Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When you look at our services, you will see that Robert’s Auto Repair can do all the basic auto body, repair, and service work on all major vehicle brands. Over the years, we have done a handful of vintage cars and home-made kit cars, but for the most part, we stick to the major vehicle brands. Our specialty is to provide state-of-the art auto body repair and mechanical repair. We pride ourselves on our fast service and our abilities to get you back out on the road quickly. Though we are fast with our work, the quality of our work never suffers, and we stand by our workmanship with a guarantee. You can trust Roberts Auto Repair for complete auto body, repair, and maintenance services whenever your vehicle needs a it. We'll help you keep the cost of unexpected repairs down with regularly scheduled maintenance. Ask us about our complete preventive maintenance program for your vehicle.

Did you know that Robert’s Auto Repair has plenty of ways for you to schedule your next auto repair or maintenance service? Our website allows you to schedule your next appointment online, and it’s a fast and simple process. All you have to do is go to Appointments and fill in your name, phone number, email address, the date you want to schedule your appointment, the time you want to come, and tell us a little bit about what’s going on with your vehicle. Many of our customers who have scheduled their next appointment online have been very pleased with the results. No longer are you required to pick up the phone during our business hours to schedule an appointment. With the online appointment scheduling, you can select when you’re able to come in, even when you’re sitting at your computer late at night. Scheduling your next appointment online is just one of the many ways Robert’s Auto Repair makes it easier on you. Got questions? Contact us any time online ... read more

*Editor’s Note: We have a tradition of posting this personal message from your vehicle every year. Have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve! I, my human's vehicle, do solemnly swear to make the following New Year's Resolutions for 2013. I resolve to carry my humans and their precious cargo safely wherever they drive me. I resolve to stop as quickly as possible when faced with an emergency situation. I resolve to respond quickly when my gas pedal is pushed, my steering wheel is turned, my brakes are applied, and when my human is running late. I resolve to provide warmth when it's cold, air conditioning when it's hot, and shelter from the rain, wind, sleet, snow, and hail. I resolve to never hydroplane, slide, or lose control of myself on the road. I resolve to use gasoline efficiently, helping my human's money stretch as far as possible. I resolve to avoid all accidents, scratches, pot holes, and any damage that would harm me or make my insurance go up. I resolve to always serve my human ... read more

A happy life Abundance Lots of love Growth and prosperity Family and friends Safe and reliable vehicles A full belly A happy home From our family to yours, Merry Christmas, everyone

Make sure your vehicle is road ready and safe for the holidays. Make sure to triple check your vehicle with a safety inspection from Robert’s Auto Repair. When you come in for any service or repair, the Vehicle Safety Inspection is FREE. When we say any, we mean any oil change, brake repair, headlight repair, etc. If you wish to come in for just the Vehicle Safety Inspection however, it will cost $94.23. Make this a safe and memorable holiday season for everyone who travels with you. Call today to schedule a service at our 26,000 square foot facility, located at 234 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940. Mechanical -- 831-373-1534
Body Shop -- 83

If you’re looking to buy a new car, many auto dealerships are trying to make their sales numbers with a year-end push. If you’re ready to buy, here are the best days to purchase a new vehicle in the month of December: 12/24/12 12/27/12 12/28/12 12/29/12 12/30/12 12/31/12 Dealers want to clear their lots of excess inventory so they can earn their end-of-year bonuses and avoid paying taxes on unsold vehicle stock. They do this by offering sizeable cash-back rebates, super financing discounts, and special lease deals, which means great pricing with discounts of up to 32% on some new car models. However, be prepared to choose from the dealer’s current inventory

Destination #1: Christmas At The Adobes Walking Tour in Downtown Monterey Friday, December 7 & Saturday, December 8 from 5 - 9 PM each night. Tickets are $20 Adult 18 and over; $2 Youth ages 6-17; Children 5-and-under free. Save $5 on one-night adult pass by purchasing ticket on or before October 31. Take your time and see all the buildings with a two-night Gold Pass for $30. NEW THIS YEAR! Buy tickets on-line and pick up at Pacific House Museum Will Call! - Located on Custom House Plaza near Fisherman's Wharf. Click to Buy Tickets On-line! Destination #2: Candy Cane Lane in Pacific Grove Every year, starting the first weekend in December and ending on Dec. 31, some 75 homes between Morse Drive and Beaumont Avenue become collectively known as Candy Cane Lane, a triangular winter wonderland with lights, displays, a centerpiece little park, music and Santa handing out candy to the kids. Here’s a video of Candy Cane Lane: Destination #3: Carmel-By-The-Sea From tree ligh ... read more

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again... Our Customer Rewards Card Program helps you save money, and that’s an awesome thing to take advantage of during the holiday shopping season. For full details about our Customer Rewards Card program, read more here...

