Buying your first used car can be intimidating, especially if you have no idea what you're doing. But don't worry, here's a compiled a list of questions to ask the dealer while you're car shopping. By expressing your concern, you can ensure you'll get the best deal and that the car you decide on is the safest and most efficient choice for you.

Don't be shy – the car seller should be willing to share every detail with you if he's planning on making the sale. Here are a few things you should know before saying yes to that car deal:

1. How many miles are on this car?
If the car's mileage is through the roof, it might be worth passing on. If the previous driver drove between 20,000 and 50,000 miles per year, Consumer Reports suggested asking why. The answer could be that they had a long morning commute, or it could be that they used the car for travel. Regardless of the reason, you deserve the honest answer before deciding if you want to buy a car that already on it's last stretch.

2. What are the key features?
The advertisement might've briefly described what the car's equipped with, but it's in your best interest to ask the dealer in person. If the ad said the vehicle had working air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, power windows and cruise control, you can ask for proof. If the dealer reveals that one of those key features is missing, ask for a reduced price.

All of your questions need to be answered before making the deal.

3. Are all the fluids topped off?
Leaving the dealership in your new ride becomes a lot less exciting when the oil change sensor immediately pops up on the dashboard. Your new car should be completely ready to for you, which means the oil should be changed and the windshield washer fluid should be topped off before your purchase. You also deserve a full tank of gas as you leave the lot, so make sure to ask the dealer about that.

4. Has it driven through extreme weather?
Finding out if the car has driven through extreme weather is very important. If it has lived through harsh winter storms or exponential hot summers, Digital Trends said it's lifespan will significantly decrease. This could be a complete game changer if you're looking for a car that's going to last a few years.  

5. Are there any issues I should know about?
This is an important question because it gives the dealer a chance to make an great first impression. If he's honest and shares an issue the car has experienced in the past, you can appreciate his professionalism and think twice about making the purchase on that vehicle. Who knows, maybe he'll lower the price or throw in a deal so you can get the problem taking care of after you've made the purchase. Or, he could point you in the direction of a different car if you're still willing to work with him.

6. Can I take it for a test drive?
For some, this question might end up being the deal breaker. For starters, if the dealer denies your request, you need to leave immediately. If he does let you test drive the car, he's confident that the trip will go smoothly. If you take the vehicle for a ride and something doesn't seem right, just explain to the seller what's going on. A great care salesman will offer a solution. Maybe he'll cut you a deal, or simply help you find a different car on the lot.

Take the car for a test drive to determine how well it's running.

7. Has it ever been in an accident?
Even if the test drive is perfect, you need to know about the vehicle's accident history. When a car has been through an accident or two, it's more likely to have issues down the road, regardless of how it's running now. If the dealer shares the car history and it reveals a collision, it's probably in your best interest to continue searching.

8. Can you show me history reports?
This is a great follow-up question for the previous. If your dealer told you the car has never been in an accident, you deserve to see proof. A detailed report can show you the vehicle's complete history which can help you decide if the deal is truly worth it. Luckily, you can rest assured when you visit New Jersey Auto Auction in search of your first ride. Our lot is loaded with so many quality Carfax-certified vehicles to choose from. Come down today, we'd be happy to help you find a sweet ride and take it for a test drive!

Your Car Needs Service – 10 Telltale Signs

Finding out there’s something wrong with your car can be equally stressful and frustrating. But if you identify the problem early on, you can tackle it before it turns into an irreversible issue. Be on the lookout for these 10 signs, as they will signify that your vehicle needs immediate attention.

1. The check engine light is on
One of the key signs that something’s wrong with your ride is a glowing check engine light. It signifies there’s something wrong with one of the hundreds of systems in your car’s computer. It’s not necessarily a cause for panic, according to Angie’s List, but it’s a definite indicator that you should take your car in for an inspection.

2. There’s smoke coming from under the hood
If you’re driving and notice smoke coming from under the hood, it could be a sign that the engine is over-heated. This could destroy your car if you continue to drive and refuse to service it. Pay attention to the temperature gauge – if it seems too high, schedule an appointment for a maintenance check.

Pull over and open the hood to see if there’s an obvious issue.

