Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

Vehicle Maintenance: Why a Well-Maintained Vehicle is a Safer Vehicle Keeping your vehicle well-maintained is crucial not only for its longevity but also for your safety on the road. Regular maintenance ensures that your vehicle functions properly enhances its safety features, and prevents unexpected breakdowns. In this article, we will explore the importance of vehicle maintenance and the key tasks involved in keeping your vehicle in optimal condition.   Importance of Vehicle Maintenance Ensuring Proper Functionality Regular maintenance allows for early detection and resolution of potential issues. This ensures that all components of your vehicle, including the engine, brakes, suspension, and steering, are in proper working order. Proper functionality minimizes the risk of accidents and provides a smoother driving experience. Enhancing Safety Features Well-maintained vehicles have various safety features that require proper maintenance to function effectively. This include ... 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

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

from the website This first Monday of this September is better known as Labor Day! This holiday serves as a symbol of the progress and achievement of the working people. There is also a second meaning to Labor Day in which most Americans consider Labor Day to mark the end of summer!    This labor day, we want to acknowledge our hard-working employees who contribute directly towards the amazing work done here at CARSTAR Robert's Collision in Monterey. Without the dedication and commitment of our employees, we would not be able to provide the exceptional service in which we take pride in ourselves.    We encourage you to check out our reviews which highlight the fantastic work done by the leading auto repair team in the Monterey peninsula! We would also like to invite you to check out this video about our customer service!  If you have any questions regarding ... read more

Sunburnt paint. We've all seen it. That beautiful brightly colored car paint fades and chips away when exposed to the elements for too long. Most people would say that this is a process everybody goes through sooner or later. However, it should not be like that! If we just followed a couple of simple steps, we could prevent ourselves from the headaches of repairing the car paint of a sun-damaged car. Here's what to do. Park under trees.  In most cases, wherever you go, there's usually a tree or two by the parking lot. The trees help shade your car, which keeps your car cooler. But watch out for tree sap getting on your paint job!  But what if there are no trees?  Whenever possible, seek out covered parking lots or garages that block out the sun's UV rays. These covered parking places may not be offered for free. However, most stores allow you to park for free for 2 hours. This is more than enough time to conduct your business and keep your car fresh ... read more

Photo by Denin Lawley on Unsplash   Have you ever seen how a car’s paint job can fade and peel over time? What causes the paint on an automobile to lose its brightness and start to flake off? Can it be prevented?   The short answer is yes, you can protect your truck’s paint from fading, cracking, peeling, and oxidizing. But first, let’s explain why car paint peels and fades over time.   Exposure to the sun and salt water will make the color -- especially red, which is the fastest of all colors to fade -- lose its shine and reduce the saturation of the paint color. This is caused by oxidation. Over time, oxidation will cause the paint to peel and chip away.   Dings, scratches, and dents ... read more

*UPDATED 10/16/23* Zoom Calls and Road Safety: CARSTAR Robert's Collision's Updated Perspective At CARSTAR Robert's Collision, your safety on the road is our top priority. In a world where technology has become an integral part of our lives, we understand the challenges that come with it. In a world that's constantly evolving, we've adapted too. We've narrowed our focus to become the go-to experts for collision repair and bodywork, and we're now known as CARSTAR Robert's Collision. Our commitment to your safety remains unwavering. In a previous blog post, we discussed the "Zoom Zombie" effect, a term coined to describe the challenges people face when transitioning from a video conference call to driving. The data showed that many individuals have trouble concentrating on the road after being engrossed in a virtual meeting. Studies conducted in various metropolitan areas across the country revealed some intriguing findings, and the statistics ... read more

Over time, our vehicles can acquire a few dents. Remember when you parked a little too close to the other car and got a door ding? What about that time you accidentally backed up into something? Lots of cars accumulate small dents and scratches over the years, which is normal wear and tear. However, dent repair matters to those who care about their vehicles looking good. For example, an automotive aficionado who enters her car into one of the car shows at Monterey Car Week has an obvious desire to remove dents from her car. For people who love their cars and want to preserve the value of their vehicles, dent repair matters. Since 1996, CARSTAR Robert’s Collision has been serving the Monterey Peninsula with premium auto body repair, dent repair, and detailing services. Because we are known in the area to be the premier collision repair shop, our auto repair team has provided dent repair to many cars, including one-of-a-kind, multimillion-dollar cars that are for sale at Concours ... read more

