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Watch Out For Car Fraud And Theft

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

If you had to pick two personal possessions that were never stolen, there's a good chance you would name your car and your wallet. These are some of the most valuable items you own, and not only are they costly to replace, but losing one is sure to bring plenty of headaches and frustration. All of this makes a recent trend even more alarming. 

Stealing identities – and cars 
The National Insurance Crime Bureau is raising awareness of white-collar methods that many thieves are using to steal cars. One of the most popular schemes involves criminals using stolen IDs to lease or purchase vehicles. Once the car is in their possession, they skip any and all payments, leaving the original victim of theft stuck with the bill. Those vehicles could even be resold to unsuspecting buyers. 

Although there are no concrete numbers associated with these scams, the NICB is paying attention to the threat – and you should be too. 

"Trying to put a number on these kinds of thefts is a challenge," said NICB President and CEO Joe Wehrle. "It's comparable to a hacker stealing IDs – you don't know you're a victim until it's too late. Most of these thefts don't show up in traditional crime reporting numbers and become financial losses for lenders, car rental companies and others. The result is millions of dollars added to the cost of doing business, which is ultimately passed on to consumers."

How to stay safe
You can take some measures to protect your investment. Start by keeping your ID close to you at all times. You should also be monitoring any suspicious mail that comes to your home address, making sure that you aren't unwittingly receiving follow-up letters from a loan or purchase. 

Additionally, always lock your car or home, particularly if you have a wallet lying around. When looking for a used car, be sure to research the vehicle history and make sure you a clear idea of where the car came from. 

It also helps to go to a reputable used car lot for all of your shopping and auto financing needs. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, for instance, you'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified vehicles as well as a top-notch financing team. They'll assist you in your search for the perfect ride, complete with an affordable price tag, auto loans and plenty of security features. 

More Drivers Attempting DIY Maintenance

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Posted in General Auto News

Thinking about all of the money that goes into a car – the price of buying used cars, insurance payments, auto loans, gas money and more – can be overwhelming. It may even seem like there's no relief from these costs, as the bills associated with owning a car just continue to pile up. That's why some drivers are getting their hands dirty this year. 

More drivers embrace DIY
According to a survey conducted by AutoPartsWarehouse.com, drivers are increasingly trying to save money by doing their own auto maintenance and repairs. Nearly 80 percent of people stated they were trying to pinch pennies by doing their own work, with another 66 percent saying they simply enjoy maintaining cars. 

About half of the people who said they embrace DIY jobs reported trying their hand at more tasks this year than in the past, and two-thirds of drivers said they're willing to take on more difficult projects. 

Why are these car owners stepping outside their comfort zone? For starters, many of them are driving older vehicles, and they don't feel like it's worthwhile to pump more money into them. Almost half of the respondents said their cars were 10 or more years old, with 64 percent clocking in with more than 100,000 miles.

Some of these motorists would be surprised to hear that repairs and maintenance aren't always so costly. In fact, there may even be a few local garages capable of delivering fine work at a relative low price – drivers just have to work up the effort to find them. 

Don't take unnecessary risks
You may feel the urge to try your hand at some car maintenance, but if you're not comfortable with certain tasks, don't hesitate to call a pro. The team of experts at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center, for example, can address any issues you may have with your vehicle. 

At NJ State Auto, you can also find used cars that will serve as great replacements for older vehicles that may be on their last legs. Instead of using patchwork DIY projects to extend the life of a ride, let the facility's in-house financing team figure out how you can get behind the wheel of a more reliable, stylish option. 

New Radar Gun Focuses On Texting

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Posted in Auto Industry News

The sight of an idling police car on the side of the road is enough to make any driver nervous. Even if you're traveling at the speed limit, passing by a radar gun can be nerve-wracking. Motorists may have to get used to this feeling, however, as a recent innovation resulted in a radar gun that lets police know if a driver is texting while driving. 

Is texting really that big of a problem? 
In short, yes. The Federal Communications Commission reported that text messaging while driving increases the risk of a crash by 23 percent. Additionally, about 11 percent of drivers ages 18 to 20 who were involved in an accident admitted to sending or receiving texts at the moment it happened. 

To prevent this type of distracted driving from becoming more of a problem, 44 states have banned texting behind the wheel, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. Enforcing these laws is difficult, however, which is where the new invention comes into play. 