3. The transmission seems off kilter
When it seems like your car is having trouble speeding up, it feels shaky or it’s making strange noises, there could be an issue with the transmission. The transmission is essentially your car’s power system, so it needs proper maintenance. If you don’t take care it, you’ll find yourself stranded on the side of the road waiting for a tow-truck to haul your car away.

4. There are major fluid leaks
Are there any major fluid puddles on the ground underneath your car when it’s parked? If so, it probably needs a tune-up. The leak could be coolant, transmission oil, engine oil or brake fluid, or it could also just be cold water dripping from the air conditioner. While the latter is normal, other fluid leaks could keep your car from running smoothly. Be sure to take it in to the mechanic as soon as you can.

5. There’s a strange noise while driving
If you hear strange noises while you’re driving, take your car to the shop. A dragging noise could be coming from your wheels, which could signify the wheel or differential bearing is failing. A grinding noise usually occurs when your brakes have gone bad, so you need to get them checked and replaced immediately.

6. The car is constantly shaking while in motion
A car that shakes while driving over poor road conditions is normal. But if you notice it’s vibrating on a smooth street with no obstructions, you need to take it in. DriverSide reported that it could indicate a number of issues, such as an unbalanced tire or a bad universal joint. Failing to take care of the vibration could smoke the engine or transmission, ultimately leaving you without a running car.

7. You’re stalling at intersections
Stalling at an intersection is dangerous. If your car is sluggish and not performing the way it was built to, it could be a sign that the spark plugs need replaced, the fuel filter is clogged, or something more severe in regard to the transmission. Schedule an appointment with the mechanic to take care of this problem before it turns into something serious.

8. It’s difficult to start it up
If it takes more than one turn of the key to get your car started every day, something’s wrong. It could just be a bad battery, but it might also be a defective starter that needs to be replaced. Regardless of the issue, it needs to be taken care of or you’ll be using public transportation to get around.

If your car isn’t starting, it needs attention from a mechanic.

9. Your fuel mileage is bad
If you’ve noticed you’re filling your gas tank more often than normal – and you’re not using your car any more than usual – there’s an issue with your ride that needs to be taken care of. A sticking brake pad or improper tire pressure could be to blame, so take it to the shop for a check-up.

10. Shifting gears is rough
Driving an automatic car provides a smooth, reliable shift in gears. But if it seems less efficient than usual, causing your vehicle to hesitate or jolt between shifts, your transmission needs attention. Schedule an appointment  to change the transmission fuel, filters and screens.

If your car shows any of these signs, just bring it in to New Jersey Auto Auction. Our maintenance workers will help fine-tune your ride and take care of any issues. If you feel as though the damage is done and you need a new car, just head on over to our lot! We’ve got hundreds of quality used Carfax-certified vehicles to choose from.

Unfortunately, your car can break down at any given minute. You might not be able to predict when it's going to happen, but you can prepare for the worst with emergency roadside equipment.  Here are 15 items we recommend keeping in your vehicle at all times:

1. A charged cellphone
This item will most likely already be on you, but it's crucial to make sure it's always fully charged. Bankrate said it's the difference between getting help fast or waiting around for a car to drive by.

2. Reflective warning triangles
Having reflective warning triangles in your car is essential in the event of a breakdown. They will notify oncoming cars that your vehicle is parked, which can reduce the chance of an accident occurring. Edmunds also suggested you consider LED flares.

Reflective triangles will notify drivers to slow down.

3. First-aid kit
You can't predict medical emergencies. Keep a first-aid kit with bandages, gauze pads, adhesive tape, aspirin, antiseptic wipes and ointments in your car at all times in case someone gets hurt.

4. Fire extinguisher
Keeping a fire extinguisher in your car can tame a spark caused by an electrical problem.

5. Jumper cables
Accidently leaving your lights on is common. So is a battery dying on its own. Leave jumper cables in your car so a nearby vehicle can get your ride running again.

Prepare for a dead battery with jumper cables.

6. Flashlight
Breaking down in the middle of nowhere at night isn't fun. Keep a flashlight in your glove compartment, along with extra batteries in case they die.

7. A multipurpose knife
A standard multipurpose knife will come with a bottle opener, a flathead screw driver, a wire cutter, rescue blade and glass breaker, which can all be helpful if any issue arises. 

