Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

  You are most likely aware that computers now monitor and control nearly every component of your vehicle. Depending on your experience and knowledge, you may think that a car's computer will "tell" you what is going on with your vehicle. Others believe that when a scan tool is like magic; when plugged into their car that the issue is reset, never to come back again. Some folks are terrified of the entire diagnosing process, and some use the computer diagnosis process to seem like an auto whisperer of sorts.   The code reading process is quite simple when broken down. There is a scan tool called a DLC device (Diagnostic Link Connector). Many brands and types are available that have varying capabilities depending on quality. Simple scan tools are only code readers that scan your vehicle's memory for stored DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes).   It is a common misconception that the DTC codes stored in your car's computer will tell you precisely what ... read more

  The dread of finding a new check engine light on in your car can be stressful. Luckily for you, the auto repair experts CARSTAR Robert's Collision and Repair in Monterey are experienced in troubleshooting and are here to take your worries away. Check engine lights come on for a variety of reasons. Before you get stressed out, check your gas cap, some sensors monitor for vapor leaks and will throw a code for merely not having your fuel cap adequately secured. Of course, a blinking check engine light could also mean something as serious as engine misfire, which needs to be addressed by a professional right away to avoid permanent damage to your engine.   You want to pay attention to your check engine light; it is connected to your vehicle's emission system, explicitly designed to monitor it throughout the life of your car. Emission systems and engines in your car are directly tied together, which means the health of one can indicate the health of the other, so pay ... read more

  Accelerating and decelerating should be a smooth, uneventful process. If you feel your car shifting hard, be sure to bring it to the auto mechanics at CARSTAR Robert's Collision and Repair in Monterey, your one-stop repair shop. Catching your shifting issues early can save you a lot of money and be as easy as an adjustment.   Some folks say a clutch is the foot pedal to the left of your brake on the floor of your manual transmission vehicle. Yes, they are half right, the far-left foot pedal is the actual switch which activated the clutch assembly. However, the location of the clutch itself is in your transmission. Does your automatic have a clutch? The answer is yes. An automatic transmission does have a clutch in addition to having sensors automating the activation process, so no foot pedal is needed when driving.   There are five main parts in your clutch that, together, work to sync your engine and wheels, allowing your engine to rev at full speed while you ... read more

    Used parts from a junkyard can be a fantastic alternative to aftermarket parts, UNLESS that used part is also an aftermarket part. Cars can be in an accident more than once. If a vehicle that is in a wrecking yard, say, from a front-end impact and your vehicle requires a left rear door, this part could be a great option. What if that same car had been in an accident prior and was repaired before the front-end collision which made it a total loss? That used part is now not only pulled from the wrecking yard; it is also an aftermarket quality part. That is like doubling down on alternative parts.   Who finds these parts anyway? Used parts go through many hands before they reach a body shop. First, a vehicle has to hit 70% threshold of the resale value before qualifying as a total loss. Once a car is deemed a total loss, it is then towed to a wrecking yard to await tear down. Salvage yards usually have a big fenced-in area as well as different warehouses to store ve ... read more

  Aftermarket and alternative parts have their place in the repair process.   Believe it or not, some vehicles over four years of age begin encountering challenges when tracking down replacement parts. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts may simply no longer be available, and the only option becomes aftermarket or salvaged parts to repair your vehicle.   Remember that for your monthly premium to remain affordable; insurance companies use aftermarket parts in the repair process. Would you use a cheaper part to save money if the two were nearly identical in every way? How about reusing a component that is still good? Insurance companies are faced with this same challenge, and so have come up with policies and protocols to streamline their approval process throughout your automobiles repair.   Collision shops love the fit and feel of an OEM part; it is the preferred part to work with. If aftermarket parts are available and insurance will not pay for an O ... read more

What is OEM insurance?   Updated Blog 1/8/23: When it comes to securing the right auto insurance policy, many factors demand your consideration. One crucial aspect often overlooked is the choice between Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket parts. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the significance of OEM insurance, shedding light on its benefits, alternatives, and how it can impact your overall auto insurance experience. Understanding OEM Insurance OEM insurance stands as a vital add-on to your standard auto insurance policy. It ensures that, in the unfortunate event of an accident, only OEM parts will be used to restore your vehicle. These parts are specifically crafted by your car's manufacturer, adhering to stringent safety and quality standards. Opting for OEM insurance provides a guarantee that your car will be brought back to its factory specifications, maintaining its original integrity. Requesting OEM Parts After an Accident In the aftermat ... 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

