Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

The Hidden Dangers of Driving on Empty: Why Keeping a Full Tank is a Safety Must It happens to the best of us. You’re on the road, tackling a busy day, and suddenly that “Low Fuel” warning light blinks on. It might be a bright light, a beep, or just a needle hovering over “E.” Whatever the signal, it’s easy to think, “I’ll just make it a few more miles.” But is it worth the risk? While some drivers may consider a low fuel tank a minor inconvenience, running on empty can actually pose significant safety risks—not only for your vehicle but for everyone on the road. The Risks of Running Low on Fuel     •    Stranded in Unsafe Situations: One of the most immediate dangers of running on low fuel is the risk of being stranded unexpectedly. Whether it’s a dark stretch of highway, an isolated backroad, or an area with low cell service, running out of gas can leave yo ... read more

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

  Doc Brown would be proud. Nooka was an American company that designed and produced lifestyle merchandise from, 2004 to 2016. Initially, they were known for avant-garde watches. Founded in New York, NY by artist Matthew Waldman, the company’s products explored the intersection of design and technology. In 2012, Nooka decided to repurpose a few Delorean sports cars as New York City taxicabs. The stunt was intended as promotion for the company. the automobiles have ‘come to symbolize the future’ and communicate the brand’s ‘futuristic philosophy.’ According to Nick Lubrano, the Nooka designer who carried out the concept, “The automobiles have come to symbolize the future and communicate the brand’s futuristic philosophy.” Building the cars in Ireland between 1981 and 1983, the Delorean company eventually folded, due in part to some shady business practices perpetrated by its eponymous founder, John Delorean. But the car&rs ... read more

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

Once upon a time, police departments were content to equip their officers with patrol cars derived from family sedans. The Ford Crown Victoria was the top seller for many years. The first police patrol car was an electric wagon that protected the streets of Akron, Ohio in the late 1800s. Interesting how things come full circle: many 21st-century police departments-including Denver and Los Angeles--are now using modified Tesla S electric vehicles to patrol their streets and highways. Some fun facts about police cars: Motorcycles were used before cars. The change to cars came about because the bad guys were using cars. The first Chevrolet Camaro police car was owned by the Azusa, California PD. A double-decker bus was used as a police bus for a time by the Belchertown, Massachusetts Police Department. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, a Cadillac Escalade police car with a sign on the back that reads “This used to be a drug dealer’s car. Now it’s ours.   Today, the top-sel ... read more

We didn’t really experience much of a winter this year--there were weeks that felt more like spring in San Diego than winter in Monterey. And because the snowpack in the Sierra was below average, many Bay Area residents forsook the mountains chose to visit us instead. If you needed proof, just drive down and see the lines of cars parked along Highway 1 outside of Point Lobos on any given weekend day.   Now that the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has folded up its tent for another year, we have a short period when tourism typically slows down a tad. And that means we can get out and enjoy our precious little slice of heaven without fighting the crowds that will be arriving in the coming months. And what better way to see the sights around here than from behind the wheel of your favorite car? Here are some suggested road trips.   Carmel Valley The route starting from Highway 1 and Carmel Valley is sublime. The valley enjoys some of the best weather in the area, and the ... read more

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

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

Thankfully, on the central California coast, we enjoy a temperate climate. While we do experience some heavy wind and rain events that cause localized trauma--like the devastating  Big Sur storms of 2017 that led to that area being effectively isolated for months to the rains and resulting mudslides in the Santa Barbara area last month--we don’t get the kind of deep freeze that regularly occurs in the midwest and east coast of the US. But you still need to winterize your vehicles. Wet, slippery roads combined with colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours mean we you keep our cars in tip-top shape. And it’s even more vital if you’re planning a trip to the mountains for some fun in the snow. Here are some tips on how to make sure you don’t get stranded in a storm:   Make sure your vehicle is up to date on the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, including oil, coolant, brake, transmission, windshield wiper and steering fluids C ... read more