8. A poncho
Your car breaks down, you're checking under the hood for an issue, and it suddenly starts pouring. What do you do? Reach in your emergency kit for your rain poncho.

9. Nonperishable snacks
It might be hours before a tow truck gets to you. Prepare your stomach for the wait with high-protein nonperishable snacks like mixed nuts and protein bars.

10. Water
Along with snacks, keeping bottled water in your car in case of an emergency is crucial.

11. Cat litter
Cat littler? You read that correctly. You can use it as a replacement for sand – it weighs less – to create traction beneath the tires if you get stuck.

12. An emergency radio
The Department of Homeland Security suggested leaving a battery-powered or hand crank radio in the car to listen for weather warnings if you vehicle's radio or cell phone stops working.

13. Walking shoes
If your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, you have no cellphone reception and you haven't seen a passing car in hours, you'll have to start walking to find help. Keep comfortable walking shoes in your car in case this happens.

If you haven't seen a car in hours, you'll need to start walking to find help.

14. A tool kit
A tool kit with a Phillips head screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, vise grips, an adjustable wrench and a pair of pliers will come in handy if you break down and can fix things on your own.

15. A fleece blanket
A fleece blanket will keep you warm in the event that your car breaks down during a snow storm.

Once you've packed up your homemade roadside safety kit, consider bringing your car down to New Jersey Auto Auction. Our maintenance technicians can make sure your car is working properly so you're less likely to break down.

Fall’s officially in full swing, which means the winter weather will be here before you know it. Instead of waiting until the last minute to prepare your car, you may want to winterize it in advance. You can avoid breaking down on the side of the road and kicking yourself for not getting it ready while the temperatures are still decent.

Here are 12 maintenance tasks you must take care of before the cold rolls in:

1. Get the oil changed
You know that getting your oil changed every three months is important. But during the winter, The San Diego Department of Motor Vehicles said you need to consider switching to a thinner oil. This is especially important if you live somewhere that reaches temperatures below freezing.

2. Check the engine coolant
Engine coolant keeps your car from overheating, but it and also protects your engine against corrosion during the winter. Most cars follow a 60 percent coolant to 40 percent water ratio when the temperatures drop, so consult your technician about making the adjustment.

Your technician can top off your engine coolant before winter.

3. Evaluate your battery
Did you know that extreme temperatures can reduce your car’s battery power by 50 percent? Edmunds suggested taking your car in and having the battery tested if it’s over three years old. A technician may recommend investing in a new one.

4. Top off your windshield washer fluid
The weather conditions will work against your windshield in the winter. Between the snow, sleet and salt build up, you’ll want to make sure you can always see clearly during your commute. Keeping your windshield washer fluid topped off will ensure clear vision. It’s also suggested to mix the solution with de-icer to avoid the moisture freezing up while you drive.

5. Invest in new windshield wipers
Topping off your windshield washer fluid is very important, but so is investing in new wipers. If the rubber on your blades is cracked, dried or ripped, it’s time to grab a new pair. Winter wipers are a great option – they provide more strength to tough it through inclement weather.

A pair of winter windshield wipers can help you cut through the built-up snow.

6. Consider snow tires
If you’re worried that your car won’t drive well on slippery roads, it might be time to purchase new tires. According to Consumer Reports, replacing all-season tires with winter ones is a worthy investment because they’re designed with rubber compounds and tread patterns to drive successfully on slick roads.

Just remember: It’s very important to switch back to your all-season tires once the season is over. Winter tires are not designed to withstand warm temperatures.

7. Get your brakes checked
This may seem like an obvious task, but it’s worth the mention. Having your breaks checked before the winter is one of the most important safety precautions you can take to avoid sliding and colliding into other cars.

8. Protect the car’s paint
Unfortunately, the dirt and salt can accumulate on your car and damage the paint’s finish. To protect it, take your vehicle in for a professional wash and fresh coat of wax.

9. Prevent a freeze-up
With rain, sleet and snow coming your way, your car is going to retain a lot of moisture. Ultimately, it can get into the door locks and freeze up, locking you out of the car. This is not the ideal situation, but don’t panic. You can prepare in advance by lubricating your locks with silicone spray designed for cars.