Spring is here, and that means it’s time for some good old fashioned spring cleaning. That’s why April is perfect for National Car Care Month and if you can create the habit of regular maintenance for your car, you’ll help extend its life as well as maximize performance. We should all have cars that look as good as this classic Mercedes-Benz! Keeping your clean will also help to get the most out of your paint job and your interior. Extending the life of all parts of your vehicle is within your grasp! So much you can do on your own, but when you need help, Robert’s Collision & Repair is here to help with the more significant issues as well as being able to provide you with the very best in detailing service that you just cannot do on your own! When you are ready to start a routine for your car, begin with your owner’s manual! Funny how it hides behind all of the things you’ve shoved in there when making room for someone to sit in the passenger ... read more

For those drivers possessed of a lead foot, the speeding ticket is an annoying—and expensive—fact of motoring life. And they’ve been around for a long time. Englishman Walter Arnold has the distinction of the being the first motorist to receive a ticket. On January 28, 1896, he was cited for driving at the breakneck pace of eight mph in a two-mph zone. That set him back one shilling. The first American was Jacob German, a New York cabbie. He got nailed for zooming along at 12 mph on Lexington Avenue. He didn’t get off as easily as Arnold though: he had to serve time in the hoosegow. Transportation departments all over the world have devised many ways to keep drivers from exceeding the speed limit, including new, high-tech methods. Some municipalities utilize automated radar units that capture car’s license numbers, register its speed and send the driver a nastygram in the mail. Doesn’t seem quite fair. Several places around the world have come up w ... read more

  Every April, the Monterey Peninsula comes alive when the City of Pacific Grove shuts down Lighthouse Avenue for two days to accommodate Good Old Days, a truly locals-friendly community event that incorporates food, arts and crafts, live music, a classic car show and--best of all--a good old-fashioned parade complete with marching bands, fire engines, and kids. Locals flock to this event, as it marks the first big event of the season. People see friends they haven’t run into since the previous fall (at the other bookend to the summer season, the West End Celebration in Sand City) and celebrate the fact that they are privileged to live in such a wonderful place. It’s an event for all ages and all tastes. Kids love the petting zoo, pony and carnival rides and the parade. Teens like hanging out on the midway watching dance demos, munching delicious fair food…and the parade. Adults love the fireman’s Challenge, the Beer and Wine Garden (with its own live mus ... read more

We didn’t really experience much of a winter this year--there were weeks that felt more like spring in San Diego than winter in Monterey. And because the snowpack in the Sierra was below average, many Bay Area residents forsook the mountains chose to visit us instead. If you needed proof, just drive down and see the lines of cars parked along Highway 1 outside of Point Lobos on any given weekend day.   Now that the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has folded up its tent for another year, we have a short period when tourism typically slows down a tad. And that means we can get out and enjoy our precious little slice of heaven without fighting the crowds that will be arriving in the coming months. And what better way to see the sights around here than from behind the wheel of your favorite car? Here are some suggested road trips.   Carmel Valley The route starting from Highway 1 and Carmel Valley is sublime. The valley enjoys some of the best weather in the area, and the ... read more

  Getting a new car is a big step and one of the biggest purchases we make in our lifetime. There are many components that need to be considered before purchasing that vehicle that suits your needs and lifestyle.   Here are some important steps to takes that could make the car buying process faster, safer, and cheaper.   1. Research the car and features   There are a vast array of websites that have pictures and descriptions of available automobiles currently on the market. Peruse these sites and see which vehicle feels like it could be the right fit.   2. Get preapproved for a loan   A car loan that's preapproved gets you one step further to getting your dream car. You'll end up getting a sense of what you can afford. You'll be able to compare the interest rates with the financing plans that dealerships offer. Checking out the loan applications on bank websites will give you more of an idea of the process. Be prepared to have inform ... read more

