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How To Get Your Car Ready For A Smog Check

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Posted in How To

In today's economy, a vehicle's fuel economy is particularly important, but it is just one of many factors that play into a car's overall function. Another quality that should not be overlooked is how environmentally friendly an automobile is, and the easiest way to check is with a smog test. Although many drivers might not think about their car's harmful emissions until it becomes a problem, taking a few steps early on can make a big difference. 

At its most basic level, a smog check examines a vehicle to see if its emissions output is reaching harmful levels of pollution. Although almost all cars will have some kind of emissions, those that are operating at a low level will typically have worse results. This may be a sign that certain types of repairs are needed. 

Edmunds.com offered several recommendations for drivers looking to check their vehicle's emissions and improve the chances it passes a smog check. One of the most important actions drivers can take is to keep up with regular maintenance. For example, when the check engine light comes on, it could be a sign of a faulty oxygen sensor, which in turn may lead to a mixture of gas and air that causes harmful emissions. 

Similarly, updates like changing the oil when it is needed, properly inflating tires, and refilling coolants and other fluids can go a long way toward passing a smog check. All of these tasks are relatively simple actions that improve the overall function and efficiency of a car, and therefore can make the emissions better as well. 

If you think something may be off with your car, take it to be looked at by the professionals at the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and can address any issues you may have, ranging from basic vehicle maintenance to more intensive repairs. 

Have Tools Ready To Go When Driving In Winter

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Posted in General Auto News

The arrival of winter means you have to get ready to deal with colder weather. These preparations include everything from bundling up with warm sweaters and heavy jackets to investing in snow tires and ice scrapers for your car. However, those aren't the only steps you'll have to take as you get your vehicle ready for the frigid season. There are several tools you should have on hand before battling the ice and snow in your automobile, and having them available could make a big difference when on the roads. 

Kelley Blue Book recommended drivers make sure their cellphones are fully charged before getting behind the wheel. Investing in a spare charger and car adaptor is also a smart idea, as it means motorists can have a working mobile device to contact help in the case of an emergency. Other tools, such as jumper cables, an ice scraper, a flashlight and road salt or sand are also necessary. 

Additionally, drivers should familiarize themselves with the features and navigation systems on their vehicles. Being able to work around detours or accidents on the fly could be tremendously helpful, and it could allow you to avoid using up all of your fuel as well. 

An important part of driving in the winter is making sure your car and all of its features are functioning properly. Car owners who want to check this box off their to-do list can bring the vehicle to a professional, such as the mechanics at the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have, including several pertaining to the operation of your car in cold weather. 

How To Drive Safely On Ice

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Posted in How To

Winter driving poses many challenges for motorists, and one of the most difficult is learning how to handle a vehicle on slick, icy surfaces. Below are a few tips that drivers should keep in mind as they get behind the wheel in areas where there may be frozen roads: 

Limit technology
While features like cruise control or driver-assist can be a big help to some motorists, they should be used with caution in the winter. Car owners need to be in full control of a vehicle at all times, which is not possible when some of these tools are employed. 

Watch out for certain icy areas
Some stretches of the road may be more susceptible to icy patches. For example, AAA reported that bridges and overpasses tend to freeze first and melt last, so drivers need to pay extra attention when crossing over these roads. Sticking to cleared lanes can also be a major advantage, as switching lanes unnecessarily can expose a car to hidden patches of ice and snow that were not cleared by plows. 

Have an emergency kit
All drivers should have some tools in their car in the event of an emergency. Ice scrapers, extra fuel and flashlights are all important to have. Motorists should also consider stocking up on gravel or sand, which can be used to provide traction on icy surfaces. 

Having a vehicle that is performing at a high level with all safety features working properly is incredibly important in the winter. Drivers who want to make sure their automobile is safe can bring their ride to the Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have. 

Gas-Powered Vehicles Will Remain Popular In Coming Decades, Report Shows

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Posted in Auto Industry News

When you're shopping for a used car, one of the major factors you'll have to consider is what you want powering your automobile. This may be anything from traditional gas to diesel, or even more eco-friendly sources like electricity for hybrids or plug-in vehicles. Although it may seem like these alternative vehicles are becoming more prevalent on the roads, in actuality their popularity is only increasing slightly. That trend should continue for the next several decades, at least according to one report from the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Information Agency. 

The DOE report predicted that, by the year 2040, 78 percent of all cars on the roads will be gas-powered, down from 82 percent today. While those gas-powered vehicles will still be the dominant option, they will also be more fuel efficient. According to the report, fuel economy is expected to rise from an average of 21.5 mpg to 37.2 mpg in 2040. 

