When some motorists encounter a problem with their car, they simply check out what's going on under the hood to see what requires their attention. While these drivers once knew what was wrong with a quick look, nowadays most are clueless when it comes to basic car maintenance and repairs. According to a recent study from Warranty Direct, do-it-yourself fixes are decreasing in popularity as cars become more technologically advanced and complex. 

Even the standard, preventative maintenance that is expected on most models takes a significant chunk of time. Not only do motorists have to perform the task themselves, but they often have to spend time acclimating themselves to the machine and its idiosyncrasies and technology, which is rapidly becoming too difficult for normal drivers to understand. 

Car owners don't want to spend their time fiddling with auto parts and are hesitant about potentially causing more damage. Instead, many are turning to professionals for maintenance, but the cost of these repair shop visits can add up. 

"The days of changing oil, filters and replacing light bulbs on the driveway are fast becoming a thing of the past – in some cases, they already are," said Duncan McClure Fisher, managing director of Warranty Direct. "New, more complicated technologies on cars are placing even more pressure on already strained household budgets." 

Not every driver may be able to handle basic vehicle maintenance, but luckily, there are public repair shops that can help out in a pinch. The Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction is one of these garages. It caters to motorists who may need a little extra guidance with their car repair or maintenance, and it can help with any automobile issues that may come up. 

A major concern facing drivers today is fuel efficiency. With gas prices remaining at a high level, especially during the summer months, the cost of filling up a tank can make a significant dent in your wallet. To combat this potentially expensive aspect of car ownership, many motorists are looking for ways they can improve their car's mileage and get the most out of their investment. 

Some drivers may turn their attention to little ways they can boost their vehicle's fuel economy. Areas like properly managing tires and altering your driving habits to avoid wasteful practices can be useful, and many motorists have ideas on other ways they can improve their car's mileage, such as not using their HVAC system. 

The idea that air conditioning hurts fuel economy has some truth to it, but it is likely not as significant as you might think. According to Consumer Reports, while using the air conditioner does put additional stress on your engine, it only has a slight effect on fuel economy. Ultimately, being more comfortable behind the wheel – and as a result more alert and focused on the road – is more beneficial than saving a few cents and suffering in the heat. 

One way to stay ahead of these concerns is to take your vehicle in for a car tune up. This kind of preventative maintenance can go a long way in staving off costly repairs, so consider bringing your automobile to a public garage like the Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction. There, professionals can diagnose any issues you may have and help you take care of problems in a timely and cost-effective manner. 

Summer heat waves can cause a lot of discomfort for individuals, but few stop to think about how the high temperatures are affecting their cars. That doesn't make the heat any less damaging, as it can cause severe problems for both drivers and their vehicles. 

"Prolonged exposure to high temperatures is not only a threat to passengers, but a vehicle concern as well," said John Nielsen, AAA's managing director of automotive engineering and repair. "Knowing the dangers and preparing your vehicle for extreme heat can help keep your vehicle running smoothly during the hot summer months." 

Those who don't provide an adequate level of care to their automobiles in the middle of scorching weather may find themselves mired with issues down the line, so it is important to keep an eye on a few specific areas of vehicle maintenance when stuck with soaring temperatures. For example, drivers should be on the lookout for signs of an overheating engine. To prevent this problem before it happens, make sure there is enough coolant in the motor and the cooling system is working effectively. 

You also need to pay attention to a car's tires. High temperatures can cause the air pressure to go wild, impacting a vehicle's safety and driving performance. The likelihood of a tire blowing out is also increased in the midst of hot weather, especially if the road gets just as warm as the air around it, so get in the habit of checking tires consistently. 

If you think the most recent heat wave has done some damage to your vehicle or want to make sure temperature-related problems don't crop up in the future, the first thing you should do is take your car to a professional garage. The Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction is one spot that can examine your ride and handle any issues that the automobile may have. 

There are a number of reasons why drivers may find themselves drawn to used cars. Liking the style, color or design of an automobile is certainly a valid reason for considering a given ride, but a few other benefits may help to convince motorists to invest in a pre-owned car. 

Lower prices
One of the major benefits of purchasing a used car is the affordable prices that you can take advantage of. Drivers on a budget are often able to find high-quality, pre-owned vehicles at a lower cost than new models, which makes used cars a great option for the budget-conscious. 

