Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

For many of us who get motion sickness, we are dumbfounded as to why we get that way. We recently came across a great video that explains why we get carsick: To avoid getting carsick, here are a few tips: Sit in the front seat when possible. Have ginger candies on hand. Roll down the windows for fresh air. When possible, go to sleep. Avoid reading while riding in a car. Avoid riding backwards. Have plenty of drinking water available. To avoid vomiting, try not to eat too much before or during a road trip. Although we cannot prevent car sickness, we can make certain your vehicle is roadworthy and safe. To schedule your pre-road trip safety inspection, contact Robert’s Auto Repair at (831) 373-1534. We are conveniently located near Highway 1 and Del Monte Blvd. at 234 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940. We look forward to serving you soon! &nbsp

Road trips are big adventures for kids, and they can create unforgettable memories. To make a road trip remain pleasurable for the duration of the trip, here are some road trip games for kids that will keep them entertained and occupied while you travel: “I Spy” is a road trip game that has withstood the test of time. “I spy with my little eye, something red.” This easy-to-learn game is perfect for preschoolers, and can keep them entertained for unbelievably long periods of time. The directions are simple: One person spies something and recites the line, ending in a clue. Everyone else takes turns trying to guess the mystery item. “Road Trip Bingo” is a fun road trip game that requires a little planning ahead of time, but can be a terrific scavenger hunt. All you need are clipboards, bingo cards, and a bag of pennies. The bingo cards will list various things that may be seen on the road trip. As the gamers see the things listed on their bingo cards, they cover each item with a penny un ... read more

Sometimes it’s tough to leave your furry friends at home while you head out for a road trip. After all, our pets are part of our family and we enjoy their company when we travel. Here are some ideas for safe and comfortable travel with your pets. Dogs: Depending on your dog, it may be best to travel with a crate, especially if they like to run around the car. Crating will keep your dog safe. In addition, the driver will not have as many distractions when a dog is crated. Keep a small bowl of water inside the crate so your dog can stay hydrated. Some dogs are calmer and will be happy to lie down in the back seat. To keep your car cleaner, place a dog blanket in the back seat area to reduce the amount of dirt and dog hair getting into your seats. If you place a small bowl of water on the blanket, it will catch any spilled water and keep your seats dry. Cats: Most cats prefer to be crated while in the car. Like dogs, crating keeps your cat safe and reduces the number of distractions for t ... read more

There are many YouTube videos showing beginners how to drive a manual transmission. On the other end, you can take driving courses at the Skip Barber Driving School at Laguna Seca Raceway to drive a manual transmission like a pro. To help you drive a manual transmission in a way that is easy on your vehicle and gets you the best gas mileage, here are some tips for driving a stick. 1. If you are new to standard transmissions and need to learn how to drive the car, here is a helpful video: <iframe allowfullscreen></iframe> 2. Now that you know how to drive your standard transmission vehicle, begin driving as you normally would in an automatic. Avoid tailgating the vehicle in front of you so you have plenty of time to stop. 3. Shift a few hundred RPMs earlier than normal to save gas. By shifting early, you don't wind the engine up so much. 4. When you are at cruising speed, somewhere around 55 miles per hour, shift to the highest gear to achieve a higher to ... read more

For those of us who live year round on the Monterey Peninsula, snow and ice are not driving hazards we have to deal with on a regular basis. Especially this January, where it has been amazingly warm and sunny. However, for those of us who love to visit ski country, driving safely on snow and ice helps us get back safely to our coastal climate. Here are some helpful tips on how to drive safely through ice and snow: 1. Make sure your car has been serviced and is operating well before your ski trip. Breaking down on the side of a snow covered road is NOT fun. 2. Buy snow tires or add chains to your existing tires. 3. Practice driving on snow and ice before your road trip. If you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with driving on icy roads, practice in a parking lot before you tackle the highways and byways. 4. Weigh your car down with sandbags directly over the rear axle if you have a rear wheel drive vehicle. These sandbags will serve as ballast and help prevent spinouts. 5. Double the ... read more

Some people forget to change their tires. Others are better about getting regular tire service. Here are the top five reasons to change your tires: Your tread is less than 1/16 inch or 1.6 millimeters thick. Your tires should always have more than a depth of 1/16 inch tread, ideally at a thickness of 1 inch of tread depth. If your tread wear indicator bars are exposed, your tires need to be replaced. Tread wear indicators are parallel bars that run perpendicular to the direction of the tread. Replace your tires if they have cracked and weathered side walls. Cracked and weathered side walls are bad news, showing that the strength of the tire is breaking down. Bulges and blisters on the tires are really bad news, for they indicate a potential blow out. Blow outs are a cause of some major accidents, so never let your tires get to the point of having bulges and blisters. If your tires have too much vibration, it is yet another sign that something isn’t quite right with your tires. At ... read more

