Used cars offer plenty of perks for the drivers smart enough to invest in them. Many of the models on the market boast advanced technology, great handling and impressive fuel efficiency. However, there's always more you can do as an owner to make the mileage a bit better – and as a result, keep money in your wallet. 

"Gas prices are lower than they have been for nearly six years and that means big savings for motorists," said Rich White, the executive director of the Car Care Council. "Add to that a proactive auto care plan and you will not only save more now, but as gas prices start to rise again, you'll save later. All because you invested in your vehicle to make sure it runs efficiently."

Here are three areas of car maintenance that need to receive attention if you want to boost fuel efficiency. Don't be afraid to ask a facility like NJ State Auto about these parts or check them out yourself before buying a used car. 

1. Tires 
When your tires are inflated to the right level, your fuel efficiency is optimized. In fact, the Car Care Council reported that this one move could improve mileage by up to 3.3 percent. Check out your owner's manual to see what the manufacturer recommends for each season. You may need to adjust based on the current weather, but simply monitoring the tire pressure throughout the year could result in big savings. 

2. Air filters 
If you're not sure about all of the goings on under the hood, caring for air filters may slip your mind. That would be unfortunate, as this one part plays a big role in fuel efficiency and even acceleration. Make sure you're cleaning and replacing these parts regularly. Not only will this make your fuel tank last longer, but it could also improve the overall driving performance of any car. 

3. Motor oil 
Oil changes need to happen regularly. Most vehicles need an oil change every few thousand miles, but it should also occur before winter and summer, as the seasons typically require a special blend of oil to be the most effective. According to the Car Care Council, using the grade recommended by the automaker also makes a big difference, improving fuel efficiency by about 2 percent. 

You're crunched for time, you're pressed for cash, and you don't have a lot of either to spend. Why would you waste them wandering around a car lot? If you want to make your stop at NJ State Auto Auction as efficient as possible, be sure to bring along a few key items that could come in handy. Even if you start registration and bidding online, having certain information might speed up the entire process. 

Here are five of the must-have items you should bring with you to an auction lot. 

1. Driver's license 
It sounds simple, but it's important: Make sure you bring your driver's license. Whether you need it to verify your identity for final paperwork or take a test drive, this one card could make a big difference. Place your auto insurance card with it so you can be sure you drive off the lot without a problem. 

2. Proof of address  
Most facilities will require you to show some kind of proof of address in addition to a driver's license. Recent bills with your name on them or a copy of your current lease may suffice. This can be difficult, so don't be afraid to get creative with your personal documents. 

3. Financial information 
If you plan on using auto financing, you're going to need to provide some personal financial information. While this is part of the process you can begin online before even heading to the auction lot, it's smart to bring some of the important documentation along. The most basic details involve your credit cards and bank accounts, but be sure to add any other paperwork you think is pertinent. 

4. Smartphone 
We've all got the power to surf the Internet with just the touch of a button – and you should take full advantage of that when shopping for used cars. Keep your device close by in the event something comes up you want to doubled check, or you simply want to stay ahead of the process by remembering certain details about prospective used cars. It also allows you to check out comparable prices on nearby models so you can negotiate the best price. 

5. Pen and paper 
When all else fails, writing down figures and notes can be a huge advantage in the car buying process. Have a pen and paper handy. It's typically faster than trying to type into an electronic device, and it's more versatile as well. 

A recent study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that a considerable number of drivers admit to breaking the rules of the road. This occurs even despite the fact that one-fifth of drivers have been involved in a serious crash and most people recognize these practices are unsafe.

Motorists who are serious about improving their driving habits do have some options when it comes to staying safe on the roads. Some help can come in the form of special features – or the lack thereof – their cars are equipped with. If that sounds appealing to you, consider these three factors that impact safety behind the wheel. 

1. Be picky about technology 
You may be tempted to spring for a used car that's loaded with advanced technology and gadget-friendly interfaces. However, these amenities can occasionally serve as a major distraction on the roads, with many drivers attempting to justify their texting and calling instead of kicking the habit. 

"Despite the growing body of research that offers evidence about the possible dangers of using hands-free technologies, most drivers don't understand the risks and continue to use these technologies," said Peter Kissinger, president of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. "The good news is that we all have the ability to make safer choices and can personally enhance our safety while driving."

2. Use cruise control 
When you're trying to look through the hundreds of used cars available at places like NJ State Auto, you're probably putting features like cruise control on the back burner. However, having this perk working can be a huge advantage if you're trying to cut back on speeding. AAA noted that about half of drivers say they go more than 10 mph above the limit, even on residential streets, and having a resource like cruise control could help prevent speeding. 

3. Trust your brakes 
According to the AAA survey, more than one-third of U.S. drivers report running through red lights. That's in spite of the fact that more than half of motorists believe this action is a serious threat to safety and a whopping 73 percent say it's completely unacceptable. For some, the reasoning behind zooming through a light could be as simple as not having enough room to stop – but with high-quality brakes, you don't have to worry. Make sure your used car has been cared for in the past and don't forget to invest in brake repair in the future. 