How does it work?
According to The Virginian-Pilot, the gun senses radio frequencies coming from cellphones inside a car. The device can even distinguish between texting and making a phone call, but it is not able to read what type of data is being transferred should an individual be using a smartphone to complete a different task. Although this device isn't being mass produced quite yet – and it still needs legal approval – there's a good chance it could be used on the roads in the near future. 

What can you do? 
Can you do anything about the texting radar gun? Probably not, but a good place to start would be to put down the phone when you get behind the wheel. The next step is making sure the car you drive has plenty of safety tools and other features that help you out on the road. 

It pays to shop around for the right car. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, for example, you can search through hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans to find the one that meets all of your needs. Maybe it's a subtle color that police won't pay as much attention to, or perhaps it has new technology that allows you to listen to messages without taking your hands off the wheel. No matter what, finding a vehicle with extra safety features – at an affordable price – can make a huge difference. 

Why Windshield Maintenance Matters

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Posted in General Auto News

Want to try something impossible? Drive safely without being able to see. You wouldn't get behind the wheel while blindfolded – so why would you attempt to drive with anything less than perfect vision? 

A clear view ahead
The Car Care Council underscored the importance of maintaining a clean and clear windshield. Heavy autumn rains and shorter days mean you'll need to have car lights and wipers that can handle the load – otherwise, you could be left struggling to see what's going on around you. 

"With fewer daylight hours in fall and winter, it's important to make sure your vehicle's lights and wipers are working properly so your visibility is not compromised and you can be seen by others," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. 

According to the Council, one of the most important things you can do is clean dirt and debris off your headlights and taillights. This allows you to see the road and other drivers to see your vehicle. You also must aim them correctly so they're properly lighting the way. 

Don't overlook the maintenance
An increased focus on windows, lights and windshield wipers will naturally lead to more regular car maintenance. It all starts by making sure you can see what's happening on the road ahead at any time of day or in any weather. 

"From the driver's seat, you may not notice a light that isn't working, so inspect all of your car's lights and replace those that are out," White continued. "Also, inspect and replace wiper blades so you can see clearly when wet weather hits."

It's also important to have the HVAC system examined. Colder mornings can lead to fogged-up or iced-over windshields, and a functioning defroster will have you seeing clearly in no time. Even with this feature, be sure to have an ice scraper on hand to clear off a particularly stubborn patch if necessary. 

Luckily, most of the tasks that need to be accomplished are relatively straightforward – but that doesn't mean they should be left to chance. Instead of improvising your own work, schedule an appointment with professionals at a garage like NJ State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. The garage caters to the public and can address any issues you may have. 

Study Shows Hands-Free Technology Is Still A Distraction

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Posted in Auto Brands News, General Auto News, Toyota

Taking your eyes off the road for one second – whether it's to read a text message or check out the hottie in the car next to you – can be a costly mistake. No matter how minor, car accidents can result in physical pain and financial burden, which is why many automakers and electronic devices have hands-free features aimed at keeping the focus on the road ahead. 

Distracted driving remains a problem
Even with so many companies trying to find ways to keep drivers' hands on the wheel, distracted driving continues to plague motorists. Unfortunately, not all of these efforts have the intended results. A recent report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that hands-free technologies may actually increase distractions. That is despite the fact that three-fourths of drivers think the systems are safe to use, according to the study. 

Technology is a double-edged sword
Voice technologies are intended to help drivers by allowing them to keep their hands on the wheel. However, putting your mind to other tasks instead of motoring can be just as dangerous as physically controlling the devices. 

"Technologies used in the car that rely on voice communications may have unintended consequences that adversely affect road safety," said Peter Kissinger, president and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. "The level of distraction and the impact on safety can vary tremendously based on the task or the system the driver is using." 

While some of the programs caused high levels of distraction, there were a few that were relatively safer. Entune from Toyota, for example, bested its peers. AAA stated that this technology was even easier and less distracting for drivers than listening to an audiobook. Of courses, none of these options were as safe as just driving. 

Make smart shopping decisions
Distractions are always going to be present on the roads. However, you can go the extra mile to ensure you stay focused by making smart decisions during the car-buying process. For example, make sure you are surveying all of your options by using a facility like New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, so you'll be able to look at a ton of makes and models that may fit your needs. This will enable you to select the one that will be the safest on the roads. 

