Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

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

How often do I need to change my oil? Regular oil needs to be changed every 3,000 miles versus synthetic oil, which needs to be changed every 5,000 miles. It is important to be proactive about maintaining your oil. In order to ensure that your vehicle is running properly, check your oil once a month. How often do I need to check the anti-freeze? Does it need to be changed? Especially during summer, it is essential to check your vehicle’s anti-freeze once a month. Your vehicle’s anti-freeze fluids should be changed every 30,000 miles or every 2 to 3 years. How often should I change my wiper blades? How often you should change your vehicle’s wiper blades depends on how much time your car spends indoors. If your car is kept mostly inside, then you should plan on changing your wiper blades once a year. However, if your vehicle is mostly outdoors, then it is important to change your wiper blades at least two times throughout the year. Prope ... read more