Once you've looked through the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction and chosen the car you want, you're likely ready to sign off on a loan and get behind the wheel as soon as possible. That's all well and good, but you shouldn't let too much time pass without paying attention to the maintenance the vehicle needs. 

After you drive off with your used car, be sure to focus on a few maintenance tasks that can improve the quality of the vehicle and save you money. 

1. Read the owner's manual 
It's not a specific servicing task, but you should take it upon yourself to look over the owner's manual. Get an idea for how often you should be changing the oil or replacing the brakes. While the manual may not spell out an exact schedule, it can give you a few ideas and guidelines on caring for the used car. 

2. Rotate and replace tires 
Although most aspects of the used car may be up to snuff, you should make sure the tires are ready to handle your brand of driving. People in New York and New Jersey, for example, should consider installing snow tires for the winter months. These wheels can be extremely helpful in inclement weather, and they also prolong the life of standard tires. At the very least, make sure you're rotating and aligning tires as needed, as this can improve fuel efficiency and driving performance. 

3. Maintain the battery
The last thing you want is to turn the key in the ignition and hear nothing. This may not be a common problem, but it can come about if you let battery care fall by the wayside. Make sure you're having the battery maintained as needed. You should also watch how you're using your vehicle's lights and radio when it's running on the battery. These simple tasks may drain the juice and leave you stranded, so be careful and keep an eye on the time. 

4. Clean the car
Any vehicle you drive off a car lot is bound to be clean and shiny, and you should take it upon yourself to keep it that way. Be sure to go through car washes, vacuum the interior and clear out any trash. Leftover debris inside your car can cause distractions and mask odors or sounds that would otherwise warn you of problems. Washing the exterior is even more important, as it protects against rust and corrosion.  

Unless you've recently won the lottery, you're probably looking for ways to save money. One of the best methods for keeping cash in your wallet is to find savings at the gas station, and drivers around the country are doing their best to seek out affordable places to fill up. 

Drivers will always care about gas prices
According to a recent report from the National Association of Convenience Stores, most drivers are willing to go the extra mile – literally – for cheaper gas. More than 60 percent of people said they would drive five extra minutes if it meant they could save 5 cents on each gallon of fuel. Even more reported that they would pay by cash instead of card if it meant saving money. 

Additionally, about 71 percent of respondents stated that price was an important factor in choosing a location to fill up the tank, and about 65 percent say they participate in loyalty or rewards program to save even more money. 

"It doesn't matter whether gas prices are $4.00 or $2.00 per gallon, consumers still want to find the best price possible," said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives. "Retailers are constantly fighting to attract price-sensitive drivers to their stores, especially given that 35 percent of gas customers say that they also go inside the store after fueling." 

Gas prices may be turning around
Although the average cost of a gallon of gas has been dropping steadily, that trend may be coming to an end. The most recent AAA report noted that gas prices increased about 2 cents per gallon during the first week of February. That brings the national average to $2.06 per gallon, which is still a considerable drop from the same time last year. 

"Many drivers are noticing an uptick in gas prices for the first time in months," said Avery Ash, AAA spokesman. "It is typical to see gas prices increase this time of year due to refinery issues, yet hopefully the consumer impact will be less problematic given how low prices are today."

Anyone who is still concerned about how much they are spending on fuel should check out the efficient options at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, and one of these vehicles could be a huge advantage for drivers trying to save. 

One of the biggest expenses you could face as a driver is car maintenance and repairs. Although these may take a backseat to insurance and loan repayments, you still need to budget for surprise costs and regular preventative maintenance. Planning for these expenses may be daunting, but there are ways you can keep your budget in check. Be sure to remember these three tips for keeping your car maintenance bills manageable. 

1. Brush up on your knowledge
Even if a mechanic is the one doing the actual repairs, you should have a basic understanding of the tasks that need to be completed. The Internet makes it easy to troubleshoot potential issues and have a general idea of what the diagnosis will be. This allows you to budget for likely tasks and avoid being blindsided by major repairs. If you think something may be wrong with your automobile, make sure you take the time to compile a list of symptoms or red flags you've noticed. You can pass along this information to ensure a mechanic is examining all aspects of the car. 

2. Search for special deals 
Standard maintenance, which could range from oil changes to tire rotation, may not seem so costly. However, these relatively low-key procedures can add up to an expensive investment over time, which means you should constantly be on the lookout for ways to save. Whether you use coupons or build a relationship with a mechanic to have a trusted advisor, the effort could pay off in the long run. 

3. Make the change when it's needed
At some point, the extensive repairs your car needs will become too much of a money pit. The last thing you want is to be pouring cash into a vehicle – especially if you're paying more than the car is worth. Know when to cut the cord. Take a moment to look over your finances, including figuring out how much your current ride is worth and determining how much you're funneling into it. 

