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Tips For Car Seat Safety

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Posted in How To

Parents want to do whatever they can to keep their children safe, especially when they are in a car. Getting behind the wheel means putting kids in a car seat or booster seat for maximum protection, but some of these devices are complicated and may be unknowingly used ineffectively. 

To prevent problems, parents should be aware of a few basic tips for car seat safety. Follow all instructions regarding the height and weight restrictions of different restraints. For example, children should be in rear-facing seats until they reach the maximum size listed for each particular car seat model, at which time they can be upgraded to a front-facing device. 

No matter what type of car seat is used, it needs to be installed properly. Always use a five-point harness to restrain a child and make sure the straps lay flat without any twisting. The seat itself also needs to be tightly connected to a car, with little room for movement – no device should be able to be moved more than 1 inch in any direction. 

"Proper use of car and booster seats have been proven to save lives and reduce the number of injuries in car crashes," said Mark R. Desrochers, an insurance group president. "But child restraint systems are used incorrectly, and in many cases are misused in a way that could actually increase a child's risk of injury or death during a crash. We believe that proactive education on proper usage of car seats for children will help save lives and reduce injuries." 

Once parents have mastered the use of a car seat, they may want to turn their attention toward making sure the vehicle they are driving has all of the safety features they need. If a car is not up to snuff, it could be time to start looking for a used car at a reputable location such as NJ State Auto Auction. The lot contains hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, many of which have child-friendly amenities and impressive safety features. 

NHTSA Stops Consumer Safety Tests Following Government Shutdown

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Posted in Auto Industry News

People all across the U.S. are watching the current government shutdown and wondering how it will affect their everyday lives. While most regular motorists might not think political issues impact their daily commutes, the shutdown has also halted operations of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. As a result, the NHTSA was forced to stop safety testing of automobiles and will not issue recall notifications or address consumer complaints. 

The NHTSA is a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, which has furloughed more than half of its employees in the auto realm for the duration of the government shutdown. Although drivers can still submit complaints to the agency and automakers are able to issue their own recalls, a lack of funding and a stripped-down crew means that the NHTSA won't be able to investigate issues or spread the word to the public.

"If an automaker does a recall, it might be because they know government investigators are on the trail," Clarence Ditlow, executive director of the Center For Auto Safety, told AOL Autos. "Without those investigations … in the long term, it could significantly endanger consumer safety." 

This work stoppage could potentially cause safety issues to arise. To prevent problems, drivers will have to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to preventative maintenance and tune ups. They also may have to pay special attention to auto news in the event a manufacturer releases a recall notice or update.

With the closures, drivers will have to do their best to make sure their vehicles are operating in top condition. One solution may be to take cars in for a check in at the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and is more than capable of handing any issues the automobile may have. 

Get Ready For Fall With An Engine Check

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Posted in General Auto News

Now that October has officially arrived, it's time for drivers to start preparing themselves and their vehicles for cold weather. Much of this regular maintenance will consist of checking the brakes or refilling antifreeze, but another important aspect that needs to be evaluated is the engine. In fact, getting a comprehensive engine check – or even having an engine rebuilt – can provide a big boost to a car's performance. 

There are several ways an engine can be examined and repaired in time for colder temperatures. For example, motorists can take steps to have the cooling system or air filter of an engine replaced or checked out to ensure that the motor is functioning at a high level during the winter. 

The last thing drivers want to is to find themselves stuck on the side of the road in inclement weather, and getting scheduled maintenance on the engine is a great way to avoid this situation. 

"Before severe weather arrives, it is a good idea to make sure your vehicle's engine is running effectively and efficiently," said Rich Simko, chairman of the Engine Rebuilders Council. "If you find that your car or truck is experiencing major engine damage, but is in relatively good shape otherwise, consider repowering it with a rebuilt engine so you know you can count on it when the temperatures drop." 

The Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction is available to help drivers with any maintenance issues that may come up throughout the year. It caters to the public and could be the ideal place to get a vehicle checked out before the cold temperatures set in. 

Tips For Below-Prime Car Buyers

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

Purchasing a used car is not easy, especially if you are trying to find an option that fits within your budget as a below-prime buyer. Luckily, there are a few tips that should help prospective drivers sort through used cars for sale and select just the right one, all without putting a major dent in their wallet. 

