Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

Partner Spotlight: 21st Century Insurance - 2023 Another year rolls by & another great year in partnership with 21st Century Insurance! We take great pride in being an authorized direct repair vendor for 21st Century Insurance. This partnership allows us to provide exceptional collision repair services to customers while ensuring a seamless and efficient claims process. In this article, we will delve into the details of our partnership with 21st Century Insurance and shed light on the benefits it brings to our valued customers.   Introduction Our partnership with 21st Century Insurance further enhances our ability to provide top-notch collision repair services to policyholders, ensuring their satisfaction throughout the repair process.   Why 21st Century Insurance? 21st Century Insurance is a well-established company known for its reliability and commitment to customer service. With a rich history in the in ... read more

  How Servicing Your Vehicle Power System Will Help You Avoid Trouble Your vehicle's power system is a critical component that ensures the proper functioning of electrical systems, ignition, and overall performance. Regular servicing and maintenance of the power system can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns, extend the life of your vehicle, and save you from costly repairs.   In this article, we will explore the importance of servicing your vehicle's power system and the steps you can take to ensure trouble-free driving. Understanding the Vehicle Power System The vehicle power system comprises various components that provide electrical power and ensure smooth operation. These components include the battery, alternator, starter, belts, pulleys, fuses, ignition, and fuel. A well-functioning power system is essential for powering electrical components, starting the engine, and maintaining proper ignition. Regular Maintenance and Inspection Regular maintenance a ... read more

When Do I Replace My Tires & Where Do I Go To Replace Them? As a car owner, knowing when to replace your tires is important for ensuring the safety of yourself and others on the road. In this article, we'll go through the signs that indicate you need new tires and where to go to replace them. Signs you need new tires Your tires are the only part of your car that comes in contact with the road, so it's important to make sure they're in good condition. Here are some signs that indicate you need new tires: Tread wear indicator bars Most modern tires have tread wear indicator bars that are designed to help you determine when the tire has worn down to the point where it needs to be replaced. These bars are located in the grooves between the treads and become visible when the tire is worn down to 2/32 of an inch. Low tire tread depth If the tread depth of your tires is below 4/32 of an inch, it's time to replace them. You can check the tread depth using a tread dep ... 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 Holly Mandarich on Unsplash  For this week's blog, we want to highlight some of the more common causes of auto collisions so that you can avoid being in an accident yourself. While commuting to work or going about your day, you may have witnessed an accident on the road and wondered why it happened. At CARSTAR Robert's Collision in Monterey, we care about your safety and want to point out some things to avoid while on the road.  Being able to identify hazards on the road or having the ability to react to avoid accidents requires attention and focus. It is important to remember that your life, your passenger's life, and the lives of other drivers around you can be affected ... read more

This month, CARSTAR Robert’s Collision wants to highlight and celebrate one of our partners: Permit General Insurance.    Permit General works with CARSTAR Robert’s Collision as a direct repair shop. Permit General Insurance offers automotive insurance that has a variety of coverage plans that help clients find the best auto insurance for their needs.   At CARSTAR Robert’s Collision, we work closely with insurance providers to provide easy, convenient service and communication to our mutual clients. Our combined goal is to make your auto body repairs seamless and hassle-free, with high-quality customer service. Here are some videos showing the entire customer service experience and repair process when you work with CARSTAR Robert’s Collision:   If your vehicle needs auto body repair and you have questions for our tea ... read more

If you are staying home for the holidays on the Monterey Peninsula, that’s terrific! 2020 has been quite a year, and we are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful place on California’s Central Coast. If you are looking for places to hang out on the Monterey Peninsula during the 2020 Winter holidays, we have some ideas for you and your family to enjoy.   Enjoy the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail. If you like to walk, bike, skateboard, jog, or take a surrey ride along our rocky shore, our recreational trail is one of the best in the world. The majority of visitors stick to the portion of trail between Lovers Point in Pacific Grove to the Tides Hotel at the border of Monterey and Seaside. However, this trail continues further South to Asilomar State Beach and further North to Castroville. The entire trail is beautiful, so enjoy the view and be sure to wear your facemasks.   Go Golfing. We have world-class golf courses here on the Monterey Peninsula. The Monterey ... read more

