Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

For many of us, some of our very best friends are furry and have four legs and we don’t like to leave them behind. Traveling with Fido can be wonderful. It can also be challenging. When we plan ahead and remember that they have needs too, it usually can be a lovely harmonious experience.  Take breaks: Every couple of hours to take a potty break and stretch your legs and theirs.  Hydrate: They need to stay hydrated just like you do. It doesn’t require fancy expensive bowls off of Amazon. Simple goes a long way and water rules. Seatbelts: Seatbelts for all! As much as seat belts keep you safe, they do that for Fido too. They can also prevent Fido from turning into a projectile and that would be terrible for you both.  Fido-friendly places to stay: You might be surprised just how many places are open to Fido staying with you. Doesn’t even require you to sneak him in under the cover of darkness. Check out https://www.bri ... read more

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

  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

While Monterey is definitely one of the most amazing cities in the country, it's still nice to get away once in a while and enjoy other beautiful spots not too far away. Spring is upon us and it's a great time for a road trip.   Before embarking on your journey, we would love to see you at Robert's Collision & Repair to help you best prepare your car for a trip. This can help keep you from finding yourself stranded on the side of the road and putting a damper on your vacation.     First destination, Malibu! Take I-5 southbound along the coast and visit a classic California city that offers fantastic views and lots to do. Stopping points include visiting Pepperdine University, Paradise Cove, and Malibu Creek State Park. If you want to experience some of the most beautiful beaches in California, check out one of the dozen beaches Malibu has to offer including Leo Carillo beach. Regardless of your length of stay, most folks never run out of things to do i ... read more

Women should become auto mechanics if that is what their heart’s desire. There is no better time than right now to make this happen. There is a considerable shortage of qualified technicians and service advisors. That leaves the doors wide open for women to step in and take their place in this industry. With only 2% of the auto repair workforce checking the female box, it’s just a matter of time before that number significantly increases. Women mechanics work just as hard as the men do, tend to have better attention to detail than most men, and their communication skills are often much better than their male counterparts. These are generalizations, but you get the gist. There is room, and a need, for women in this industry. Any woman who is interested in becoming an auto mechanic or technician should pursue a career in the industry. There is an old stereotype that the automotive industry is a "man's world" and while much of that still rings true, more and m ... 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

Life might be a highway, but when you’re speeding along, you’re probably not getting the most out of your fuel consumption. Do you want to know some great ways to increase fuel efficiency? Everyone wants to save money, but oftentimes we throw it away because we are careless or just don’t know how best to do it. When it comes to fuel efficiency, here are some solid suggestions that has the power to improve yours 5-25%: 1.       Don’t road rage. When you are flying past the guy that was just ahead of you or your slamming on your breaks, not only is that bad for your blood pressure, it’s also bad for your gas mileage. Set your cruise control so it keeps you even-steven. 2.       We know this won’t work on the freeways, but keep in mind you get the best gas mileage when you’re going around 50 miles an hour. This is currently the best speed for the best gas mileage. We know that it won’t always matter ... read more

Flying cars aren’t just for Harry Potter and his friends. When it comes to the future, we don’t always know what it holds, but we do know that flying automobiles will become something real instead of something that’s been relegated to the imagination. From flying delivery trucks to airbuses… okay, so it won’t exactly look like Fed-Ex and UPS trucks with wings, but you will have to look to the skies to see them coming. A lot of the technology being developed focuses on automation as well as the bigger issues our current modes of transportation presents. Boeing is working on numerous technologies that will lead to automated ways to get around in a ride-sharing capacity. So not only will we be flying around when we want to get somewhere, but it won’t even (necessarily) be us doing the flying.   Big companies like Boeing aren’t the only ones diving into the world of aerial travel; plenty of do-it-yourselfers are hitting it hard too. F ... read more

