Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

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

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

  Even the most proactive vehicle owner can find themselves dealing with a car that’s overheated. It’s true that if you stay on a regular preventive maintenance schedule, not only will you save yourself money in the long run, you’ll significantly decrease the chances of ending up broken down on the side of the road.     Regardless, if it ever happens to you, make sure you know what to do to minimize the damage that’s already been done. The worst thing you can do is to keep driving it like nothing's wrong.    Your best bet is to pull over immediately. The more you drive after it overheats, the more extensive the damage. Even so, stay safe and pull over in a good location and turn off the engine. Don’t be in a hurry to open the hood. Wait until it’s completely cooled down. You may not be able to see that on your temperature gauge on the dash, so just don’t rush.  Pull out your owner’s manual if you&r ... read more

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

At Robert’s Collision & Repair we’ve held a long-existing standard of excellence and environmental consciousness, and when it comes to protecting our local environment, we go the extra mile. That’s why we use waterborne paint for all of our automotive painting services. Regular automotive paint is very high in solvents (75%) which is a leading cause of environmental damage. These solvents are made up of Volatile Organic Compounds… while ‘organic’ is often a good word and one we look for, when it’s coupled with ‘volatile,’ then that drastically changes the meaning.   European countries have long been using waterborne paint, and Canada made a move more than a decade ago. The US might be lagging behind a bit, but we are slowly catching up. Waterborne paint is made up of 75% WATER! That’s a massive decrease in the solvents that contribute to environmental damage.   One of the benefits of this newer technology is ... 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

Lovers of all things Ferrari will rejoice this week when the Ferrari Challenge returns to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. For three days, May 4, 5 and 6, 2018, scores of Prancing Ponies of all types and their drivers will be challenged by Laguna’s iconic 2.238-mile road track. The Monterey County event is part of a series put on by the Ferrari company. For a fairly hefty entry fee (that includes the purchase of a new Ferrari), drivers are trained to compete in this international series. Race weekends are held around the world in locations such as Imola, Italy; Silverstone at Northamptonshire, UK; Stavelot, Belgium; Shanghai, China; Hampton Downs, New Zealand; Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montreal, Canada; and Melbourne, Australia. There are four classes of Ferrari racing the Trofeo Pirelli, Trofeo Pirelli AM, the Coppa Shell and the 458 EVO cars. You don’t have to be wealthy to watch, however. Visit www.weathertechracewa ... 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

In a 1909 meeting, Henry Ford said, “Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black.” In the century-plus since he said that, manufacturers—including Ford—have relaxed that requirement somewhat, offering vehicles painted in a rainbow of colors, up to and including actual rainbows. When you look around while driving, though, it seems like there are just a few colors in everyday use. That begs the question: “just what are the most popular colors for cars these days?” For that, we turn to the experts, in this case, Pittsburgh Plate Glass, better known as PPG. Though as its name implies, PPG was first a glass company, it now is among the top producers of automotive paints. According to Jane E. Harrington, PPG Manager, auto manufacturer’s attitudes have loosened a bit since Ford’s day. “Color and styling choices by original equipment manufacturers must be responsive to differences among potential buy ... 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

  When the now-completed roundabout project was first announced, it was met with skepticism. But since its completion, the newly-designed intersection has significantly reduced the bottleneck of traffic that was a daily nuisance on the Holman Highway/Highway 1 merge.   Experienced drivers are having no trouble navigating the feature, and even first-time drivers seem to get the hang of the technique quickly. For those who have not driven through a roundabout before, the City of Monterey and The Transportation Agency for Monterey County produced a fun video demonstrating how it’s done. Click on the photo below to watch it:     There are now roundabouts in other areas of the Monterey Peninsula, including Marina and some Monterey neighborhoods. And transportation officials are considering more--most notably on the always congested Highway 68 corridor between Monterey and ... 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

