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

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

The kids are all back in school by now. Is your vehicle prepared for back-to-school safety? According to the National Safety Council, there are several things you can do to help your kids stay safe as they travel to and from school.   Obey all traffic signs. This may seem pretty basic, but there are plenty of people who assume that traffic signs don’t apply to them. They disobey the traffic signs by not stopping at a stop sign, not yielding at a yield sign, ignoring Do Not Enter signs, and so on. Don’t be one of those people who risks the safety of others by ignoring signs.  Please, obey all traffic signs, for they were put there for the safety of everyone.   Don’t text and drive. Yes, you may be in a hurry and yes, you may feel like communicating via text while driving, but don’t do it. It’s too risky for you and everyone in your vicinity. Your focus should b ... read more

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

Auto Week is action-packed with a variety of activities for participants and spectators, alike. No matter the event or activity, we are all brought together over one singular passion: cars. Auto Week is an excellent way for us to share our enthusiasm for cars. With such a fun and exciting week ahead, we think it is important to be prepared. Robert’s Collision & Repair has compiled a helpful list of auto week preparation tips:   We recommend dressing for comfort, instead of for style. Don’t forget to take a look at the weather report, before deciding on your outfit. Check each event’s policies and procedures ahead of time. Look to see if the event has any restrictive policies, such as no pets or large bags. Thoroughly plan your day ahead of time. Before the event, decide where you should park, or if there is shuttle service. Bring a camera! This is a fun week, and of course, a photograph will make the moment last just a bit longer. Go as early as p ... read more

What exactly are aftermarket parts? Aftermarket parts are any part for your vehicle that is not sourced from the car’s manufacturer. Often, aftermarket parts cost less than factory parts. At Robert’s Collision and Repair, we use aftermarket parts for repairing the mechanical aspect of your vehicle. Inversely, we use factory parts for auto body repair.   How exactly can this combination of aftermarket and factory parts save you money? Here are a few ways how:   Overall, aftermarket parts are just typically less expensive. If you use a combination of both aftermarket and factory parts, compared to using all factory parts, you will save money. Often, the quality of aftermarket parts can be greater or equal to the quality of factory parts. When it comes to aftermarket parts, there is much more variety and availability. This means there are more options and a much wider range of prices. Next time, your vehicle needs auto repair,  we invite you to Robert ... read more

We understand just how stressful it can be to need to bring your car in for auto repair. That is why we go above and beyond to make your visit to our facility worry and hassle-free. We are proud to be able to work so closely with Enterprise Rent-A-Car. We believe this partnership makes life just a little bit easier for our clients.   When you get into an accident, we understand just how stressful and awful this situation can be. That is why have partnered closely with Enterprise Rent-A-Car to provide our clients efficiently with rental cars. While we take care of your vehicle, you will be able to go about your day with of these rental cars,  as if nothing has happened. We also recommend for our clients to use Enterprise when you have guests in town. Our partnership with this company makes renting a car simple and easy.   Next time, your vehicle needs auto repair,  we invite you to Robert’s Collision & Repair, located at 234 Ramona Avenue in Monterey ... read more

A lot of auto repair customers question the importance of wheel alignment. Is it really necessary?  Yes, it is. Here are three reasons why:   Proper wheel alignment helps keep your vehicle’s suspension system in top working order. Wheel alignment affects fuel efficiency, tire wear, tire performance, vehicle handling and maneuverability. Wheel alignment is a big factor in a vehicle's steering response.     If you don’t believe us, we found a helpful, 4 minute video that clearly shows why wheel alignment is important.   The Importance of Proper Wheel Alignment   At Robert’s Collision & Repair, we use factory-recommended wheel alignment systems to make certain the wheel alignment is on par with factory standards. Why have we invested in such high-tech equipment? With all the auto body repair and mechanical repair work we do here, we (and your insurance company) want each vehicle restored to factory-specified conditions. Thes ... read more

With all the high-tech functions in today’s newer vehicles, the car battery often loses power faster than expected. Why? Your car battery is already supporting the vehicle’s sophisticated electrical system, but it wears down more quickly after you plug in your phone, your portable music players, your portable video players, etc.   If you’re not sure when your car battery is wearing out, here are five signs it’s time to install a new one:   Your engine is slow to start, or the cranking seems sluggish. Your check engine light is illuminated. You can see through the transparent casing that your battery’s fluid level is low. Your battery is covered in gunk or is bloated, which means there could be a fluid leak or it’s enduring excessive heat. Your car battery is three or more years old. Don’t be caught with a dead battery. Bring your vehicle into Robert’s Collision & Repair for battery replacement and service. We will be ... read more

