Category Archives: Service & Maintenance

Mechanic with a bottle of oil

Keep Your Vehicle in Tip-Top Shape Through the Remainder of Winter!

Vehicle Mid-Winter Maintenance in Rochester, NY, and Raleigh, NC

Some parts of the U.S. (particularly here in Raleigh and Rochester), have been fairly mild this winter, but you never know what Mother Nature has in store for the next few months. She might feel particularly vengeful and bring about some polar vortexes that will make the temperatures drop to 50 below when windchills are accounted for. Even with those frigid temperatures, many of us are still expected to get to work or other obligations, and you worry if your vehicle will start up.

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White Chevy Silverado playing in the dust

What Kind of Engine Oil Does a Chevy Silverado 1500 Truck Need?

Engine Oil Viscosity Grade Recommendation for a Chevy Silverado 1500 Truck

Here at Auction Direct USA, many of our customers who are shopping for a high-quality used truck will choose the Chevy Silverado 1500. This pickup truck offers plenty of power and is a great choice when you need to work hard and want to play harder in the Rochester, NY, area. One reason why many of our customers choose the Chevy Silverado 1500 is its reputation for long-lasting dependability.

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a red car buried in snow

Is Your Vehicle Ready for Winter?

Winter Preparation Checklist for Your Vehicle

The winter season is almost here, and depending on where you are located, you may have even seen some snow already. With that being said, now is the time to get your vehicle prepped so it can provide optimal performance and stay dependable during the cold months ahead. To ensure that you don’t forget anything, we have created a checklist for you:

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Line of new tires

Learn How to Change the Tire on Your Pickup Truck!

Ford F-150 Truck Life: How to Change a Tire Video

Many of us have experienced a flat tire while we are cruising down the road. Unfortunately, more and more drivers do not know how to change a flat tire on a vehicle. We are blaming that on more schools no longer providing automotive or life skills classes. Luckily, you can still learn how to change your tire with the help of this video from Ford and the brand’s F-150 pickup truck. Enjoy! Read the rest of this entry >>

Mechanic at a service center talking to a customer

Help! My Car’s A/C Just Conked Out! Where Can I Get it Fixed?

Car Air Conditioning Repairs in Durham, NC

The South is famous for its sweltering summers and while we are used to it, it can be uncomfortable to get in our vehicle after it has been sitting out in the hot sun. Usually, we rely on the air conditioning unit in our vehicle to help keep us cool, but there may come a day when it konks out on you – and it is usually on the hottest day of the year! Read the rest of this entry >>

Lead mechanic in a service center

Why is My Manual Transmission Vehicle Smelling Like Burnt Rubber?

Common Reasons Your Manual Transmission Can Start to Smell

Manual transmissions have gone to the wayside in favor of the automatic option, but there are many drivers who still prefer the old-school manual. When you shop with us here at Auction Direct USA, you can easily find vehicles that are outfitted with a manual transmission. Like any vehicle component, your manual transmission will need to be maintained so that it may continue to work correctly. However, something can go wrong at some point either due to neglect, improper use, or age. Read the rest of this entry >>

a person holding a tire next to a silver vehicle

Is it safe to put a set of used tires on my vehicle? 

Tires get replaced and serviced more often than most other parts of your car. This is because your tires are constantly taking a beating. Every time you drive, you put wear on them. Eventually, you will need to replace all four of your tires. Tires aren’t cheap, so it may be tempting to get used tires instead of brand-new ones. Is that entirely safe? The short answer—no. Keep reading to get the long answer. 

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Mechanic changing oil

Can I Top Off My Oil Using a Different Grade Than the One That is Currently Being Used?

Can I Mix Different Motor Oils?

When it comes to maintaining our high-quality used vehicle from Auction Direct USA, one of the best things we can do is be mindful of the oil. Check it regularly (once a month), have it changed every three months or 3,000 miles, and top it off as needed. But have you ever found yourself checking the oil in your vehicle, realized that it was low, and discovered that the only oil you had on hand was different than the kind you normally use? Is it okay to use? Keep reading to find out! Read the rest of this entry >>

Mechanic changing oil

When You Should Have your Oil Changed

Of all the maintenance you perform on your vehicle, none will extend its life more than regular oil changes. But, that begs the question, “what is a regular oil change?” Most manufacturers recommend changing the oil somewhere between three and five thousand miles. But, depending on what you drive, and how you drive it, those numbers may actually be far too low. You might be able to get more than twice the recommended mileage, especially if you use synthetic oil. While it never hurts to err on the side of caution, replacing perfectly healthy engine oil three or four times a year doesn’t make sense either. There are several methods to determine if your oil still has enough viscosity.

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a person holding a tire next to a silver vehicle

Tire Rotation: What You Need to Know

If you have just purchased a new car, you will want to properly maintain it. This helps to extend the life of all of the parts of the car. One important part on your car is the tires. The tires need to be routinely rotated to help maintain them and extend their lifespan. Unfortunately, many people do not know much about tire rotation. Here is everything you need to know about rotating the tires on your car.

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