Brakes are often taken for granted, until they don’t work so well. If you’re planning to travel across town or on the freeway, getting your brakes checked and repaired is the best way to stay safe. We don’t mean to scare you, but look at some of these scary Thanksgiving Holiday driving statistics: Thanksgiving weekend is the most traveled holiday period of the year with almost 90% of those traveling doing so by car and, if previous year statistics hold true, this Thanksgiving weekend will also be the deadliest holiday period of the year. Speeding is the major reason for traffic crashes. Higher speeds reduce the time you have to react to an emergency situation and increase the crash forces in a collision. Tired drivers who worked all day Wednesday are now facing the frustration of being stuck in slow traffic for such a long distance. These tired drivers may be tempted to take chances they might not otherwise take. Drivers leaving late on Sunday who waited until the end of footbal ... read more

Tires in good shape? ….Check! Oil changed? ….Check! Brakes all good? ….Check! Engine been checked? ….Check! With the holidays approaching, it is wise to come into Robert’s Auto Repair now and get a Vehicle Safety Inspection done. When you come in for any service or repair, the Vehicle Safety Inspection is FREE. When we say any, we mean any oil change, brake repair, headlight repair, etc. If you wish to come in for just the Vehicle Safety Inspection, it costs $94.23. However you choose to make sure your vehicle is ready for the holidays, we encourage you to get your vehicle inspected early, before you get caught up in the holiday shopping and preparation chaos. Call today to schedule a service at our 26,000 square foot facility, located at 234 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940. Mechanical -- 831-373-1534
Body Shop -- 83

Reason #1: Oil Changes Yes, we do plenty of oil changes at Robert’s Auto Repair. Regular oil changes are necessary to ensure the proper performance of a car or truck's engine. Frequent oil changes provide for a cleaner engine, longer engine life, lower vehicle emissions, better gas mileage, and better engine performance. Reason #2: Brakes Your car's brake system is a complex grouping of parts which serve a critical role in keeping you safe. No other system in the car is as important for your safety. Keeping your brake system in tip-top shape should be your top priority. Reason #3: Noises From The Car Noises from the car are certainly something to check out, especially if these noises from the car are new or harsh on the ears. At Robert’s Auto Repair, we have a neat-o tool called, Chassis Ears, which we use to diagnose the noises. It’s helped us pinpoint the problems much faster, making the noises from the car go away and keeping ... read more

If you’re the kind of person who likes to get things done first thing in the morning, we have Early Bird Service at Robert’s Auto Repair. Just drop off your keys and we’ll start work on your car right away! If you’re a little slower to get started in the morning, Robert’s will welcome you personally any Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM. Need a ride back home or to work? If it’s close enough, we’ll be happy to drop you off wherever you need to go and pick you up, too. Do you already have a ride, but you need to know the moment your car’s ready to roll? Robert’s Auto Repair can text you, call you, or email you to let you know your vehicle is ready for pick up. Do you need a rental car for several days? Robert’s Auto Repair has Enterprise on-site and we’ll be happy to assist you with borrowing a vehicle for as long as you need it. Just ask about our rental car options so you can drive where you like, when you’d like... Call today! Mechanical -- 831-373-1534
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5 Reasons You Want To Do Business With Robert’s Auto Repair 2-year Warranty on Mechanical Repair Lifetime Warranty on Body and Paint Green Certification Voted Best Auto Service Only Auto Service with State-of-the-Art Equipment From start to finish, and any step in between, we are focused on getting your car back on the road...FAST! Here’s why: Our friendly staff is fully trained in the use of the latest estimating programs to give you fast, accurate quotes. For towing, we are associated with AAA authorized Monterey Garage. Your car can come under our care at the very first step. Major, or minor, all mechanical work is performed right here in our building. Your car’s body and paint will be given the look it had when brand new. Washing and detailing is an important last step. We gladly accept all insurance work and are preferred by Farmers, Progressive and Geico! Call today! Mechanical -- 831-373-1534
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At Robert’s Auto Repair, we have upped the ante of our auto body repair technology, and we are very excited! We are the first and only Green shop in the area using waterborne paint. Our paint curing process helps get your car back to you in record time. Our ultra modern equipment assures your car is put back to original factory condition. You can depend on our expert, mechanical repair work -- We Guarantee It! We do it all at Robert’s Auto Repair! Factory Quality Paint and Body Work Wheel Alignment Air Conditioning Suspension Brake Repair Air Bag Installation Certified Mechanical Technicians Certified Body and Paint Technicians Written Warranty Come see for yourself why Robert’s Auto Repair is the Premiere Auto Shop of the Future!Mechanical -- 831-373-1534
Body Shop -- 831-373-1535