10. Review your manual all-wheel drive
It’s likely that you haven’t used your all-wheel or four-wheel drive since last winter. That means you have no idea if it’s running smoothly. Instead of waiting to find out during your drive through the first snow of the season, take your car in and have the function reviewed.

11. Check your heating system
Just like your all-wheel drive, you probably haven’t used the heating system in a while. What if it broke down over the summer? Just turn it on and make sure it’s ready to keep you warm all winter. If you notice an issue, take it in to the shop.

Make sure your heating system works so you can drive comfortably in the winter.

12. Pack an emergency kit
Even after performing all of these maintenance services, there’s still a chance you could break down on the side of the road. To prepare for an emergency, be sure to keep a roadside kit in your vehicle at all times. You can find a pre-assembled kit at most auto shops and some supermarkets, but you can make you own with the follow items:

• A flashlight.
• First aid-kit.
• Jumper cables.
• Flares.
• A blanket, hats and gloves.
• Extra windshield washer fluid.
• Non-perishable food and extra water.

You’ll thank yourself later for packing this kit in your car before the snow rolls in.

Take your car in for a tune-up
Don’t worry about taking care of these maintenance services yourself. Just bring your car down to New Jersey Auto Auction! Our technicians will make sure all of these tasks are completed so you can drive safely all winter long.

Nothing puts a damper on your day quite like your car breaking down while you're stuck in traffic. It's not only an inconvenient situation. It can also be extremely intimidating if it's never happened to you before. Whatever you do, stay calm. Panicking in the middle of the road will only make matters more stressful.

There aren't many ways to prevent a breakdown, but there are certainly steps you can take to ease the situation. Consider the following tips:

1. Prepare for the worst
You never know when something could go wrong with your ride. Keeping up with your car's routine maintenance services is helpful, but that's not always a safe bet. That's why you should always take precautionary measures before you hit the road. AARP suggested packing an emergency roadside kit to prepare for an unexpected breakdown. Include the following in the box:

• Emergency signaling devices.
• A pocket knife.
• A flashlight.
• A first-aid kit.
• Water.
• Non-perishable food items.

Before winter's arrival, add a warm blanket, hat, scarf and pair of gloves to the kit.

2. Turn on your hazard lights
Once you've realized there's something wrong with your car, turn on your hazards. This notifies the other drivers that something is wrong, and that they need to continue driving around you.

3. Move to a safe spot
After turning on your hazards, The Travelers Indemnity Company said you need to move your car over to a safe spot, whether it's on the side of the highway or a side street. This can keep the traffic flowing and prevent an accident from occurring. If your vehicle won't start back up at all, just remain inside and call for immediate assistance.

Move your car to a safe spot on the highway.

4. Set up the emergency equipment
If you've moved to a safe place and have the ability to leave the car, Esurance suggested setting up your flares and triangles right away if you have them. Both flares should be behind your vehicle – about 10 feet from each other – and the triangle should be closer to you and your vehicle. This helps passers-by see you despite darkness, rain or fog. It also gives the emergency assistance an easy ticket to find your location.

If you don't have the triangles or flares, simply pop your hood. It's the universal sign of a breakdown.

5. Use good judgment with strangers
It's a nice gesture when strangers pull over to help you out, but you want to be careful. Consumer Reports suggested exercising caution when someone unfamiliar approaches. If a suspicious person stops to help, let the stranger know you're OK and that a tow truck is on the way.

6. Always stay with your car
Moving away from your vehicle during a breakdown is never a good idea. Walking around aimlessly on the highway is unsafe. And if you've left your vehicle on the side street to go grab a burger while you wait, you could miss the tow truck. Staying with your car is a safe and practical move during this emergency situation.

Make sure you don't leave you car while it's broken down.

7. Clean up your mess
If the reason you're broken down is because your fender or another car part fell off, make sure to pick it up before you leave. It's not only wasteful to leave such things behind, but it's also not good for the environment. Do your part and clean up the mess you've made before you flee the scene – just be sure to wait for traffic to die down if it's out in the middle of the road.

You can't predict when you'll break down, but you can do your best to make sure your car is always in its best shape. For routine maintenance services, head to New Jersey Auto Auction. Our technicians can fix up your ride and ensure you'll be safe on the road.