  Before there was Car Week, there was the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. For many years the golf tournament founded by crooner Bing Crosby was one of the biggest visitor draws of the year. The Monterey Peninsula’s typically sleepy winter streets burst into life as golf enthusiasts and celebrity watchers came to town. And that was the idea.   Bing had started his tournament in Rancho Santa Fe in 1937. It was a relaxed affair, a way for the singer to hang out with his celebrity buddies and pro golfers while getting in a few rounds (of golf and cocktails). A highlight of the event was the clambake--hence the tournament’s nickname. The shindig was suspended for the duration of World War II. After hostilities ended, Ted Durein, a Monterey Peninsula Herald sports writer teamed up with some community leaders to pitch the idea to Der Bingle of bringing the tournament north to Pebble Beach. In the late 1940s, Monterey’s sardine industry was waning, and tourism was ... read more

  Getting a new car is a big step and one of the biggest purchases we make in our lifetime. There are many components that need to be considered before purchasing that vehicle that suits your needs and lifestyle.   Here are some important steps to takes that could make the car buying process faster, safer, and cheaper.   1. Research the car and features   There are a vast array of websites that have pictures and descriptions of available automobiles currently on the market. Peruse these sites and see which vehicle feels like it could be the right fit.   2. Get preapproved for a loan   A car loan that's preapproved gets you one step further to getting your dream car. You'll end up getting a sense of what you can afford. You'll be able to compare the interest rates with the financing plans that dealerships offer. Checking out the loan applications on bank websites will give you more of an idea of the process. Be prepared to have inform ... read more

Automobiles in 2018 are safer than they've ever been. Technological advancements have made cars able to protect the people who drive them. Seatbelts, traction control, airbags, as well as more modern-day developments have also protected vehicle owners since they were implemented years ago. Automobile manufacturers have been adding even more features that offer safety. This includes semi-autonomous lane departure warnings, active emergency braking, and rear-view cameras. Automakers have even started to make pop-up hoods that protect pedestrians.   Here are 3 of the safest passenger automobiles in the United States in 2018:   SUBARU IMPREZA This redesigned all-wheel-drive is secure and stable on the road and also has many safety features. The Impreza has automatic reverse braking, a rearview camera, and blind spot detection. Due to the high ratings for its crash prevention system, collision protection, and headlights, the Impreza was the recent winner of the Insurance ... read more

  Christmas is just around the corner and we want to be sure you arrive safely wherever you’re headed. Make sure your vehicle is safe for holiday travel at Robert”s Collision and Repair in Monterey. But how do you know when to avoid the traffic? Good news! AAA and Waze, the consumer-controlled traffic app offer this holiday traffic forecast.   According to AAA, in 2017, more than 100 million Americans will travel between December 23 and January 3. That’s the largest number of cars on the road ever predicted during this holiday.   According to Waze, this year, the worst day to travel will be Wednesday, Dec. 23 with vehicles starting to crawl along the highways as early as 11 a.m. You may as well stay at work and earn points with your boss, especially as the roads are expected to be tied up until at least 6 p.m.   Christmas Eve will be even worse starting at noon and extending all the way through Thursday evening. The return trip also offers ... read more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Living in scenic Monterey, California, means that we don’t need to travel far to find a stunning ocean sunset view. But have you ever checked out what’s under the water? If not, you are missing out! Scuba diving is popular in Monterey, and through many areas in about a 2-hour radius from Seaside. It’s worth the exploration if you have the time and can rent the gear to explore!   For those who have never “taken the plunge” and explored scuba diving before, California has hundreds of miles of coastline to explore! Scuba diving can be a stunning, once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it can also become your new favorite sport. One way to explore several different scuba diving locations is to create a road map of places to visit with stunning scuba diving locations. Traveling along the coast of California for scuba diving is worth it! Since you’re already on your road trip, you might as well keep going! Here are some of the premier spots for diving ... read more

  We’re pretty lucky that traveling to the beach from Monterey is close and easy to access, but many other summer destinations take a much longer drive. If you’re planning on taking a drive inland for camping or theme parks, or have family members to visit who live a couple of hours away, you’ll want to make the most of your fuel this summer. At Robert’s Collision and Repair, we just so happen to know a thing or two about cars and fuel economy. Here are a few tips from the experts at your favorite auto repair shop in Monterey about conserving fuel this summer:   Engine Oil Quality. Old engine oil can negatively impact your fuel economy and the overall, health of your engine. The first step is to make sure you follow your vehicle's specifications for regular oil changes to save you some money at the pump.   Extra Luggage. Unless you’ve got plans for that suitcase of extra clothes and the mounting pile of garbage accumulating behind ... read more

