Category Archives: Tips

Technician placing car battery

It’s not too late to check on your car battery, but time is running out

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How do I know if my car’s battery will make it through winter?

Whenever someone talks about a car, truck or SUV for sale or lease at Billion Auto Group, the engine gets a lot of attention. However, without a working electrical system, a modern engine isn’t much use. As the teeth of another winter begin to bear down on the Bozeman area, we get a lot of people coming into the Billion Auto Group Service Department asking, ‘How do I know if my car’s battery will make through winter?’ Well, like most things, the signs will be clear – if you know what to look for. The best advice we can give you is to keep up with scheduled maintenance appointments at a reputable repair center like ours. However, if you’ve been noticing some weird things happening, let’s see if we can guess what they are. Read the rest of this entry >>

buying a car

We’ve seen a lot a people make mistakes, this is what you should avoid

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Most common mistakes made when buying a used car

As much as we love the lineup of new cars, trucks and SUVs available at Billion Auto Group, those might not always be the best option for buyers. Did you know we also host one of the largest and most diverse inventories of pre-owned vehicles? In fact, people are often surprised to find out just how much of pre-owned vehicles we sell each month. Because of that, our sales staff has come to learn a few valuable lessons and have identified the most common mistakes made when buying a used car. We thought it would be beneficial to give buyers a heads up so they can avoid pitfalls which can make for an unpleasant experience. Read the rest of this entry >>

A photo illustration of a car driving on a dark road at night with its lights on.

Worried about your headlights burning out? It might not be that big of a deal

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How long should headlights on my car last?

It’s very easy to take our headlights for granted. For the most part, they turn on when we want them and we never really have to think about them. As for how long headlights should last depends on a few different factors like when the vehicle was built, the environment the vehicle is used in and the quality of service the vehicle has received. We’ll examine a few things that might be helpful if you’re having some issues with your headlights. If there is something we can do to make your evening trips a little brighter, and safer, please make an appointment with the Billion Auto Group Service Department. Read the rest of this entry >>

A stock photo of two women driving go-carts.

Don’t let motion sickness ruin your next road trip

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How do you avoid motion sickness?

If there is something better than going out for a long drive on a beautiful Montana afternoon, we don’t know what it would be, and we don’t have much interest in finding it. However, dealing with a bout of car sickness will bring that good time to an end quickly. So, how do you avoid motion sickness? Like anything else, it takes a little knowledge and a little effort. A team of our product experts got together and did a little research to help you make sure you have an enjoyable drive. If you need a little help to get your vehicle ready for long drive, make an appointment with the Billion Auto Group Service Department today. Read the rest of this entry >>

A lineup of tires that are ready to go on a vehicle.

Like most things, following the directions will yield the best results

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Does tire pressure need to be adjusted at different times of the year?

Modern tires are easy to overlook. As long as an owner rotates them regularly and avoids hitting potholes or picking up a loose nail, tires don’t require much attention. In the old days, this wasn’t the case and vehicle owners had a lot to worry about when it came to their tires – and we’re not even talking about finding, replacing and storing snow tires or tire chains. A fairly common customer misconception that lingers around the Billion Auto Group Service Department is that a tire press needs to be adjusted at different times of the year. Not only is this outdated information, but you could be making your vehicle less safe, not to mention causing your tires to deteriorate faster. Read the rest of this entry >>

A stock photo of a gas pump with three grades of gasoline available.

Save yourself some money by skipping premium gas, unless you really need it

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Should I be using premium gas in my truck?

If there is one question that we routinely get when people are browsing the vast inventory available at Billion Auto Group is, ‘Should I be using premium gas in my truck?’ For the most part, unless the owner’s manual specifically calls for premium gas to be used in your truck (which would be exceedingly rare) or you have some special circumstances that make premium gas necessary – the answer is no, you don’t need to spend the extra money. By and large, vehicles that require premium gas are relegated to sports cars with high-compression engines. Almost all new vehicles have sensors built-in to the engine that will allow them to run just fine on regular grade gasoline. Here are some things you might need to know. Read the rest of this entry >>

A stock photo of a person using a smartphone while driving.

Just because it isn’t illegal, doesn’t mean you should text and drive

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Is it illegal to text and drive in Montana?

Being able to carry a phone, music player, videos and the entire internet in your pocket with a smartphone is nothing short of incredible. We love our smartphones. The product experts at Billion Auto Group appear to have their phones surgically attached to their hands. However, we put them away when we get behind the wheel. As technology continues to advance, it’s important to reevaluate some of our habits while driving. One of the most common questions our friends and family ask us is, ‘Is it illegal to text and drive in Montana?’ That depends on where you are. While there is no state-mandated ban, several cities have passed ordinances – including our hometown of Bozeman. Let’s take a look at what that means. Read the rest of this entry >>

A stock photo of a oil being poured into an engine.

Do you really have to use synthetic oil? It makes sense for most vehicles.

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Do I have to use synthetic oil in my Nissan car, truck or SUV?

The idea that a vehicle’s engine needs oil to run properly shouldn’t be a foreign one to anybody. However, not all oils are the same. Just as there is a vehicle for just about any conceivable need, there is an available motor oil that is needed to help it perform as intended. One of the more common questions our service team gets from customers is, ‘Do I have to use synthetic oil in my Nissan car, truck or SUV?’ Well, the answer depends on a couple of different factors. Nissan vehicles built in the last couple years come with an owner’s manual saying that synthetic oil is recommended while older models say conventional oil is ok. Let’s take a look at the information available. Read the rest of this entry >>

A close up photo of a windshield wiper blade removing water from the glass

Keep your windows clean with a fresh set of wiper blades

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When should I replace my windshield wipers?

Most of the new cars, trucks and SUVs available from the brands sold by Billion Auto Group come with advanced safety features to help keep drivers and passengers safe. There is no doubt these are great and much-needed innovations. However, the most effective safety system is still an alert driver with an unobstructed view of the road around them. In order to get the best view outside the vehicle, the windshield needs to be kept free of dirt and debris. This means knowing when one should replace their windshield wipers. If you’re curious if it’s time for a new set of blades, Billion Auto Group is here to show you what to look out for. Read the rest of this entry >>

Thanksgiving dinner

There is nothing wrong with leaving Thanksgiving dinner to the experts

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Where can I eat dinner on Thanksgiving 2017 in Bozeman, MT?

Where does the time go? There has been a lot of talk around the showroom about how fast the year has gone by as well as how amazing it seems to be that it’s almost time for Thanksgiving. For many people, this is a time when the smell of kitchens and dining rooms draws in large groups of hungry friends and family. However, there are also people out there that will be out finding something to eat on their own or otherwise choosing not to cook themselves. It’s important to start asking yourself, “Where can I eat dinner on Thanksgiving 2017?” so you’re not left hungry. We have some suggestions. Schedules for these restaurants may change suddenly, be sure to call ahead to confirm they’re open. Read the rest of this entry >>