Robert’s Auto Repair has developed a solid reputation along the Monterey Peninsula for premier workmanship and service. We go the extra mile in everything we do to make certain our clients receive 100% satisfaction. To help illustrate why we do what we do and how we do it, we thought it would be educational to show a behind the scenes viewpoint of how we do our workflow process on a simple task such as brake service and repair. The brakes on your vehicle are its most important safety feature, and brakes are not something that can be neglected, at all! Due to the braking system’s constant use, brakes may require maintenance after several thousand miles or when your vehicle appears to take longer than it should to come to a complete stop. To better understand our workflow process, here is a typical checklist we run through to provide the best brake system maintenance and brake repair: First, we test to see if the brakes work okay. Next, we determine how the brake system is doing based on ... read more

Editorial Note: We can’t help but run this note from your vehicle every year. It’s one of our annual traditions. Happy New Year from the entire Robert’s Auto Repair team! I, my human's vehicle, do solemnly swear to make the following New Year's Resolutions for 2014. I resolve to carry my humans and their precious cargo safely wherever they drive me. I resolve to stop as quickly as possible when faced with an emergency situation. I resolve to respond quickly when my gas pedal is pushed, my steering wheel is turned, my brakes are applied, and when my human is running late. I resolve to provide warmth when it's cold, air conditioning when it's hot, and shelter from the rain, wind, sleet, snow, and hail. I resolve to never hydroplane, slide, or lose control of myself on the road. I resolve to use gasoline efficiently, helping my human's money stretch as far as possible. I resolve to avoid all accidents, scratches, pot holes, and any damage that would harm me or make my insurance ... read more

The family of Robert’s Auto Repair wishes you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We will be closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day, but will otherwise be open to serve you. We want to thank all of you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your patronage of our auto body, mechanical, detail, and tire service facility. May you all be safe and healthy over the holidays. We look forward to serving you the next time your vehicle needs any type of auto repair. With love and respect, The Robert’s Auto Repair Team

Okay, we have to confess that we crack a big smile every time we see vehicles around Monterey all decked out for the holidays. Here are some of our favorite photos: Also seen on Thanksgiving Day, Happy Hanukkah, everyone! “Cardolph” the red-nosed 4-door SUV all decked out in lights Not everyone goes to the extreme of decorating their vehicles, but we wanted to celebrate those that do. Happy Holidays, everyone

5 Winter Car Care Tips: 2023 Update As winter approaches, preparing your vehicle for the colder temperatures and potential travel challenges is crucial. While we're fortunate to enjoy milder winters in California, it's essential to implement winter car care tips that can make a significant difference in ensuring your vehicle runs safely and smoothly. In this blog post, we'll explore five essential tips for winter car maintenance, including a special section for those traveling out of state during the holiday season. 1. Check Your Fluids: Ensure that all vital fluids in your vehicle are at the appropriate levels. This includes engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant. Cold temperatures can affect fluid viscosity, so it's essential to use the right types of fluids for winter conditions. 2. Inspect Your Tires: Good traction is crucial, even in California's milder winters. Check your tire pressure regularly, as it tends to drop in colder weather. Co ... read more

You got into an accident with your vehicle? Ouch! Automobile accidents are an unpleasant experience for everyone, but we do our best to set things right with your car, truck, or SUV again with our auto body repair service. If your vehicle needs auto body repair work, here is how Robert’s Auto Repair can help your car look like new again: 1. Robert’s Auto Repair is a preferred vendor or approved vendor with multiple insurance companies, so you can feel confident that we are well respected for our auto body repair services. 2. Our friendly and helpful staff will provide you with all the information you need for your insurance company to get your vehicle repaired. 3. If you need a rental car, we have an Enterprise representative on-site for your convenience. 4. Whether your auto body repair is minor or major, we do all of the auto body repair in-house and can restore your vehicle to factory specifications. No problem! 5. We guarantee all our auto body repair work. 6. We have the tec ... read more

Though we love the holiday season, it a time to heighten your awareness of safety. Here are a few tips we found, courtesy of the LAPD, about keeping yourself and your vehicle safe during the holiday shopping season: Driving Avoid driving alone or at night. Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device. If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area. Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows. Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked. Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside. Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight. Be sure to loca ... read more