We may not be completely into spring, but groundhog Punxsutawney Phil said spring should be in full force about now. What that means for us here in beautiful Monterey is that it’s time for some spring cleaning!   It’s time to change your car’s air filter for one. Your owner’s manual probably says every 12,000 to 15,000, but if you have problems with dust and pollen you might want to do that sooner. Keep the cabin of your car free from bad smells as well as things that might make ya sneeze. Achoo! Bless you!  It’s also good for your engine. Your air filter holds dual responsibilities in keeping your interior clean but also keeps the debris and dirt out of your engine. When your air filter has broken down, it lets in the things that can lead to real problems for your engine and no one wants that! Give your car a good washing! Use a little white vinegar and water on your wheels to get them sparkly clean. Another good trick for your paint jo ... read more

  To say that Monterey is such a beautiful place to visit seems redundant. If you are fortunate enough to LIVE here, then you should be steeped in gratitude. It would be kinda hard not to be, really. Think about this time of year and how many parts of the country aren’t necessarily steeped in gratitude but in snow, sleet, and downright terrible weather! Makes me shiver simply to think about it. We often refer to our spring as being a “secret summer” for a reason: The temps are mild, skies mostly clear, and not much fog. What more could a person ask for? That’s why so many people want to live here and when they can’t, they still want to visit. Can’t blame them, that’s for sure! One of the most amazing aspects of this area is the sheer amount or wildflowers that grace our hillsides and coastline. If this is something that floats your boat, here are some of the top spots in the area: Garrapata State Park (irises, poppies, Indian Paintbrush) ... read more

If you’re like me, you don’t pay as much attention to the needs of your car as often as you should. For most of us, we know what we like in the way of auto aesthetics and we want to get to where we need to go with as little challenge as possible. Well, that’s all fine and dandy, but if we refuse to provide our vehicle with some much-needed love, then it might simply refuse to love us in return and leave us stranded on the roadside. It’s not just about a pretty face and just like humans, if we don’t take care of what’s under the hood, the results will not be kind to us.  Yes, cars these days can often go much longer than the olden-days-recommended 3,000 miles, but they still need changing once in awhile. Oil is the lubricant your engine needs in order to run. Period. Without it, your engine will seize up and you’ll be looking at either a seriously ridiculous repair bill or you will need to buy a new (to you) car. Preferably one whose owner ... read more

Those loyal to the brand would ask the question, why NOT drive a Mercedes-Benz? The automobile marque first appeared in 1926 although the history goes back to the first petrol-powered car receiving its patent in 1886. Karl Benz created it and Bertha Benz finance the venture. The slogan for the brand is “the best or nothing” and it really does show in every effort they make in design, technology, and drivability. So why else would one want to own and drive a Mercedes-Benz? To start with, did you know that driving a Mercedes Benz will make you live longer? Okay, well that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but at the same time, think about this: Mercedes Benz designs cars to make your life a nicer place to be. They are beautifully designed and engineered in a way to help you relax behind the wheel. So, in reality then, maybe driving a Merc really DOES help you live longer.  You drive a Mercedes because you appreciate the finer things in life. You like to look good as y ... read more

  The Valentine season is upon us and it is not reserved for humans alone. Sometimes we love our cars more than most humans we know and they give us love that simply cannot be offered from a guy or a gal. Who knows what I’m talking about? The feel of the steering wheel under our grip, the way we mold into the seats as she hugs a tight curve, the power we experience as we navigate our way through 17 Mile Drive… these are the gifts our car gives us every day. How can we reciprocate, you ask?   Take your car out for a drive. Hit 17 Mile Drive and let ‘er rip down our beautiful coastline. There’s no better feeling for you and your car than hitting the open road. We live in such a beautiful part of the world and there are so many wonderful places to explore right here in our own backyard. So, fill up your gas tank, check your fluids and your tire’s air pressure and hit the road for a freedom-filled afternoon or pedal-to-the-metal fun! A ... read more