  Christmas is just around the corner and we want to be sure you arrive safely wherever you’re headed. Make sure your vehicle is safe for holiday travel at Robert”s Collision and Repair in Monterey. But how do you know when to avoid the traffic? Good news! AAA and Waze, the consumer-controlled traffic app offer this holiday traffic forecast.   According to AAA, in 2017, more than 100 million Americans will travel between December 23 and January 3. That’s the largest number of cars on the road ever predicted during this holiday.   According to Waze, this year, the worst day to travel will be Wednesday, Dec. 23 with vehicles starting to crawl along the highways as early as 11 a.m. You may as well stay at work and earn points with your boss, especially as the roads are expected to be tied up until at least 6 p.m.   Christmas Eve will be even worse starting at noon and extending all the way through Thursday evening. The return trip also offers ... read more

No matter what type of car you own, the significance of preventative maintenance is absolutely essential. The team at Robert’s Collision & Repair feels that all responsible car owners need to be very mindful of preventive maintenance. Our highly skilled auto mechanics are happy to inspect your vehicle to see if any repairs should be done to prevent malfunctions, dangerous situations on the road, and hefty costs down the line.   Safety Preventative maintenance lets drivers have some peace of mind because it’s comforting to know that your automobile is in good working order. For example, if your brakes are inspected regularly, you’ll know that they are operating within safe operating limits. If you wait until something goes wrong, you’re putting yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road at risk.   Extend lifespan of car Preventative maintenance is one of the easiest things you can do to prolong the life of your vehicle. When you ... read more

As you know, the Monterey Peninsula is known for its cool weather. Our cool weather is what attracts people from all over so they can give their sweat glands a rest. But September is our warmest month, and when it’s Autumn everywhere else, it’s like Summer here. That’s why we’ve come up with a few reminders about how to keep cool in your car while you’re commuting around Monterey, Seaside, Pacific Grove, Carmel, Marina, Salinas, Big Sur, and Moss Landing.   Have your air conditioning system checked. If your car’s A/C unit is blowing hot, or takes a while to cool down, come into Robert’s Collision & Repair for an inspection. Your air conditioning system may need more refrigerant, or it may have some leaks that need repair, but we won’t know for sure until we’ve inspected it. Don’t leave the kids or the dogs in the car. All too often, we take our cooler weather for granted and allow the dogs and kids to stay in the c ... read more

Living in scenic Monterey, California, means that we don’t need to travel far to find a stunning ocean sunset view. But have you ever checked out what’s under the water? If not, you are missing out! Scuba diving is popular in Monterey, and through many areas in about a 2-hour radius from Seaside. It’s worth the exploration if you have the time and can rent the gear to explore!   For those who have never “taken the plunge” and explored scuba diving before, California has hundreds of miles of coastline to explore! Scuba diving can be a stunning, once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it can also become your new favorite sport. One way to explore several different scuba diving locations is to create a road map of places to visit with stunning scuba diving locations. Traveling along the coast of California for scuba diving is worth it! Since you’re already on your road trip, you might as well keep going! Here are some of the premier spots for diving ... read more

  We’re pretty lucky that traveling to the beach from Monterey is close and easy to access, but many other summer destinations take a much longer drive. If you’re planning on taking a drive inland for camping or theme parks, or have family members to visit who live a couple of hours away, you’ll want to make the most of your fuel this summer. At Robert’s Collision and Repair, we just so happen to know a thing or two about cars and fuel economy. Here are a few tips from the experts at your favorite auto repair shop in Monterey about conserving fuel this summer:   Engine Oil Quality. Old engine oil can negatively impact your fuel economy and the overall, health of your engine. The first step is to make sure you follow your vehicle's specifications for regular oil changes to save you some money at the pump.   Extra Luggage. Unless you’ve got plans for that suitcase of extra clothes and the mounting pile of garbage accumulating behind ... read more