We’ve all heard it multiple times as drivers. “Make sure you change your oil on a regular basis.” But why are oil changes so important? Here are a few reasons: Removing old, dirty oil and replacing it with clean oil at regular intervals extends the life of your vehicle. Adding fresh oil to your vehicle helps it operate at peak performance. Lubricating all those working parts helps improve their function, and thus, your gas mileage. Oil changes maximize the life of your vehicle. Imagine, if you will, that you decided you were going to give up drinking water for a year. If you do, your body’s cells will eventually get all gunked up with toxins and waste your body cannot flush. Oil changes to your engine are similar to your body drinking water, for the oil allows everything to flow like it should, getting rid of dirt and grime that builds up over time. Fresh oil allows your vehicle to go with the flow! At Robert’s Auto Repair, we highly recommend regular oil changes, and we do our b ... read more

If you love football like we do, you’re probably glued to the television screen, cheering on your favorite team. Over the years, we discovered that football has a lot to do with auto maintenance. Here are a few things football taught us: You cannot accomplish everything yourself. -- It takes a team to handle your auto maintenance. That is why we have all the team members at our facility to handle complete auto maintenance, including the detailing team, tire team, mechanical auto repair team, auto body repair team, painting team, customer service team, insurance estimator team, and our office management team. Overcome losses and figure out what comes next. -- This speaks particularly to our auto body repair and insurance estimator teams. When our clients come to us for auto body repair, they usually range from moderately inconvenienced to devastated from the loss of their vehicle. It is our job to assess the losses, communicate clearly with the insurance companies, and put our client’s ... read more

Welcome, November! Now that you’re here, we are officially in a Halloween candied, sugar-overloaded stupor and heading straight into the throes of the holiday season. Tis the season to be on the roads more often than usual, so here are some helpful reminders to prepare the family vehicle for holiday travel: Oil Changes: If you look at your vehicle’s odometer, do you notice anything? If it has been over 3000 miles since your last oil change with conventional oil, perhaps it’s time for a new oil change. If you have a vehicle that uses synthetic oil, you may need to come in for an oil change if it’s been over 6000 miles. If you’re not sure, check with Robert’s Auto Repair and we’ll give you a status on your vehicle’s recommended oil change time frame. Minor and Major Service: Keep looking at your vehicle’s odometer and see if you notice if it has reached 15K, 30K, 45K, 60K, 75K, 90K, 105K, or 120K miles. If it has passed the odd numbers, like 15K, 45K ... read more

Las fechas de fiesta y celebración se están acercando muy rápido! Como lo hacemos de costumbre, en estas fechas salimos a buscar el mejor disfraz para llevar a las fiestas de Halloween y buscamos las mejores flores y decoraciones para los altares de nuestros familiares que han fallecido para el día de muertos. Aquí en Robert’s Auto Repair, ustedes son parte de nuestra familia y queremos que pasen un divertido y seguro Halloween y un tranquilo Día de Muertos. Por eso les pedimos que tomen medidas de precaución cuando salgan a las fiestas para evitar que le pase cualquier tipo de accidente a usted y/o a sus seres queridos. Algunas medidas de seguridad que les recomendamos en estas festividades son: 1. No maneje en estado de ebriedad El manejar ebrio es una de las causas de accidentes más comunes que ocurren durante fechas de fiesta como lo son Halloween. 2. No maneje con objetos que limiten su vista en el volante Muchas veces escogemos disfraces que incluyen mascaras, botargas, y objetos ... read more

Slick roads are only fun on a go-kart track...not on the freeway, right? When the first rains of the season hit the Monterey Peninsula and Salinas, it is important to be very careful while driving. When the first rains of the season come along, the roads are super slick due to the oils deposited from the traffic. Naturally, when water drops hit the well-oiled roadways, there is a higher tendency for cars and trucks to slip and slide. At best case scenario, your vehicle hits a slick spot and hydroplanes for a second. In the worst cases, your vehicle loses traction altogether, sending your vehicle into a tailspin or fatal crash. To prevent these hazards, here are a few driving safety tips during the first rains of the season: Exercise extreme caution. Allow for more travel time. Do not use cruise control. Brake earlier, and don’t use too much force. Avoid pooling water when possible. Turn on your headlights and wipers at first sign of rain. Be extra careful around pedestri ... read more

Una de las cosas más comunes a las que las personas no le prestan la debida atención e importancia es al servicio y reparación de los frenos de sus autos. El sistema de frenos es el sistema pasivo más importante de un vehículo no solo porque nos ayuda a disminuir la velocidad a la que conducimos y a parar cuando es necesario, pero también porque nos ayuda a prevenir accidentes en una situación de emergencia. Generalmente el sistema de frenos es bastante confiable siempre y cuando se le de el servicio y mantenimiento debido. Por lo general es recomendable que le den un diagnostico o un servicio a los frenos de su auto cuando se le da un servicio general a un automóvil. De esta manera se evita el desgaste del sistema de frenos, se previenen las fallas, y mas importante aun, se puede prevenir un accidente. Una de las señales de que los frenos de un auto necesita atención, servicio o mantenimiento son vibración cuando se pisa el freno, si se oye algún chillido al momento de frenar, si el a ... read more