Buying used also allows you to avoid fees commonly associated with dealerships, such as a pre-delivery inspection. Splurging for enhanced packages or getting talked into extra features can also drive up the sticker price, leaving a bigger dent in your wallet than you may have originally planned. 

Proven vehicles 
Another advantage to buying pre-owned cars is that you can carefully select proven models. If a certain vehicle has been on the market for several years, there's a good chance that any kinks or issues have been recognized. That means you can rest easy as you get behind the wheel and will likely only have to focus on repairs that pop up later down the line. Driving a new car means you run the risk of encountering first-time problems, recalls and other potentially dangerous issues that could be costly. 

Motorists ready to shop around for their next vehicle can look to NJ State Auto Auction for a wide selection of potential rides. The auction lot has plenty of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans to choose from, and any one of these vehicles could serve as the right investment for your needs. 

No one can deny that superheroes have style. Whether it's with their outfits or their rides, the larger-than-life characters that have starred in comic books, television shows and movies know how to make an impression. So it's no surprise that some of the most iconic superheroes acted as the inspiration for a customized Kia Sorento. Unveiled at San Diego Comic Con, the vehicle is the eighth and final car in a line that came from the partnership between the automaker and DC Entertainment. 

The exterior of the car features an airbrushed design with depictions of members of the Justice League, with the group's logo emblazoned on the hood of the Sorento. Each of the seven seats in the car has also been dedicated to a superhero – Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Flash and Cyborg are all present. 

This Sorento will be auctioned off to benefit the We Can Be Heroes campaign, which supports ending hunger in the Horn of Africa. 

"Auctioning the Justice League-inspired Sorento is the perfect way to finish off what has been a very positive and successful partnership between Kia and DC Entertainment to benefit the 'We Can Be Heroes' campaign," said Michael Sprague, an executive vice president at Kia Motors. "Like all of the Justice League-inspired vehicles before it, this customized Sorento blends the automotive and pop-culture worlds while also allowing Kia to extend our philanthropic efforts to support this very worthy cause." 

You may not be able to purchase your own superhero-inspired ride, but you can certainly check out the selection of Kia vehicles at places like the New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot is home to many CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, so there's a good chance you can find a used automobile that is perfect for you.  

As gas prices continue to fluctuate, many drivers across the country are searching for ways to save at the pump. While some may be investing in hybrid technology or looking for used cars that offer great mileage, not everyone has the extra funds to make a purchase of this size. Luckily, there are a number of little things you can do to maximize your vehicle's fuel economy and save yourself some money. 

An easy task that can go a long way toward improving a car's mileage is to keep an eye on tire pressure. Under-inflated tires can result in significantly lower fuel efficiency, so ensuring they are at the level suggested by the manufacturer can increase fuel economy by up to 3 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. This translates into a savings of up to $0.11 per gallon, which adds up to quite a hefty amount in the long run. 

One of the best ways to improve fuel efficiency is to take your car to the shop for preventative maintenance. The basics of this usually consist of getting a tune up, where a professional can check your motor oil, air filter and more. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that regular maintenance can result in a 12 percent to 18 percent savings when compared to reactive maintenance, reducing emissions and improving mileage for your vehicle. 

Whether you think something is wrong or you're ready to get your car a tune up, you can bring it over to the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and can help you address any issues a car might have, while also providing basic vehicle maintenance that can keep your fuel efficiency up. 

Google and other companies have been testing driverless car technology for a few years now, and the autonomous vehicles are making progress around the world. The BBC recently announced driverless cars will be tested on public roads in the U.K. by the end of the year. 

Researchers from Oxford University will be taking their modified Nissan Leaf, which relies on lasers and small cameras to get around, out on the streets in "semi-autonomous mode." This means a person will be riding along in the driver's seat with the ability to take over control of the vehicle in case of an emergency situation.

The U.K. government is allowing testing to commence in an effort to find ways to reduce congestion. The Department of Transport released a report detailing the current state of U.K. roads and dedicated £28 billion to improving road conditions, and a portion of these funds will go toward developing autonomous technology.

"They maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front at a set speed and without deviating from their lane – all without the driver's input," the report stated concerning driverless vehicles.

It remains unclear when autonomous cars will become commercially available, so until then drivers will need to do the work themselves to get their vehicles from point A to point B. They'll also need a reliable set of wheels to operate safely, and those in the market for used cars, trucks or SUVs can check out New Jersey State Auto Auction.