You can find a great used car to invest in at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, any of which could meet your needs. Search for an option that offers high quality at a low price. You can even work with the financing department to secure a loan and keep your expenses low. 

Now that the winter holidays are in the past and there's nothing but free weeks on the horizon, it's the perfect time to plan a road trip. While some may think that summer – with its hot temperatures and sunny days – is ideal for this type of trip, winter can be just as exciting. Accommodations may be easier to find and cheaper to secure, the roads might be less crowded, and you could get to see some unique sights. 

More drivers hit the road
Many motorists are taking advantage of the current economy and getting behind the wheel for a road trip. According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of gas is inching close to $2. It may even fall below this mark by the time February rolls around – and drivers are ready to take advantage of these low prices. The affordability of fuel is putting road trips within reach for many people, and they're jumping at the chance to explore some new destinations. 

What your car needs
You need to trust the car you're driving during a road trip, regardless of what time of year it is. Fuel efficiency is an important quality for a vehicle to have. However, the recent decline in gas prices has made this less important, so drivers are free to focus on the other amenities they want. 

What else are drivers looking for in these cars? Safety features are always an important aspect, but especially for anyone looking to make long drives in the winter. Infotainment systems may also rank highly on a wish list. Navigational tools make it easy to get around an unfamiliar area, while tech tools can connect with other gadgets to supply music and hands-free communication. Other road trippers might be more interested in comfort. Spacious backseats, ample legroom and plenty of storage compartments are all essential for anyone spending a lot of time in a vehicle. 

Finding the right match
If you feel the need to find a car that can handle a road trip, don't hesitate to check out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, any one of which may be capable of meeting your needs. With the help of the on-site financing department, you'll be able to secure loans and credit that won't take up all your funds and interfere with your trip. 

We've all been there: the thermometer is dropping precariously low, the snow on the car is piled high and you have no desire to sit in a freezing car. So what do you do? For most, the answer is simple – just warm up the car. This usually involves leaving the car idling as the heat kicks on and all systems get up to snuff. But is this really necessary? 

Not only is idling not required, it's downright bad for your car. Here are three reasons why you should skip idling this winter. 

1. It's bad for the environment
Leaving your car running in place releases more carbon dioxide into the environment than is necessary. The Environmental Protection Agency noted that this action contributes to air pollution by emitting excess gas into the atmosphere. These pollutants can negatively impact both the environment and your personal health, so it's in your best interest to avoid it at all costs. 

2. You're wasting money
If your health wasn't a good enough reason to stop idling, the process may be costing you money. When you leave a car running, it's essentially wasting gas by achieving zero miles per gallon. Even a few minutes of this each morning results in lower fuel economy, according to the Car Care Council. The organization also reported that idling contributed to wear and tear on a vehicle, which in turn led to more frequent servicing and costly repairs. 

3. It's not helping anyway
You may think that idling is a necessary evil. Sure, it can be harmful, but is it justified because the engine needs to be warmed up? The answer is no. While older vehicles that featured carburetors needed the time to warm up, more recent models do not. In fact, according to the Environmental Defense Fund, the best way to get cars ready for the road is just to drive them. If you start out gently on the roads and clear off your windows so they don't take as long to defrost, you'll be in good shape. 

If you're ready to get rid of an ancient car that has a carburetor and requires time to warm up, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. This lot is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans. While these options are not brand new, they still offer high quality and great features, ensuring they're ready to handle the cold weather without an extensive warm-up time. 

Drivers need to be smart when they're shopping around for used cars. With so many different factors to consider and numbers constantly flying around, it's easy to get overwhelmed or have details lost in the shuffle. You can avoid this by keeping your eyes on the end prize and remembering these three key concepts. 

1. Get a vehicle history report
The first thing you need to do when considering a used car is obtain a vehicle history report. This will outline any past repairs or servicing a vehicle has received. It also provides insight into potential dangers. For example, you'll know if a car is running with replacement parts or when you should expect to have some kind of care needed. It'll alert you to any past damage they may inhibit performance as well. In addition to this report, ask a trusted, knowledgeable friend or professional to check the car over. They may notice something the vehicle history doesn't cover. 

2. Focus on the big picture
When you're analyzing your budget, it helps to look beyond monthly payments. Business Insider reported that it's a common sales tactic to zero in on what a used car will cost per month. However, this strategy leaves plenty of room for hidden fees, high interest rates and other budget-busting expenses to rear their ugly heads down the road. Make sure you're taking the time to look at the bottom line. This includes all of the loans you need to take on, along with insurance costs, fuel expenses and any maintenance you may need. 

3. Finalize all financing 
Auto financing can be incredibly complicated. That's why it's necessary to find a dealership you trust. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, you start by browsing through hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans. Then, you can reach out to the on-site financing department for help. The experts there offer guaranteed credit approval and are able to quickly get you behind the wheel of the ride you want. They work fast, so you'll be able to secure the auto loans and finalize plans before driving off the lot. With no nasty surprises in the pipeline, you can rest easy and put all of your attention on your new ride.