California has been struck by fire after fire in the last few years, and 2020 is up there with the worst fire season our state has ever seen. Along with smoky orange and grey skies and poor to dangerous air quality, California residents have had days and days of ash falling from the sky. With no end to the fires in sight, it’s important to make sure that you keep your car from accumulating long-term damage as a result of the fire season. Keep reading to find out how to keep the air pollution from ruining your car’s paint job, and how to keep the air in your car as clean as possible.  After driving, you’ll likely arrive home with some ash residue. This can be removed quickly and easily by gently wiping down your vehicle with a long-handled car duster to remove any soot and ash that have accumulated. Make sure to pay particular attention to your headlights and taillights to ensure you have maximum visibility. If you have access to a garage where you can park your ... read more

Window tint - Pros and Cons Tinted windows are great for a number of reasons. They can block dangerous UV rays, they look good, and also offer some privacy, so you don't feel like you are driving in a fishbowl when on the road. Keep in mind; there is such a thing as too dark of tint.   Is It Legal? In the south, we encounter many cars with really dark tinted windows. The advantage of dark tint is heat repellant and UV ray reduction. The intense heat of the south does tend to tax your air conditioner, so it is an advantage. As we move to the northern states, dark tint tends to signal that whoever is inside may have reason to hide. Many states have laws in place to limit the tinting of vehicle windows.   Vision Limitation Yes, tinted windows can keep your eyes from sun damage, on darker days, that same tint can impede your vision. Missing an animal crossing the road, a car without headlights, or worse yet, a child running into the way could mean ultimate disaster. It ... read more

  Accelerating and decelerating should be a smooth, uneventful process. If you feel your car shifting hard, be sure to bring it to the auto mechanics at CARSTAR Robert's Collision and Repair in Monterey, your one-stop repair shop. Catching your shifting issues early can save you a lot of money and be as easy as an adjustment.   Some folks say a clutch is the foot pedal to the left of your brake on the floor of your manual transmission vehicle. Yes, they are half right, the far-left foot pedal is the actual switch which activated the clutch assembly. However, the location of the clutch itself is in your transmission. Does your automatic have a clutch? The answer is yes. An automatic transmission does have a clutch in addition to having sensors automating the activation process, so no foot pedal is needed when driving.   There are five main parts in your clutch that, together, work to sync your engine and wheels, allowing your engine to rev at full speed while you ... 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

Life might be a highway, but when you’re speeding along, you’re probably not getting the most out of your fuel consumption. Do you want to know some great ways to increase fuel efficiency? Everyone wants to save money, but oftentimes we throw it away because we are careless or just don’t know how best to do it. When it comes to fuel efficiency, here are some solid suggestions that has the power to improve yours 5-25%: 1.       Don’t road rage. When you are flying past the guy that was just ahead of you or your slamming on your breaks, not only is that bad for your blood pressure, it’s also bad for your gas mileage. Set your cruise control so it keeps you even-steven. 2.       We know this won’t work on the freeways, but keep in mind you get the best gas mileage when you’re going around 50 miles an hour. This is currently the best speed for the best gas mileage. We know that it won’t always matter ... read more

Juggernauts… Mercedes-Benz and BMW are two of the biggest in the automotive industry and to say that each has loyal followings is an understatement. To say they have a cult-like following is more on track. Each one wields its magic that has the power to draw you in for life. Throughout automotive history, BMW has focused on delivering the ultimate driving experience while Mercedes-Benz espoused ultimate comfort. Both offer high on the luxury scale, and not many people on the planet would be embarrassed to pull up to one of their high school reunions in either one.  When it comes to safety, the brands are pretty well matched with specific models coming in with perfect 10s. JD Powers reports that the Mercedes E-Class and the BMW 2 Series and X1 hold onto to safety perfection. Performance, safety, reliability… all are close. Interiors… well, let’s talk comfort and luxury. While the Mercedes holds the highest rep for supreme comfort, it does not deliver on ... read more