  As we launch into the new year, it sure is fun to check out the latest and greatest zipping around our local roadways and this one sure demands our attention. The Chevy Corvette ZR1 hits hard as a true Ferrari contender. WHAT you say? Yup! Hop in and lets go for a ride. The reason it is able to hang with the big boys is that it has a dual fuel-injected supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine. 755 or raw horsepower under the hood doesn’t hurt either. Considering that the 2019 Subaru Forester boasts a whopping 182 horsepower… well, you get the idea. $120,000 should get you out the door and cruising down the coast with the top down on your new Vette.  If you’re looking for an all-electric car that will go from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds then look no further than the 2019 Porsche Mission E sports sedan. This is a zippy little sports sedan with 600 horsepower that will help you to feel like you’re on the track instead of the highway. You won’t see this in the d ... read more

Juggernauts… Mercedes-Benz and BMW are two of the biggest in the automotive industry and to say that each has loyal followings is an understatement. To say they have a cult-like following is more on track. Each one wields its magic that has the power to draw you in for life. Throughout automotive history, BMW has focused on delivering the ultimate driving experience while Mercedes-Benz espoused ultimate comfort. Both offer high on the luxury scale, and not many people on the planet would be embarrassed to pull up to one of their high school reunions in either one.  When it comes to safety, the brands are pretty well matched with specific models coming in with perfect 10s. JD Powers reports that the Mercedes E-Class and the BMW 2 Series and X1 hold onto to safety perfection. Performance, safety, reliability… all are close. Interiors… well, let’s talk comfort and luxury. While the Mercedes holds the highest rep for supreme comfort, it does not deliver on ... read more

As we move into the winter season, even though we live in a weather-wonderful location, it’s still important to have our vehicle ready for winter. Whether we stay on the roads of Monterey or head up into the snowy mountains to ski, snowshoe, or spend time with friends and family, it’s essential that we are well prepared, and the team at Robert’s Collision & Repair want to help keep you safe this holiday season. Check all fluids and make sure they are appropriate for the weather you’re heading into. Proper tire pressure and wear are critical whether you're driving on wet roads or heading into the snow and ice. Inspect your tires before venturing out on a winter wonderland expedition and have chains in case you are heading up a mountain.  Have your battery checked out, so you don’t stall out while heading to your mothers-in-law for a holiday dinner… unless of course, you WANT that to happen.  Brakes: have them inspected to help m ... read more

Okay...if you’re going to drive a BMW or even TALK about them, then you’d better get this straight right away, or you’re just going to look silly. If you are talking about a BMW motorcycle, then yes, go ahead and refer to them as Beemers or Beamers. HOWEVER, if you are talking about your BMW automobile, please for the love of the brand, call it a BIMMER. Yes, that’s right. B. I. M. M. E. R. Bimmer it is! Whew. Now that we have that out of the way let’s dive into a brief history of the Bimmer. You want to seem in-the-know at your next cocktail party, don’t you? For instance, did you know that the origin of BMW is traced back to three different German companies: Rapp Motorenwerke, Bayerische Flugzeugwerke, and Automobilwerk Eisenach. The first engine they produced was the Illa aircraft engine known for its good fuel economy and high-altitude performance. The BMW came from Bayerische Motoren Werke when it was renamed such in 1917. Even though the first ... read more

For most of us, our pets aren’t just our pets; they are a beloved part of our family that we want to protect just as much as any other family member. We also want them happy and healthy. We love having them with us as we head out on our many life adventures and there is much we can do to keep our loyal travel buddies’ tails-a-wagging’. Unless of course you’re traveling with cats, and then the tail wag isn’t so good. Just like we need our stuff, so do they. And since they can’t pack for themselves… well, here’s a basic list of what they might need/want with them: favorite toy/toys; their regular food so not to upset their delicate intestinal balance; food and water dishes; bedding; litter box and litter; any meds they’re taking; collar and tags; grooming supplies; and fresh drinking water.  Have them microchipped but also make sure they are wearing a collar with appropriate tags at all times. Make it as easy as possible for a ... read more

