Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

By Methaphum Avoiding Winter Weather Woes Winter weather can be tough on your car. From the cold to the rain and slick road conditions, many situations could lead to an accident. But with a little bit of planning and preparation, you can avoid winter weather woes and keep your car running smoothly all season long. Plan Ahead One of the best ways to avoid winter weather problems is to plan ahead. Before the cold weather hits, take your car in for a tune-up. This will ensure that all of your fluids are topped off and that your battery is in good working order. You should also have your tires checked and rotated if necessary. Winter weather can be tough on tires, so it's important to ensure they're in good condition before the first rains.   If you live in an area that frequently gets snow or ice, consider investing in winter tires. Winter tires are designed to provide better traction and grip in cold weather conditions. They can help you avoid slipping and sliding on i ... read more

By Adobe Photo Stock 4 More Tips For New Drivers Welcome back, new drivers! In our ongoing quest to ensure your journey on the road is enjoyable and safe, we're excited to bring you four additional tips for 2023. Buckle up as we add these essential nuggets of wisdom to your driving arsenal, making it an even more comprehensive guide for navigating the highways and byways. 1. Be mindful of your surroundings As a new driver, it's crucial to stay aware of your surroundings at all times. Pay attention to the traffic around you, check your mirrors regularly, and be aware of potential hazards. Anticipating the actions of other drivers can help you react quickly and avoid accidents. 2. Practice defensive driving Defensive driving is a skill that can save lives. Always assume that other drivers may make mistakes, and be prepared to react accordingly. Keep a safe following distance, avoid aggressive driving behaviors, and use your turn signals to communicate your intentions to other ... read more

By Puwait Inyavileart   CARSTAR Robert's Collision & Esurance: Partnering For You We are delighted to highlight our partnership with Esurance and tell you a little about what makes them so great and what a direct repair shop relationship can do for you. Navigating difficult insurance-related issues is difficult enough without the added pain of finding a shop or insurance company that works well together; our partnership with Esurance simplifies that process and brings peace-of-mind to you and your vehicle.   Why Should You Consider Esurance? Esurance has been providing quality auto insurance coverage to consumers for many years. With a deep understanding of the automation of processes and the importance of using modern technologies to save customers time, Esurance offers affordable rates, reliable customer support, and comprehensive coverage options.   Whether you need basic liability protection or ... read more

By Denis R.   Road Rage Cures: How to Stay Safe and Calm During the Holiday Season It's the most wonderful time of the year but also the most hectic. With shopping, parties, and travel, the holidays can be a stressful time for everyone. That stress can manifest itself in some not-so-wonderful ways, like road rage.   According to a study by AAA, 66 percent of respondents reported having driven when angry or aggressive in the past year. Don't let holiday stress turn you into a Scrooge behind the wheel. Check out these road rage cures to help you stay safe and calm on the road this holiday season.   Plan Ahead to Avoid Road Rage One of the best ways to avoid road rage is to plan ahead. If you know you're going to be driving in heavy holiday traffic, leave earlier than you need to so you don't feel rushed. Rushing leads to stress, which can quickly turn into road rage. If possible, avoid peak travel times altogether. For example, if you're driving ... read more

By Weyo As we gear up for another festive holiday season, we must revisit the safety measures we take on the road. Last year, we shared essential tips to keep you safe during the winter months, but in 2023, we're updating our advice with more tips to ensure you have a secure and enjoyable journey. Vehicle Maintenance: A Yearly Ritual While last year's advice emphasized servicing your vehicle, this year, we want to stress the importance of making vehicle maintenance a yearly ritual. Regular check-ups, including oil changes, tire inspections, and ensuring all lights are functional, are essential for a trouble-free holiday road trip. Don't procrastinate; schedule your maintenance well in advance to avoid any unexpected breakdowns. Technology to the Rescue: Use Navigation Apps Wisely Planning your route remains a top priority, but this year, leverage the power of technology to enhance your navigation experience. Use real-time traffic updates from navigation apps to avoid cong ... read more

