shopping and services Best Car Dealership - Used Cardinale Automotive Group Multiple Central Coast locations cardinaleway.com “Jalopies I Cursed and Loved” is Steinbeck’s ode to America’s earliest clunkers, published in Holiday Magazine in 1954. Cardinale probably doesn’t have any Model Ts hanging around—which ironically are now coveted collectible classic cars—but they do stock plenty of reliable models that would have been a dream to drive back in Steinbeck’s day. For Cardinale, the term “used” isn’t synonymous with jalopy (sorry, Steinbeck). They offer customers a range of as good as new options, from luxury German brands like BMWs and Audis, to good old American staples like Jeep and GMCs. Best Tire Shop Sullivan's Auto Service & Tire Pros 1730 The Mall, Seaside (831) 215-5250, sullivanstire.com So you made it to California on tires that are “two layers of fabric worn through” thanks to you “might get a hundred more miles outta her” daring. But you don’t need to take risks like the Joads. Our cars deserve the best tires for safety and reliability and that’s what Sullivan’s will do for your beloved vehicle(s). If you have to ask yourself, “When’s the last time my tires were replaced?” Sullivan’s can help determine whether you need a rotation, balancing or a brand-new set. They fix most flats including damage to side-walls, and have a broad selection. If your vehicle has issues beyond tires, they can also help with brake jobs, oil changes and AC/heating repairs. Best Place To Get Smogged Pacific Smog 2039 Del Monte Blvd., Seaside (831) 899-8877, pacificsmog.com Unless you’re a Class A/B/C truck, no need to make an appointment at the most efficient smog check station. That begs the question: If cars needed to be smogged in John Steinbeck’s day would the aging author have needed an appointment for his custom-built camper, Rocinante (from Travels With Charley)? With Steinbeck’s fame, likely not, but you too can feel like you’re treated with kid gloves when the staff sends your car’s passing emissions test straight to the DMV without your having to lift a finger. Best Car Repair Shop Pacific Motor Service 550 E. Franklin St., Monterey (831) 2885711 1123 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 531-2295, pacificmotorservice.com The Ford Model T was John Steinbeck’s first car, and according to the Nobel Prize winner, that car never saw a mechanic because although it was a “jalopy” he could always find a way to fix it himself. Imagine trying to fix an EV or a hybrid by yourself; that’s actually impossible unless you’re an NSA-level hacker. Luckily, Pacific Motor Service has trained staff and will take nearly every automobile on the road today for preventive maintenance and major repairs, sometimes on a walk-in basis. 76 BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2023 mcweekly.com/bestof BEST VAPE STORE ’13- ’23 ’15,’17, ’18, ’19 BEST HEAD SHOP
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