Have you seen spiderwebs on your black car? No, we’re not talking real spiders! We’re not even talking about Halloween! We’re talking about those tiny scratches you see when the sun shines brightly on your black paint.If you see spiderwebs in the black paint of your car....or any dark colored paint, for that matter...come in to Robert’s Auto Repair’s Detailing Center, where we have the Ultimate Facial for Exterior Paint.Our “Ultimate Facial” is a complete Micro Buff, using Clay Magic and Complete Carnuba Wax, and it includes our Platinum Wash Service. With this “Ultimate Facial”, an appointment is required, but we have rental cars available for your convenience. The price of an “Ultimate Facial” is $250, which is an amazing deal!Call Robert’s Auto Repair today to schedule your vehicle’s “Ultimate Facial” at 831-373-1535.

Have you seen how gorgeous it is outside today? It’s hard not to want to soak up the sun all day. Our Indian Summers on the Monterey Peninsula are simply gorgeous, and for those of us who love our cars, the temptation to roll down the windows, open up the sunroof, or take the convertible top down is very high! On beautiful days like these, have fun breathing in the fresh air and feeling the wind in your hair. When you’re done with your beautiful drive by our gorgeous coastline, come see us at Robert’s Auto Repair for an oil change, a free safety inspection, or a detailing package that will make your car look extra clean and shiny! Enjoy your day

Many people believe that if their vehicle is in an accident, but the child car seat is undamaged, they are still good. However, that is not the case. According to the NHTSA, child safety seats must be replaced following a moderate or severe crash in order to ensure a continued high level of crash protection for child passengers. However, for any child car seat that has endured a minor crash, they may be replaced later if the minor crash did not damage the child safety seat, airbags were not deployed, and there were no injuries to the occupants within the vehicle. Many people want to re-use child safety seats after an accident to save some money, but this could put you at risk for being “penny wise and pound foolish”. Most insurance companies will reimburse for carseats involved in a crash, and they are required by law to do so in some states. If you have any questions about your particular child safety seat(s), contact the child seat manufacturer for further details

Now that we’re in September, when leaves start to turn and birds migrate, expect to see more debris on your vehicle: falling leaves, tree sap, and bird poop. Falling leaves are pretty easy to clear off, but sometimes they get stuck in the crevices around the engine compartment and air vents for your A/C system. Tree sap can happen any time, especially if you park your vehicle outside. Sometimes tree sap can mar the car paint. Bird poop is pretty harmless, but it’s a mess. If you’ve ever been unlucky enough to be at the McDonald’s by the corner of Del Monte and 218 while a seagull drops his load on you as you are getting into your convertible, you’ll know how hard it is to get bird poop off of your car seats, shirt, pants, and hair. (Trust us when we say it isn’t pretty.) If these hazards happen to you this September, have no fear....for Robert’s detailing department is here! For full details about our detailing services, click here

