Posted on 1/23/2012
If not maintained properly, a car engine can overheat just as easily in the winter months as during the summer. Coolant hoses are a very important part of the total cooling system. They are the fluid connectors between the engine, the radiator and heater. Most cars have a handful of hoses. Since hoses are so vital to safe engine operation, most car experts recommend replacing them if they are over four years old, or if they feel soft at the ends. Fortunately, they can be conveniently replaced when it’s time to flush the cooling system and install new coolant. Need service, repair, or maintenance on your automobile’s hoses? Whatever the need, our staff at Robert’s Auto Repair will be happy to take care of your vehicle so that it may safely take care of you. We proudly serve the engine, mechanical and auto body needs of people who live and work in Monterey, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Sand City, Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Salinas, Corral De Tierra, Pebble Beach, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Prunedale ... read more
Posted on 1/16/2012
The engine drives fan belts / drive belts to power components such as the alternator, AC compressor, power steering pump, and engine cooling fans. Drive belts are made of rubber and wear out over time, especially if they come into contact with oil. Periodic inspection is necessary to determine if drive belts need to be replaced; many manufacturers have set specific replacement intervals. If one drive belt is worn or has failed, the remaining drive belts should also be replaced. Often, drive belts are overlooked until they fail. Regular inspection and maintenance of your drive belts can prevent roadside breakdowns from happening to your vehicle. Need service, repair, or maintenance on your drive belts? Whatever the need, our staff at Robert’s Auto Repair will be happy to take care of your vehicle so that it may safely take care of you. We proudly serve the engine, mechanical and auto body needs of people who live and work in Monterey, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Sand City, Del Rey Oaks, Mar ... read more
Posted on 1/9/2012
Today's automobile electrical systems are getting more intricate and are stressing the limits of current technology, but they are generally designed from the same principles used 30-plus years ago. The battery is the vehicle’s power storage device used to start the engine and help operate the electrical accessories installed on your car. Average battery life has become shorter as energy requirements have increased. Lifespan depends on usage, which now averages 6 months to 48 months, yet only 30% of all batteries actually reach the 48-month mark. Whenever a car’s electrical system exhibits symptoms of a charging or starting system failure, the most basic test that should be performed first is a visual and voltage test of the battery. Once the exact condition of the battery is known, then it is easier to discover which system components may or may not be working properly, such as the fuses, starter, or alternator. Need service, repair, or maintenance on your electrical system? Whatever t ... read more
Posted on 1/4/2012
Generally, the timing belt (or timing chain) is the sole component that keeps the camshaft and crankshaft in sync. Replacing the timing belt (a cogged reinforced-rubber belt) at regular intervals -- generally every 60,000 miles unless the automobile manufacturer specifies longer -- is a lot less expensive and aggravating than having it break while the engine is running. A broken timing belt usually means catastrophe for an interference engine, and major inconvenience for a non-interference engine. In an interference engine, the valves and piston share the same air space. They never touch, unless your timing belt breaks or skips, and this is a catastrophic failure that requires removing the head and replacing bent valves. Non-interference engines do not risk this contact if the timing belt goes. Nonetheless, either can leave you stranded, so regular timing belt replacement is very important. Need service, repair, or maintenance on your timing belt? Whatever the need, our staff at Robert ... read more