As we March into Spring, dirt, and pollen tends to dust our cars, inside and out. At CARSTAR Robert's Collision in Monterey, we have a detailing center that can help you Spring Clean the interior and exterior of your vehicle. Our goal is to make every vehicle sparkle and shine like they did before an accident scuffed them up at our auto body shop. That is why the CARSTAR Robert's Collision team are experts in cleaning a vehicle inside and out so we can prepare it for a fresh coat of paint. After the paint dries, our detailing team uses their tools and equipment to make your vehicle appear as good as new. But we realize that not everyone on the Monterey Peninsula is currently in need of auto body repair and complete auto detailing, inside and out. That is why we are sharing some videos teaching you how to Spring Clean both your vehicle's interior and exterior. If you want your engine compartment to be car-show ready, watch this video:   If you want to deep clean the ... read more

In the past years, we have posted our annual letter titled “New Year’s Resolutions From Your Car”. Now that CARSTAR Robert’s Collision is no longer doing mechanical repair and exclusively handling auto body repair, we have updated the annual letter written from the perspective of your vehicle. Enjoy!   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! When you wash your car, not only are you helping it look clean, but you are also rinsing away the salt and grime that could affect your brakes’ ability to ... read more

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash Though everyone’s summer plans have likely been upended due to COVID-19, that doesn’t mean that you can’t make summer fun for the kids! Many families have chosen to keep their kids home from summer camps, and some might have closed their doors for now. Whatever the situation, there’s no end to the great ideas that will keep your children busy and entertained all summer long. 1.       Make Your Own Camp: This one’s a no-brainer, but there’s nothing stopping you and the kids from making your own stay-at-home summer camp! With a little planning and preparation, you can keep the kids occupied with arts and crafts projects, fun science experiments, and even cooking lessons! Head to Google and plan your curriculum as you see fit. You can even pitch a tent in the backyard or the ... read more

Photo by Victor He on Unsplash Staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic. For many people, especially during the summer, physical activity is usually something they’d be doing outside at parks, beaches, campgrounds, and a host of other summer destinations. Keep reading for places to go and ways to stay active, even while shelter-in-place restrictions are in place! Visit parks that are close to home! Places you can and should visit will ideally be close by and won’t require much traveling. Visit those parks that are closest to you and check with the park or recreation area well in advance to learn how to prepare safely. Find out if there are bathroom facilities and other services that are still open and available to the public. Beaches and othe ... read more

Photo by Maxwell Ridgeway on Unsplash Depending on where you live and what you do for a living, you might find that you spend an awful lot of time in your car on your way to and from work, drives to school, and every other little errand you might have. Unfortunately, commuting for more than 20 minutes a day can cause chronic stress. That's why the CARSTAR Robert's Collision and Repair team wants to help you de-stress and decompress while you drive with this list of tips and tricks to try! Healthy Habits While Driving: Most of us hop in the car first thing in the morning, with some toast or a bagel and coffee to try and beat the morning traffic. Try getting up a little earlier so your morning routine is calm, and you have plenty of time to make a healthy breakfast. You might even want to pack some snacks for the road, or blend up a sm ... read more

Photo by Luca Peng on Unsplash At CARSTAR Robert's Collision and Repair, we know that traveling with your beloved pets can be a constant struggle. To help you make the most of your driving time with your pets and keep your family's smaller extensions safe and happy, take a look at this list of tips and tricks to traveling with pets! Before any extended travel, you should always make sure your pets are healthy to do so. Take them to the veterinarian for a checkup, make sure all their vaccinations are up-to-date and copy those records with you. If you're planning on flying with an airline, these records are required. Making sure your pets stay healthy means you also need to bring along enough of their regular food, medication, and water for them to last the duration of the trip. Traveling for humans and pets is a little different depending on what kind of a ... read more

Photo by Frank Zhang on Unsplash Summer is in full swing, and unfortunately, big vacations might not be a possibility with continued shelter-in-place orders on the horizon. Luckily, there’s nothing like a family road trip to brighten everyone’s spirits and get out of the house. But because road trips involve extended time in the car, it can be tough to keep the kids occupied. Keep reading for some ideas to keep the kids entertained the next time you head out on a road trip! First up on the list is the ever-popular backseat-turned-movie theater. This tip is especially easy for those cars with built-in DVD players for the backseat. If you don’t have this nifty little feature, portable DVD players built for the vehicle ... read more

Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash With COVID-19 causing record numbers of disinfectant and cleaning supply sales (and shortages) around the world, it’s natural to worry about getting your car’s interior clean as a whistle. The team at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision & Repair knows your family’s safety is your number one priority. Still, we don’t want you to ruin your car in the process! Read on to find out the best practices to use when disinfecting your vehicle.  First, a little bit of information about how COVID-19 reacts to certain surfaces: the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is passed from person to person when they cough or sneeze. Tiny droplets are released, carrying the virus, which a healthy person ... read more

Photo by Jim Strasma on Unsplash   Before having kids, you may well have kept your car in fantastic condition. But kids can be rough on vehicles, especially when they’re young and don’t know any better. While they’ll (hopefully) understand how to keep the car cleaner as they get older, here’s a list of 5 tips and tricks from the team at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision & Repair to help kid-proof your car.   Organize, Organize, Organize There are a million gizmos and gadgets on the market to keep your car neat and tidy. Still, the biggest lifesaver when you have kids is knowing where everything is in your vehicle. But before you can figure out where everything is, you need somewhere to put ... read more

This COVID-19 pandemic has really changed our “normal” way of life here on the Monterey Peninsula, hasn’t it? Since March, we have been encouraged to Shelter In Place, stay at home, only travel for essential business, and stay in our neighborhoods. Multiple events have been canceled, and one of them is our beloved Monterey Car Week. Monterey Car Week is an annual event that many of us -- especially die-hard auto enthusiasts -- look forward to every year. We have made it an annual tradition of sending our marketing gal out to the various open-to-the-public car shows to take photos and share them with our car buddies. We are truly going to miss celebrating Monterey Car Week, for it is an event that brings in approximately $50 Million in annual revenue for the hotels, restaurants, venues, and supporting industries on the Monterey Peninsula. With deep respect, we honor the intention of reducing the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus, and we do encourage everyone to ... read more

Happy Memorial Day. Today is a day to thank and remember the military personnel who gave their lives so we could enjoy our freedoms. Before we go any further, we want to encourage you to take a moment and reflect on all of the people in your life who have sacrificed and served our country. If you have the opportunity to say a prayer and thank them, that would be a wonderful way to let them know they are not forgotten. Last week, we suggested 5 ways to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend while sheltering in place on the Monterey Peninsula. We’re curious. Did you go camping in your backyard? Did you get outside and go for a hike? Did you visit a park, get in the water, or have a virtual BBQ with your friends? Look, today is Memorial Day and it’s time for you to have some fun. Even if you don’t go anywhere, take some time for self-care and enjoy the day off. You deserve some down time. After the holiday, that’s when you can jump back into work and find ways to keep yo ... 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

  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 is a good idea to re ... read more

  Knowing you can safely stop at a short distance is vital to safety on the road. Your brakes are one of the most essential and critical safety features on your vehicle.  Braking systems made up of a series of mechanical parts and sensors on modern cars, each piece plays an important role, and all work together to ensure sufficient stopping power.    You are most likely familiar with some of the parts of your braking system. There are several components, such as a brake pedal, and lesser-known parts such as the master cylinder, brake lines, fluid, pads, rotors, or drums. Older vehicles came with drum brakes; however, these days, vehicles are equipped with rotors, which reduces stress and stopping distance. All of these parts within your braking system work together as a team. They are activated by the brake pedal to slow or stop your vehicle. Driving a car with bad brakes can be a harrowing white-knuckle experience, especially when driving on our freeway system ... 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

    Used parts from a junkyard can be a fantastic alternative to aftermarket parts, UNLESS that used part is also an aftermarket part. Cars can be in an accident more than once. If a vehicle that is in a wrecking yard, say, from a front-end impact and your vehicle requires a left rear door, this part could be a great option. What if that same car had been in an accident prior and was repaired before the front-end collision which made it a total loss? That used part is now not only pulled from the wrecking yard; it is also an aftermarket quality part. That is like doubling down on alternative parts.   Who finds these parts anyway? Used parts go through many hands before they reach a body shop. First, a vehicle has to hit 70% threshold of the resale value before qualifying as a total loss. Once a car is deemed a total loss, it is then towed to a wrecking yard to await tear down. Salvage yards usually have a big fenced-in area as well as different warehouses to store ve ... read more

