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. 

Purchasing a used car can offer drivers a tremendous amount of savings, but they have to be sure they are getting enough quality to justify the investment. To do this properly, all buyers should conduct preliminary inspections of the vehicles they are interested in. While this may seem like a lot to handle, it can be very straightforward as long as motorists follow a few simple steps. 

The first thing prospective buyers should do is find the Vehicle Identification Number and make sure it matches the title to the car. Consider writing down the VIN, along with the mileage and asking price, so you can review the information later. 

Motorists should also take it upon themselves to conduct some preliminary checks of the vehicle. Examine the exterior to see if there are any window cracks, discolorations, dents or scratches. Tires should all be from the same, reputable brand and evenly worn. Additionally, knowledgeable buyers will want to look at the undercarriage and under the hood for leaks or corrosion. 

All future car buyers should test the interior features of the vehicle. Make sure all seats can be adjusted and moved, check power locks and windows, listen to the stereo and run the air conditioning and heating. The headlights, emergency brake, alarm system and windshield wipers are other areas that also should be checked. 

If all of this seems like too much, consider having a third party inspect the vehicle. Another option is running a vehicle history report to see if the automobile has been involved in any accidents that may have led to miscellaneous damage. 

For a wide selection of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, head to NJ State Auto Auction. Many of the pre-owned vehicles at this auction lot offer great value for drivers, with impressive quality and affordable prices as well as great financing options available to all. 

Many drivers are looking to extend the life of their car, and an easy way to do that is by taking little steps to make sure the vehicle is functioning at a high level. This includes preventing rust from building up on the exterior of a vehicle, which can have a widespread affect on the appearance and the performance of an automobile. Rust, which forms when water comes into prolonged contact with metal, can cause damage to many aspects of a car, and stopping the problem before it starts can allow you to get more use out of your ride. 

Washing and waxing a vehicle frequently is an easy way to prevent rust. This can get rid of potentially harmful debris while also creating a coating that prevents liquid from affecting the metal. During this process, you should be sure to examine the surface for nicks in the paint that leave the metal exposed. If possible, use touch-up paint to patch these areas and protect the frame from exposure. 

Drivers should be particularly careful about the threat of rust during the winter. Salt used to melt snow and create traction on icy roads can be harmful to a vehicle, so it is essential to regularly clean residue off a car. 

The selection of pre-owned vehicles at New Jersey State Auto Auction may not have rust build up, but it's up to you to keep them that way. You can take care of some of the maintenance on a used car yourself, but for other concerns, you may want to consider taking the vehicle to the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and is capable of handling whatever issues you may have. 

Cars need regular maintenance to continue functioning safely, and when problems arise, it is important for drivers to take action as soon as possible, regardless of how big or small the issues might be. One particular issue that crops up quite frequently is the check engine light. The Car Care Council indicates that one in 10 cars on the roads in the U.S. is operating with the check engine light on. When this symbol is illuminated on the dash panel, it is warning the driver that something is amiss underneath the hood.

"When the check engine light comes on, it means that a vehicle system, such as the ignition, fuel injection or emission control, is not operating properly, even if the vehicle appears to be running normally," said Rich White, the executive director of the Car Care Council. "A glowing check engine light doesn't mean you have to immediately pull the car to the side of the road, but it does mean you should get the car checked out as soon as possible."

Often, drivers dismiss the light, assuming it is on because there is a problem with the light itself. However, there are many different problems that could be related to the light, including a faulty oxygen sensor or ​trouble with the spark plugs. If the light starts blinking, it means the issue is more severe and requires immediate attention.

The sooner the light is addressed, the less severe the damage will likely be. Ignoring the light could lead to worsening issues and more expensive repairs.

In some cases the damages may not be worth the cost, as buying a new used car could be a better financial decision. Drivers can find a slew of makes and models at New Jersey State Auto Auction, and each vehicle is Carfax certified.

When you prepare your vehicle for a road trip or get a tune-up to extend its life, you're doing everything you can to keep the automobile in peak condition. However, there is only so much you can do when it comes to keeping your car on the road for longer. Unforeseeable and unavoidable events pop up all the time, and while some of these situations may result in no more than nicks and scratches, others could cause serious damage to a vehicle. 

If you find yourself in the middle of a car accident, the first thing you should do is take note of your surroundings and get off of the road. You don't want to block traffic or put yourself in a dangerous situation, so moving to the side of the roadway whenever possible is your best bet. At that time, you can notify the proper authorities and appraise the situation. 

Another helpful tip is to take photographs of any damage or injuries, as these pictures can help move along insurance claims. 

"A car crash can leave you feeling overwhelmed, frightened and vulnerable," said Michael Consedine, the insurance commissioner for the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. "Even if the crash appears to be minor, consumers need to document what happened and contact their insurance company to start the claims process." 

If your car has suffered minor damage in an accident, or perhaps a major problem has sent you looking for a new ride, you do have options available that can help to keep costs low. At NJ State Auto Auction, there is a wide selection of CARFAX-certified vehicles on the lot, as well as a Total Car Care Center that can help drivers deal with issues that arise with their cars. 

It's fairly common to see people embarking on a road trip during the long Memorial Day weekend. With summer weather finally arriving and many people across the U.S. eager to take advantage of their extra day off, motorists are heading out in droves to reach family barbecues or enjoy beach stays. This influx of travelers means that the roads should be pretty congested during the weekend, and drivers need to be aware of what's going on to make sure they stay safe at all times. 