You won’t want to miss the excitement this Saturday, December 9, at 10:30 a.m. when Santa and Mrs.Claus fly-in by helicopter direct from the North Pole to Carmel Valley Village Airfield! There they'll board their sleigh and lead a parade through Carmel Valley Village. The parade is filled with horses, the Carmel Valley Kiwanis Club train, unique autos and more! Afterward, kids can head to the Carmel Valley Youth Center for a photo with Jolly Old Saint Nick.   Our most popular and well-attended holiday lighting display is the Candy Cane Lane neighborhood in Pacific Grove. Candy Cane Lane is so popular, it has its own Facebook page!  You are welcome to park and walk through the neighborhood or drive very slowly. Either way, be extra, super car ... read more

$50 Off for repairs totaling $300 or more in Labor Expenses. Offer valid through December 21, 2017. One coupon per visit. Not valid with other specials and offers.   During the holidays, we appreciate that a big chunk of your budget is spent on those you love. If the safety of your loved ones is important to you, we encourage you to take advantage of our big December savings offer: $50 Off for Repairs Totaling $300 or more in Labor Expenses.   You see, we understand that you work hard for your money, and that’s why we like to offer specials that help you keep some of that hard-earned cash. Since you may not know what repairs tend to total $300 or more in labor, here are some ideas to consider:   Strut Replacement Major 30K, 60K, 90K, or 120K mile service Engine Rebuilds New Tires   If you’ve been putting major repairs on the back burner, waiting until you see a price break or until you receive a much-needed Christmas bonus, this is the perfect ... read more

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours. Everyone at Robert’s Collision Repair wishes you the happiest of holidays.     At Robert’s Collision and Repair, we don’t fix TVs, but we do fix automobiles. If you’re looking for professional technicians to repair your vehicle, visit our skilled mechanics at 234 Ramona Ave, Monterey, CA. 93940, or schedule an appointment online. We look forward to taking care of you and all your auto repair needs

A lit up check engine light could mean a lot of things. Perhaps it’s a small issue or it could indicate the problem is more serious. If your car is not surging smoke, chances are that you are not in immediate danger. The check engine light is there to keep car drivers aware of engine irregularities and sensory malfunctions. The vehicle’s onboard computer, or engine control unit (ECU), can adjust to make sure that the engine is running efficiently. What do you do when the sensor is getting a bad reading and that “pesky” check engine light turns on?   It’s best to have a professional auto mechanic take a look at your vehicle when your check engine light comes on. They’ll use a code reader that plugs into the vehicle and gives a report. In some cases, there may be an easy solution and you can remedy the problem yourself. For example, not tightening your car’s gas cap all the was could result with a flashing check engine light. If you have ... read more

Going on road trips is all a matter of perspective. You can look at it as boring or as an adventure! Music makes everything better! Having the right tunes for a road trip is essential to make the hours go faster. Perhaps you’ve always had dreams of being a rock star. This is your chance! A road trip paired with inspiring melodies and lyrics is a great way to bond with your passengers or belt it out at the top of your lungs with your family and friends in the car. The team at  Robert’s Collision & Repair wants your time on the road to be entertaining so we’ve compiled these 20 songs that are sure to be invigorating:   "LA Woman," The Doors "Rock Steady," Aretha Franklin "Going Down the Road Feelin' Bad," the Grateful Dead "Midnight Rider," Allman Brothers "I Get Around," Beach Boys Also, songs about cars. "Little Red Corvette," Prince "Given to Fly," Pearl Jam "The Bo ... read more

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

10% Off Transmission Service. Offer valid through November 30, 2017. One coupon per visit. Not valid with other specials and offers.   For many car owners, transmissions are one of the most overlooked and often forgotten components of a vehicle. Why? We’ve been trained to change your oil, change our spark plugs, change our windshield wipers, etc., but we often forget to notice the transmission until the car won’t go.   To prepare your vehicle for the upcoming holiday shopping and road trips, we are offering the following November special:  10% Off Transmission Service.   Transmission service is important and here are four reasons why:   Transmission service prevents “lock up”. Lock up happens when your vehicle’s transmission gets so hot that your vehicle simply shuts down. Transmission service saves money in the long run. Changing your automatic transmission fluid when it turns black can help prevent most transmission prob ... read more

