Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

Whether you are a new car-owner or you’ve been driving the roads of Monterey and beyond, there are a few things that are important for all vehicle owners to know about and have on hand. You don’t want to get caught unaware and you certainly do want to get the most out of your vehicle even if you only paid $500 for the one you’re driving right now! It doesn’t take much effort or a lot of money to stay ahead of the curve.   Simple preventive maintenance. You don’t have to be a trained mechanic to handle the most basic preventive maintenance practices. Regularly check your basic fluids: oil, brake fluid, antifreeze, and windshield wiper fluid. Checking tires regularly is another simple preventive maintenance activity that can save you money and keep you safe. Look for wear and tear, check tread depth, and check the air pressure. When your tires are in good shape, your car grips the road the way it was intended and it helps you maximize your gas mileage ... read more

When you’re driving around Monterey, or anywhere else for that matter, it’s important that you can stop when you too and in a timely manner. It’s easy to let brakes go and to keep pushing off getting them taken care of because we always think we can get just a little bit more out of them. We often worry that it’s going to be an expense that we don’t want to have to prioritize right now. The thing is, though, that your brakes are often your first line of defense out on the road and it’s never worth risking your life or the lives of others. So whether you're a race car driver or just an average driver, it's never a good idea to let your brakes get to the smokin' stage! Watch out for these signs and don’t wait to have them looked at by a trusted professional: Squishy pedal Squeaking while braking or even sometimes when baking up Pedal bouncing while coming to a stop off of the freeway (or any significant speed) Pedal going to ... read more

  Even the most proactive vehicle owner can find themselves dealing with a car that’s overheated. It’s true that if you stay on a regular preventive maintenance schedule, not only will you save yourself money in the long run, you’ll significantly decrease the chances of ending up broken down on the side of the road.     Regardless, if it ever happens to you, make sure you know what to do to minimize the damage that’s already been done. The worst thing you can do is to keep driving it like nothing's wrong.    Your best bet is to pull over immediately. The more you drive after it overheats, the more extensive the damage. Even so, stay safe and pull over in a good location and turn off the engine. Don’t be in a hurry to open the hood. Wait until it’s completely cooled down. You may not be able to see that on your temperature gauge on the dash, so just don’t rush.  Pull out your owner’s manual if you&r ... read more