Are you overpaying for your auto insurance? With the rising costs of living, every bit of savings counts, especially when it comes to something as essential as car insurance. At CARSTAR Robert's Collision in Monterey, we believe in not only providing top-notch collision repair services but also helping our customers make smart financial decisions. By following a few strategic tips, you can significantly reduce your auto insurance premiums and ensure you're not paying more than you should. In this blog, we’ll walk you through some practical ways to lower your auto insurance costs without compromising on coverage. Whether you're a seasoned driver or a new car owner, these tips can make a big difference. Schedule a consultation with us at CARSTAR Robert's Collision to ensure your vehicle is always in the best hands. Maximize Your Savings with These Auto Insurance Tips When it comes to saving money on auto insurance, the process can ... read more

Just like a human, sometimes your car gives you signs that things aren’t going so well and it’s time to bring your vehicle into Robert’s Collision & Repair before it gets worse. Sometimes, also like a human, they keep it to themselves and just keep moving along. The later situation is exactly why regular maintenance is so important as it gives our auto mechanics a chance to see what might be creeping up before it turns into a real problem. The following, however, is a short list of the sounds that are telling you to get ‘er done sooner than later. Squealing or grinding noise coming from the brakes. Squealing or screeching can mean a worn pad. When it starts grinding, you’re usually talking about metal on metal… pads are gone. You never want to mess with your brakes. The longer you wait, the more dangerous it becomes to drive, because your brakes are no longer working at maximum capacity. AND the longer you wait for the more it’s going to ... read more

  What do you think about when buying a car? Money is usually the number one consideration, but safety falls right in behind. The average American will be in 4 automobile accidents in their lifetime. Knowing that makes a person want to find a car that is not only cost-effective, reliable, but SAFE!  So, what makes a car safe? A lot more goes into answering that question than most people think: Seat belts: adjustable upper belts to adjust for a person’s size; seat belt pretensioners to take the slack out (almost instantly) in a crash; energy management features to let the seat belt adjust during a crash to take the load off certain areas; rear center seat belts for those stuck riding in the middle. Airbags: front and side impact airbags should be used in conjunction with seat belts. Keep kiddos out of the front seat when an airbag can actually cause harm due to the height of a child. Keep 10 inches or more distance between you and the front airbag.  Anti-lock br ... read more

There’s so much that goes into choosing the right mechanic and the right automotive repair shop. Don’t be afraid to get in there and ask questions. This is a big decision that will impact you (your wallet!) and the health and longevity of your vehicle. Protect yourself and your auto as much as possible by digging into some tough questions. And if the shop is uncomfortable answering your questions or doesn’t have the time to talk to you, that should be your answer right there. Here are some suggestions of questions to ask, but don’t be afraid to ask anything! Do you specialize in my make of vehicle? What certifications/training do your mechanics have? How much experience do they have? How much will the diagnostic cost? Do you have a warranty on parts and labor? If so, what are the details? Can you help me prioritize the work that needs to be done? Are there extra fees with any of your services? How do you communicate with me throughout the repair/service ... read more

Americans have a love affair with our vehicles. We cherish their beauty, styling, as well as the overall driving experience. They provide freedom, both real and perceived. Some people don’t see the value in paying to have their car detailed. Those who do truly understand the benefits of doing so as well as thoroughly enjoying the end results.  Just in case you’re curious, we’ve compiled a list of a few of the top reasons why it’s a worthy investment: Chemical bug residue: hard to believe the damage a little bug can do to our paint, but if left to do its dirty work, bug residue can actually leave small holes in your paint that look like they came from small rocks. A carwash can’t get all the bugs out like a good detail can.  Oxidation: over time, the sun takes its toll on our vehicle’s paint job, especially on cars parked outside most of the day. A good clay waxing can help to restore the pigmentation and extend the life of your paint job ... read more

August is a favorite month for road trips, and since there are so many beautiful and scenic destinations here on the west coast, it’s no wonder, so many of us hit the road over the summer months. There are some tips to keep in mind while road-tripping that should help you stay safe and stay on the way. First of all, cars that are 10 years old or older tend to break down twice as often as younger cars and are 4 times more likely to need a tow. That doesn’t mean you can’t successfully take your ‘05 Subaru for a trip up the 101, but that alone should encourage you to do some prep work.  The top reasons for needing a tow are electrical system issues, a dead battery, problems with the engine cooling system, and tires that can’t just be replaced roadside. Much of a pre-trip inspection is simple: check all fluids, tire pressure and wear, your battery, all lights, and make sure your wipers are working well too. It’s also a good idea to have your brakes ... read more