If they do find that your car is no longer suitable for the road, just check out our lot! We have hundreds of quality Carfax-certified vehicles that sell for a great price – perfect for an emergency situation.

Owning a car makes life more convenient, but it comes with a price. Between paying for gas and insurance, as well as making sure your vehicle is always up to date with maintenance services, you have to hand over a pretty penny. But while being a car owner can be expensive, there are loopholes you can take to save some money.

Here are 10 of the easiest ways to save cash as the owner of a vehicle:

1. Reconsider your current car
If the car you're driving is a gas hog or requires service more often than you can afford, it's time to trade it in. Search for an inexpensive vehicle with little to no damage and is great on gas. Making an entirely new investment might seem like a huge expense at first, but it'll save you more money in the long run.

2. Shop frugally for a new ride
When you decide to buy a new car, don't let the dealer talk you into getting fancy accessories. Those extra add-ons are only going to add to the monthly bill. If you're looking to save a lot of money, just find yourself a vehicle that's going to get you from point A to point B safely. After all, do you really need the sound system and heated seats?

If you need to save money, your car doesn't need to have all the bells and whistles.

3. Search for the most affordable insurance
If your car insurance seems to be burning a hole in your pocket, it's time to search for a more affordable plan. Switching insurance can save you money, just take some advice from Defensive Driving.com and don't immediately take the first quote you get. Instead, shop around until you find the best deal that caters to your budget. Some companies will even set you up on a plan that lets you pay biannually instead of monthly, which can also save you a lot of cash in the long run.

4. Keep up with routine services
Showing your car some TLC throughout the year might seem like an unnecessary added expense to you, but it'll actually save you money, according to what Leona Dalavai Scott, editor of AutoInc. told Bankrate.

"If you maintain your car, you're avoiding expensive repairs down the road," she said.

Think of the mechanic as your car's doctor. By taking your ride in for routine services with him, he'll make sure everything is running smoothly to avoid a potential breakdown – something that could cost a huge chunk of money in repairs. That means changing the tires, oil and filters whenever necessary.

5. Learn how to maintain your car on your own
Maintaining your car is key, but that doesn't necessarily mean you have to take it to the mechanic. If possible, learn how to do these services on your own. A good portion of the price you pay at the auto shop goes to labor fees, and you can avoid these expenses by taking care of things on your own. Changing your tires and oil are easier tasks than you think, just take a look at these guides.

6. Wash your car on your own
Taking your car to the automatic carwash might be convenient, but it's not the least expensive option. Simply take care of the task on your own! Invest in a bucket, some sponges, car washing liquid and wax that'll last you the entire summer. Buying these tools to wash your car at home is just another investment that'll save you money down the road.

7. Search for cheap gas
Don't just buy gas at the station that's right up the road. Drive around and search for the lowest priced fuel. Make matters easier on yourself and download an app that does the job for you, such as GasBuddy. Simply pull it up, set your location and it'll find the best gas prices near you.

8. Be mindful of your gas usage
Owning a car might make getting around more convenient, but it's not an excuse to be lazy. If you can avoid driving somewhere to save gas, just walk. It's not only a money saving option – it's good for the environment and it's great exercise.

If your destination is in walking distance, leave your car at home.

9. Drive cautiously
When you speed, accelerate senselessly and brake hard, you're wasting gas – which also means you're blowing money. In fact, research by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory found that aggressive driving can lower highway gas mileage by 33 percent. Drive cautiously and be mindful about your gas and you'll likely see a difference in your gas mileage.

10. Carpool with your buddies
When you choose to carpool with friends or family members, you're saving money in so many ways, according to what Christine Maley-Grubl, project manager at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission in San Francisco told Bankrate.

"When you're carpooling, you're saving money on gas, on tolls and on maintenance," she said. "You can use the high-occupancy vehicle lanes, so you get to work faster."

Talk to your colleagues and see if they'd consider carpooling – it could save all of you time and money!

If you've decided to shop for a new car but aren't sure where to get started, stop by New Jersey Auto Auction. Our salesman will introduce you to a lot full of inexpensive Carfax-certified vehicles to choose from.