Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

Americans have a love affair with our vehicles. We cherish their beauty, styling, as well as the overall driving experience. They provide freedom, both real and perceived. Some people don’t see the value in paying to have their car detailed. Those who do truly understand the benefits of doing so as well as thoroughly enjoying the end results.  Just in case you’re curious, we’ve compiled a list of a few of the top reasons why it’s a worthy investment: Chemical bug residue: hard to believe the damage a little bug can do to our paint, but if left to do its dirty work, bug residue can actually leave small holes in your paint that look like they came from small rocks. A carwash can’t get all the bugs out like a good detail can.  Oxidation: over time, the sun takes its toll on our vehicle’s paint job, especially on cars parked outside most of the day. A good clay waxing can help to restore the pigmentation and extend the life of your paint job ... read more

August is a favorite month for road trips, and since there are so many beautiful and scenic destinations here on the west coast, it’s no wonder, so many of us hit the road over the summer months. There are some tips to keep in mind while road-tripping that should help you stay safe and stay on the way. First of all, cars that are 10 years old or older tend to break down twice as often as younger cars and are 4 times more likely to need a tow. That doesn’t mean you can’t successfully take your ‘05 Subaru for a trip up the 101, but that alone should encourage you to do some prep work.  The top reasons for needing a tow are electrical system issues, a dead battery, problems with the engine cooling system, and tires that can’t just be replaced roadside. Much of a pre-trip inspection is simple: check all fluids, tire pressure and wear, your battery, all lights, and make sure your wipers are working well too. It’s also a good idea to have your brakes ... read more

While we are incredibly fortunate to live in a place where the sea breezes help to keep us more relaxed than most of other California cities, it’s still all relative, and on a late August afternoon, our vehicles can get roasting. After only one hour in the sun, the average auto interior is 43 degrees hotter than the outside temperature. Youch!  Your car’s color contributes to the interior temperature. The darker colors absorb more heat while a white or silver vehicle can be about 10 degrees cooler. If your married to your sleek darker colors, consider a solar reflective paint that will help keep things cooler by up to 6 degrees. Okay, so you're saying that those choices are too late for THIS August, and you want to know what you can do right now! Some of these are obvious, so bear with me: Park under a tree or in a garage. (Any shade helps!) Purchase a solar-powered fan (although reviews seem to be split). Basic car shades can reduce the interior temp by 15 deg ... read more

  Hard to believe that summer is over and it’s time for school to start yet again. Whether we have children of our own in the local school system, we are all affected by the change in driving in and around schools. Not only is it a hefty fine if we get caught speeding in a school zone, but it’s also dangerous. A child is most likely to be hit by a car close to their school… much more so than any other location. There are a few ways we can avoid a steep fine and keep the children in our community safe while getting to and from school every day.  Whether or not the yellow lights are flashing, if we see children near the road, it’s best if we slow down. They often are distracted by their friends and most kids these days are walking around with phones in their hands just like their parents. The more we keep our own distractions to a minimum (hands off our phones for starters!), the safer we keep THEM.  Having patience can go a long way too. Not bei ... read more