The dealership carries a wide selection of used makes and models, giving drivers the ability to test drive a variety so they can find the perfect vehicle to suit their needs. NJ Auto Auction also provides financing to help drivers get approved regardless of their credit history.

For car shoppers on a budget, used cars offer the opportunity to find a reliable ride for less than buying the same model new. While there are plenty of inexpensive new models on the market, searching for a used ride gives you the opportunity to get a model that might have been out of your price range when it first came out, creating a world of opportunities to get the car of your dreams without breaking the bank. The Associated Press reports that now may be the time to make a move if you've been delaying purchasing your next ride, as the used car market is ideal for buyers.

Things have only been improving since 2011 when the economic recession began to ebb. Back then, used car prices were comparable and sometimes higher than new, but now the tables are turning. More people are selling or trading in their current cars for newer models, which means the number of used cars for sale is on the rise. At the same time, demand has slowed, since some drivers are turning back to the new market. This equates to falling prices for used models, and Kelley Blue Book's Alec Guttierez told the AP the average cost of a used car has dropped 4 percent between April and June.

Drivers in the New York/New Jersey area can find the used car, truck or SUV that they want at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer carries a wide selection of makes and models at affordable prices and every vehicle on the lot is backed by Carfax. Drivers can also secure their financing on the spot, as NJ Auto Auction partners with a number of lenders to help get you approved quickly regardless of your credit score.

The ability to display pertinent information such as directions and mileage on the windshield of a car is slowly beginning to appear in higher-end vehicles, but now the high-tech accessory is available for everyone. Garmin, a popular navigation system company, recently unveiled its stand-alone heads-up display (HUD), which can be used in any vehicle.

The device, which will cost only $129.99 when it is released later this summer, projects directions as well as your current speed and the speed limit for the road onto the windshield. It also adjusts to the brightness so you can use it day or night. You will need to place a special film on the glass for the images to appear, but this is a small price to pay for having the ability to use navigation assistance without needing to take your eyes off the road.

"HUD redefines the navigation experience by allowing drivers to find their way without taking their eyes off the road," said Dan Bartel, Garmin's vice president of worldwide sales. "Head-up displays currently have their place in select high-end cars, but HUD makes this technology available as an aftermarket accessory for any vehicle, at an affordable price."

The best part about this new feature is that it can be used in any car. Drivers in the market for used vehicles don't need to peruse 1-year-old models or shell out big bucks for a luxury model to find the cool, futuristic features they want, like heads-up displays. The Garmin HUD works with Bluetooth, so you can easily pair it with your smartphone. You will need to have either the Garmin StreetPilot or NAVIGON app to use the device, but this will give you access to regional maps, speed limit warnings, traffic updates and other helpful features.

Car shoppers can find a great used ride at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealership has a wide selection of makes and models, many of which include fun and useful features like infotainment systems and backup cameras. 

Whether drivers take their cars in for tune-ups more often than they need to or they've come up with a cute nickname for their wheels, there's no doubt motorists develop an emotional connection with their vehicles. AutoTrader.com confirmed this sentiment in its recent Automotive Relationship Survey, which set out to determine why people are holding onto their cars longer than ever before.

In 2012, the most recent year for which data is available, the average age of a car on the road was just shy of 11 years, according to Polk data. Many believed the reason for the record high age was that consumers were waiting longer to replace their vehicles due to the recession, but the study shows there are other, more personal factors at play as well.

The survey revealed that 70 percent of respondents felt very or somewhat attached to their current cars, trucks or SUVs. More than 25 percent said they felt sad when they contemplated getting rid of their vehicles. Women tended to forge connections with their cars' appearances more often than men (48 percent of ladies compared to 29 percent of men), while more guys (57 percent) bonded with their wheels over adventures that took place behind the wheel than women (20 percent).

"The emotional attachment people feel for their cars is interesting, but not completely surprising," said Dr. Michelle Callahan, life coach and relationship expert. "In addition to the large financial investment, a car can become a significant emotional investment – it's there with them for major milestones in their lives like weddings, new babies and graduations, and it's literally the vehicle that makes being physically present in these moments possible."

When it does finally come time to say farewell to your beloved ride, you can find a new four-wheeled companion at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealership has a wide selection of makes and models, which will make it easy to discover a new best friend.