Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

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