Throughout February, we have been in a romantic mood about our vehicles. To finish this month’s theme, here are some of our five favorite classic car love songs.   Billy Ocean - Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car   The Clash - Brand New Cadillac   Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway   Janis Joplin - Mercedes Benz   Don McLean - American Pie   At Robert’s Collision & Repair, we love to help you any way we can with your vehicle, and we hope you enjoyed our favorite songs. For high-quality auto body repair, mechanical repair, oil changes, auto paint, auto detailing, and tire service, come see us at 234 Ramona Avenue in Monterey, CA. For your conve ... read more

There’s something appealing and sexy about cars. For generations, America has had a passion for automobile, and today, we want to examine our cultural love affair with cars.   Sleek Sex Appeal: Open any Car & Driver magazine, and you’ll see beautiful photographs of sleek, sexy, fast cars. The images of any featured automobile play with light bouncing off the curves, or a blurred background evoking speed. Sex sells, and auto manufacturers know how to make vehicles look slick and beautiful.   Power: There’s something hot about raw power. What car aficionado doesn’t love gripping the steering wheel, putting the car in gear, and revving the engine? I remember driving my husband’s Mazda Miata around the Santa Cruz Mountains one day, and I felt like I was driving a rocket. I loved driving that tiny car with the top down, hugging the curves of the winding road, and feeling like I was the coolest chick on wheels!   Assets: When we are k ... read more

We love rain, and goodness knows we certainly need it. Just for fun, we thought we would share our five favorite songs we listen to while it’s raining.   “Stormy Weather” by Lena Horne   “Here Comes The Rain Again” by Eurythmics   “I Love A Rainy Night” by Eddie Rabbitt   “Umbrella” by Rihanna   “It’s Raining Again” by Supertramp   At Robert’s Collision & Repair, we love to help you any way we can with your vehicle, and we hope you enjoyed our favorite songs. For high-quality auto body repair, mechanical repair, oil changes, auto paint, auto detailing, and tire service, come see us at 234 Ramona Avenue in Monterey, CA. For your convenience, schedule an appointment by calling 831-373-1534.   Robert’s Collision & Repair: The premier auto repair center on the Monterey Peninsula.  

We are in the midst of the rainy season and that means a lot of people are out on hazardous roads. Unfortunately, accidents happen frequently during this season. If you are involved in a traffic accident, here are some suggestions on what to do:   Before an Accident -- Be sure to carry your driver’s license, current proof of insurance, pen, paper, and a mobile phone with a camera. These items will help make the post-accident process much easier. Also carry a set of cones, warning triangles, or emergency flares in your trunk to help alert traffic. Immediately after an Accident -- 1. Stay calm. Take a deep breath. Think about your safety and those around you. 2. If someone is injured, call 911 immediately. Additionally, call police if there is significant damage to your vehicles. 3. Get off the road as quickly as possible. If you had a minor fender bender, you don't have to leave the cars where they are. If you cannot move your vehicle, alert approaching drivers by ... read more

2015 has been an exciting year, and we are looking forward to ringing in 2016. The Robert’s Collision & Repair team wishes all of you a safe and happy New Year’s Eve. Here are some important things to remember so you will all arrive alive, safe and sound, back at home in the new year.   Have a plan before you go out. If you plan to drink, be sure you have a designated driver. Also, take plenty of cash with you in case something happens to your designated driver. Download the Uber app on your smartphone. In case your designated driver bails, you can contact Uber to send a driver over to pick you up. Lucky for you, you brought cash with you, just in case. Call a taxi in case the Uber waiting list is too long. Taxi drivers are numerous and are easy to spot. Good thing you have that cash...and some take credit cards if you’re cash poor.  Here are some of the taxi companies serving the Monterey Peninsula: Yellow Cab ... read more

Holiday travel can be stressful. We know. Especially when you have many places to visit and people to see in the short time span of one or two days. Here are some holiday tips that should help save your sanity.   Pack a scarf. It can keep you warm, serve as a pillow, or add some style to your outfit. Scarves are smart to travel with and they don’t take up too much space.   Stock your safety kit. You’ll be glad you have a safety kit in the event of a breakdown or closed roads. Stock your safety kit with the following items:   Ice scraper Tow rope Blankets Flashlights A bag of sand or rock salt First aid kit Change for toll roads Water Snacks Travel on “off” days. If you can plan to leave super early or super late, you’ll face less traffic. Can you take the time to travel late at night or on the actual holiday itself? You might endure less travel stress if you do.   Get your vehicle serviced and repaired. Wouldn’t yo ... read more