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

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

Women should become auto mechanics if that is what their heart’s desire. There is no better time than right now to make this happen. There is a considerable shortage of qualified technicians and service advisors. That leaves the doors wide open for women to step in and take their place in this industry. With only 2% of the auto repair workforce checking the female box, it’s just a matter of time before that number significantly increases. Women mechanics work just as hard as the men do, tend to have better attention to detail than most men, and their communication skills are often much better than their male counterparts. These are generalizations, but you get the gist. There is room, and a need, for women in this industry. Any woman who is interested in becoming an auto mechanic or technician should pursue a career in the industry. There is an old stereotype that the automotive industry is a "man's world" and while much of that still rings true, more and m ... read more

  The Valentine season is upon us and it is not reserved for humans alone. Sometimes we love our cars more than most humans we know and they give us love that simply cannot be offered from a guy or a gal. Who knows what I’m talking about? The feel of the steering wheel under our grip, the way we mold into the seats as she hugs a tight curve, the power we experience as we navigate our way through 17 Mile Drive… these are the gifts our car gives us every day. How can we reciprocate, you ask?   Take your car out for a drive. Hit 17 Mile Drive and let ‘er rip down our beautiful coastline. There’s no better feeling for you and your car than hitting the open road. We live in such a beautiful part of the world and there are so many wonderful places to explore right here in our own backyard. So, fill up your gas tank, check your fluids and your tire’s air pressure and hit the road for a freedom-filled afternoon or pedal-to-the-metal fun! A ... read more

Proving that even a serious German automobile giant like Porsche has a sense of humor, just take a look at a news release the company issued on April 1, 2018:   Porsche announces Mission E Tractor Plugging into the future of all-electric agriculture.   Porsche AG is delighted to announce the latest addition to the Mission E model line. Following the successful debut of the Mission E Cross Turismo at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show, Porsche is heading even further off road with the all-electric Mission E Tractor.   This bold vision for 21st Century agriculture blends design cues from Porsche’s original mid 1950s tractors with the same advanced digital connectivity and 800v fast-charging architecture that powers the Mission E.   With a power output in excess of 700hp, the Mission E Tractor will be the fastest accelerating agricultural vehicle in the world, enabling farmers to harvest crops in record time with the added environmental benefits of ... read more

For those drivers possessed of a lead foot, the speeding ticket is an annoying—and expensive—fact of motoring life. And they’ve been around for a long time. Englishman Walter Arnold has the distinction of the being the first motorist to receive a ticket. On January 28, 1896, he was cited for driving at the breakneck pace of eight mph in a two-mph zone. That set him back one shilling. The first American was Jacob German, a New York cabbie. He got nailed for zooming along at 12 mph on Lexington Avenue. He didn’t get off as easily as Arnold though: he had to serve time in the hoosegow. Transportation departments all over the world have devised many ways to keep drivers from exceeding the speed limit, including new, high-tech methods. Some municipalities utilize automated radar units that capture car’s license numbers, register its speed and send the driver a nastygram in the mail. Doesn’t seem quite fair. Several places around the world have come up w ... read more

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

  We’ve all heard the stories about someone going into their grandparents’ barn to discover a rare classic car buried under a coating of dust and junk. One would think that by now, all those lucky finds would have been found, but they’re still cropping up. For instance, last year a one-of-a-kind 1969 Ferrari Daytona was found in a garage in Japan. The GTB/4, originally sold to a close friend of Enzo Ferrari himself, is the only remaining aluminum bodied example in existence. The odometer read 22,500 miles and it sold at auction in September 2017 for $2.17. Not bad for a car covered in dust and bird poop.   There are many more examples. Mad Lab posted an interesting YouTube video. Take a look here.   If you are lucky enough to have a barn find of your own, we at Robert’s Collision & Repair can help make it look new again. Call us or ... read more

In his 1967 song “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree,” Arlo Guthrie mentioned what is probably the quintessential hippy vehicle. To help out restaurant owner Alice, Arlo and his friend decided to take out the restaurant’s garbage:   We took the half a ton of garbage, Put it in the back of a red VW Microbus took shovels and rakes and implements of destruction and headed On toward the city dump   Those iconic 60s buses command high prices today and are in high demand. Despite the fact that they’re slow and not particularly comfortable, they have attained cult status.   And Volkswagen has noticed. During last year’s Car Week the manufacturer unveiled a prototype for an all-new electric version it calls the ID Buzz.     The new design, slated to hit the market in 2022, bears a resemblance to its ancestor--but with a twist. It kind of looks as if it could be a car driven by Marty McFly in “Back to the Future.&rdquo ... read more