Halloween is here and with it come the added dangers of excited goblins running in the streets in their dark costumes. Robert’s Collision & Repair reminds you that trick-or-treaters can be indecisive and impulsive, and their costumes may hinder their peripheral vision. Please be careful and follow these Halloween safe driving tips:      Drive at least 5 mph below the posted speed limit to give yourself extra reaction time should children dart into the street. Keep an eye out for pirates and princesses walking in streets, on medians and curbs. Look out for children crossing streets. They may not be paying attention to traffic and could run out from between parked cars in the middle of the block. Be careful entering driveways and alleys.   A quick reminder that Halloween may bring out some little devils. If your vehicle is egged or otherwise affected, bring it to Robert’s Collision and ... read more

It’s Halloween costume time. This year, give your car some Halloween spirit with a costume of its own. Take a look at some of the creative ideas below.       You can find more Halloween vehicle costume ideas here:https://www.google.com/search?q=halloween+car+decorations&sa=X&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&ved=0ahUKEwjD9Mv8-8zWAhXGbSYKHbwFAxAQ7AkITg&biw=1618&bih=910   When your vehicle requires auto repair and scheduled maintenance, we invite you to visit Robert’s Collision & Repair at 234 Ramona Avenue in Monterey, CA, right off of Del Monte Blvd. and Highway 1 in Monterey. If you have questions, give us a call at 831-373-1534. You’ll be glad you did

Halloween is just a few weeks away. Time make your pumpkin a Jack-o-Lantern. Here are some pumpkin carving tips:   Be sure your pumpkin has a thick green stem. The greener the stem, the fresher the pumpkin. The thicker the stem, the thinker the pumpkin and the better for carving. Plan your design. If you’re an artist, freehand may work for you. The rest of us work better with a plan. Use a pen to draw you design before you get out you blade. Think outside the carving tool kit. The more complicated your design, the more creative your tools. Think outside the kit. Try clay sculpting ribbons and tools, Exacto knives, and zesters and be sure they’re sharp. Empty the inside. Take the time to thoroughly scrape the inside of your pumpkin. Scraps and bits of pumpkin meat can mold and ruin your entire project.    Keep your pumpkin moist.  Most carved pumpkins can last up to two weeks but as soon as you cut into them, they begin to dry out. After you carve ... read more

Autumn is here and with it come shorter days and longer nights. Daylight savings ends in a couple of weeks and that means more driving in the dark and at dusk. Your vehicle’s headlamps are like eyeglasses. Dirt and grime accumulate so gradually we don’t notice and before we know it, our vision is hindered. Headlamp restoration is important in prolonging the life of your vehicle’s exterior lighting system. Poor upkeep could result in replacement and, depending on your vehicle, that can be costly.          Here are some headlamp maintenance tips from Robert's Collision & Repair in Monterey:   Check your headlamps regularly. If they’re starting to yellow, wipe them off with a mildly abrasive cleaner. Be sure it’s not too abrasive - you don’t want to scratch them. Have your headlamp alignment checked. Be sure your headlamps are both pointing in the right d ... read more

10% Off Labor for Car Battery Replacement. Offer valid through October 31, 2017. One coupon per visit. Not valid with other specials and offers.   October is Car Care Month and that is why Robert’s Collision & Repair is offering the following special:  10% Off Labor for Car Battery Replacement.   With all the electronics and systems pulling power from the car battery, it’s no wonder that batteries die more quickly. Today’s automobile electrical systems are getting more intricate and are stressing the limits of current technology, but they are generally designed from the same principles used 30-plus years ago. The battery is the vehicle’s power storage device used to start the engine and help operate the electrical accessories installed on your car. Average battery life has become shorter as energy requirements have increased. Lifespan depends on usage, which now averages 6 months to 48 months, yet only 30% of all batteries actually reach t ... read more

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

Here at Robert’s Collision & Repair in Monterey, CA, several of our customers ask us about our use of aftermarket parts vs. factory parts. Each auto repair we do brings unique opportunities to use parts that are straight from the factory or parts that are made by other vendors. Here’s an overview of our philosophy on aftermarket parts versus factory parts. When it comes to auto body repair, we strive to always restore your vehicle back to factory standards. That is why we have all the equipment, spot welders, and alignment racks and so forth here at our 26,000 square foot facility. Depending on the age of your vehicle, we may order parts straight from the factory or dealership -- especially if your vehicle is newer and these parts are readily available. But if your vehicle is older or less common, we may have to purchase parts from a parts dealer that works with junkyards to find a matching part. Sometimes the use of aftermarket parts is dictated by your insurance comp ... read more