Now that school’s back in session and Indian Summer is here, we’ve all seen our fair share of increased traffic. We all know how important traffic safety is, but here are a few reminders that will keep you and your vehicle safe and sound: Tip #1: Don’t drive distracted. About 80% of all auto related deaths and injuries are caused by distracted drivers every year. For all of you who are putting on makeup while driving, texting while driving, fiddling around with your mapping system while driving, or eating drive-thru meals while driving, your ability to focus on your primary task of driving is greatly diminished. Do all of this before or after you begin driving. Tip #2: Talk on a hands-free cell phone system. Many new cars, like the Mini Cooper Countryman, have hands-free cell phone system, and this keeps both hands free to command the vehicle. Too many times, we see people driving and talking on their cell phones with one hand holding it flat, nestled in the crook of their neck, o ... read more

We loved going to the Monterey County Fair this weekend! Now that we’re into County Fair Season, it’s a fun time for everyone...but your car might not like it so much. Here are some ways to protect your vehicle from scratches and dings in the county fair parking lots while you’re snacking on cotton candy: Park your car in a wide enough space. Don't park your car between larger vehicles, for they could block your view or hit you with their wide doors. Park your car between compact cars. Park your car between new cars. Don’t park your car between 2-door cars. Pull your car through to the front of a 90-degree slot. DON’T pull your car through to the front of an angled slot. Don’t park your car near the cart corral. Park your car in the middle of the space. Never park at the end of an unprotected row. These safety tips for parking your car should work, but when going to County Fairs and other festivals, there’s no guarantee you can find the ideal parking space. If, however, your car ge ... read more

August is a fabulous time to see some lovely -- and lovingly cared for -- vehicles on the Monterey Peninsula. Here is a glimpse at some of the beautiful cars we saw at last year's auto show in Pacific Grove: To get your car looking this great, schedule an appointment with our auto body or detailing shop, today at 831-373-1535. Robert’s Auto Repair is conveniently located at 234 Ramona, Monterey, CA 93940, right off of Del Monte Blvd. at Highway

Did you see all those gorgeous, expensive, and immaculate automobiles during the Concours d’Elegance over the weekend? Wow! We got a glimpse of a few, and they were outstanding! After seeing all these beautiful autos, many locals turn to Robert’s Auto Repair asking, “How can I make my car look like new again?”. Luckily, Robert’s Auto Repair is the premiere auto repair center of the Monterey Peninsula, and when you bring your vehicle into our “car spa”, your set of wheels will look a lot like it did when you drove it off the showroom floor. See how we lovingly restore damaged vehicles in our auto body center in this video, and see for yourself why Robert’s Auto Repair is the best in the area! To schedule an appointment with our auto body or detailing shop, please call today at 831-373-1535. Robert’s Auto Repair is conveniently located at 234 Ramona, Monterey, CA 93940, right off of Del Monte Blvd. at Highway

We, here, on the Monterey Peninsula are blessed, for we live in a place of cool Summer temperatures, incredible natural beauty, and a warm, tightly-knit community. Though we are fortunate year round, we become even more blessed when all the auto shows come to town...especially the Concours d’Elegance! No doubt, you’ll see some beautiful automobiles all week long as we prepare for Concours d’Elegance, but if you’re not sure what the schedule is, here is a link to their website: http://www.pebblebeachconcours.net/pages/about-events-elegance/index.htm#concours_d'elegance Not everyone has a collectable car, but most of us have a vehicle that is deeply important to us, our families, and our livelihood. To keep your vehicle looking beautiful, Robert’s Auto Repair has a number of auto body, paint, and detailing services to make your vehicle look as new and elegant as pos ... read more

Now that the back-to-school season is approaching, freshen your car back up after beating it into the ground after Summer!Seriously, if your vehicle has taken the family on summertime road trips, visits to the beach, drives around the Bay Area, as well as hither and yond, your vehicle might need an oil change, tune-up, or regularly scheduled service. Your family will thank you for taking the car in early for proper maintenance BEFORE the Check Engine light goes on or funny noises begin to emerge from under the hood.If you would like to make sure your car, truck, van, or SUV is operating like it should for the rest of 2012, bring it in for a check up at Robert’s Auto Repair. Call our friendly staff to schedule an appointment and we’ll get you and your vehicle back out on the road again in short order. Call 831-373-1534 today to make an appointment with our mechanical repair department.