By NopponPAT   As the temperatures start to dip and the days get shorter, it's important to winterize your vehicle. A few simple steps will help ensure that your car is ready to face the cold seaside weather head-on, keeping you safe and comfortable all season long.    Winter Weather Can Be Hard On Your Vehicle The cold weather, road salt, and other winter hazards can take a toll on your vehicle's exterior. But you can take some easy steps to protect your car or truck from winter damage. In this blog post, we'll give you tips on keeping your vehicle looking good all winter long.   Here are a few tips on how to winterize your vehicle Inspect your tires. This is one of the most important things you can do to prepare your car for winter. Check the tread depth and tire pressure, and if necessary, invest in a set of all-weather tires. They may cost more upfront, but they'll be worth it when you find yourself driving on icy roads.  Wash and w ... read more

By Andrey   CARSTAR Robert's Collision & Sentry Insurance Working with an insurance company you can rely on that makes your collision repair experience easier is everything. Sentry Insurance is a beloved partner with CARSTAR Robert's Collision, bringing ease of use and compassion to the collision repair industry.   The Sentry Insurance Difference Sentry Insurance has provided quality collision repair services for over 25 years. Sentry is a nationally recognized leader in the industry, and our team of highly skilled technicians is proud to call them a partner.   Sentry's 24/7 claims hotline means you can report your claim anytime, day or night. And their online claims center allows you to track the status of your claim from start to finish. Sentry offers rental car programs, so you can get back on the road while we repair your vehicle. Sentry is here to make your life easier when it comes t ... read more

By anoushkatoronto Spooky Season Is Here That's right, everybody, our favorite time of the year is here!   It's spooky season, and everyone's rushing to find the best costume for the party. Well, don't leave your vehicle out of the fun! There's still time to grab an awesome Halloween costume for your favorite car and show up to the party in style.   Halloween Costumes For Your Vehicle You might not know this, but there are tons of options to adorn your vehicle with Halloween spirit. Maybe you design a whole theme around the family costumes and include the family care? The possibilities are endless!   Here are three Halloween costume ideas for your vehicle ... read more

By globalmoments   Calming Our Inner Demons (Avoiding road rage) Road rage is a common occurrence on the roads today. It can be dangerous and cause accidents. Typically, it all comes down to ego. Those little inner demons who want us to "save face" or "have the last word." We know there is a better way to keep yourself and your family safe on the road. So how can you avoid road rage and stay calm while driving?    5 Tips To Help You Avoid Road Rage Tips to Avoid Road Rage:  Don't take things personally. If someone cuts you off, they may not be doing it intentionally. Assume that they're just having a bad day, and brush it off your shoulder. Avoid making assumptions. If someone is driving slowly, they may have an ill passenger or be new to the area. It's impossible to know another person's circumstances and stresse ... read more

By JJ Gouin Tire Tread & Fender Benders One of the most common causes of collisions is poor tire tread. When your tires don't have enough tire tread, they can't grip the road as well, which can lead to accidents. Luckily, there are ways to avoid this. By regularly checking your tire tread and keeping an eye out for warning signs, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones safe on the road.  How to Check Your Tire Tread It's important to check your tire tread regularly, especially if you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow. There are a few different ways to do this:  One way is to use a tire tread depth gauge. You can purchase a Tire Depth Gauge at most auto parts stores. Insert the gauge into the tread and see how deep it is. The deeper the tread, the better.  Another way to check your tire tread is by doing the "penny test." ... read more

By chartphotoUpdated November 2023:  Whether you've just driven your brand-new car off the lot or have been faithfully cruising the same vehicle for years, keeping your car looking its best is a priority. Unfortunately, dents, dings, and scratches are an inevitable part of owning a car. But fret not! In this updated blog post for 2023, we'll delve into the most common culprits behind exterior car damage and provide you with valuable insights on how to prevent and mitigate these issues. Armed with this knowledge, you can ensure your car remains in tip-top condition for years to come. Common Causes Of Exterior Vehicle Damage: The most common cause of dents and dings remains the actions of other drivers. Whether it's someone carelessly flinging their door into your parked car or a rogue shopping cart taking aim at your bumper on a windy day, th ... read more