In Monterey, we are so lucky to have such beautiful beaches and deep waters right in our backyard. Whether you’re headed to any beach along the coast of Marina, Seaside, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel-By-the-Sea, and Big Sur, you know you’re in for a beautiful view. At Robert’s Collision and Repair, we’ve got a few things figured out about what to bring to those beach trips to make the most of them! Of course, there are the beach trip standards, which include: towels, beach blanket, cooler, umbrella, sunscreen, etc. Having lived near the ocean for so long, we’ve got the inside scoop on things you might not have thought of but will make all the difference for your beach trip. That’s why we’ve made this list of beach hacks and car accessories to keep in your car for the next time you head to the shore! Bike Rack If sun tanning and swimming isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy a bike ride along the beach. We recommend t ... read more

The 4th of July is one of the most highly anticipated celebrations of the summer, from the cookouts on the beach to the sparklers to the 4th of July parade that marches down Alvarado Street in Monterey each year. However, it can become extremely dangerous pretty quickly.   Given the road closures, drinks, and fireworks that we enjoy each year, the potential for harm is pretty high. According to the United States Department of Transportation, in 2015 over 200 people were killed in car and motorcycle accidents involving alcohol. On top of that, according to the National Fire Protection Agency, fireworks caused more than 15,000 fires in 2013, and a quarter of all the fires reported that year were reported on, you guessed it, the 4th of July. Surprisingly, the most common cause of fire-related injury is sparklers! In short, it is not uncommon to have serious consequences from being unsafe on the 4th of July. Including a few safety boundaries is a necessity for keeping your friends ... read more

Owning a car is a big responsibility for both new and seasoned drivers. In order to reduce stress further down the line, there are a few key things every driver should know. Luckily, these necessary basics are pretty easy to find out!   Learn the basics of maintenance. That means checking things the oil brake fluid, antifreeze, and windshield wiper fluid. Even better, learn to jump your car in case the battery dies and replace a tire. Everything you learn becomes a tool in case of emergency. Why not invest a little bit of time for less of a headache later on?   Find your car’s manual and read it. Read it again! Put it in a place where you can easily locate it again. Why? There is a lot of information specifically for your make, model, and year. Your manual will tell you which maintenance tasks should be prioritized, as well as how often those things should be addressed. Some critical ones to keep in mind are oil changes, wiper blade replacement, filter changes, fl ... read more

For many families, the car gets a lot more mileage during the summer than during the fall, winter, and spring. As many field trips and daily commutes as there may be, the road trips to visit family and four-wheeling up to the very best camping site are far more rigorous for most vehicles. That’s why we recommend scheduling a trip to see us at Robert's Collision and Repair as soon as possible so that we can check out your car from top to bottom. We want to make sure you don’t get any surprise breakdowns coasting along 17-Mile Drive.   So to prep for summer, it’s good to know what the most frequent culprits for summer breakdowns are. From our experience, here are the most common reasons that cars come to us at Robert’s Collision & Repair in Monterey for repairs during the summer:   Overheated Engine Repair During the warmer season, your car has to work even harder to keep the engine cool, which results in many engines overheating very quic ... read more

The summer is finally here! Let’s hope that the Monterey weather will grace us with more sunny days than overcast ones this year. With the beautiful weather, comes that summer heat! And there’s nothing worse than being packed like sardines into a car that has a broken A/C when you’re trying to enjoy the summer months. Before you hit the road take some advice from your friendly local collision and repair shop; make sure your car’s air conditioner is ready for the trip! There are several ways to test the range of your A/C before bringing the summer fun begins.   Turn up the air conditioner as high as it can go. Test to see if there is a steady increase in cool, dry air flow from the lowest setting all the way up to full blast. If it jumps from 0 to 100 with no middle range, or if the air is damp, moldy, or smells off, this could indicate a need for a filter change or repairs. Even if you notice small differences, for instance, if it doesn’t get quite ... read more

March 2017 Special:  Free Check Engine Light Scan Does not include diagnosis or repair. Offer valid through March 31, 2017. One coupon per visit. Not valid with other specials and offers.   Does your “Check Engine” light turn on when you start your vehicle and stay on? If yes, your vehicle is trying to tell you something’s up. It may be as simple as your gas cap isn’t sealed properly, or something more serious. Either way, it is important to get to the bottom of what’s happening, and that is why we are offering a Free Check Engine Light Scan during the month of March.   Robert’s will connect our diagnostic equipment to your vehicle and perform a scan for any system faults. Any fault codes will be recorded and documented. Charges will apply for actual diagnosis and repair. To take advantage of this March special of a Free Check Engine Light Scan, schedule an appointment with our Service Department at 831-373-1534 and mention this o ... read more