Ah, our Indian Summer is here. Have you noticed how gorgeous our weather is around the Monterey Peninsula and Salinas region? Simply beautiful. In this brief period of warm, sunny weather, there are several things you can do to enjoy your vehicle to the max during Indian Summer. Here are a few ideas to consider: Make your vehicle shine with a full detail service. -- Robert’s Auto Repair has a full menu of detailing services that will make your ride look shiny and clean again. Not only are we capable of fully detailing the interior, exterior, and engine compartment of your vehicle, we can also remove fine scratches from your paint. Click here for more information on our detailing services. Get a free safety inspection. -- If you’re concerned about the safety of your vehicle, bring it into Robert’s Auto Repair for a free safety inspection. In our FREE Vehicle Safety Inspection, we will provide you a Multi-Point Inspection Report Card as recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer. In ord ... read more

Different types of debris in the road can create different types of problems in your engine, ranging from tire alignment to steering and suspension issues. If you are driving at a fast speed and you hit a curb or road debris, you can greatly damage your steering and suspension. Cracks and potholes can also hurt your vehicle by throwing off your car’s alignment off balance or even completely ruining your tires. If you have been driving over wide variety of terrains recently, it may be necessary to bring your car into Robert’s Auto Repair for an inspection. Sometimes the problems listed are hard to notice and even can lead to more problems in your engine. Our team at Robert’s Auto Repair will thoroughly inspect your vehicle to ensure that everything is in perfect alignment. If a problem arises, we will gladly fix it in an efficient and timely manner. Call today to schedule an appointment at our 26,000 square foot facility, located at 234 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940. Mechanical ... read more

Ahora en el inicio del otoño después de haber usado tu auto para todas tus aventuras este verano, es un muy buen momento para darle a tu carro un buen servicio. Especialmente ahora que el clima va a estar cambiando, es importante asegurarse de que su auto este funcionando correctamente. Muchas veces atendemos a gente que viene debido al mal funcionamiento del motor después de un cambio de semestre o de periodo. Por eso te sugerimos que traigas tu carro a nuestro taller para asegurarnos de que los niveles de aceite, agua, anticongelante, y todos los demás estén como y donde deben de estar. Muchas veces dejamos pasar un servicio tan pequeño o un diagnóstico de los fluidos del motor, pero realmente solo se toma un nivel bajo de agua para que un auto empiece a fallar. Aquí en Robert’s Auto Repair, nos encantaría ayudarte a darle un diagnostico, servicio y reparación a tu auto. Tu seguridad es lo que más nos importa y puedes estar seguro de que nuestros servicios serán rápidos, de buena c ... read more

El lavado y detallado de su automóvil es algo esencial para el cuidado e imagen de su automóvil. Por eso, en Robert’s Auto Repair, nosotros nos hacemos cargo de brindarle el mejor servicio a su carro a un precio que se acomode a su presupuesto. Ofrecemos un servicio completo de lavado, el paquete de "protección pagada" y cuidado de llantas y vistas. Para los que quieren un buen lavado de asientos y aspirado de interior, estos servicios también están a su disposición. Hay muchos que quieren que su carro se vea como nuevo otra vez. Si usted es uno de ellos, le recomendamos nuestro mas pedido detallado de pintura exterior. Contamos con un excelente equipo de tecnología que nos permite quitar todos esos rasguños y manchas de sol, de abolladuras y de lavadas anteriores. Como anteriormente lo han hecho muchos de nuestros clientes, ¡usted se sorprenderá con el Nuevo-look de su auto! Puede estar seguro de que usted y su auto se van a encontrar al personal más amable y con más experiencia de ... read more

En este regreso a clases muchos se quedan en la ciudad como otros que salen a otras ciudades donde se encuentra su Universidad. En Robert’s Auto Repair, nosotros queremos que tu o tus hijos tengan un buen regreso a clases y lleguen a salvo a su destino. Por que la seguridad viene primero, que mejor día que este para que traigas tu auto a nuestras manos. Aquí podremos brindarle los servicios y reparaciones necesarias antes de tu partida con el excelente equipo de técnicos y mecánicos que tenemos. Si por algún motivo tu vas a ser la persona conduciendo en tu regreso a clase, te ofrecemos los siguientes tips para tu seguridad: 1. Asegúrate de que vayas debajo del límitete de velocidad Muchas veces cuando uno ya lleva horas manejando, es fácil ponerse en un estado automático al ir conduciendo y exceder los límites de velocidad. Es importante ir checando frecuentemente la velocidad que llevamos, pues esto previene que pierdas el control del volante con cualquier distracción o imprevisto e ... read more