Elon Musk may be responsible for leading us into the electric revolution, but that doesn’t mean that he’s going to get the biggest slice of the pie and nor does it mean that the US is leading the pack. Time will tell for Tesla, but in the meantime, even the US is starting to see the impact of the electric car surge. I dare you to Google your favorite car and add a hybrid to the search. What did you find? Most likely, if it’s not already being produced, you were given time in the relatively near future as to when you could (just a fast) be driving a hybrid (if not completely electric) version.  India, Britain, France and other companies have given deadlines of 2030 or 2040 as to when they will eliminate the sales of gas-powered vehicles. The United States is a little behind on their proclamation, but even this is most likely coming down the pike in the relatively near future. Some of the biggest obstacles holding back the advancement of the electric vehicle are ... read more

For most of us, our pets aren’t just our pets; they are a beloved part of our family that we want to protect just as much as any other family member. We also want them happy and healthy. We love having them with us as we head out on our many life adventures and there is much we can do to keep our loyal travel buddies’ tails-a-wagging’. Unless of course you’re traveling with cats, and then the tail wag isn’t so good. Just like we need our stuff, so do they. And since they can’t pack for themselves… well, here’s a basic list of what they might need/want with them: favorite toy/toys; their regular food so not to upset their delicate intestinal balance; food and water dishes; bedding; litter box and litter; any meds they’re taking; collar and tags; grooming supplies; and fresh drinking water.  Have them microchipped but also make sure they are wearing a collar with appropriate tags at all times. Make it as easy as possible for a ... read more

Americans love cars. To us, they are a symbol of freedom, independence and even if the make is foreign, part of the American dream. Also, there’s nothing better than spending an afternoon, or sometimes even a week, checking out the cars that are part of our history and heritage, or getting a glimpse at what the future holds. If you are a car-show enthusiast, these 10 should be on your bucket list. Some you can even squeeze in this summer and then put the rest on your calendar for next year.  This first one is right in our backyard and is coming up next month, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This show is part of an entire week of car shows, also worthing of your time. This is a vintage show with around 200 collector vehicles on display, and they usually reveal a surprise upcoming product from one of the auto industry leaders.  The largest and longest running car show in the U.S. is the Chicago Auto Show. This event boasts over one million square feet of sho ... read more

  What American does not LOVE a Corvette?? Okay… there may be a couple, but they are few and far between. This car represents the American dream, baby. Sleek in design and fast on the road, able to hug the tightest curves and, damn, do you look good in the driver’s seat! Let’s go back to 1953 when Chevrolet drove its first Corvette off the assembly line. $3,490 would have put you in one of the 300 Corvette’s produced that first year. They were all white convertibles with red interior and a black canvas top. This was the first all-fiberglass-bodied American sports car. If, by chance, you happen to have one of these originals hanging out in your garage, it currently carries a low estimated value of $187,000 and a high value of $363,700. Back in 2014, one sold at auction for $660,000! That one was in pristine condition and still had pretty much everything original down to its spare tire and had less than 10,000 miles on its speedometer.  A Corvette rep ... read more

Typically when we think of unsafe driving conditions, we think of winter driving. Yet the statics show that there are far more fatal accidents over the summer months, most likely due to people getting out on the road for vacations and an increase in road work. There’s a lot you can do, however, to minimize your risk of getting in an accident. A little bit of prevention can go a long way!   More teens on the road: Not only does this add to the sheer number of vehicles on the road, but also the number of inexperienced drivers makes for more reasons to proceed with caution. Encourage your teen to follow safe-driving practices such as no cell phones or eating while driving. Motorcycles, bikes, pedestrians: We are sharing the road with an increase in not just teenagers, but other folks wanting to take advantage of the sunshine. Give yourself 4 seconds behind a motorcycle and make sure to keep your sunglasses handy to that the glare won’t keep you from seeing cyclists a ... 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