Are you a packing expert, or are you a packing mess? If you want to pack a bunch of stuff, plus passengers, plus the family pets, and still have some legroom, here are some tips for packing your car for the holiday road trip.     Keep in mind the size of your vehicle. If it’s small, you will be more limited in what you can take with you. Whatever vehicle size you have, see how many non-essentials you can remove from the vehicle, like in the trunk and back seats, before you load it up for the holiday road trip. Be selective about the number of suitcases you take and how much will go into them. If you can, travel lightly and purchase the toiletries and other disposables when you arrive at your destination. Place heavier items on the bottom so they do not crush the lighter items. This is important, for sharp turns and sudden stops can shift your cargo around, so plan carefully when loading. Keep valuables, like computers, phones, and wrapped gifts out of sight. If y ... read more

What’s your favorite color? Okay, now...what’s your favorite car color? Similar to what car you choose speaks volumes about your personality, the same can be said about your preferred car color. Borrowing from the Today Show, here is what your car color of choice says about you… or how you wish to be perceived.   Black = Serious, classic, elegant, professional White = Fastidious, pure, direct, pristine Red = Bold, confident, sensual, outgoing Orange = Artistic, one-of-a-kind, complex, individualistic Blue = Calm, credible, faithful, authoritative Silver = Elegant, forward-thinking, prestigious, futuristic Green = Well-balanced, no-fuss, organic, trustworthy Brown = Natural, down-to-earth, powerful, unique Yellow = Joyful, effervescent, sense of humor Gold = Glamorous, warm, intelligent   So, how accurate were these descriptions for you? Pretty close, huh? W ... read more

Have you considered what your car, truck, SUV, or mini-van says about you and your personality? Most people “match” what they drive.   Young “Fast and Furious” fans like super-sporty cars that look as fast as they drive, while older James Bond fans like to drive cars that are sleek and expensive.   Soccer moms want a larger vehicle that can safely transport the team and will protect them in the event of an accident.   Many people who live on the Monterey Peninsula prefer small cars, such as the Mini Cooper, the Smart car, or the Fiat, to match their small homes and small parking spaces.   The list goes on, but here at Robert’s Collision & Repair, we are happy to repair and service them all.   If you want to have some fun, take this quiz to find out what car matches best with your personality.   At Robert’s ... read more

Technology is a wonderful thing, especially when it comes to your car. Here are a few smartphone apps that are designed to help you out with your vehicle.   RepairPal is designed to help you find a trustworthy auto repair shop. Of course, Robert’s Collision & Repair is proud to be listed on RepairPal.   GasBuddy helps you locate the cheapest gas near you. Plus you get the chance to win $100 in free gas daily.   greenMeter is an app that measures your vehicle’s power and fuel usage to show you how efficiently you are driving, your fuel consumption, and your impact on the environment.   Dynolicious Fusion is an app for gear heads that allows you to measure your 0-60 mph results. It’s fun if you like to test your power when you punch the gas. &nb ... read more

Ever heard of trunk or treating? It is a new way to celebrate Halloween that involves candy, cars, and costumes! What more could you ask for?   Basically, car owners turn their tailgate or trunk into a front porch, complete with a costume and candy. Car owners meet at a central location, and kids can go from car to car amassing tons of candy. It completely eliminates door-to-door doorbell ringing, and is a safe, fun, and festive way to celebrate Halloween.   The fun part is dressing up your car for a trunk or treating event. You can go for a scary look, or even recreate your kids’ favorite Disney Movie. The possibilities are endless. Here are just a few ideas:   Add some teeth and tongue to the trunk of your SUV. Don’t forget about the candy for the end of the tongue. What about bringing your front yard to the back of your pick-up truck? Use lawn ornaments, such as skeletons, tombstones, or cobwebs, to decorate. If you are a fan of Disney, this on ... read more

  Auto battery Safety Month is in October. To celebrate, Robert’s Collision & Auto Repair is happy to provide information about maintaining a car’s battery and warning signs of a dying battery.   Tips for maintaining a car's battery: If you can, park in a garage. A thoroughly insulated garage will keep your battery warm, which will prolong the life of the battery. Drive your vehicle on a routine basis. Avoid frequent, short drives. Try not to leave vehicle accessories on for a long period of time. For example, leaving a cell phone charger plugged in will require the battery to recharge constantly, which shortens the life of the battery. Make sure to have your vehicle serviced regularly. An engine in poor condition will overload the battery. Typically, batteries last about two to three years, but how do you know if your battery is on the verge of dying? Here are the signs to watch out for: Your engine cranks when you turn the key, but it will not st ... read more