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio   We proudly serve Coast Auto Insurance customers We're excited to serve Coast Auto Insurance customers at our collision repair shop. Our team is dedicated to providing quality collision repair backed by service you can trust, and partners like Coast Auto insurance are integral in that process!   Why a partnership brings you value At CARSTAR Robert's Collision, we work with all major insurance companies to help you through the process of getting your vehicle repaired after an accident. We understand that dealing with insurance can be stressful, so we do everything we can to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.   Coast Auto Insurance is one of the many insurance companies we work with to bring you the best possible collision repair experience. We are proud to partner with Coast Auto Insurance and provide our customers with the high-quality repairs they deserve. If you have any questions about how we work with y ... read more

Photo by Orhun Rüzgar The devil is in the details If you're like most people, your car is one of your most prized possessions. You take pride in keeping it clean and looking its best. But even if you are diligent about cleaning it yourself, some areas are just tough to reach - and may not get the attention they need.   That's where a professional detailing service comes in. Detailing involves a thorough process with specialized products and tools. It can make your car look like new again! Here's a look at what goes into detail work and some tips on choosing the right detailing service for your vehicle.   What is detailing, and why should you do it Your car is one of your biggest investments, so taking care of it is important. Detailing is a process that involves cleaning and polishing the exterior and interior of your vehicle to restore it to its original condition. Many people choose to have their cars detailed by a professional, as this ensures that ... read more

Photo by SplitShire   Distracted drivers are everywhere Texting and driving are significant problems on the roads these days. Not only is it dangerous for the driver, but it can also be dangerous for others around them. In this post, we'll discuss some of the most common distractions that drivers face and how to avoid them.   The dangers of distractions while driving It's no secret that distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distractions are a factor in nearly 10% of all fatal crashes.   The most common types of distractions are: Visual (taking your eyes off the road) Manual (taking your hands off the wheel) Cognitive (taking your mind off of driving)   While all three types of distractions can be dangerous, cognitive distractions are particularly dangerous because they prevent drivers from being able to focus on the task at hand.    How to avoid d ... read more

Photo by Pixabay   Regular maintenance can help prevent a collision If you're like most car owners, you probably don't think about your vehicle's maintenance until something goes wrong. And unfortunately, by that point, it can be too late - the damage has already been done, and you're left with a hefty collision repair bill.   But if you take a little time to plan, you can avoid these costly surprises and keep your car running smoothly for years to come. Here are a few simple tips to get you started.   What is Preventative maintenance? Preventive maintenance is any action performed on a vehicle to avoid a future repair. This includes routine oil changes, tire rotations, and brakes checks. By keeping up with these simple tasks, you can help to prevent more serious and costly problems down the road, like a collision. In addition to preventive maintenance, there are other steps you can take to avoid expensive repairs. For example, be sure to drive ca ... read more

Photo by Luis Villasmil on Unsplash   21st Century Insurance is a longtime partner of CARSTAR Robert's Collision We're excited to highlight our partnership with 21st Century Insurance! Our partnership makes things easier for our customers by giving you a turnkey, one-stop-shop experience with insurance navigation and processing.   Collisions are traumatic, and they are made worse when you have to navigate insurance coverage on your own. We make that process easier through our partnerships with trusted companies like 21st Century Insurance! This means that if you're in an accident and your vehicle needs repairs, you can bring it to us, and we'll take ... read more

Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash   Don't Overlook Check Engine Lights! If you're like most people, you probably don't think much of your check engine light. After all, it's just a little light that comes on occasionally - no big deal, right? Wrong. Your check engine light could be a sign of a serious problem with your car, and if you ignore it, you could end up stranded, or worse.   What should I do if my check engine light comes on? So, what exactly is your check engine light trying to tell you? Well, it could be a number of things. It could be something as simple as a loose gas cap or something more serious, like a faulty oxygen sensor. There are many potential causes, but the only way to know for sure is to h ... read more