  Some drivers get antsy during long drives. Boredom and low energy play a big role in this. Luckily there are ways to keep us comfortable when we’re on the road for miles.   1. Cruise control   When your speed is consistent you save money on fuel. Fewer stops to the gas station might give you some peace of mind. However, don’t forget to stop every few hours to stretch your legs.   2. Keep healthy snacks in the car   Staying away from sugar and fast food will keep your energy up and help you from avoiding a  stomach ache. Protein and fiber will give you a steady flow of energy. Nuts, berries, bananas, apples, carrots, and yogurt are smart choices.   3. Drink plenty of water   A poor mood and fatigue can be the result of dehydration. Have a travel bottle with you and fill it up every time you stop at a rest area.   4. Get a good night’s sleep.   Science has proven that driving tired is almost as danger ... read more

Happy New Year from our family at Robert’s Collision and Repair to yours. This year, we’re especially grateful for your loyalty and ongoing business. Every day we do our best to deliver exceptional auto repair with fantastic customer service. Still, we know you have a choice when it comes to auto repair and we appreciate your ongoing business because it enables us to make contributions to you and our community in different ways. Here are a few examples:     By delivering exceptional auto repair and preventative maintenance, we’re doing our part to prevent accidents and make our roads safer. When you commit to ongoing maintenance, we’re helping you get best possible value from your vehicle and, at the same time, enabling you to get wherever you need to be when you need to be there.   Your ongoing business also enables us to support sports programs at Monterey High School.     There’s more to collision and auto repair than turn ... read more

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

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

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

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

September 2017 Special: 10% discount on labor up to $100 for any mechanical repair or service. Offer valid through September 9, 2017. One coupon per visit. Not valid with other specials and offers.   In honor of Labor Day, we want to celebrate by offering our clients a 10% discount up to $100 for any mechanical repair or service. Call it a labor of love, but we want our customers to know how much they mean to us, and that is why we are discounting 10% off labor up to $100 for any mechanical repair or service.   What could you do for your vehicle that would qualify for this offer? Here are a few mechanical repairs or services that could extend the life of your vehicle and save you money at the same time:   Drive belt replacement Transmission oil service Power steering fluid service A/C system check & charge Coolant flush With all the back to school activities and preparations for a busy Autumn, doesn’t it make sense to take advantage of our September o ... read more

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

When a brand new car gets purchased, expectations can be extremely high. Although electrical systems have been a huge compliment to the classic mechanics in cars, they come with their own batch of drawbacks too. Sometimes, poor electrical systems can indicate a flaw in the manufacturing process or could be a clue that your new car might not be as new as you were led to believe. It can be difficult to discern which one of these possible explanations is the case. Let’s take a look at the most common electrical problems for new cars, and what they may indicate about why your car is underperforming.   Dead Battery This is usually the go-to assumption when the electrical system isn’t working properly. An easy test of this is to flash your headlights and see how bright they are, if they turn on at all. A dead battery could mean you need a jump, or that it needs replacement altogether. A dead battery could also indicate that your car may have been more pre-used that you m ... 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

Owning a car is a big responsibility for both new and seasoned drivers. In order to reduce stress further down the line, there are a few key things every driver should know. Luckily, these necessary basics are pretty easy to find out!   Learn the basics of maintenance. That means checking things the oil brake fluid, antifreeze, and windshield wiper fluid. Even better, learn to jump your car in case the battery dies and replace a tire. Everything you learn becomes a tool in case of emergency. Why not invest a little bit of time for less of a headache later on?   Find your car’s manual and read it. Read it again! Put it in a place where you can easily locate it again. Why? There is a lot of information specifically for your make, model, and year. Your manual will tell you which maintenance tasks should be prioritized, as well as how often those things should be addressed. Some critical ones to keep in mind are oil changes, wiper blade replacement, filter changes, fl ... read more

For many families, the car gets a lot more mileage during the summer than during the fall, winter, and spring. As many field trips and daily commutes as there may be, the road trips to visit family and four-wheeling up to the very best camping site are far more rigorous for most vehicles. That’s why we recommend scheduling a trip to see us at Robert's Collision and Repair as soon as possible so that we can check out your car from top to bottom. We want to make sure you don’t get any surprise breakdowns coasting along 17-Mile Drive.   So to prep for summer, it’s good to know what the most frequent culprits for summer breakdowns are. From our experience, here are the most common reasons that cars come to us at Robert’s Collision & Repair in Monterey for repairs during the summer:   Overheated Engine Repair During the warmer season, your car has to work even harder to keep the engine cool, which results in many engines overheating very quic ... read more

