Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

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