Drivers will likely need this jump in efficiency, as the price of a gallon of gas will increase with inflation. The DOE predicted that the average cost of gas will reach $3.90 per gallon. However, this is significantly better for motorists than other predictions, which expected the expenses to reach $4.40 per gallon. 

No matter what kind of vehicle you're searching for, you may be able to find it at New Jersey State Auto Auction. This lot has plenty of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans available in a variety of styles. You can also choose from a number of different fuel types and brands, providing you with the flexibility you want – all while staying in a budget. 

Insurance Rates Increase Rapidly With Each Claim, Study Shows

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

When drivers are calculating the average cost of owning a car, they probably aren't counting on insurance expenses growing at a rapid rate. Unfortunately, that is exactly what happens for many motorists who find themselves filing insurance claims. A recent study from insuranceQuotes.com looked at the average increase for drivers who filed a claim in each state, and the findings may cause some motorists to think twice about making claims. 

The report found that American drivers who make a single car insurance claim pay an average of 38 percent more for their insurance than those who do not file. Massachusetts was home to the largest increase, with drivers seeing premiums rise by as much as 67 percent, but California and New Jersey were not that far behind with jumps of 62 percent and 59 percent, respectively. 

Geography wasn't the only factor that influenced increases in insurance rates. Collisions that resulted in damage to the car and other property were the most expensive, while claims for events such as theft had a much smaller impact. 

Sometimes, the best way to fight against expensive car costs is to begin the shopping process with this in mind. Drivers can search for models that have a strong history of being reliable and having relatively easy vehicle maintenance. Popular makes and models may also be a smart choice, as repair locations may be familiar with the vehicles and could have the right tools and replacement parts on hand. 

If you want a vehicle that fits these qualities, but still shows off your personality, head to NJ State Auto Auction. The lot houses hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, many of which are able to handle a variety of obstacles on the roads. There is also a financing department on site to help you determine what payments fit into your budget. 

Used Car Depreciation Slows In November

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Posted in Auto Industry News

Shopping for a used car means thinking in the long term. Motorists have to consider more than just the car's appearance or how fits into their current situation: They also need to make sure the vehicle can adapt for the future, providing excellent resale value, fuel economy and more. 

One major element in this is the rate of depreciation, or a decrease in the car's value. Depreciation is normal and unavoidable, but there are certain conditions that play a role in how quickly or slowly a car loses its worth.

The NADA Used Car Guide keeps track of the average rate of depreciation in all vehicles, and the service found that there was good news to report in November. That month, the average rate decreased to 1.5 percent, which is a significant drop from the 3.5 percent rate in October. That is good news for drivers, who can retain value in their vehicles for longer periods of time. 

"November's decline in the rate of depreciation can be credited to favorable market conditions, lower unemployment, moderating gas prices and advantageous credit conditions, including the end of the federal government shutdown in October," said Jonathan Banks, executive automotive analyst of the NADA Used Car Guide. 

Depreciation can lead to lower prices for used cars, but it also limits what a driver may get for a vehicle in the future. This double-edged sword can be difficult to handle for those who are unfamiliar with the statistic, but knowing that value holds strong is good news regardless. 

For a wide selection of high-quality used cars, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. This lot has hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, many of which offer excellent value for drivers with any type of budget. 

Practice Safe Driving Habits This Winter

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Posted in General Auto News

Drivers can take many precautions as they prepare for driving in winter conditions, but one of the most effective is simply obeying the rules of the road. Most people are aware of the basic practices they should be following, but some of these methods may have to be tweaked to accommodate icy surfaces, poor visibility, slow speeds and other side effects of winter weather. 

Before setting out on the roads, drivers should make sure their headlights, defroster and windshield wipers are operating effectively. These tools are essential for maintaining good sightlines, regardless of the outside factors, so knowing you have them operating at a high level is extremely important. 

Once those features have been taken care of, drivers should brush up on their road etiquette. Simple actions like mapping out a route beforehand and properly cleaning off a car are the first steps, as these actions allow motorists to avoid distractions and focus on the task at hand.

It's also necessary to drive slowly and remain cognizant of other drives' blind spots. Additionally, leaving enough space between vehicles so you can come to a full stop and avoid collisions should be prioritized. 

"One of the largest driving concerns during times of cold weather is that of following distances," said Don Logan, of the American Trucking Associations. "When the roads are slick, your normal following distance needs to double in length for snow and triple in length for icy conditions." 

To best prepare for winter, you should bring your vehicle in for a tune up. Consider scheduling an appointment at the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The professionals at this garage are able to address any issues you may have, allowing you to feel safe and confident as you handle all kinds of winter conditions. 