In Monterey, we are so lucky to have such beautiful beaches and deep waters right in our backyard. Whether you’re headed to any beach along the coast of Marina, Seaside, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel-By-the-Sea, and Big Sur, you know you’re in for a beautiful view. At Robert’s Collision and Repair, we’ve got a few things figured out about what to bring to those beach trips to make the most of them! Of course, there are the beach trip standards, which include: towels, beach blanket, cooler, umbrella, sunscreen, etc. Having lived near the ocean for so long, we’ve got the inside scoop on things you might not have thought of but will make all the difference for your beach trip. That’s why we’ve made this list of beach hacks and car accessories to keep in your car for the next time you head to the shore! Bike Rack If sun tanning and swimming isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy a bike ride along the beach. We recommend t ... read more

July 2017 Special Offer 10% Off Coolant Flush.  Offer valid through July 31, 2017. One coupon per visit. Not valid with other specials and offers.   If you’re planning to drive to warmer climates this summer, prepare your vehicle for the sizzling heat with our July special:  10% Off Coolant Flush.   Summertime temperatures in the Central Valley can literally bake cookies in a vehicle that’s parked out in the sun. Imagine what those soaring temperatures do to your engine if you don’t have fresh coolant flowing through your radiator.   When you leave coolant in your pipes too long, it becomes acidic, and it eats away at your engine’s innards. Like used engine oil, coolant breaks down and needs to be replaced for maximum lubrication and cooling performance. New coolant helps keep the engine operating at its most efficient temperature regardless of operating conditions and outside temperatures.   Don’t wait until your co ... read more

The 4th of July is one of the most highly anticipated celebrations of the summer, from the cookouts on the beach to the sparklers to the 4th of July parade that marches down Alvarado Street in Monterey each year. However, it can become extremely dangerous pretty quickly.   Given the road closures, drinks, and fireworks that we enjoy each year, the potential for harm is pretty high. According to the United States Department of Transportation, in 2015 over 200 people were killed in car and motorcycle accidents involving alcohol. On top of that, according to the National Fire Protection Agency, fireworks caused more than 15,000 fires in 2013, and a quarter of all the fires reported that year were reported on, you guessed it, the 4th of July. Surprisingly, the most common cause of fire-related injury is sparklers! In short, it is not uncommon to have serious consequences from being unsafe on the 4th of July. Including a few safety boundaries is a necessity for keeping your friends ... 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

The summer is finally here! Let’s hope that the Monterey weather will grace us with more sunny days than overcast ones this year. With the beautiful weather, comes that summer heat! And there’s nothing worse than being packed like sardines into a car that has a broken A/C when you’re trying to enjoy the summer months. Before you hit the road take some advice from your friendly local collision and repair shop; make sure your car’s air conditioner is ready for the trip! There are several ways to test the range of your A/C before bringing the summer fun begins.   Turn up the air conditioner as high as it can go. Test to see if there is a steady increase in cool, dry air flow from the lowest setting all the way up to full blast. If it jumps from 0 to 100 with no middle range, or if the air is damp, moldy, or smells off, this could indicate a need for a filter change or repairs. Even if you notice small differences, for instance, if it doesn’t get quite ... 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

Monterey has some of the best produce around to offer, but the key is knowing where to find them! Most Farmer’s markets in the area are a safe bet, but finding the best roadside stands can be a bit trickier. Here are a few suggestions for produce stands and farmer’s markets from a few Monterey locals here at Robert’s Collision and Repair.   The Farm in Salinas Valley. This produce location even has it’s own web page! http://thefarm-salinasvalley.com/farm-store/produce-stand/ Del Monte Produce is a local produce stand with three different locations, the nearest one in Monterey at 2400 Del Monte Ave. in Monterey. http://freshdelmonte.com/ Valley Produce and Spice is a regular produce stand at 399 Reservation Road in Marina. Finally, there is a handful of produce stands along Highway 101 in Gilroy. You’ll roll past several different p ... 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