Ahora que se acerca el fin de semana del dia del trabajo, ¡no te esperes a que sea fin de semana para darle servicio a tu carro! La familia y los amigos son una de las cosas mas importantes para nuestras vidas, por lo que hay que tomar las debidas precauciones antes de salir a carretera. Para nuestro taller la salud y bienestar de usted y de sus seres queridos es muy importante. Por esto le sugerimos de la mejor manera no manejar borracho, cansado, en condiciones de clima extremo y asegurarse de que su automóvil este en buenas condiciones para prevenir cualquier tipo de accidente o falla en el camino. Es sumamente importante estar seguro de que su auto esta en buenas condiciones antes de cualquier viaje, pues muchas veces ocurren accidentes cuando pensamos que nuestro auto “si llega” o cuando no sabemos que algo no esta en las condiciones en las que debería de estar. Las cosas mas importantes de las que hay que asegurarnos que estén bien en nuestros automóviles son: Revisar el nivel d ... read more

Summer is coming to a close, and if you have been driving your vehicle on quite a few summer adventures, it may be time to replace your fuel filter before fall begins. One of the most obvious symptoms of a fuel filter malfunction is if your engine is beginning to hesitate or stall. It is necessary to bring your vehicle into Robert’s Auto Repair if you are having similar symptoms, especially since fuel filters are an essential part in the overall protection of your engine. They prevent debris from entering the delicate parts of your engine, such as your carburetor or fuel injection system. Even the tiniest speck of dirt can cause severe engine to your damage. To keep your engine running properly, it is important to replace your fuel filter every year or every 30,000 miles. At Robert’s Auto Repair, we would be happy to inspect, fix, or replace your vehicle’s fuel filter. Our team will provide you with quick and efficient service at an affordable cost so that you would back out enjoyi ... read more

With school just around the corner, the roads are going to be packed with a plethora of busy drivers, bright yellow school buses, and kids walking eagerly to their classes. Since safety always comes first, it is the perfect time to bring your car into Robert’s Auto Repair for routine maintenance and to brush up on your driving skills. Here a few tips to help make the transition back to school both smoother and safer: 1. Always double check the crosswalks It is always important to double check the crosswalk before crossing. There are many circumstances in which a child could run across the street without looking both ways for approaching vehicles. 2. Be cautious in school zones When you are in a school zone, always make sure to proceed with caution. The speed limits should always be followed, along with keeping a watchful eye for any unseen child or school bus. Not only should you be cautious of others, but it is important to be aware of where you a ... read more

Here are some photos of the beautiful cars on show during Auto Week, August 11 -

In Monterey, August is an exciting month for car lovers. Ranging from the annual Concours d’ Elegance to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports reunion, there will be plenty of events for you to attend. Below are a list of events located throughout the Monterey Peninsula. Car Shows: Carmel Concours on the Avenue Located in Carmel, CA, this event is held Tuesday, August 13th from 10am to 5pm The Little Car Show Vehicles will line up on Lighthouse Ave on Wednesday, August 14, from 12pm to 5pm. McCalls’s Motorworks Revival This event showcases exclusive food, wine, and automobiles. It is held at the Monterey Jet Center from 5pm to 10pm on Wednesday, August 14. Concorso Italiano Located in Laguna Seca, this event will showcase over 800 Italian cars, along with speciality wine and cuisine. This event is held on August 16 from 9am to 5pm. Legends of Autobahn This special event focuses on the four types of cars: BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and for the first time, Audi. It is located ... read more

Who doesn’t like saving money? That’s right...very few people pass on opportunities to save a few bucks here and there, and Robert’s Auto Repair totally understands. That’s why we offer the following online specials: One is a Summer Special for Coolant Service for only $115.00. The other is an ongoing Special for 10% off parts and labor for any mechanical work, including major 30K, 60K, and 90K service. These specials can save you quite a bit of hard earned cash and are not meant to be ignored. Call Robert’s Auto Repair for an appointment if you need major 30K / 60K / 90K service, oil changes, tire service, detailing service, auto body repair, and more. Mechanical — 831-373-1534 Body Shop — 83