Photo by Patti Black on Unsplash   Back To School, We Go! Summer is winding down, meaning it's time to get back into the swing of things with school. If you have a new driver in the family, now is a great time to get their car ready for the back-to-school season.   For many new drivers, the back-to-school season can be a nerve-wracking time. There are so many things to remember: new classes, meeting new people, and of course - driving in traffic for the first time.   If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't worry! We're here to help. In this blog post, we'll discuss some tips that will help you get ready for the back-to-school season. Follow these tips, and you'll navigate the roads like a pro i ... read more

Photo by Orkun Azap on Unsplash   6 Tips For Our New Drivers Congratulations on getting your driver's license! This is a huge accomplishment, and it's time to celebrate. But before you hit the open road, there are a few things you need to do to prepare for driving.   It's tough to let the baby take its first flight, but alas, here we are! They have to learn how to fly on their own sooner or later. Just make sure they cover some of the basics before that first jump!   Get yourself ready for the road! Here are our six tips for new drivers: Get plenty of practice driving in different conditions - practice in various weather conditions and on different types of roads. This will help you become a better dri ... read more

  A Road Trip Checklist To Save The Day The sun is out, the weather is warm, and road trip season is looking better by the day! A road trip can be a lot of fun, but it can also be stressful if you're not prepared. Let's help each other avoid any last-minute surprises and list a few things you'll want to consider!   No one wants to spend their road trip stressed out and worried about everything that could go wrong. By being prepared, you can avoid most of the potential problems and focus on having fun! Here are a few tips to help get you started:   Make a Road Trip Checklist! 1. Make a checklist: This is probably the most important step! A road trip checklist will help you make sure you don't forget anything important and that you have everything you need.   Some ideas of things to include in your checklist: Check your tires Check your spare tire Check your brakes Check your vehicle fluids Bring Water Bring Food Bring Chargers Bring f ... read more

  Did You Know We Are An “Preferred Repair Vendor” with Kemper Insurance (Formerly Unitrin)? We are tremendously proud of our affiliation with Kemper Insurance. Kemper Insurance is the new name for a company you might remember as Unitrin; their acquisition means more resources, even better care, and a wide range of industry experts they can draw on. This translates to more value for you and better protection for the customers we so dearly appreciate.   The Kemper Insurance Value Kemper Insurance is dedicated to providing the maximum amount of people with affordable and equitable insurance options. They cover a wide range of options, including personal, home, auto, and more! If you need insurance, Kemper Insurance has an option for you and a team to provide it.   Yeah, But What’s A “Preferred Repair Vendor&rd ... read more

  Bring Down The Heat With temperatures peaking in the 100s, everyone’s a little bit on edge and trying to get where they are going as fast as possible. Nobody likes sitting in their vehicle, sun beaming through the windows, wiping the sweat off their brow.   Sometimes it feels like your air conditioner just can’t keep up with what the sun tosses out. You hit every ride light, gotta wait for deer crossing, and you just want to get where you are going ASAP. Nothing is worse at that moment than having another driver cut you off, force you to wait at a red light, or even worse, get close to a collision with you.   Avoid Road Rage This Summer Drive Defensively - A good rule of thumb is to always drive defensively vs. offensively. Meaning, don’t be “that guy.” You know the one, the one that rushes ahead of everyone, that won’t let you merge on the freeway and seems to be in a hurry no matter where they go. Avoid that behavior, and dr ... read more

Cruising California In Style July in Monterey; we are the envy of the rest of the state, and that means you can expect lots of tourists rolling through, haha! Why not get ready for your own road trip this month, and line up some of your favorite songs for the ride!   Not sure what to play on your California road trip? Tired of listening to all the same stuff? Don’t worry; we have you covered! We compiled a list of three awesome summertime road cruising playlists that will help to break up that old playlist!   Cruising music for a California Road Trip Hollow Coves Radio - Planning a cruise down the coastline? Well, nothing says relaxing coastal music like some Hollow Coves! This playlist is the perfect background for relaxing seaside music; put it on, hop in your car, and lose yourself in the beautiful views.   Chill+Atmos ... read more