Americans love cars. To us, they are a symbol of freedom, independence and even if the make is foreign, part of the American dream. Also, there’s nothing better than spending an afternoon, or sometimes even a week, checking out the cars that are part of our history and heritage, or getting a glimpse at what the future holds. If you are a car-show enthusiast, these 10 should be on your bucket list. Some you can even squeeze in this summer and then put the rest on your calendar for next year.  This first one is right in our backyard and is coming up next month, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This show is part of an entire week of car shows, also worthing of your time. This is a vintage show with around 200 collector vehicles on display, and they usually reveal a surprise upcoming product from one of the auto industry leaders.  The largest and longest running car show in the U.S. is the Chicago Auto Show. This event boasts over one million square feet of sho ... read more

  What American does not LOVE a Corvette?? Okay… there may be a couple, but they are few and far between. This car represents the American dream, baby. Sleek in design and fast on the road, able to hug the tightest curves and, damn, do you look good in the driver’s seat! Let’s go back to 1953 when Chevrolet drove its first Corvette off the assembly line. $3,490 would have put you in one of the 300 Corvette’s produced that first year. They were all white convertibles with red interior and a black canvas top. This was the first all-fiberglass-bodied American sports car. If, by chance, you happen to have one of these originals hanging out in your garage, it currently carries a low estimated value of $187,000 and a high value of $363,700. Back in 2014, one sold at auction for $660,000! That one was in pristine condition and still had pretty much everything original down to its spare tire and had less than 10,000 miles on its speedometer.  A Corvette rep ... read more

Wondering what to do this 4th of July? Well, let us help you figure that out! You can start celebrating as early as 7:00 A.M. and continue on well into the night. From pancakes for breakfast to the fireworks at night, we’ve compiled plenty to keep you well fed and entertained this Wednesday as we celebrate our 242nd year of independence.  Pancake breakfast 7:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. Monterey Firefighters Charity event held at Fire Station #1, 600 Pacific Street. Fun for the whole family! Arts & crafts for the kids, face painting, and more. $10. Once you finish your yummy breakfast and have the coolest face painting ever, head on over to the annual 4th of July Parade. Make sure to get some great curbside seats along Polk, Alvarado, and Calle P. Parade kicks off at 10:00 A.M. Amble on over to Colton Hall on Pacific for the annual Lawn Party. This is a free event that kicks off at 11:00 A.M. and runs until 4:30 P.M. If you missed out on the face painting at the pancake break ... read more

Typically when we think of unsafe driving conditions, we think of winter driving. Yet the statics show that there are far more fatal accidents over the summer months, most likely due to people getting out on the road for vacations and an increase in road work. There’s a lot you can do, however, to minimize your risk of getting in an accident. A little bit of prevention can go a long way!   More teens on the road: Not only does this add to the sheer number of vehicles on the road, but also the number of inexperienced drivers makes for more reasons to proceed with caution. Encourage your teen to follow safe-driving practices such as no cell phones or eating while driving. Motorcycles, bikes, pedestrians: We are sharing the road with an increase in not just teenagers, but other folks wanting to take advantage of the sunshine. Give yourself 4 seconds behind a motorcycle and make sure to keep your sunglasses handy to that the glare won’t keep you from seeing cyclists a ... read more

If you live in the Monterey area, you know what a fantastic place it is and how many beautiful things there are to see and do. This time of year is lovely and calls us out to explore. Are you ready to get your adventure on but you want to stay local? Are you tired of the same old, yet fantastic, attractions? Here are 5 of the more obscure, yet relaxed, places you may not have already checked out. Who doesn't love a good pastry or taste of chocolate? The artisans at Parker-Lusseau Pastries bring you the very best of France and the U.S. with decades of knowledge and experience crafting the finest pastries and chocolates. They aim to delight all of your senses and offer a luscious way to start your day or decorate your holiday table. You simply cannot miss with one of their creations, and, they are easy to find, now having three local eateries. Yum! Wowza! Talk about soul-filling beauty. Lonely yet lovely as the ... read more

Memorial Day is a time to remember those military personnel who served and gave their lives to protect our country. There is a special concert from the Monterey County Pops called “To Remember and Honor” on the lawn of Colton Hall in downtown Monterey at 570 Pacific Street. Join us at this free event that kicks off at 2:00 PM.  