With Monterey Car Week just around the corner, Robert’s Auto Repair wants to help you plan ahead for exciting week. Here are a few events that will be held during the week: Concours on the Avenue Tuesday, August 13, 2013 Location: Ocean Avenue, Carmel-By-The-Sea Admission: Free Monterey Car Week's 5th Annual Rally Wednesday, August 14, 2013 Time to Be Announced Location: To Be Announced Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance Presented by Rolex Thursday, August 15, 2013 The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering Friday, August 16, 2013: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm 8000 Valley Greens Drive, Carmel CA 93923 19th Annual Pacific Grove Concours Auto Rally Friday, August 16, 2013 - Time: To be announced Lighthouse and Forest Ave. Pacific Grove Cars and Coffee Hosted by The Pebble Beach Sports Car Club Saturday, August 17, 2013 8:00 am to 10:00 pm Del Monte Shopping Center 1410 Del Monte Center Monterey, CA This ... 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

Summer is known for being car buying season, and if you need to purchase a new vehicle, it is important to be prepared before arriving at the car dealership. Here are a few tips to make sure the process of purchasing your next vehicle runs smoothly. A flexible attitude is vital when it comes to purchasing cars. It is important to consider car brands that you may not initially like, and then arrive at the dealership prepared to compromise on the color, make, or model of a vehicle. It is also helpful to research outgoing models. A car company is most likely promoting a newer model and looking to get rid of older models. Along with older models, the price of winter cars also decreases, and it is the perfect time to purchase a larger vehicle, such as a truck of SUV. We hope, with these car-buying tips, you are able to purchase a vehicle best suitable for your budget and lifestyle! If you need us to inspect a used vehicle you are interested in buying, call today to schedule an appointment ... read more

One of the worst things during the summer is to get into a car that has been parked for hours in the hot summer sun. Here are a few tips to help you deal with your hot and uncomfortable vehicle. The first step is to look for a parking spot in the shade. However, your fellow drivers will also be looking for parking spots in the shade, so most likely the selection will be scarce. If you are unable to find a parking spot that can shield your vehicle from the sun, lower your windows to let cool air ventilate your vehicle. It may be necessary to purchase a sun visor, which will protect the interior of your vehicle from the summer sun. If you have an extra towel, it is also helpful to cover your steering wheel and dashboard with it. When you arrive back to your vehicle, the interior of car will not be as hot. Once you get back into your vehicle, immediately roll down all your windows and let your engine warm up. Once your engine is ready to go, turn on your air conditioning and roll up you ... read more

It is important to be prepared for any issues that may occur when driving your vehicle and the first step to ensuring safe travels is to put together an emergency kit for your vehicle. Basic tools, such as pliers, jumper cables, and a tire pressure gauge, are key components to your emergency kit, and should be stored in a small storage box. If an emergency strikes, it is important that all your tools are stored with easy access in one container. Flat tires are also a common problem during long road trips, and it is important to be prepared if you may encounter one. The first step is to acquire a spare tire and make sure it is properly inflated. Next, acquire an appropriate size wrench and a safe jack if you need to replace your flat tire. The last item essential to your emergency kit is a gallon of water. If your engine overheats or there is a leak in your radiator, the gallon of water may be able to temporarily fix the problem. If a problem occurs with your vehicle, bring it into to ... read more

Summer is the perfect time to show off your vehicle, and the first step to having your car looking its best is to come to Robert’s Auto Repair for a full detail service. At our 26,000 square foot facility, we can make sure your vehicle is looking brand new again by using clay, wax, and a complete microbuff on your exterior paint. Your vehicle will once again have a new-car shine perfect for any of your summer plans. Robert’s Auto Repair also provides full service hand washes that can get rid of any spring or winter debris left on your vehicle. With both exterior and interior cleaning services available, you can leave Robert’s Auto Repair with your vehicle in pristine condition. Call today to schedule an appointment at our 26,000 square foot facility, located at 234 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940. Mechanical — 831-373-1534 Body Shop — 83

Summer heat can have a severe effect on your battery, and with summer just around the corner, it is extremely important to have your vehicle’s battery inspected. Warm weather speeds up the chemical reactions that take place inside a battery and, your vehicle’s battery can become overcharged. In result, the duration of your battery is radically shortened. It is important to bring your vehicle in for a battery inspection, so that we can ensure that your battery is well-maintained and that your vehicle is running smoothly. Call today to schedule an appointment at our 26,000 square foot facility, located at 234 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940. Mechanical — 831-373-1534
Body Shop — 83

As gas prices continue to startlingly increase in America, summer road trips may seem completely out of the question. However, here are several tricks to help you conserve your fuel so that you can still enjoy an action-packed summer vacation. It is important to avoid excess braking and accelerating. Instead, try to predict when the light will turn red, coast to stop, and then slowly accelerate again. In general, rapid braking and accelerating will waste more fuel. When on the freeway, use cruise control to keep your car at a consistent speed. Statistics have concluded that using cruise control can conserve your fuel economy by 10%. Before leaving your house use mapping sites, like Google Maps and MapQuest, to plan your trip. Mapping sites will allow you to compute the most the efficient route to and from each location. Maintaining proper air pressure in your tires can also benefit your fuel economy. Lower air pressure results in rolling resistance so it is important to check your ti ... read more