The first thing shoppers should do is set a realistic budget for themselves. This goes beyond just considering the sticker price of a car – instead, a savvy buyer will be looking at the total cost of ownership. Fuel economy, maintenance costs, rebates and loan payments are all aspects of ownership that need to be taken into account as you calculate the actual cost of a car. 

Another important step buyers should take is assessing their current credit score and loan situation. Financing can be a big help to sub-prime buyers, but it is important to put yourself in the best position to get loans by improving a credit score and making yourself an attractive candidate. 

If there's one thing below-prime buyers should do, it's research. Learning the ins and outs of a potential vehicle can help you understand the costs tied to it as well as areas where you could save. Looking into the history of a specific automobile can alert you as to crash history, reliability and similar factors that may influence your decision to purchase a car. 

No matter what your budget is, you should be able to find a suitable vehicle among the hundreds for sale at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot contains many CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, all of which offer affordable options for used car shoppers. 

‘Breaking Bad’ Vehicles Head To Auction

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News

The critically acclaimed television show "Breaking Bad" may have come to an end Sept. 29, but fans can still take home a piece of it. Several of the used cars from the series are up for sale, including a few models that played a role in some of the show's most memorable scenes. 

"For the last several years, 'Breaking Bad' has grabbed viewers' attention every Sunday, and now as it comes to a close, many fans will want to get their hands on a piece of the show's history," said Dayna Bateman, a director at Experian Automotive. 

In total, there are 10 cars going up on the auction block, with options ranging from poor to good quality. A 2003 Pontiac Aztek, which was driven by the main character, Walter White, for the first four seasons of the show, should draw a lot of attention. However, the vehicle was crashed on set and is not in driving condition, meaning that any buyer would have to do some extensive repairs, which explains its $1,000 starting bid. 

Other vehicles are in slightly better shape. A wood-sided Jeep Wagoneer driven by Skyler White as well as a 1977 Cadillac used by Walter White during the final season should each command a pretty penny at the auction, despite their age and mediocre condition. 

Bids for the vehicles will be accepted until 12 p.m. Oct. 7. 

You may not be able to purchased one of the used cars from "Breaking Bad," but you can certainly look for your next investment at places like NJ State Auto Auction. This auction lot has hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, giving you plenty of options for selecting your next ride. 

How To Test Drive A Used Car

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Posted in How To

The test drive is an important aspect of the car shopping process. In fact, when you are looking at used cars for sale, it may be the most significant factor that influences the final decision. It is essential to approach the test drive with a clear head and a set list of capabilities that need to be evaluated. 

When test driving a car, one of the most important things to experiment with is how the vehicle handles different scenarios. That is why the drive should take place over an extended amount of time – about 45 minutes – or if possible even the course of a few days. You should also make it a point to drive in different situations and conditions, such as on the highway, on quieter residential roads and the like. 

Specifically, you should be looking at how the vehicle accelerates, brakes and corners. Paying attention to other issues, such as engine noise or miscellaneous creaks, is also necessary, as it can clue you in to potential problems. Once these areas have been addressed, you can begin focusing on things like cargo space, fuel economy and technological features that you want to find in a used car. 

Drivers also need to take their personal comfort into account. How do the seat and steering wheel feel? Are you able to comfortably access the pedals? Are the controls intuitive? All of these smaller details come together to impact the driving experience, so it is important to assess them early in the buying process. 

You can get the buying process started with a visit to New Jersey State Auto Auction. With hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans available, the auction lot is a great place for drivers on a budget to scope out a future ride. 

Auto Loans Extend To More Than 5 Years In Length

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

A car is a major purchase, and it's not uncommon for individuals to need some help to close the deal. Many turn to auto loans to spread out the cost of the investment, and recently this financing option has undergone an evolution that makes it more attractive to motorists. Whereas loan payments once were restricted to four years or less, the uncertain state of the economy and a surge of subprime borrowers have extended the typical financing timeline. 

While the length of a loan payment will vary from person to person based on individual financial situations, recently providers have been offering longer deals for drivers. Instead of short-term loans, which were once the norm, many motorists are embracing financing deals of five years or more. 

According to a study from Experian Automotive, the average car loan now runs about 65 months. That is longer than it was a decade ago, and as a result consumers are turning their attention to slightly more expensive vehicles. Because the payments are spread out over a longer period, the monthly rates stay low, allowing drivers to take advantage of high-quality cars without breaking the bank. 