Study: Vehicle Maintenance Is Tough For Drivers

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Posted in General Auto News

The traditional way of thinking about car maintenance is quickly becoming a thing of the past. While owner's manuals and old-school repair schedules provide some insight as to what needs attention, new technologies are changing how people approach maintenance, as well as what type of care a car needs. 

AAA recently released a report detailing the average knowledge a driver has about vehicle maintenance. The study found both good and bad statistics, revealing a few areas where motorists can focus their energies. 

Listen to alert systems
One of the easiest ways to stay on top of maintenance is by listening to the warnings the car is giving you. Onboard systems like the check engine light are there to help drivers, so be sure to pay attention when you see a light or reminder flip on. However, it's not enough to just get those specific parts checked. Use these systems as a reminder to have all aspects of your ride examined. 

"The expansion of onboard maintenance reminder systems – which often cover oil-change services – appears to help consumers stay on track with oil maintenance," John Nielsen, AAA's managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. "Many important services that are not typically detailed by those systems are often missed by consumers." 

Know what to look for
AAA also recommended drivers focus on a few areas that will otherwise be overlooked. For example, the study found that the majority are up to date on oil changes, but about 88 percent have skipped brake fluid service. That can be particularly dangerous, as the poor maintenance of this fluid may lead to the corrosion of gears, increased stopping distance and overall lower functionality. 

Other maintenance tasks that may have been lost in the shuffle include battery checks, fluid level examinations and tire care. Be sure to ask a professional to look into these aspects of your car as well as whatever issue brought you to the garage in the first place. 

Get professional help
We get it: Not everyone has the know-how to maintain a car themselves – and that's OK. Places like the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction are here to help. That garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have. Schedule an appointment today to ensure your ride is safe to drive. 

Why Can’t We Be Friends: Drivers And Cyclists

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Posted in General Auto News

Ask any driver what they think of bicyclists, and you may get some not-so-nice answers. To many motorists, anyone peddling on the roads is more of a distraction and a nuisance than anything else. No matter what you think of cyclists, however, you still have to have the road with them, which means you need to know how to stay safe. 

By keeping these three tips in mind, you should be able to expertly navigate the roads while still allowing cyclists their fair share of space. 

1. Keep your line of vision open
Watching out for cyclists isn't the same as observing other cars. They can move faster in traffic, be temporarily hidden by other cars or follow their own rules of the road. As such, you have to be able to survey your entire surroundings to watch out for bicyclists. Check your mirrors constantly and make sure to look for these travelers behind other obstacles. You should also clean your windows, upgrade your wipers and fix your windshield if a quality boost is needed. 

2. Defer to safety
Whenever you're in doubt about what to do, defer to the safest possible option. Slow down when you approach cyclists and leave a cushion of at least three feet when passing them. Always assume bicycles will be following their own rules – that way, you won't make a hasty decisions that leads to a bad collision. 

3. Know how they operate
Rules regarding bicyclists are different in each region. For example, in New York City, peddlers are always supposed to be limited to the separate bike path in between the sidewalk and the roadway. There are also variances by state, as some allow bicycles to go through stop signs or even red lights if the traffic is clear, even though normal drivers have to stay put. Learn what the rules are for your area so you know what to expect from these individuals. 

Are you looking to upgrade from a bicycle to a car? Look no further than New Jersey State Auto Auction. Our lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans on the site, and you can browse through them all until you find the perfect fit. Need even more help? Then turn to our in-house finance department, who are available to navigate all of your loan and credit options. 

Good News For Car Buyers In September

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Posted in Auto Industry News

Are you interested in buying a used car? Then you might be in luck. The economic landscape is currently very hospitable to prospective drivers, with low sticker prices, falling fuel costs and other financing options offering plenty of opportunities for savvy shoppers. 

Used car prices 
The Wall Street Journal reported that used car prices have fallen for four straight months. That included August, and with plenty of September sales and end-of-summer specials taking place, the trend likely continued throughout the month. 

While the cost of these pre-owned vehicles is dropping, it's important to note that it is coming down from historic highs. So although the price of a used car might be less than what it was in the spring, it is likely still more expensive than in past years. Of course, this all depends on what makes, models and model years you're looking at, so there is sure to be plenty of ways to find great value. 

Ownership costs remains manageable 
Buying a used car is just the beginning. Drivers who find themselves behind the wheel also have to be ready to make monthly insurance payments, pay off loans and invest in any necessary maintenance. All of this can add up quickly, which is why you need to be smart about your investment. 

