Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

For those of you who think that tire balancing isn't that important, consider some industry trends that may help you rethink the issue. Perhaps the most compelling argument for precision balancing comes from an obvious fact: vehicles are being made lighter and lighter. The heavier cars of yesterday actually helped smooth out the ride by dampening many vibrations before the driver could feel them. The softer suspensions also had the same effect. Another factor is tire technology. Generally, more responsive tires with lower profiles (which send more road feedback to the driver) are being used in today's style- and performance-oriented market. As a result, the slightest imbalance (as little as half an ounce) can be felt in most modern vehicles. This is significantly less than the average of ten years ago. For those of you who have plus-sized your tires and wheels, balancing is even more critical. Perhaps the best way to begin is to discuss the lack of balance. When a tire ... read more

Many families hit the road during Thanksgiving Weekend, and your family may be part of the traffic heading out of town. What is the safest time to travel? Here are some helpful tips to make your Thanksgiving Weekend fun and safe. According to a AAA estimate, 81 percent of Americans will travel to their Thanksgiving destination via car this year. Surprised by this number? The weakened economy will force more people to stay home this Thanksgiving, but those that can travel will still do so by car. Preparing Your Vehicle For Thanksgiving Travel
Robert’s Auto Repair will be happy to do a FREE vehicle safety check if you call 831-373-1534 for your vehicle's next appointment and mention this blog. Your safety is our priority and we would be honored to have the opportunity to make sure your vehicle is hazard-free. Preparing Yourself for Thanksgiving Travel
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Do you remember that fairy tale where a lion insults a mouse only to get caught in a trap? The mouse returns to chew the ropes and help the lion become free again? That story taught us the important lesson that even small things can be very useful in the long run. The same is the case with maintenance of the family vehicle as well. We spend so much time focusing on the engine, transmission and other important and expensive components in the truck that we forget the role of antifreeze in the maintenance of your cars, trucks, motorcycles and vans as well. To prepare your vehicle for the winter season, make sure your antifreeze is mixed properly, or you could see serious damage to your vehicle’s radiator. Often in Summer, water is the only component used in radiators to ensure the engine remains cool. As Winter approaches, many forget to remove the water when the seasons change and add antifreeze. Temperatures reach thousands of degrees in automobiles and the proper mixture of a ... read more

When we see things clearly, it makes a world of difference. Sometimes we think we see things fine, but when we make the effort to clean our windshield, we go “Ahhhhh!” Are you as conscientious about your windshield wipers as you are about your car's engine? Car safety is a critical concern for everyone. Worn wiper blades are dangerous. Because 90% of your driving decisions are based on a clear, unobstructed view of the road, it's a critical safety concern that your car's wipers provide you with the cleanest windshield possible. Ozone, airborne contaminants, oil, sunlight and dirt all act to weaken and reduce your wiper blades' ability to keep your view unobstructed. Exposure to sunlight and ozone cause the wiper blades to age, even if they're not used much. Weather also plays a critical role in your windshield wiper blades' deterioration. Freezing temperatures make the rubber in your wiper blades hard and brittle, which increases their tendency to crack or tear. Hot weathe ... read more

Tires are often the most taken-for-granted part of the car. They get kicked, worn, and they eventually go bald. However, tire safety is extremely important if you want to protect yourself from common road hazards. This month, we will start to experience the “First Flush” of rainstorms and slippery roads. “First Flush” conditions often cause vehicles to hydroplane more easily because the oil has not yet been fully washed off the roadway and the tires don’t grip as well they would in normal wet weather conditions. Don’t forget about your treks up into the mountains for skiing. You’ll not only come across possible rain, but also heavy or light snow, black ice, hail, and other winter weather. Are your tires in good enough shape to handle these weather conditions? It is dangerous and illegal to drive a vehicle with extremely worn or damaged tires. Tires must have at least 2/32 inches of tread depth in the proper grooves and no fabric breaks or exposed cords. The distance between the e ... read more