Proving that even a serious German automobile giant like Porsche has a sense of humor, just take a look at a news release the company issued on April 1, 2018:   Porsche announces Mission E Tractor Plugging into the future of all-electric agriculture.   Porsche AG is delighted to announce the latest addition to the Mission E model line. Following the successful debut of the Mission E Cross Turismo at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show, Porsche is heading even further off road with the all-electric Mission E Tractor.   This bold vision for 21st Century agriculture blends design cues from Porsche’s original mid 1950s tractors with the same advanced digital connectivity and 800v fast-charging architecture that powers the Mission E.   With a power output in excess of 700hp, the Mission E Tractor will be the fastest accelerating agricultural vehicle in the world, enabling farmers to harvest crops in record time with the added environmental benefits of ... read more

Did you play with Legos as a kid? Millions of children around the world did, and some never outgrew their obsession with the building block toys. Originally introduced by the Lego Group, a Danish company founded by carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen, the design was repeatedly tweaked until it became the familiar system we know today in 1958. They are made from ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) polymer. All kinds of objects have been constructed with Legos. It truly is a toy whose fun potential is limited only by its users’ imaginations. Here’s a recent example, a life-size Toyota Camry built entirely from Lego bricks…an astounding 500,000 of them:   This project took 900 hours in eight weeks to complete and is astounding in its detail. It weighs around 4,000 pounds, even more than the actual steel car upon which it is m ... 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

The Hidden Dangers of Driving on Empty: Why Keeping a Full Tank is a Safety Must It happens to the best of us. You’re on the road, tackling a busy day, and suddenly that “Low Fuel” warning light blinks on. It might be a bright light, a beep, or just a needle hovering over “E.” Whatever the signal, it’s easy to think, “I’ll just make it a few more miles.” But is it worth the risk? While some drivers may consider a low fuel tank a minor inconvenience, running on empty can actually pose significant safety risks—not only for your vehicle but for everyone on the road. The Risks of Running Low on Fuel     •    Stranded in Unsafe Situations: One of the most immediate dangers of running on low fuel is the risk of being stranded unexpectedly. Whether it’s a dark stretch of highway, an isolated backroad, or an area with low cell service, running out of gas can leave yo ... 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

  By now, just about everyone on Earth knows that Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk chose to launch his red Tesla Roadster into space on February 2, 2018, atop the maiden flight of that company’s Falcon Heavy rocket. It carried a mannequin named “Starman” dressed in a space suit and the car’s dashboard screen displayed the message “Don’t Panic” while David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” played on the car’s sound system. Hmm. Some might find this a bit odd…others think it’s kind of intriguing while others still think it’s a monumental waste of a cool car. Whatever the public opinion, one thing is absolutely true: the stunt generated a huge amount of interest in SpaceX and its new generation of a launch vehicle, a rocket that is now the most powerful rocket now operational. For its first flight, a weighted payload was necessary, and typically, NASA would have used concrete blocks to simulate the weight of car ... read more

  Doc Brown would be proud. Nooka was an American company that designed and produced lifestyle merchandise from, 2004 to 2016. Initially, they were known for avant-garde watches. Founded in New York, NY by artist Matthew Waldman, the company’s products explored the intersection of design and technology. In 2012, Nooka decided to repurpose a few Delorean sports cars as New York City taxicabs. The stunt was intended as promotion for the company. the automobiles have ‘come to symbolize the future’ and communicate the brand’s ‘futuristic philosophy.’ According to Nick Lubrano, the Nooka designer who carried out the concept, “The automobiles have come to symbolize the future and communicate the brand’s futuristic philosophy.” Building the cars in Ireland between 1981 and 1983, the Delorean company eventually folded, due in part to some shady business practices perpetrated by its eponymous founder, John Delorean. But the car&rs ... read more

