Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are some interesting facts about mature drivers that will be affecting many of us who live on the Monterey Peninsula: By 2020, there will be more than 40 million licensed drivers ages 65 and older. The 65 and over age group ranks second in traffic fatalities. 40 percent of motorists over the age of 65 suffered from at least one of nine driving related difficulties commonly caused by aging. Nearly one in five motorists over 65 plan to buy or lease a new vehicle in the next two years. Because many of the changes our bodies experience as we age can affect our ability to safely operate a vehicle, mature drivers are looking for vehicles with features that address their specific needs and health issues. AAA Insurance put together a “Smart” vehicle report that recommends specific vehicles to meet the needs of mature drivers. Some AAA “Smart” recommendations include: Drivers suffering from hip or leg pain, decreased leg strength or limited knee range of motion should look for veh ... read more

AAA Association has some great tips on how to have “the talk” with our elders about driving and their safety. Remember the day your parents sat you down to have "The Talk?" Your pre-teen palms sweated while you waited awkwardly to hear what they had to say. Now, many years later, it's your turn-and you dread sitting your elderly mother or father down for a different version of "The Talk," to discuss the possibility that it may be time to give up the keys. Here on the Monterey Peninsula, we are fortunate to have many senior citizens that add a legacy of experience, history, and good fortune to our community. However, many of these same senior citizens get into accidents when they run stop signs, open their car doors into oncoming Lighthouse Avenue traffic, clip another vehicle in a parking lot, or accidentally drive through a store’s plate glass window. Avoid these accidents by having “the talk”. Talk Before Driving Becomes a Problem Driving safety for older adults is an emotionally ch ... read more

Texting while driving has become a growing problem. Thanks to Adolfo Nascimento of the Concord Patch, and AAA Association, here are some things to consider before you text while operating a moving vehicle. Distracted Driving in California While California leads the nation in seatbelt compliance, deaths of 16-year-old drivers statewide increased 16 percent in the first half of last year compared to 2010, said Kelly Browning, executive director of the nonprofit group Impact Teen Drivers. Distractions that typically take drivers' focus off of the road - from phone calls and text messages to sipping lattes - are especially perilous for teenage drivers, she said at a news conference at Clayton Valley Friday morning. "Every single driver at some point has been distracted by a call, a text, a passenger, a pet inside the vehicle, or just adjusting the radio," California Highway Patrol Capt. Jonni Fenner said. "These activities become hazardous when done behind the wheel of an automobil ... read more

As a helpful reminder of how to save money during summer road tips, here is some friendly advice from Robert’s Auto Repair: Tune up your car. Stay with friends and relatives. Book in advance. Keep an itinerary. Look for discounts. We may not be able to help you with tips #2 through #5, but we can certainly assist you with tip #1. If you are interested in giving your vehicle a tune-up and having it inspected for safety, schedule an appointment with Robert’s Auto Repair at 831

Summer is around the corner, and that usually means Summer road trips. Here are some tips to prepare your vehicle for Summer driving: Check your tires regularly. -- Robert’s Auto Repair has a tire service center, so allow us to take a look at your tires, wheels, and alignment for safety. Check your cooling and air conditioning systems. -- Robert’s Auto Repair will be happy to test your cooling system and your AC system to make sure there are no leaks or problems. Change your oil on schedule and keep full. -- Regular oil changes will keep your engine running perfectly during summertime heat and extensive road trips. Check the gas cap. -- The gas cap is an important component of your car’s emission control system, so we will make sure the gasket is properly in place. Check your lighting and visibility. -- Robert’s Auto Repair will double check all your safety lights and make certain your windows are free of cracks and dings. Use a pro for long trips. -- Many wise travelers bring their ... read more

When you're involved in an auto accident, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. From dealing with insurance companies to worrying about the condition of your vehicle, the entire experience can be stressful. At CARSTAR Robert’s Collision, we understand this, which is why our mission is to take those lemons and turn them into lemonade for our customers. We’re here to walk you through every step of the auto body repair process, ensuring that you not only regain the use of your vehicle but also receive it back in pristine condition. Here’s a detailed look at what happens from the moment you bring your damaged vehicle to us until you drive away with it fully restored. 1. First Impressions Matter: Initial Estimation and Production When you first arrive at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision, you're greeted by one of our friendly and knowledgeable repair estimators. This first step is crucial, as it sets the tone for your entire experience. We understa ... read more

Have you heard of our Customer Rewards program at Robert’s Auto Repair? Our rewards program is designed to save you money on future invoices, every time you come to Robert’s Auto Repair for service. If you are not already familiar with our Customer Rewards program, here’s how it works: rewards card

Scattered April showers and major Spring storms cause inconvenience and minor accidents on Monterey County's freeways. Given the imminent hazard April showers create, it is a good idea for all drivers, especially teenage or inexperienced ones, to review the causes and solutions to hydroplaning as it may save you or a loved one from getting into an accident. Hydroplaning occurs when the tires of your vehicle cannot displace water fast enough to make proper contact with road surface. The result of this condition is a loss of steering to the affected tires. If all the tires are affected, the loss of steering will be complete. Evidence that partial hydroplaning is occurring and complete hydroplaning is imminent is a loosening of the steering response as well as a pulling of the vehicle toward the body of water. Generally, hydroplaning is avoidable as it is caused by "driver error" and tire problems, which could potentially lead to a catastrophic accident. The major causes of hydroplaning ... read more

Robert’s Auto Repair is proud to offer electrical system repair and maintenance on all vehicles, including electric vehicles. With the help of the Department of Motor Vehicles, here are a few things you should know about repairing your vehicle’s electrical system: Ignition -- http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/ignition.php Alternator -- http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/alternator.php Batteries -- http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/batteries.php Granted, most of you who come to Robert’s Auto Repair are not the DIY auto mechanics. However, if you wish to tackle these repair projects yourself, the information provided above can be quite helpful. Whether or not you decide to try and fix your vehicle’s electrical system yourself, or bring it into Robert’s Auto ... read more

Have you noticed how often it is that people don’t give enough attention to their tires? It seems very common, but ignoring your tires is can become a major safety issue. Why? Because tires are your car’s only contact to the road. No matter how good an engine your car has, how good a construction it has , what basic speed and acceleration it has, in the end it all comes down to tires and how they can alter your car’s performance on the road. Not only should you pay attention to your tires, but you should learn the difference between good tires and bad tires, cheap tires and expensive tires, sizes of tires , and the seasons and conditions your tires are made for. Here’s a quick list of things to look out for when choosing tires: 1. Make sure you’re choosing the proper size of tires. A wrong size of tires can mean everything from a slight discomfort to a serious safety issue. Tire sizes are usually indicated in your car’s manual. If you lost yours or you got a bargain car from somewhere ... read more

In tough economic times it makes sense to maximize every dollar. In terms of car buying, that suggests buying a clean used car instead of springing for a shiny new one. But is buying a used car always cheaper than buying a new vehicle? In most typical economic climates, the answer is a resounding "yes." However, the current economic climate is anything but typical. In fact, the deals on some new cars are so generous they actually make a new car less expensive than both a one-year-old used and certified pre-owned version of the same model. To illustrate this point, Edmunds.com compared the vehicles' True Market Value® transaction prices and the interest payments typically made for each vehicle. Because used/certified pre-owned cars are generally financed at a higher rate than new cars, a shopper can actually save money by purchasing a new vehicle instead of a used version in some cases. When considering financing, maintenance, taxes and other costs, buying a used vehicle may not always ... read more