do love watching these majestic feathered friends of our soar across the sky, how many times have we heard a plop and a thud to find our car has been bird bombed? Bird droppings are grainy and often filled with seeds, and acidic berry rem ... 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

  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

  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

  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

  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