‘Fast & Furious’ Vehicle Goes Up For Auction

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News

Drivers who have deep pockets and an affinity for the "Fast & Furious" franchise may have their eyes set on one current sale. A German owner is selling a Nissan Skyline GT-R used in the series' fourth installment, made famous thanks to the driving of the film's stars – including Paul Walker. 

While this vehicle would have commanded a big price tag anyway, its value skyrocketed following Walker's untimely death. As one of the stars of the "Fast & Furious" franchise, Walker was a mainstay in the films and even drove this Skyline GT-R in the film. In the wake of his death, the asking price for the vehicle tripled to $1.4 million. Its previous price tag was about $413,000, according to Yahoo Autos. 

The Nissan Skyline GT-R took quite an unusual route to its current home. It was manufactured in Japan, and unlike other Nissan models, it was supposed to stay in its home country due to U.S. regulations on imports. Filmmakers managed to get this GT-R, along with seven other models, to the country because of a loophole in the law that allowed them to finish the manufacturing process on American soil. 

Although the other seven vehicles were destroyed in the filming of the movie, this Nissan vehicle remained. It was impounded in 2009 in response to the import laws, but it eventually found its way to the German owner currently selling it. 

Although celebrity cars may be a bit out of your price range, other suitable vehicles are available for purchase at spots like NJ Auto Auction. With hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, all in a variety of styles and equipped with a range of features, the lot is the perfect place to go when you're searching for a used car. 

More Than 85 Million People Driving This Holiday Season

Honda Vehicles Offer Best Fuel Economy, Report Shows

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Posted in Auto Brands News

Fuel economy is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a used car. While this varies from model to model, drivers frequently rely on a brand's reputation to influence their decision. Automakers that have traditionally produced vehicles with excellent mileage tend to seem more owner-friendly than others, and as a result, many prospective buyers consider them when trying to find used cars. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently released a report titled “Light-Duty Automotive Technology, Carbon Dioxide Emissions and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975 Through 2013.” The research detailed in the study focuses largely on the efficiency of vehicles throughout the country, and the results could shine a light on the best investment for drivers on a budget. 

According to the EPA, the fleet of vehicles from Honda has the best average fuel economy. Its lineup boasts an average of 26.6 mpg, which is 0.10 mpg better than second-place Mazda. Despite the fact that these two manufacturers are close, Honda's number may be more impressive: the automaker produces more large vehicles and SUVs than Mazda, so the fact that its fuel economy stays high is noteworthy.

Fuel economy wasn't the only area where Honda exceeded expectations. Its vehicles also had lower carbon dioxide emissions than any other lineup, and the lineup also led all others in the number of IIHS Top Safety Pick+ vehicles. 

New Jersey State Auto Auction is home to hundreds of CARFAX-certified vehicles. Whether you're looking for cars, trucks or vans, you can search through plenty of options, many of which offer excellent fuel economy, safety features and other highly sought-after amenities. With so many options for drivers in need of a used car, this auction lot is the place to go to find your next investment. 

Study Finds The Country’s Worst Drivers

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Posted in General Auto News

People may be confident in their driving abilities, but that doesn't mean there are not subpar motorists on the roads. Whether they are frequently distracted behind the wheel or simply have the need for speed, they can put themselves and others at risk. To determine where these individuals are the most condensed, the website Car Insurance Comparison analyzed data from Allstate Insurance to pinpoint which state boasts the worst drivers. 

The study looked at tickets handed out for speeding, careless driving, failure to obey traffic signals and seat belt laws, drunk driving and more. Those numbers were then compared to each state's total population to find the highest percentage of offenses. 

Louisiana topped the list for poor driving, landing in the top five for most speeding tickets, careless driving citations and stops for failure to obey. It was closely followed by South Carolina, Mississippi, Texas and Alabama, all of which also ranked highly for bad drivers. 

Conversely, the states with the lowest percentage of traffic violations include Vermont, Utah, New Hampshire, Minnesota and Oregon. New York and New Jersey landed in the middle of the pack, coming in at No. 22 and No. 32, respectively, despite having a reputation for poor drivers. Although these predominantly city drivers may be aggressive on the roads, they mostly stay within the confines of the law. 

Bad drivers can be found anywhere, which makes the need for a safe, dependable vehicle incredibly important. At NJ State Auto Auction, you can browse through an expensive selection of top-notch used cars, many of which offer excellent safety features. These CARFAX-certified options represent a wide range of styles and models, providing every kind of driver with something that will meet their needs.