June 2017 Monthly Offer -- Free Brake Inspection. Offer valid through June 30, 2017. One coupon per visit. Not valid with other specials and offers.   Do your brakes stop on a dime? If yes, you’re in good shape. However, if your brakes are acting sluggish, or creep along when you push down on the pedal, we encourage you to take advantage of our Free Brake Inspection during the month of June.   A free brake inspection can mean a big difference in your vehicle’s safety. When you come in for a free brake inspection, we will:   Measure material of brake pads/shoes Measure thickness of brake rotors/drums Visually inspect for damaged/overheated brake components Check hydraulic system for leaks, brake fluid condition, and fluid level Check operation and condition of parking brake Visually inspect all brake system components such as calipers, master cylinder, hoses, seals, etc.   With all the summer road trips you have planned, doesn’t it make ... read more

  One of the most important things to know as a driver is how to jump your car safely. At Robert’s Collision and Auto Repair, we consider it a very basic skill but important to do properly. It is inconvenient to be unable to jump your car on your own, but even worse to attempt to do so and misfire. So perhaps this seems like a silly reminder, but we consider safety to be more important than anything else. Here are some quick directions on how exactly to jump your car.   If you don’t already have a set of jumper cables in the car, then consider investing in some for your own ease. Sometimes college campuses and large businesses will have on-site assistance in case your car battery dies that you can borrow. For example, the Del Monte shopping center has a traffic patrol that has jumper cables for you if you need to use them. Track down a buddy or flag down a friendly stranger to jump your car from. Once you have your cables and a friend’s vehicle to ju ... read more

    As cars age, you often begin to see discoloration, staining, peeling… all sorts of problems appearing with paint. Although these can be staved off with regular washing and waxing, many have specific, sometimes preventable causes. At Robert’s Collision and Repair, we’ve seen it all when it comes to paint job problems, and we have all the tools and talent to sand down, repaint, repair, and wax your car’s paint job until it is seamless and shiny again. But just in case you’ve got some professional curiosity about how paint problems develop, here’s a few common reasons paint can wear:   Craters and air pockets can develop and mess up a vehicle’s paint job. These are a result of a bad paint job, to begin with. To paint cars, we use a spray gun to coat the vehicle evenly, but if the gun is too close to the car or is moved too slowly, air bubbles can form and when they pop, it peels back that paint. This happens pretty quickly a ... read more

May 2017 Monthly Offer -- $25 Off repairs totaling $150 or more in labor expenses. Offer valid through May 30, 2017. One coupon per visit. Not valid with other specials and offers.   If you need help saving money during the month of May, take advantage of our monthly offer: $25 off repairs totaling $150 or more in labor expenses.   This offer includes important things your car needs, like:   Shocks & strut replacement Axle (CV) boot replacement Brake replacement Spark plug & wires replacement Timing belt replacement​   Folks, don’t miss out on this major money-saving opportunity! If you’ve been putting off auto repair for a while now because you think it’s going to be expensive, now is the ideal time to bring your vehicle in.   To take advantage of this May monthly deal of $25 off repairs totalling $150 or more in labor expenses, schedule an appointment with our Service Department at 831-373-1534 and mention this offer. We ... read more

If you just made your final car payment and want to celebrate this milestone, why not treat your vehicle to an Ultimate Facial? Robert’s Collision & Repair offers an Ultimate Facial for Exterior Paint that will help bring back the showroom floor luster your vehicle had when it was brand new.   This Ultimate Facial for Exterior Paint is only $250.00, and is available by appointment. Rental cars are available as needed. Here’s what the Ultimate Facial for Exterior Paint includes:   Platinum Wash -- Full Service Hand Wash Paint Protection Package Wheel Bright / Tire Shine Clean Glass Air Freshener Vacuum Leather Protectant Complete Micro Buff Clay Magic Complete Carnauba Wax ​   If you want to do something else for your vehicle, you’re welcome to choose from our other detailing services, such as:   Interior Complete Carpet OR Seat Shampoo Interior Complete Carpet AND Seat Shampoo Gold Wash Silver Wash Paint Touch Ups D ... read more