At Robert’s Collision & Repair, we are known as the premier auto body shop on the Monterey Peninsula. Ninety percent of our business handles auto body repair from minor dents and scratches to major automotive restoration, while the remaining ten percent of our business handles mechanical repair. We see a lot of auto body repairs in our shop after vehicles have been involved in some form of accident. The accidents can be minor, like door dings and scratches, to major repairs that involve replacement of multiple car parts, new paint in the affected areas, and glass replacement. Whatever the size of the job -- small or large -- Robert’s Collision & Repair can handle it all. Most of the time, our customers will make an insurance claim in order to cover the costs of auto body work. But other times, customers will opt to pay for the auto body repairs directly when they don’t want to involve the insurance ... read more

September is a fabulous month for outdoor festivals on the Monterey Peninsula.  September is one of our favorite months because we have summertime temperatures, lots of sunshine, and plenty of festival food and drinks we can indulge in. Here are our top three local September events and festivals around the Monterey Peninsula:   1. Labor Day Parade and Festival in Marina Marina is a wonderful city and they are known for their Labor Day Parade and Festival. If you missed it this year, be sure to attend next Labor Day, for it’s always a fun place to celebrate with friends and family.   2. Festa Italia This year, the Festa Italia will be held on Sept. 8 - 10. 2017 marks the 84th year of this festival, which is quite amazing! You’ll find delicious ... read more

September 2017 Special: 10% discount on labor up to $100 for any mechanical repair or service. Offer valid through September 9, 2017. 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 o ... read more

At Robert’s Collisions & Repair, we’re proud to be ASE Certified. There are a lot of certifications and organizations out there in the automotive industry, serving to raise auto care across the nation up to a higher standard. ASE, or the National Institute for Automotive Excellence, is one of them. ASE has been up and running since 1972 as an independent, non-profit organization that certifies individual technicians and service advisors, not the auto shop as a whole. They grant certification based on tests, skill level, and the ethics and community involvement of each worker on a case by case basis. This means that, in order to be considered an ASE Certified location, you must have multiple mechanics and supervisors on site who are ASE Certified.   This system is very helpful across the board. For the technicians, it’s a way for them to show evidence of their skill and professionalism to potential employers. For shop managers, it can help them promote the ... read more

Top Electrical Problems in New Cars | Robert’s Collision & Repair in Monterey, CA When you purchase a new car, your expectations are sky-high. Modern vehicles, equipped with sophisticated electrical systems, offer unmatched convenience and functionality. However, these systems can also come with challenges. Electrical problems in new cars can hint at manufacturing defects or hidden wear-and-tear. Understanding the source of these issues is crucial to ensuring your car performs as expected. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common electrical problems in new cars and what they might indicate about your vehicle’s condition. Dead Battery A dead battery is one of the most common assumptions when a car’s electrical system fails. To check, try flashing your headlights. If they’re dim or don’t turn on at all, your battery may need a jump or replacement. A dead battery could also suggest that your car was more pre-owned tha ... read more

Car week in Monterey takes place August 11 - 20, and it just so happens to be one of our favorite events here on the Monterey Peninsula! This year’s events will be scattered across Seaside, Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Pebble Beach. Monterey Car Week has become one of the most popular car shows in the world. Considering the week-long festivities and famous cars and car designs, it’s no wonder why! The show starts off on Alvarado Street in downtown Monterey with a car show that has over 30 classic cars lining the roads. The events later on in the week at Pebble Beach are so revered that many sponsors and car makers use the stage to introduce new car models and even offer test drives! The sponsors are not only car companies, they are also sponsored by Rolex and a handful of yacht and private jet representatives. It’s certainly a high mark for the attendants to meet, but the great thing about Car Week is that as long as you have a love for cars and make some tim ... read more