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

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

With all the information out there about technology that inhibits driver safety, it’s worth taking a look at the other side of things: technology that makes our driving safer. Consider something as accepted as seatbelts! In the history of cars, seat belts are still a relatively new adaptation to cars, keeping driver and passengers that much safer in case of an accident. Let’s take a look at some of the latest tech when it comes to our daily commutes.   GPS Whether it’s Garmin, Tom-Tom, Google Maps, Apple Maps, or however you endearingly refer to your electronic navigator, GPS mapping apps and devices have changed the way we travel. The cost of technology like this ranges from free apps to aftermarket vehicle additions that range in price. But because of our GPS, you hardly see someone driving around with a map folded out in front of them.   Back-Up Cameras Once you have one, you won’t know how you went about parallel parking and backing up with ... read more

March 2017 Special:  Free Check Engine Light Scan Does not include diagnosis or repair. Offer valid through March 31, 2017. One coupon per visit. Not valid with other specials and offers.   Does your “Check Engine” light turn on when you start your vehicle and stay on? If yes, your vehicle is trying to tell you something’s up. It may be as simple as your gas cap isn’t sealed properly, or something more serious. Either way, it is important to get to the bottom of what’s happening, and that is why we are offering a Free Check Engine Light Scan during the month of March.   Robert’s will connect our diagnostic equipment to your vehicle and perform a scan for any system faults. Any fault codes will be recorded and documented. Charges will apply for actual diagnosis and repair. To take advantage of this March special of a Free Check Engine Light Scan, schedule an appointment with our Service Department at 831-373-1534 and mention this o ... read more

$50 Off Timing Belt Replacement. Offer valid through February 28, 2017. One coupon per visit. Not valid with other specials and offers.   How’s your timing belt? Is it time to be replaced? If yes, Robert’s Collision & Repair has a deal for you that’s perfectly timed… $50 off timing belt replacement, good through the month of February.   Regardless of how many puns we can make about time, your vehicle’s timing belt is a highly critical component that must not be overlooked. If your timing belt breaks, it could mean catastrophic damage to your engine, and that could run you thousands of dollars in repair.   To stay on the safe side, be proactive and replace your timing belt when your vehicle requires major service before it becomes cracked, worn, torn or loose. Our offer of $50 off timing belt replacement is a sweetheart deal, and it’ll help keep you and your passengers the major inconvenience of a breakdown on a highway or by ... read more

For us, it’s become a tradition to share a few New Year’s Resolutions with you. Sometimes resolutions are tough to stick to, but these 5 simple car care routines are quick and easy to maintain. Little reminders to do the simple things to keep your car running until next year! 1) Get your car washed regularly This is one of those little things that fall to the side after a while. Keeping your car washed and clean can help maintain visibility and extend the life of your paint coat! 2) Check the oil Making sure you always have enough motor oil in the engine is a simple thing to check, and cheap to maintain. And it’s great for your engine! 3) Check your tires Just a couple extra minutes in the morning, make sure your tires aren’t going flat on you. You can even use the penny trick! 4) Take it in for maintenance Yes, we know. You hear this all the time. Even still, we can’t stress enough how important regular maintenance like oil changes are to the life ... read more

How is the health of your vehicle’s alternator?  Do you know what happens to your car, truck, or SUV when the alternator dies? Here are six signs that your alternator may be having challenges:   You need to jumpstart your vehicle on a frequent basis. The lights on your vehicle are dim and not as bright as they should be. The battery light on your dashboard is on. The smell of burning rubber may indicate that a belt is not working properly. You hear odd grinding or whining noises. Your electrical system is not operating properly.   So, what contributes to alternator failure?  The alternator is the generator for your vehicle’s electrical system. Here are four things that could lead to alternator failure.   If your battery is going bad, it could contribute to alternator failure. Dirty battery terminals could cause the alternator to not start. If your cables and connections are worn out, they can cause alternator failure. An alternator belt ... read more

UPDATED AS OF OCT. 1, 2023: Safeguarding Your Vehicle and Savings: 5 Tips to Improve Gas Mileage in 2023 Gas prices continue to climb, and it's more important than ever to get the most out of your vehicle's gas mileage. At Robert’s Collision & Repair, we've evolved over the past decade to specialize exclusively in bodywork. Our mission is to help you keep your vehicle in pristine condition, ensuring you don't have to visit us due to an accident. Here are five tips to enhance your gas mileage while safeguarding your vehicle in 2023. 1. Drive Defensively to Avoid Accidents: Saving Gas and Staying Safe Aggressive driving, characterized by speeding, rapid acceleration, and sudden braking, not only endangers your safety but also harms your gas mileage. By adopting defensive driving habits, you not only conserve fuel but also reduce the risk of accidents that might require our bodywork expertise. If you do find yourself in need of support after ... read more

