For those who are looking for a used car in New York as their first vehicle purchase, they may want to heed the advice from a national magazine with a list of debunked summertime myths.

Before vacationers hit the open road, Popular Mechanics has answered some common questions about car maintenance in the summer, especially for used cars.

While a new vehicle may be able to function on thinner engine oil, such as 5W-5, it’s important for used car buyers that their vehicles will be different.

Most used cars require thicker oil in the summer with many car manufacturers listing 10W-30 as good for driving in higher temperatures.

There are some older used cars that may require 10W-40, though the magazine suggested people consult the vehicle’s user manual before using that kind of oil.

In terms of coolant, the mixture is the same whether or not a person has a new or used car: it’s 50 percent coolant and 50 percent water.

Finally, and this may be of importance to first-time drivers, Popular Mechanics reminds summer vacationers that if they find their engine overheating, it’s time to turn off the air conditioner and turn on the heat.

For some who enjoy caffeine, test driving used cars in New York may help them make an informed decision about their car based on the feel of the interior and the car’s handling characteristics.

But depending on what cola they drink, they could have a shot at test-driving a tube-chassis, V-8 powered NASCAR racecar, too.

Coke Zero is sponsoring a ride-along with a NASCAR driver for people who register at the MyCokeRewards website.

The contest “is making it possible for race fans to experience the real speed and power of a stock car,” said Greg Biffle, driver of the #16 Ford Fusion. “The fan who rides with me better hang on tight, because I plan on pushing the pedal to the floor and showing why Atlanta Motor Speedway is one of the fastest tracks in NASCAR.”

If they watch the Coke Zero 400 on July 4, the four winning fans will be able to check out the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Biffle’s car, though it may not be a daily driver like some used cars in New York.

For those looking at buying a used car in New York or New Jersey, the better business bureau in neighboring Connecticut has offered some guidelines in making the right choice for a purchase.

While a computer can help make the process easier, even offline work could lead to a more-informed purchase, including talking to friends and family about experiences with various cars and trucks.

Many local libraries have copies of the National Automotive Dealers Association Official Used Car Guide, and other resources include print versions of Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds, which help potential buyers understand what prices they can expect to pay for different makes and models.

“Buying a used vehicle requires homework and planning to ensure that an attractively-priced used car or truck doesn’t have hidden problems that can turn it into a very costly investment in the long run,” says Paulette Scarpetti, Connecticut Better Business Bureau president.

Another hidden cost may be repairs based on recall announcements from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; interested buyers can call a toll-free number or visit the government organization’s website.

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It’s National Tire Safety Week, do you know how much inflation your tires require?

Even for those looking at used cars in New York, the question could be an important one for both the owner’s safety and pocketbook, according to recent research by the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association.

They worked with local tire retailers to find out the levels of inflation people were driving around on, and of the 5,400 vehicles that were checked, less than one in 10 had measurements that matched manufacturer’s specifications.

“Few actions that are so simple and quick to do have such striking benefits,” said Charles A. Cannon, RMA president and CEO. “Taking five minutes every month to check tire pressure will put money in consumers’ pockets, reduce national fuel consumption, help tires last longer and save lives.”

Accidents caused by poor tire maintenance injure 33,000 Americans every year, according to the Natitonal Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but it also affects the wallet.

As President Obama pointed out on both the campaign trail and during an Earth Day speech, tire pressure is one way to save money at the pumps with increased fuel mileage.

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For those looking at used cars in New Jersey, a diesel-fueled vehicle may offer more fuel economy, but as one report illustrates, new adopters should take some time when they get to the pumps.

While green pumps mean good to go for diesel users in America, police in the UK are having a hard time differentiating between the two fuel types for their cars, according to a Mirror report that found over the past three years, about $1.6 million in repairs have been required to fix cars filled with the wrong fuel.

To remedy the damage, departments have to flush out the fuel system, as well as potentially repairing the engine and then refueling the vehicle, according to the news provider.

While the concerns over what pump to use could lead to problems, diesels on average are about 5 percent more efficient than normal engines of the same size according to Kelley Blue Book, which could leave more money in the wallet for someone looking at used cars in New Jersey.