"The days of four-year loans are rare," Ronald Montoya, the consumer advice editor of Edmunds.com, told The Salt Lake Tribune. "Consumers are getting more and more focused on monthly payments and getting into a loan cheap." 

Finding a high-quality, low-cost vehicle can make taking out an auto loan more palatable. That's why many motorists turn to places like New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has a wide selection of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that won't put a dent in their wallets. 

Best Used Cars For Teen Drivers

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Posted in Auto Industry News

When a teenager is first learning how to drive, safety is of paramount importance. Parents want to make sure their child is behind the wheel of a secure, high-quality car, but they also do not want to put a big dent in their wallets. Luckily, there are some used cars for sale that offer safety without requiring Mom and Dad to go over budget. 

A list compiled by CarInsurance.com took a look at the top options for teen drivers. Each of the used models included on the list is from the year 2009 and features relatively low insurance rates as well as compact designs that lend themselves to more stability on the roads. 

Coming in at the top of the selections was the Ford Taurus. With solid fuel economy and low-cost maintenance, the Taurus is a safe and roomy choice for families. The Taurus narrowly edged out the Honda Accord, which was selected thanks to its large interior and impressive longevity. 

Drivers who want their investment to have a sleeker look may be drawn to automobiles like the Ford Fusion or Subaru Legacy. These options boast all-wheel drive capable of offering safety in all types of weather without sacrificing an attractive exterior design. Similarly, the Volkswagen Jetta provides exemplary performance and fuel economy along with solid safety features and handling. 

If you're looking for a used car that can serve and protect your teen, check out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The auction lot has many affordable CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that can act as a safe option for young drivers. With a great collection of vehicles offering a prime balance of safety, performance and value, the facility may have just the right car for you. 

Avoid Common Mistakes When Buying A Used Car

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Posted in General Auto News

Shopping for a used car can provide a lot of opportunities for buyers looking for value, but these motorists have to be aware of some common mistakes that can disrupt the process. These blunders can occur at any point in the search and selection of pre-owned vehicles, so drivers should pay attention to how they conduct the business transaction. 

"Buying a car is something people usually only do at most every few years, so naturally the right way to go about it isn't always top of mind," said Brian Moody, the site editor of AutoTrader.com. "But a misstep during the shopping process could turn a great deal into a money pit in the long run." 

One concept to keep in mind is that you should compile a list of the features you need and stick to it. The overwhelming amount of options available at a used car lot can cause you to consider special packages or amenities that are unnecessary, which could drive up the cost. Having a concrete list of what you want will help to keep you focused throughout the shopping experience. 

Drivers should also be sure to take the vehicle in for a mechanical inspection. A vehicle may run beautifully during a test drive but still have some issues under the hood. Having a professional take a look at the inner workings of a used car is essential for planning out future maintenance and making sure there no surprises in store. 

You can find a great used car shopping experience at NJ State Auto Auction. The auction lot is filled with CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, any of which can offer great value for drivers. 

What You Need To Get A Car Loan

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

Acquiring a car loan is within the realm of possibility for many drivers, but they have to be equipped with the right materials before they can apply for and receive financing help. Here are a few of the most important materials you will need as you start the process of getting an auto loan: 

Credit score
Drivers should know their credit rating before starting the process of applying for a car loan. Lenders will look at this score immediately, and having a clear picture of what your credit history is and how it affects the loans you receive will make the process go a bit more smoothly. Additionally, those drivers who find their score is less than ideal can take some time to improve the number before applying for a loan, thus improving their chances of getting the financing help they need. 

Miscellaneous 
In addition to knowing their credit score and having proof of insurance, drivers ready to apply for a loan need to arm themselves with a few other pieces of information. For example, prospective buyers need to have proof of identity and residence, which can be supplied in the form of a standard, government-issued photo identification and a utility bill with your name and address on it. Proof of income is also important and can generally be satisfied by pay stubs or bank statements. You should make sure you have all of this information before heading to a bank or dealership to begin the financing process. 

Once you have all of the materials you need, you can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction and begin searching for a used car that fits your style and budget. The auction lot has a variety of CARFAX-certified cars, vans and trucks in price ranges that suit almost any buyer.