Summer is here, so it is time we start thinking about ways to stay cool and comfortable in our car. Fortunately, Robert’s Collision and Repair has you covered. We have compiled a helpful list of how to stay cool as a cucumber in the summer heat:   Park in the shade: Not only will you car thank you, but you will also feel much cooler. Use a sunshade: These windshield covers keep the harmful UV rays at bay. Cover up the leather: Ouch! Sitting on hot leather is painful, to say the least. To counteract this, cover up your car’s  leather with towels. Keep an eye on the seat belts: The metal on the seat belts can get very hot. It is important to keep an eye on this before put them on you or your family. Stay Dehydrated: Bring large bottles of water and ice to keep you and your family cool and hydrated during the summer heat. We love to bring wine, food, or any other perishable ... read more

Automobiles are constantly improving. Safety features are continually being upgraded. Acceleration is becoming quicker. There are few changes and trends on the horizon that will completely change the way you drive. Here are the five top automobile trends:   Personalization: Because of complex algorithms and software, cars are becoming much more personalized. Basically, cars will adapt and understand their driver’s preference and habits. This will make driving much safer and easier than ever before. ​ Algorithms for everything: From car insurance to car sales, everything will have an algorithm. For example, your specific driving abilities and the area you live in will be used to analyze the cost of your insurance premium. Basically, everything will become a lot more personalized to you and your vehicle. Ethernet in your car: Soon, you will be able to watch movies and television in your cars, thanks to the emergence of th ... read more

There is an app for literally anything your heart desires. All it takes is a press of your button, and within minutes, your life is made marginally easier. This does not end with cars. In fact, we have compiled a list of the seven most helpful and innovative automotive apps out there:   GasBuddy: Tired of driving around town searching for inexpensive gas? This will show you the ten closest and cheapest gas stations. This app would be great for road trips. My Max Speed 2.0: Worried about your kid out on the road by herself? This app will ease your worries. Designed to monitor your car’s location and speed, this app is an excellent way to keep your children safe and out of harm's way. Drive Safe.Ly: Have you ever been driving, heard an alert, and then had resist reaching for your phone to check that important message? This app solves that problem beautifully. From Twitter updates to email, Drive Safe.Ly reads the message to you, and you will not have to press even a ... read more

At Robert’s Collision & Repair, we have been assisting with the restoration of the Ingenue Funny Car. Here is what Ingenue / Buick Dealers Group Funny Car has been posting about us on their Facebook page.  :-)   March 9, 2016 Facebook update from Ingenue / Buick Dealers Group Funny Car “Picked up the body and dropped it off...every tech in the place (and it's a BIG place) stopped what they were doing to check out Ingenue,lol...pretty funny actually.” March 9, 2016 Facebook update from Ingenue / Buick Dealers Group Funny Car “Stopped by today and snapped these, Jeff was there yesterday and went over everything that needs to be addressed with Martin who is overseeing the project. Areas were marked and noted and progress was actually being made…” March 15, 2016 Facebook update from ... read more

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

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is home to the 2011 Monterey Sports Car Championships, featuring dramatic races for the Playboy Mazda MX5 Cup, Cooper Tires prototype Lites Championships, the Patron GT3 Challenge by Yokohama and Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear. What is the American Le Mans Series?
The American Le Mans Series is a unique style of race. Four classes of car, Le Mans Prototype 1 and 2 and Grand Touring 1 and 2, compete in American Le Mans races. Each class has different specifications and different top speeds, but multiple car classes are on the track at once. Racers must not only compete with cars in their own class, but navigate the track while cars faster or slower than theirs swarm around them. The highlight is the race presented by Patron on Saturday night, which begins in the afternoon and continues as the sun sets. The Monterey Sports C
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