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While many dealers offer warranties on low mileage used cars in New Jersey, one oil company is willing to sweeten the deal for customers that use their products.

Depending on what oil an owner decides to use when maintaining his or her car, Valvoline says it will cover the cost of an engine failure up to $5,000 until the odometer reaches 300,000 miles.

There are some restrictions in place, like having to register the car before it’s traveled 75,000 miles, owning a 1990 model or newer and keeping the engine free of modified components like those used for racing.

But for those who change their own oil, or who have the work done at a company-sponsored center every 4,000 miles, it may offer another layer of protection in case of engine failure not related to an accident after an 18-month probation period.

Owners are allowed three chances to make a mistake in either using the wrong oil, not changing it for up to 6,000 miles, or not recording the services performed.

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Potential customers looking for used cars in New York may have some competition for at least one vehicle, but a famous pizza chain owner is willing to offer a reward if they find the used Chevrolet Camaro he once owned.

Papa John’s owner John Schnatter says he sold his 1972 Camaro to help start his business, but 25 years later, he still misses the car that got him $1,600 in restaurant equipment.

So he began a road trip with stops in Indiana, Georgia and Texas, driving a similar car and delivering pizzas to spread the word that it’s worth $25,000 to him for someone to track down his original car.

Schnatter has tried to help out with what he remembers of the car, including the sunroof, velvet interior and no air conditioning, as well as a differential he installed that makes the speedometer read about 10 miles per hour over the actual speed.

Americans have until the end of August to find a vehicle title that has Schnatter’s name on it, and can still get the prize money even if they don’t actually own the used Chevrolet.

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Buyers interested in used cars in New Jersey may know that online research can help them make the right decision about their next auto purchase, but the history reports offered by some websites may not be completely accurate.

Consumer Reports asked for vehicle history reports from a number of online providers for vehicles they knew had significant body damage based on owner interviews and photos provided to the non-profit.

They say that clean reports came back from many of the providers, either because damage may not have been reported to an insurance company, or was used by a rental company.

To ensure that buying a used car in New Jersey doesn’t mean picking up a lemon, they say that going over the car in person with a mechanic can help pick up evidence of paint overspray or other tell-tale signs of extensive body work that could lead to further problems down the road.

“Many dealerships provide free history reports to consumers,” said Anthony Giorgianni, Consumer Reports associate editor. “The reports provide useful information. But it’s what they can miss that should worry you.”

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For those considering picking up a used car in New Jersey, one writer says that a seven-step plan may help make for the right price to fit their budget.

Budgeting enough time, up to a couple weeks, can help limit the chances for a seller to drive a hard bargain, writes Eric Mack for the Kentucky Post, and gives potential buyers time to research information about a car’s history and features.

Also, even if the plan is to finance the vehicle, having cash in hand may help prove to a seller that things are serious, as the more cash that’s available, the more likely a dealer is to take a somewhat lower offer, according to the news provider.

They can also benefit from a wider range of vehicles to choose from, according to a Virginian-Pilot report that says that many dealerships that have been closed down by Chrysler and General Motors are now turning to used cars, bringing in more vehicles to help maintain sales levels.

“The used-car business is very strong,” Alan Rice, Colonial Cadillac executive manager told the news provider, adding that at a two-day sale, his firm sold used trucks and SUVs at five times the normal rate.

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Consumers considering buying a used car in New York may not remember the costs of routine maintenance, but some experts say that car owners are making the decision to repair, rather than buy a new car.

“I’ve reached out to many of our members in recent weeks and months, and they continue to report an increase in business,” Angie Wilson, Automotive Service Association vice president of marketing and communications told AOL Autos.

She added that one way that people are saving money is to put off minor or optional repairs that don’t affect the safety of the car, or comparison-shopping among different shops.

When consumers who may be considering used cars in New York get their brake pads inspected, “if there’s 30 percent or more left, which means there might be about 5,000 miles left on them, they’ll wait and maybe do that when they get their next oil change or tire rotation,” Tom Torbjornsen, host of America’s Car Show told the news provider.

For do-it-yourselfers, regularly cleaning the upholstery and washing the car, especially after winters of road salt and other corrosives may also help the car to last longer, according to the Evening Telegraph.

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