Photo by Josh Applegate on Unsplash Tailgate Treats For Independence Day Happy Independence Day, Monterey! Is everybody ready for the bright lights, smells, and family fun? We know we are. But in that spirit, you want to wow your guests this year; you want them to leave saying, “man, the food was amazing this year!” Here are some awesome recipes for tonight’s festivities and the rest of the tailgate season! Incredible Independence Day Hits Jalapeno Poppers Nothing says a warm summer afternoon chillin’ by the tailgate like some spicy jalapeno poppers! Let’s do a ham and cheese stuffing and celebrate the holiday with a bang! Grab canned whole jalapenos (the vinegar brine goes great with the other fl ... read more

Photo by Finn on UnsplashCARSTAR Robert’s Collision is an “Authorized Direct Repair Vendor” with MetLife Insurance! At Carstar Robert’s Collision, we dedicate ourselves to reducing the trauma, stress, and burden associated with an automobile collision. We deeply understand how stressful this experience can be, and we want to help make that as easy as possible.  That is why we are so proud to work with an amazing company like MetLife Insurance! Together, we work to get you past this situation as fast as possible and back to the life you want to live! How does an “Authorized Direct Repair Vendor” benefit m ... read more

Confident collision repairs; backed by community-driven service We opened our doors at CARSTAR Robert's Collision in Monterey, Ca, in 1996, and every day since has been a pleasure! We have been blessed by our community and the wonderful people we call customers. First and foremost, we maintain that being stranded anywhere is unacceptable; we go out of our way to ensure you and your vehicle get the best care available! We put community first! We are members of: •    Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce •    The Better Business Bureau •    Automotive Service Association •    CA Gold Shield Guaranteed Repair Station •    Automotive Service Councils of California Collision Repairs Few things are more traumatic than a vehicle collision. Even when there are no injuries, you now have your vehicle to deal with, and you aren ... read more

Photo by Bob Bowie on Unsplash Coastal California cool-downs Summer is officially here, and most of California is embroiled in a 100-plus degree temperature gridlock. Luckily for us, the California Central Coast sees enviable temperatures for the vast majority of the summer months, rarely exceeding 100 degrees in a day. So, what does that mean for the people that visit this area? Well, world-class temperatures, world-class food, and world-class natural beauty, what more could you ask for? Visit Monterey, California Ok, we admit it, we are a little biased on this phone, haha! But can you blame us? Monterey, California, is one of the most beautiful coastal regions in the world. With dramatic cliffsides dropping into the vast and wild paci ... read more

Photo by Simon Berger on Unsplash It's getting hot outside; should I service my A/C system now? A/C systems are pretty simple, and they will let you know when it's time to get service! If you are starting to feel hot and you feel like your A/C system isn't functioning like it used to, now is the time to get it serviced! A couple of things you might want to look for: Is your A/C system blowing warm air? Is it blowing only hot air? Or is it making any sounds or struggling to kick into gear when you think it should be? What is freon? Freon is a non-combustible gas added as a refrigerant to your air conditioning system. Without proper freon levels & pressure, your air conditioning system won't be able to cool you and you ... read more

Photo by Sarah Brown on Unsplash CARSTAR Robert’s Collision is a “Preferred Direct Repair” shop with Bristol West! We only work with the best at CARSTAR Robert's Collision, which is why we are proud to feature Bristol West in our Partner Spotlight this month! Bristol West Insurance has been around since 1973, helping customers of any income background or social situation. They pride themselves on ensuring you find coverage when you need it. What is a "Preferred Direct Repair" shop? CARSTAR Robert's Collision is a Preferred Repair Vendor for Geico Insurance. That means that we work hand-in-hand with Bristol West as one of their preferred dir ... read more