It’s raining, it’s pouring... and before you know it, you’ll need new wiper blades! As little as we think about windshield wipers up until we need them, we virtually never question their origin.   When you think about it, windshield wipers are actually an incredible invention, and critical to driver safety. They were first invented and patented in 1903 by Mary Anderson, who observed an issue with visibility after a trolley ride one year prior. Anderson was born in Alabama, but moved to Fresno, California in 1893. A handful of others had attempted a device like this, but none were successful enough to warrant a patent until Anderson’s. By 1920, her original hand-crank windshield wiper design was a standard for automobile production.   Working in the auto industry as we do at Robert’s Collision and Repair, we have a lot of respect for all the contributors throughout history who have improved the safety and functionality of cars. We carry that m ... read more

Big Sur is a popular travel destination for adventurous road trippers and vacationers alike. For those who’ve never been, Big Sur is simply the coast south of Carmel-By-the-Sea, and north of San Simeon, and sequestered by the Santa Lucia Mountains. The area is best known for hiking, camping, beaches, and all sorts of opportunities for adventure. Tourism in this area is essential for the modest community of families and small businesses who call Big Sur their home. But, even with blue skies and cleared roads, the drive can easily become treacherous for unprepared travelers. In order to facilitate the happy travel of as many consumers, customers, and commuters as possible, we have a few resources we’d like to share to help ensure you have a safe trip! Regardless of where your starting point is, you’ll have to take Highway 1 to get into Big Sur (unless you’re a fan of mountain climbing, of course!). Unfortunately, due to the recent extreme weather conditions, many ... read more

April 2017 Monthly Offer -- $10 Off Service. Offer valid through April 30, 2017. One coupon per visit. Not valid with other specials and offers.   It’s Tax Time, and in an effort to help our customers save money, we are offering a flat $10 off service. Which service? Any service.   It doesn’t matter if it’s an oil change or a major 60,000-mile service. We are willing to knock $10 off any service you need. Yep, that’s how we help you stretch your dollars so you can pay Uncle Sam and remain safe on the road, all at the same time.   This offer is good for the month of April only, so don’t miss out on this grand opportunity to save. To take advantage of this special $10 Off Service, schedule an appointment with our Service Department at 831-373-1534 and mention this offer. We look forward to seeing you soon!  

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

A road trip with your best friend! Your best furry friend, that is. Nothing can top the utter, childlike joy of a dog’s smiling face out the window as you drive along. As much as driving your beloved pet around with you can be fun for them and sometimes necessary (visiting the vet, the groomer, moving, etc.) it can become very dangerous, very easily. We’re going to let you in on a few safety tips for your canine companion, for puppies and for full grown dogs alike.   1. Bring Supplies Regardless of whether you’re going for a long trip or a short run to the groomer and back, make sure you have everything you need for your dog, especially puppies! Collars, ID tags with a current phone number/address, water, doggie bags, and even some kibble and treats. Puppies can’t exactly “hold it.” You never know if you’ll be in an accident or delayed in another way, so be prepared. If something does happen with and your dog is with you, it’s one ... read more

This a question we get so often from our customers, we thought we might lay out the pros and cons for you so you can make the best decision for your car and budget. All Season Tires The two words we would use to describe All-Season tires are convenience and compromise. Living where the weather isn’t very harsh on either end of the spectrum, not a lot of snow, no blistering summers, is an ideal location to drive on All Season tires. Most locations meet this specification. These tires are sturdy, go-to options for your vehicle year round. This is a blessing for those on tight budgets too. No changes or extra sets necessary- although you definitely want to keep chains in your car just in case weather calls for it. Which highlights the second point about All Season Tires: the compromise. All-Season tires are incredibly well balanced, with treads designed to accommodate smooth driving in the Summer months, and rainy or icy driving during Winter. They are an excellent option. Howev ... read more

Being stranded with your car is undoubtedly a scary experience. Being stuck in your car is particularly scary if you are caught in a blizzard, stuck in a flash flood, riding through a major earthquake, or drive over a cliff. Believe it or not, if you are prepared, the situation can seem a lot less scary and much more manageable.   Robert’s Collision and Repair has compiled a list of survival tips if you and your family are ever stuck in your car:   Don’t abandon your car in a blizzard or storm: If you are far away from a town or city, walking away from your car can be very dangerous. If you are caught in a storm or blizzard, your car is excellent shelter. Do abandon your car if you are caught in a flood or enter a body of water.  Roll down the windows or break the windows to escape, in case the water pressure won’t allow you to open the doors. Use a flag: If you are stranded on the side of the road, tie a flag on your antenna to alert upcoming d ... read more