  We’ve all heard the stories about someone going into their grandparents’ barn to discover a rare classic car buried under a coating of dust and junk. One would think that by now, all those lucky finds would have been found, but they’re still cropping up. For instance, last year a one-of-a-kind 1969 Ferrari Daytona was found in a garage in Japan. The GTB/4, originally sold to a close friend of Enzo Ferrari himself, is the only remaining aluminum bodied example in existence. The odometer read 22,500 miles and it sold at auction in September 2017 for $2.17. Not bad for a car covered in dust and bird poop.   There are many more examples. Mad Lab posted an interesting YouTube video. Take a look here.   If you are lucky enough to have a barn find of your own, we at Robert’s Collision & Repair can help make it look new again. Call us or ... read more

Once upon a time, police departments were content to equip their officers with patrol cars derived from family sedans. The Ford Crown Victoria was the top seller for many years. The first police patrol car was an electric wagon that protected the streets of Akron, Ohio in the late 1800s. Interesting how things come full circle: many 21st-century police departments-including Denver and Los Angeles--are now using modified Tesla S electric vehicles to patrol their streets and highways. Some fun facts about police cars: Motorcycles were used before cars. The change to cars came about because the bad guys were using cars. The first Chevrolet Camaro police car was owned by the Azusa, California PD. A double-decker bus was used as a police bus for a time by the Belchertown, Massachusetts Police Department. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, a Cadillac Escalade police car with a sign on the back that reads “This used to be a drug dealer’s car. Now it’s ours.   Today, the top-sel ... 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

In his 1967 song “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree,” Arlo Guthrie mentioned what is probably the quintessential hippy vehicle. To help out restaurant owner Alice, Arlo and his friend decided to take out the restaurant’s garbage:   We took the half a ton of garbage, Put it in the back of a red VW Microbus took shovels and rakes and implements of destruction and headed On toward the city dump   Those iconic 60s buses command high prices today and are in high demand. Despite the fact that they’re slow and not particularly comfortable, they have attained cult status.   And Volkswagen has noticed. During last year’s Car Week the manufacturer unveiled a prototype for an all-new electric version it calls the ID Buzz.     The new design, slated to hit the market in 2022, bears a resemblance to its ancestor--but with a twist. It kind of looks as if it could be a car driven by Marty McFly in “Back to the Future.&rdquo ... read more

Thankfully, on the central California coast, we enjoy a temperate climate. While we do experience some heavy wind and rain events that cause localized trauma--like the devastating  Big Sur storms of 2017 that led to that area being effectively isolated for months to the rains and resulting mudslides in the Santa Barbara area last month--we don’t get the kind of deep freeze that regularly occurs in the midwest and east coast of the US. But you still need to winterize your vehicles. Wet, slippery roads combined with colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours mean we you keep our cars in tip-top shape. And it’s even more vital if you’re planning a trip to the mountains for some fun in the snow. Here are some tips on how to make sure you don’t get stranded in a storm:   Make sure your vehicle is up to date on the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, including oil, coolant, brake, transmission, windshield wiper and steering fluids C ... read more

  Before there was Car Week, there was the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. For many years the golf tournament founded by crooner Bing Crosby was one of the biggest visitor draws of the year. The Monterey Peninsula’s typically sleepy winter streets burst into life as golf enthusiasts and celebrity watchers came to town. And that was the idea.   Bing had started his tournament in Rancho Santa Fe in 1937. It was a relaxed affair, a way for the singer to hang out with his celebrity buddies and pro golfers while getting in a few rounds (of golf and cocktails). A highlight of the event was the clambake--hence the tournament’s nickname. The shindig was suspended for the duration of World War II. After hostilities ended, Ted Durein, a Monterey Peninsula Herald sports writer teamed up with some community leaders to pitch the idea to Der Bingle of bringing the tournament north to Pebble Beach. In the late 1940s, Monterey’s sardine industry was waning, and tourism was ... 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