Photo by Leio McLaren on Unsplash Sun’s Out, Fun’s Out! The California heat is here, and with it comes the summertime fun! Families love to hit Yosemite National Park for a day-hike, Monterey's beaches for a tan, and our famed wineries to chill out. Whatever your favorite summertime activity, you can make it even better by ensuring your vehicle is ready for the road. How can I get my vehicle ready for summer? The best way to get your vehicle ready for summer is to have it examined by your trusted auto repair center. However, if you want to start the process yourself, we suggest examining your vehicle's fan belt (if it has a dedicated fan belt) and ensuring that it's tight. Check the freon levels in your air condition ... read more

Photo by anja. on Unsplash Is hot weather bad for my vehicle? The summer months are here, and if you live anywhere within the California Central Valley, you know what this means! Consecutive days where you can expect temperatures to reach and exceed 100+ degrees. That heat exposure can spell disaster for your vehicle, but it also makes driving a nightmare, especially if something goes wrong with your air conditioning system. All that heat can lead to electrical and mechanical failure in your vehicle. Your coolant system plays an integral role in regulating the operating temperature of your vehicle. Excessive heat can make it harder for it to do its job, and if temperatures get too high, you might experience complete vehicle failure. How c ... read more

Photo by Venti Views on Unsplash Monterey is a day trip paradise! Tolkien-esque rolling hills, dramatic cliffsides dropping sharply into the pacific ocean, shaded forests towering above silent paths, and white sand beaches as far as the eye can see; Monterey, California, is a day trip paradise! No matter what your idea of a perfect trip is, Monterey, California, is sure to have it.  You want world-class food? We got you covered.  You want a romantic winery tour with your loved one? No problem.  Wanna' spend your days lost in nature's beauty or drifting through the ocean alongside whales? Yea, we do that too! When should I visit Monterey for a day trip? Lucky for you, Monterey, Ca, experiences world-class weathe ... read more

Photo by Daniel @ bestjumpstarterreview.com on Unsplash My car won't start; is it my battery? We all know this feeling. You are supposed to be at work in fifteen minutes, and you walk out to your vehicle, turn the key, and nothing happens! Or, maybe you are met with a struggling start, a loud clicking sound, or a start followed by the vehicle dying. All of these scenarios mean one thing, there is something up with your vehicle's power system! What could be the cause of my vehicle not starting? Your vehicle's power system is a complicated network of physical machinery and electrical components, and they get more complex as time goes on! Starters, alternators, brake switches, belts, batteries, and more; all play a part i ... read more

Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash Why we partner with amazing companies, like Progressive Insurance! Each month, we like to feature one of our partners at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision. This month, we would like to spotlight Progressive insurance and its incredible legacy of providing high-quality turnkey insurance options to their clients! Progressive Insurance has been around since 1937, which means you get to draw on nearly a century of trust and community credit; built over generations. They really live their name, in that they are a very progressive company when it comes to living their values.  Progressive Insurance makes insurance easier ... read more

Photo by Thor Alvis on Unsplash What are some great day trips from Monterey, CA? Monterey, CA, may be one of the most beautiful locations on the planet, but as luck would have it, it is surrounded by all sorts of beauty as well! This area is so diverse in its geography, scenery, food, and local cultures. Between some of the planet’s best produce, fruit, and wine, you’ll also find stunning views you won’t see anywhere else.    So we put together three amazing spots you can easily do in a day trip from Monterey, CA. Here are three awesome day trips out of Monterey, CA:   Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park - Like a faery wonderland out of a J.R.R. Tolki ... read more

Photo by Michael Jin on Unsplash What do I do in a hit & run situation? Collisions are a worst-case scenario for everyone. The beloved vehicle that you worked so hard for, your baby, is facing a situation you just didn’t see coming. Whether it’s a simple scratch or major bodywork, moving forward can be emotionally stressful and financially worrying. What makes that situation worse is when you can’t reach out to the person who did it! A hit & run!   We try as hard as we can to plan and prepare for the un-plannable, but we still get blindsided when it happens. If you are in a hit & run scenario, we suggest a couple of things.   What to do in a hit & run situation:   Stay calm   ... read more