At Robert’s Auto Repair, we can do several things to protect your vehicle’s paint from the harsh sun:1. Complete detail and waxing services from our Detailing Center. If you'd like to restore your vehicle to that new car finish look, then we can offer you the ultimate facial to your exterior paint. By using clay magic and wax and with the help of a complete microbuff, we can get rid of those microscopic scratches left behind from previous washes.2. Wax your vehicle to give it a 60 day protection, or add a protective teflon coating that should last 2 years from our Paint Department. This is an ideal service for brand new cars and you’d like to seal the paint before you risk the chance of a scratch.3. If your vehicle’s paint is already looking like it’s been through a lot, consider a new paint job from our Paint Department. Our waterborne paint is environmentally friendly and our infrared drying system will have your new p ... read more

As you know, the Monterey Peninsula is famous for Summertime auto shows and events. Here are 3 of the top events coming up: Red Bull Gran Prix, July 27 - 29, 2012 http://www.seemonterey.com/events/sporting/grand-prix/ Concours d’ Elegance, August 13 - 19, 2012
http://www.seemonterey.com/events/sporting/concours/ Cherry’s Jubilee, September 12 - 16, 2012
http://www.seemonterey.com/events/community/cherrys-jubilee/ You don’t want to miss these events. Book your tickets asap! We’ll be there, too, so we’ll seeing you out in the crowd

Today’s blog is brought to you with the help of the Federal Trade Commission. Click on this link and discover various tips to save money at the gas pump. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/energysavings/savegas/flash.html If you would like to bring your vehicle in to Robert’s Auto Repair for service, repair, an oil change, an engine tune-up, wheel alignment, new tires, or auto body repair, call 831-373-1534 for an appointment, or stop by Robert’s Auto Repair at 234 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, CA

The Monterey Peninsula is a beautiful place and when it is super hot everywhere else during Summer, we often have a marine layer that can look somewhat gloomy. What should you do to prepare your vehicle for extreme Summertime conditions? Come to Robert’s Auto Repair for an Air Conditioning recharge, service, or repair. There are many benefits to arranging regular car air conditioning maintenance, including the following: Save on Repair Bills – By arranging regular vehicle air conditioning maintenance you can save yourself expensive repair bills and prevent total failure of your system. Extend the Life of Your System – Routine maintenance of your air conditioning system will ensure many more years of reliable service. Prevent Refrigerant Contamination – Your car repair shop will carry out checks for cross-contamination of refrigerant. Contamination can stop your system from working efficiently and can also cause total failure of ai ... read more

When the 4th of July comes around, that means a lot of people will be hitting the road...both into and out of town. Here on the Monterey Peninsula, we attract many tourists, and we love them. However, they’re not accustomed to the traffic rules in our area, so it’s important to drive extra cautiously around the Monterey Peninsula during the Independence Day Holiday. Things to Remember: Tourists love to honk their horns in the tunnel. It’s a tradition among many. Our advice is to protect your hearing and close your sunroof, windows, and convertible top while driving through the tunnel. There are no left turns on Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey. Unfortunately, many visitors disregard the double yellow lines in the road and make left turns into driveways and parking lots anyway. Be on the lookout for visitors making left turns, or you could have a collision! There are several one way streets and inevitably, someone from out of town heads in the wrong direction. The ... read more

Get the fun, game-like computer program that’s proven to enhance driver safety. Brought to you by PositScience and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, This brain fitness software will reduce your crash risk by up to 50%! http://drivesharp.positscience.com/?CJAID=10685832&CJPID=3529639 It’s an easy exam and fun, too! Try the trial and see how well you do. In the meantime, if you have a fender bender or need to bring your car in for service, come to Robert’s Auto Repair at 234 Ramona Avenue in Monterey. We’ll be happy to maintain or repair all of the important safety features on your vehicle so you can safely avoid crash risks. Call 831-373-1534 today to schedule your appointment

Have you or someone in your family had a few too many traffic accidents? If so, consider improving your driving skills by enrolling in a driver improvement course. There are several driver improvement courses available in Monterey County. AAA Online Mature Driver CourseGo To Traffic SchoolElischer’s Driving SchoolMotorcycle Safety CoursesGraniterock Truck Driver TrainingSkip Ba ... read more