Did you know that the number one factor that determines how long a vehicle stays on the road is how well that vehicle was kept up during its life? It’s true, it’s also true that most people forget to do some of the regular maintenance required to keep a vehicle running well; a quarter of…
It’s been a relatively mild fall/early winter here in Montana, but the cold, icy weather of winter looks to be upon us. So, let’s talk about winter driving safety. Here in Montana severe weather comes at a moment’s notice, and you should always be prepared in the event of icy or snowy road conditions; weather…
It’s been downright cold in Montana lately. Unfortunately for many of us the cold weather—twenty- to thirty-below zero (air temperature!)—turns our vehicles unreliable. And in some cases, it may be important to have some mechanical intervention with your professional mechanics at Willard’s Garage, but it may also be possible to fix things yourself. It may…
If you have taken a recent visit to the car lot, and have looked at the window sticker’s claims to MPG, you might have been shocked to know that many modern vehicles get very good gas mileage. But those advertised numbers are statistically possible only when the vehicle is operated at its optimal best. That…
If your TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) warning light goes on during a cold snap, it may not mean your tire has a leak. Tire pressure can decrease about 1 PSI (pound per square inch) for every 10 degrees the temperature drops. It’s not that more air is escaping your tires, but rather the air…
There is a certain pride that comes from keeping a vehicle on the road past the prime life-span of many of its counterparts. And the secret to keeping that vehicle on the road, and working in tip-top condition is regular maintenance. It’s possible for a vehicle to exceed not only one-hundred thousand miles but three-hundred…
When does a vehicle need a tune up? What happens during a tune up? Does that mean that the mechanic checks on and works on the engine? These are questions you may be asking yourself. You’ve probably heard of an auto tune up, but maybe you don’t realize what happens while your vehicle is at…
The cost of gas has dipped considerably in recent months, but it’s still important to try and run your vehicle efficiently; efficiency alleviates the pressure on your wallet your vehicle and the environment. The first step toward efficiency is to ease up on pedal. Higher RPM’s mean a much lower fuel efficiency. Remember in driver’s…
Tune ups are often thought of as required maintenance for older vehicles. But the truth is that most any vehicle with a few thousand miles can benefit from a tune up. Tune ups are nothing more than a broad-scope maintenance check. Tune ups are designed to keep vehicles operating efficiently, but also ensure that any…
Almost everyone has likely experienced it: Get behind the wheel, putt the key into the ignition, turn it, and nothing happens. Dead battery. It’s a bummer of situation, and there are few things more frustrating. And if you have the right tools, equipment, and experience you should be able to easily jump start the battery.…