Photo by Wassim Chouak on Unsplash Are there filters other than my oil filter? You might be surprised to find out how many people believe that your vehicle only has one main filter, your oil filter! Or, maybe this is the first time you have even thought about it. Worry not; whatever your scenario, this month’s blog serves as a primer on the subject and should help give you a better picture of just how complex your vehicle really is. Which vehicle filters are the most important? To begin with, your vehicle has four main filters. All of which serve to protect your vehicle from dirt, dust, particulate matter, rust breakdown, metal shavings, and more! Our vehicle is a complex piece of machinery that really needs to be protected ... read more

Photo by Sebastian Herrmann on Unsplash Why We Partner With GEICO Insurance. We like to feature one of our partners in our "Partner Spotlight" blog each month. This month, we have the pleasure of introducing one of our longtime partners GEICO Insurance. We partner with many different insurance providers to bring you the greatest value we can in Monterey County, and GEICO is one of the best. Why We Love GEICO First of all, it comes down to legacy and consumer trust. GEICO has been in the insurance business since 1936, making them a time-tested American-born insurance provider. With almost a century in business helping people navigate some of life's mo ... read more

Photo by Clark Van Der Beken on Unsplash What Can I Do To Fix My Car After A Collision? It’s an unfortunate fact that driving is one of the most dangerous things we engage in daily. A lot of us overlook just how common collisions are. While we pray and hope that we never have to deal with one, it’s good to prepare and have a plan for if we do.    Every year, new drivers enter the road space. Young people with little to no experience on the roads carry a good amount of anxiety with the beginning experience. It’s good to take some time to educate them about road safety and good practices; before you let them fly on their own. Beyond that, let’s discuss some of the details of how you can come back from a co ... read more

Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash Tire tread is often an overlooked aspect of vehicle maintenance, yet it plays a crucial role in ensuring safety on the road. In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of tire tread, what it is, how it can get damaged, the symptoms of worn tread, and a simple test you can perform at home to check your tire tread depth. What is Tire Tread? Tire tread refers to the pattern of grooves and channels on the surface of a tire that makes contact with the road. This design serves several purposes, including providing traction, dispersing water to prevent hydroplaning, and enhancing overall stability and handling. Ways Tire Tread Can Get Damaged: Wear and Tear: Over time, the friction between the tire ... read more

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash The Importance of Fluid Exchange It isn’t just our oil that we need to worry about, our vehicles run several types of fluid, and all of them play an important role in keeping us on the road. Our vehicles contain brake fluid, engine coolant, engine oil, transmission fluid, differential fluid, and more.   The loss of fluid from month-to-month use of a car is more than most people might think. Monterey Country sees its share of variables that affect our fluids between the salty coastal air, dusty agricultural roads, and moist driving conditions.    Our vehicles have filters that help sift out some of the airborne particulates and other things that might enter our fluid systems ... read more

Photo by Juliane Liebermann on Unsplash Considering February’s theme of love and affection, what better time to highlight one of our amazing partners at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision in Monterey, CA. We are proud to feature Farmers Insurance as the star of this month’s Partner Spotlight. Driving without protection can leave our families open to dangerous situations; you want that protection in the case that you need it. Farmers Insurance is an American legacy company that has been around for nearly 100 years! Providing people with the safety and peace of mind that they need to live their lives fully. When it comes time to consider an insurance company ... read more

Photo by Clément M. on Unsplash Continuing our February appreciation theme, let's expand on sharing the love! With the month coming to a close, did we show our affection in all the places that we intended? It's not too late to act in the spirit of Valentine's Day and shower our friends, family, and vehicles with the love and care they deserve. Nothing brings an old vehicle to life like some interior and exterior attention. It is all too easy to find ourselves wrapped in the day-to-day chaos, but don't forget, our vehicles share that burden with us. We compiled a few things you might want to do to share the love with your vehicle. Here are three awesome ideas: Exterior Detailing - The sting of the summer rays has lo ... read more

Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash Happy Valentine’s Day, Monterey! In the spirit of the loving season, we thought it would be a great time to pay a little extra attention to our vehicles, to remember the good and the bad. Like any relationship, it’s good to step back and remember what got us here; in this case, our vehicles literally drove us here, haha! Vehicles aren’t just expensive purchases we feel tied to for the length of our car payments and leases. They act as a conduit for our dreams, goals, and ambitions. They work hard to get us where we want to go, physically and emotionally. You might remember your first date, a late night out with your buddies, or a road trip to visit loved ones. Your vehicle was there f ... read more

Photo by Candy Goode on Unsplash Valentine’s Day is almost here, are you ready for it? If you haven’t made any plans, don’t worry, we have you covered! Whether you are into a romantic rendezvous by the seaside, a day spent touring the forest, or sipping on world-class wine amidst some of the country’s most beautiful scenery; this list has an option for you! Where would we be on Valentine’s Day without our beloved vehicles? For that reason, we wanted to include your vehicle on at least one of these trips, a very beautiful one at that. We lined up three things that are sure to make a wonderful Valentine’s Day. Here are three romantic getaways in Monterey, CA, that you can do in a single day ... read more

Photo by Cytonn Photography on Unsplash We are a month into the New Year today, and now it is time to reevaluate our resolutions. Did we hit the goals we set, and more importantly, did we set the right goals? We can’t stress the importance of safety and protection enough; we see collisions every day and know what it means to prepare. This month, we would like to highlight our relationship with USAA Insurance, an amazing company we proudly call our partner. Collisions come out of nowhere; nobody is ever truly prepared for the moment they hit. We can drive safely, park far away from other vehicles, and plan to drive in good weather, but we still can’t avoid those “act of god&rdquo ... read more

Photo by Ildar Garifullin on Unsplash Pandemic prices are through the roof, especially when it comes to vehicles. On average, used cars have risen 24% from June 2020 to June 2021, and things are set to go even higher! New cars faced a 12%+ increase as well, setting vehicle sales prices at an all-time high. All of this leaves us with a question – do we buy new…or do we buy used? The answer might seem obvious if we look at the percentages alone, but there is more to factor in! Microchip shortages and supply chain logistics issues are two of the main reasons we see these price increases. As factories in China fell behind with microchip p ... read more

Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash Our end-of-the-year partner spotlight highlights our relationship with Esurance Insurance. With the end of the year just a few days away, now is a great time to consider how you want to start the new year. Thinking about our futures and keeping our families safe is a New Year’s resolution we can get behind. Our friends at Esurance Insurance take the insurance industry and simplify everything. They employ cutting-edge technology and user-friendly interfaces that bring the experience closer to the consumer. The big complaint about insurance is how confusing and expensive the process is. Esurance has an infrastructure that disentangles the complicated web of policy plans and details. H ... read more

Image by Автошкола ТЕХНИКА from Pixabay  The holiday season is the perfect time to hit the road with your family and friends. One of the rare and cherished moments where everyone gets the same days off, and you can plan a little fun together. Nothing enhances that road trip bond like belting your favorite song together as the road rushes by! Everyone’s ideal road trip looks different. Some people like to plan their trip out meticulously, packing in as many sights and stops as possible. In contrast, other people want to hit the road and see where the highways take them. Whichever one you are, we all have one thing in common; we love a fantastic road trip playlist to set the mood. In the sp ... read more

Photo by Clark Van Der Beken on Unsplash   For some of us, our vehicles are like extended family members. We spend countless hours trusting them to get us safe and sound from Point A to Point B. Precious memories are created with them by our side, and nothing hurts more than seeing something you love get hurt!   Everyone remembers the moment they got their first vehicle. Some of us were lucky enough to walk outside to the greatest present we have ever received, while others toiled away at our minimum wage jobs scraping pennies to afford our first beater. Whichever umbrella you fall under, we all agree that it was one of the defining moments of our early adult lives, the moment the keys to personal freedom were placed in our hands ... read more