With the school year finally coming to a close, many teenagers are already beginning to plan their summer vacation. Either it being driving to a summer job or embarking on a summer road trip, the roads will be packed with busy teenage drivers. Yet, teenagers and their parents should proceed with caution: summer also has the highest percentage of accidents caused by young drivers. Before letting your teenager out on the road, it is essential to inform your son or daughter about the importance of driving safely. Below are a few tips to ensure that your teenager safely reaches their destination: 1. Minimize Distractions It is tempting to turn on the radio or reach for your cell phone, but caution your teenage driver that it can only take a second for an inexperienced driver to lose control of their vehicle. 2. Practice Defensive Driving It is especially important for your son or daughter to be constantly anticipating and preparing for any situation that may occur. 3. Plan ... read more

With summer just around the corner, many parents are anticipating the end of the school year. It means much more time for family vacations, trips to the beach, and road trips across the state. In other words, more time spent driving in the car with your family. It is important that your vehicle is in its best condition before summer begins, and after enduring the harsh weather of winter and spring, it is the perfect time to get your vehicle thoroughly inspected. The weather conditions of winter and spring cause many components of your vehicle to work harder, including your brakes, windshield wipers, and underbody of your car. A safety inspection from Robert’s Auto Repair can ensure all parts of your vehicle are in pristine, working condition. Only then, can you embark on a safe and memorable summer vacation. If you are ready to make an appointment with Robert’s Auto Repair, contact us today. You’ll be glad you did! Mechanical -- 831-373-1534
Body Shop -- 83

Many of us take oil changes for granted. When money is tight, sometimes we push off the oil change until later. If you procrastinate with your oil changes, here is what happens to your poor vehicle: Sludge buildup -- When your oil gets dirty, stays dirty, and continues to run through your engine dirty, it leaves a nasty buildup of sludge. Sludge can gunk up your system, which leads to restriction of vital fluids destined for the engine parts they support. Contamination -- Think about it. When you cook bacon in a pan, you make grease, right? Imagine what would happen if you didn’t wash the pan the next time you cooked...and the next time...etc. If you kept cooking in the same pan without getting rid of the old oils and gunk, it’s disgusting. The same thing goes on in your vehicle when you don’t get fresh oil every so often. Contamination can create problems, especially when bits of gunk start blocking the pipes. Break down -- Now that you have a gunky, sludgy, contaminated engine ... read more

Today is April 22, 2013, and we wish you a Happy Earth Day. What are some of the things you can do with your car, truck, van, or SUV to be friendly to the environment? Here are six tips that you can use to help save fuel, keep our air cleaner, and help out Mother Nature: Reduce your carbon footprint by leaving your car at home twice a week. Leaving your car at home twice a week can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 1,600 pounds per year. Work from home. You'll reduce air pollution and traffic congestion - and save money. Don’t let your vehicle idle. The exhaust from cars, buses, trucks, and work vehicles can pollute air in and around the vehicle, and can enter school buildings through air intakes, doors, and open windows. If you’re not already driving a hybrid, electric or biodiesel vehicle, consider looking into one. Green power produces less carbon emissions, reduces air pollution, and helps protect against future costs or scarcity of fossil fuels. Ride the MST Jazz bus around Monterey ... read more

Have you thought about Spring Cleaning your vehicle? If you do, not only will your car be cleaner, but it could become more fuel efficient, too. Here are some areas where your vehicle could benefit from some deep cleaning and a little bit of extra elbow grease. 1. Take out the trash. Do you really need all those empty water bottles and boxes of junk taking up trunk space and adding weight to the car? Do you really want your vehicle to be a rolling lab experiment with excess amounts of crumbs, dirt, and lost french fries on the floorboards? Get rid of the trash and vacuum that sucker out! 2. Check your tire pressure. As the seasons and temperatures change, so does your tire pressure. You’ll save money on gas if your tires are filled with the recommended levels of air. 3. Clean your windows. If you’re the type who doesn’t do windows, our detailing center will be happy to take care of that for you. When your windows are clean, inside and out, you will have be ... read more