  Some drivers get antsy during long drives. Boredom and low energy play a big role in this. Luckily there are ways to keep us comfortable when we’re on the road for miles.   1. Cruise control   When your speed is consistent you save money on fuel. Fewer stops to the gas station might give you some peace of mind. However, don’t forget to stop every few hours to stretch your legs.   2. Keep healthy snacks in the car   Staying away from sugar and fast food will keep your energy up and help you from avoiding a  stomach ache. Protein and fiber will give you a steady flow of energy. Nuts, berries, bananas, apples, carrots, and yogurt are smart choices.   3. Drink plenty of water   A poor mood and fatigue can be the result of dehydration. Have a travel bottle with you and fill it up every time you stop at a rest area.   4. Get a good night’s sleep.   Science has proven that driving tired is almost as danger ... read more

  For the amount of time Americans spend in their automobiles, it’s not a surprise that sometimes our cars get a stench that is less than desirable. Some of the common culprits responsible for stinking up our cars can include:   Trash Mold Dirty Cabin/HVAC Air Filter Coffee Stains Old Food Dirty Clothes   The good news is that there are several simple inexpensive remedies for this issue. Below are some ways to keep your vehicle delightful smelling great:   1. Open a box of dryer sheets   Keeping an opened box of dryer sheets under the front seat actually lasts longer than air fresheners. For best results, it's recommended to change the sheets every two months. Drivers can also rub the fabric softener on all the fabric surfaces on the ceilings, carpets, and seats.   2. Put coffee beans in a sock   For those who just love that fragrant smell of freshly-brewed coffee, you might be interested in creating a simple coffee air-fres ... read more

Automobiles in 2018 are safer than they've ever been. Technological advancements have made cars able to protect the people who drive them. Seatbelts, traction control, airbags, as well as more modern-day developments have also protected vehicle owners since they were implemented years ago. Automobile manufacturers have been adding even more features that offer safety. This includes semi-autonomous lane departure warnings, active emergency braking, and rear-view cameras. Automakers have even started to make pop-up hoods that protect pedestrians.   Here are 3 of the safest passenger automobiles in the United States in 2018:   SUBARU IMPREZA This redesigned all-wheel-drive is secure and stable on the road and also has many safety features. The Impreza has automatic reverse braking, a rearview camera, and blind spot detection. Due to the high ratings for its crash prevention system, collision protection, and headlights, the Impreza was the recent winner of the Insurance ... read more

Happy New Year from our family at Robert’s Collision and Repair to yours. This year, we’re especially grateful for your loyalty and ongoing business. Every day we do our best to deliver exceptional auto repair with fantastic customer service. Still, we know you have a choice when it comes to auto repair and we appreciate your ongoing business because it enables us to make contributions to you and our community in different ways. Here are a few examples:     By delivering exceptional auto repair and preventative maintenance, we’re doing our part to prevent accidents and make our roads safer. When you commit to ongoing maintenance, we’re helping you get best possible value from your vehicle and, at the same time, enabling you to get wherever you need to be when you need to be there.   Your ongoing business also enables us to support sports programs at Monterey High School.     There’s more to collision and auto repair than turn ... read more

Merry Christmas from everyone at Robert’s Collision and Repair. We recently ran across this story and thought you might like to see what happens when a man who loves cars trades in his BMW to surprise his wife with a Ford F-150 for Christmas. Just tap this video link.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs1-BKeYYMg   Nothing says “I love you” quite like a new car parked in the driveway on Christmas morning. If you're planning on getting your sweetheart something automotive for Christmas, be sure to come to Robert's Collision Repair to make certain the vehicle is properly serviced. Whether the car is new or used, the Robert's Collision & Repair team will be happy to help the vehicle perform at its best. Merry Christmas, everyone!   When your vehicle requires auto repair and scheduled maintenance, we invite you to visit Robert’s Collision & Repair at 234 Ramona Avenue in ... 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