For example, finding a used car with great fuel economy could save you money in the long run. According to a report from AAA, the national average for a gallon of gas consistently dropped throughout September, and as of Sept. 22 it sat at $3.34 per gallon. This figure continues to fall due to a decrease in demand, as many summer travelers are settling close to home for autumn, and the seasonal switch to less expensive winter oil. All of that may seem like just a lucky break, but it can actually mean major savings for people who get plenty of miles to the gallon. 

If you're ready to buy a used car, consider turning to New Jersey State Auto Auction for help. This auction lot is packed with hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans – one of which could be perfect for your next ride. It also has an in-house financing team ready and willing to help you wade through the numbers and determine which buying option is right for you. 

How To Stay Safe Around Trucks

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Posted in How To

Drivers should know that they need to know how to handle themselves on the road at all times, but it becomes even more important when they are surrounded by large trucks. To convey just how essential this knowledge is, the American Trucking Association's professional drivers are participating in AAA Mid-Atlantic's IDrive program. The main aim of the initiative is to teach motorists about the importance of safety on the roads, particularly when driving alongside trucks or tractor-trailers. 

"Safety is the trucking industry's most important value," said ATA president and CEO Bill Graves. "We're always happy for events like IDrive which allow our professionals to reach out to the public – particularly young drivers – and convey that important safety message." 

Everyone who gets behind the wheel should keep these key tips in mind for driving among large trucks. 

Give them room
One of the most important things drivers need to do is leave enough space for bigger vehicles. Trucks and trailers are heavier than traditional cars and therefore require more time and space to stop. It also takes them longer to accelerate. To ensure that these vehicles have the room they need to maneuver on the roads, leave a safety cushion of space. You should also avoid cutting in front of trucks or making sudden stops when around them. 

Know their blind spots
Because trucks take up so much space, they have larger and different blind spots than typical vehicles. Keep in mind that if you can't see a driver or mirrors, then the driver probably doesn't see you either. By leaving plenty of space around trucks and using appropriate driving signals, you can guarantee that you're communicating with them effectively and providing them time to react. 

Focus at all times
There's no excuse for being distracted behind the wheel. A smart driver knows how to block out unnecessary noise to focus on the road ahead, but unfortunately, it's not always that easy. To eliminate some of the distractions, turn off or silence cellphones and other electronic devices. It also helps to square away some details before you start driving. Fix your mirrors, adjust the seat and choose a radio station prior to pulling out onto the road, which ensures you'll have fewer distractions when it matters. 

Ultimately, the best thing drivers can do is make sure that their car is safe enough to drive. Keep up with necessary maintenance by scheduling appointments at a local garage, such as the Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto. That facility caters to the public and can help keep a vehicle running at a high level. 

Teens In New Jersey Benefit From Driver’s Ed

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Posted in General Auto News

Teen drivers make up a significant portion of people on the roads, especially now that school is back in session and they have to shuttle themselves to school and extracurricular activities. Before these young drivers can feel totally comfortable behind the wheel, however, they have to get used to the rules of the road – an effort that can be helped by formal courses such as driver's education.

In New Jersey, teenagers must complete these classes before obtaining their license. While the process may be a pain for some, it also comes with a slew of benefits that will definitely help drivers in the long run. 

Driver's education helps teens
According to a recent report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, teens that do not take part in driver's education are more likely to be involved in car accidents. They also accrue more traffic violations than their peers – and the margin is not small. AAA found that completing driver's education decreased the number of convictions by as much as 40 percent. 

"This research confirms what conventional wisdom tells us – driver education makes a difference," said Dr. William Van Tassel, the manager of driver training programs for AAA. "Despite recent declines in participation, the overwhelming majority of Americans believe new drivers should take part in this critical step of the learning-to-drive process." 

Learning to drive in Jersey
Luckily for all motorists, New Jersey is one of the states that requires teenagers to complete a driver's ed course. As part of this, a driver must rack up six hours of behind-the-wheel practice with a licensed instructor. Additionally, they must pass a knowledge test and a vision exam. Of course, they also have to present some sort of proof of enrollment for a driver's training course in the state. 

Is your teen ready to drive? You'll want him or her to have a vehicle that is dependable on the roads and equipped with top-notch safety features. It may sound like a tall order, but you could find just what you're looking for at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified vehicles for you to consider, plus an in-house finance team that will help you figure out how to afford another ride.