At Robert’s Collision & Repair, we’ve seen the whole range of car troubles! Here’s a handful of the most common problems that auto repair shops like us see. Our list here happens to also be backed by several studies done on auto repair too. If you’re having any trouble with any of these parts of your car, come see us!   10. Driver-Installed Add-Ons Often, when drivers install extras like alarm systems, radios, or wireless devices in their car, it will divert power from other necessary car systems and cause problems. It’s best to have these things installed at the store or at an auto shop to ensure this doesn’t become a problem.   9. Gaskets Although certainly not the most common culprit of automotive issues, improperly functioning gaskets can reduce the fuel efficiency of your car.   8. Ignition Coils These work together with spark plugs to get your car moving, and are not very driver-friendly when it comes to repairs an ... read more

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, don’t forget the essentials…   Full tank of gas?  Check!   Tires properly inflated with the right amount of air?  Check!   Spare tire and battery cables in place?  Check!   Was the oil changed recently?  Check!   Road trip music?  Hmmm….   If you don’t already have a playlist prepared, here are a few suggestions for an epic Thanksgiving road trip:   The Travel Song from Shrek The Musical:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mn4y-13kxQs Wait for Love by St. Lucia:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXMkGOEgb8Q Shelter Song by Temples:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs4i41cOv0s Silhouettes by Colony House:  https ... read more

Robert’s Collision & Repair has earned the reputation as the leading auto repair center on the Monterey Peninsula, but what exactly separates us from our competitors? We have a compiled a list of reasons:   Estimators located on site at our facility make the process of auto repair much easier. They can quickly estimate the cost and extent of the damage, so we begin repairing your vehicle that much faster. We’re a preferred vendor for several insurance companies, including GEICO, Farmers, State Farm, Progressive, USAA, and several other auto insurance carriers. In order to become a preferred vendor, you need to meet several standards and requirements. Basically, it is a big deal. Insurance companies trust us to properly repair your car. Our customer service is both professional and personable. We pay close attention to effectively and efficiently service your vehicle, while keeping you informed each step of the way. We boast an on-site Enterprise Rent-A-Car ... read more

10% discount on labor up to $100 for any mechanical repair or service. Offer valid through September 9, 2016. One coupon per visit. Not valid with other specials and offers.   In honor of Labor Day, we want to celebrate by offering our clients a 10% discount up to $100 for any mechanical repair or service. Call it a labor of love, but we want our customers to know how much they mean to us, and that is why we are discounting 10% off labor up to $100 for any mechanical repair or service.   What could you do for your vehicle that would qualify for this offer? Here are a few mechanical repairs or services that could extend the life of your vehicle and save you money at the same time:   Drive belt replacement Transmission oil service Power steering fluid service A/C system check & charge Coolant flush With all the back to school activities and preparations for a busy Autumn, doesn’t it make sense to take advantage of our September offer, which ends Septemb ... read more

Going on a road trip with your family is quite the adventure. It takes quite a bit of preparation but creates a bunch of wonderful memories to share with your family.  No road trip is complete without a customized playlist. To help you prepare for your road trip, we have compiled a list of our favorite summertime songs:   Boys of Summer by Don Henley In the Summer by Crystal Fighters Summertime by Janis Joplin Who Loves the Sun by the Velvet Underground Sun Hits the Sky by Supergrass What I got by Sublime Dreaming of You by the Coral She’s a Rainbow by Rolling Stones Pumped up Kicks by the Foster People Summertime by Girls California Dreamin’ by the Mamas and the Papas The Chain by Fleetwood Mac Time to Pretend by MGMT Sunrise by Yeasayer Sunny Afternoon by the Kinks Surfin U.S.A. by the Beach Boys California Girls by the Beach Boys Summer of 69’ by Bryan Adams School’s Out by Alice Cooper Same Dream China by Gold Panda Along with ... read more