At Robert’s Auto Repair, we have invested $2 Million in renovations for cutting-edge technology and facility expansion. One of our important pieces of equipment are the Car-O-Liner Frame Rack, which is BMW and Mercedes Benz Certified. For more than 30 years, Car-O-Liner has provided the automotive industry with safe and profitable collision repair systems. Over 45,000 Car-O-Liner Collision Repair Systems are in use worldwide, and two of them are located right here Robert’s Auto Repair. Car-O-Liner products are well known for their high quality, advanced technology and ergonomic design. Car-O-Liner’s collision repair equipment is the best made, the easiest to learn, the simplest to use and the most productive. Because Car-O-Liner Frame Racks are so well designed, the auto body repair team at Robert’s Auto Repair can work much faster and more efficiently than on similar equipment. The Car-O-Liner Frame Racks are part of the processes we use to get you and your vehicle back out on t ... read more

Who knew that a tire balancing machine at Robert’s Auto Repair could be so high-tech with a 3-D laser guided operation? In today’s world with amazing technology, no longer do tire pros have to eyeball a wheel for precise tire balancing precision. Our team has the state-of-the-art equipment to balance even the toughest set of wheels. Here are some of the things our tire balancing machine can do: It has a 1.5 hp direct drive motor running it. It has 8 balancing modes. The laser guided operation eliminates error by pinpointing the exact Tape-A-Weight placement and behind the spoke weight placement locations. It comes with a hood that helps the tire balancing process. Automatically indexes the wheel to the second weight position and holds again... with a push of a button. What do all these features mean to you? Our tire pros can quickly and efficiently balance your tires and get you back out on the road in a jiffy. If you need your tires rotated, balanced, or aligned, please come see us a ... read more

We don’t know if you’re aware of this, but there are tire changer machines that some tire professionals would prefer to work with over others. Lucky for us, Robert’s Auto Repair uses state-of-the-art equipment, and we would even go so far to say that our tire changer machine is a “workhorse”. Here are some of the features that make us love our tire changing machine: It handles big wheels and small wheels. It protects expensive wheels. It helps us work more effectively and increases our productivity levels. It is adaptable and can change as tire standards change. Now that you know that we have the best equipment, don’t be shy about contacting us if you need your tires changed. If you need assistance with your tires or wheel alignment, contact us to schedule an appointment. Robert’s Auto Repair is located at 234 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940. Mechanical -- 831-373-1534
Body Shop -- 83

Unless you’ve visited the backlot of Robert’s Auto Repair, chances are you have not personally seen our state-of-the-art wheel alignment machine. This wheel alignment machine does some really cool stuff to make your vehicle meet factory standards, including: It features 3D cameras that match the alignment based on the car, and not influenced by the platform The measurement system is equipped with double digital cameras and four target disks, supplying revolutionary measurement mode There is no electronic component, so the wheel alignment will not have a component failure problem The Software system is easy to operate and completes the conventional basic parameters within two minutes, which is significantly faster than conventional aligners. So, what does this cool wheel alignment machine do for you? It allows us to get our job done quickly and efficiently so you can get back out on the road more quickly. If your vehicle needs a wheel alignment, contact us to schedule an appointment. R ... read more

During the winter, it is very, very important that your tires are in tip-top shape. If your tires are showing excess wear and tear, or are bald in certain spots, your safety on the road is greatly compromised. When in doubt, come to Robert’s Auto Repair for a tire inspection. If your tires are in good shape, but not perfectly balanced, we can keep things rolling smoothly with our tire alignment service. If your tires need to be fixed or replaced, we have the capacity to replace your tires quickly, without killing your budget. Even if your tires are in perfect condition and you’d like us to add some air for you, we’ll be happy to do it for you. Your safety is our priority, and that is why we cannot stress enough how much we want your tires to be in great shape when they carry you down the highway. Call today to schedule a tire inspection and replacement at our 26,000 square foot facility, located at 234 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940. You will be very glad you did! Mechanical ... read more

In wintertime, it’s very important to replace your old and worn out wiper blades. Visibility goes down the tubes when your wiper blades are in poor condition, are too rigid, or are not installed properly. If you make certain your wiper blades are in top condition, not only will you see better, but you’ll avoid a host of mishaps as well. Call today to schedule a wiper blade inspection and replacement at our 26,000 square foot facility, located at 234 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940. You and your precious cargo will be glad you did! Mechanical -- 831-373-1534
Body Shop -- 83

It’s wintertime, so let’s talk about coolant service. Changing the antifreeze fluids in your radiator is especially important. Most of us are aware that antifreeze keeps your engine from freezing and corroding, but did you know that the same fluid can corrode your engine if you leave it in too long? Over a significant period of time, the static charge of the engine makes the fluid acidic and it eats up the aluminum pipes, making your engine vulnerable to major disfunction... and that's not good! Make sure your vehicle is in top operating condition this winter season when you travel around the Monterey Peninsula, across the state, or up to the skiing areas. Call today to schedule a coolant service and replacement at our 26,000 square foot facility, located at 234 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940. Mechanical -- 831-373-1534
Body Shop -- 83