According to traffic information provider INRIX, the number of road trippers during the weekend will increase by 4 percent. Many of these drivers will set out to reach their destination Friday, May 24, around 1 p.m. The bulk of these travelers are going to return Monday, May 27, between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., so drivers may want to avoid these times to stay away from the heaviest congestion. 

"Nothing is more frustrating than starting a holiday weekend sitting in traffic," said Jamie Holter, a traffic analyst with INRIX. "Knowing exactly what to expect and how to avoid major delays will help you spend less time on the road and more time at your destination." 

Drivers should also be sure to have their routes mapped out before they depart, and they can make their schedules flexible in case they run into trouble. Vehicles should also be given a tune up before the weekend to ensure that all parts of the car are in top shape. 

If you need a used car to help you reach your destination this weekend or want to make sure your current ride is ready to handle a road trip, make a visit to NJ State Auto Auction. It has a number of CARFAX-certified vehicles that could be just right for your next purchase, as well as the Total Car Care Center that can make sure any automobile is in fine working condition. 

Taking a road trip can be a great experience, especially if you get to share it with someone close to you. Occasionally, these friends can be of the canine variety, and getting behind the wheel with your pet in tow can lead to  an adventure of a lifetime. 

NBC News reports that pets can play a major role in distracted driving, which contributes to accidents and poor decision making on the roads. Pets in the car can interfere with the actual driving of the car, as well as sight lines and general focus, but that doesn't have to deter people from taking trips with their animal companions. As long as motorists follow a few guidelines for safety, they should be able to enjoy fantastic road trips with their pets. 

Keeping an emergency pet kit in the car with items such as extra water, treats, towels and waste bags, is essential. You never know when your schedule will get derailed by traffic or a different kind of surprising situation, so having some key supplies on hand can go a long way in keeping you and your pet healthy, happy and safe. 

Similarly, getting pets used to riding in the car – and staying in the backseat whenever possible – can make the process safer. Working up to longer road trips is a must, so it's important to take the time to get them acclimated to a vehicle and to make sure the car is in a condition to handle the pet. 

To properly prep your vehicle for a road trip – with or without your beloved pet – bring it in for a tune up at the Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction. There technicians can look at all aspects of the car and make sure you're ready to hit the road with any kind of companion. 

Investing in vehicle maintenance may cost you a little bit of money in the short-term, but it's essential for keeping auto spending down throughout the life of a car. In fact, according to CarMD, most technicians say that postponing maintenance when it's needed is the No. 1 mistake drivers can make. To ensure you're not falling into this costly trap, pay attention to a few areas of auto repair to keep your automobile is up to snuff. 

First, drivers should do their best to get oil changes in a timely manner. Fox Business reports that when you actually need an oil change will vary by car, but it can be anywhere from 3,000 to 10,000 miles. To keep things simple, check wipers and fluid levels when you receive an oil change. A car needs these tools to run in top condition and remain safe. Coolant, brake, transmission and wiper fluid should all also be evaluated, so don't be afraid to pop the hood and see what's going on around the engine. 

Another area you should be looking at is the tire pressure. Proper inflation and rotation is essential to getting the best mileage out of your vehicle, and it can also help you keep safe on the roads, so be sure to check the tires periodically. Twice a year is probably the absolute minimum, but there's no harm in keeping an eye out for subpar performance, leaking tires and other issues that may crop up because of roads or weather, MSN Autos reports. 

If you think your car is in need of some good maintenance or just a tune-up, take it in to the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and can help you resolve any issues you may have. 

Not long ago, the majority of car owners turned to their mechanics for even the most basic maintenance needs to keep their cars in top shape, but now more drivers are getting their own hands dirty. AutoMD.com recently released its 2013 DIY Report that revealed many motorists are taking matters into their own hands and tackling easier car maintenance and repair projects such as replacing batteries and windshield wiper blades, changing the oil and repairing ignition wire sets.

The major driver for this trend is cost-savings, as 96 percent of survey participants reported saving at least $100 a year on repairs and tune-ups, including nearly 60 percent who have saved more than $500. Many began performing basic maintenance to save money during the recession and have continued in this fashion. Roughly two-thirds of DIYers indicated they are considering attempting more complex repairs in the future.

"When we released our first auto repair DIY report in 2010, we found that the economy was driving more auto repair DIYing, with DIYers reporting considerable cost savings," said Brian Hafer, vice president of media and marketing at AutoMD.com. "In the ensuing years, we have seen this trend continue, bolstered by an increase in the accessibility of how-to info online."

The top jobs performed at home are adding antifreeze and replacing the battery, windshield wiper blades, headlamp bulbs and air filters. Other drivers have undertaken more difficult tasks, such as changing spark plugs, replacing fuel filters and flushing radiators and cooling systems.

Some jobs, however, even the most skilled amateur mechanic will be ill-equipped to perform. Whether a driver lacks the expertise or tools to get a job done, he or she can bring the car to New Jersey Auto Auctions' Total Car Care Center, which can handle all the automotive needs the motorists cannot take care of on his or her own.

The exhaust pipe jutting out from under your car's rear bumper helps to keep the engine from overheating, and most of the time the emissions coming from the tailpipe are pretty much undetectable to the human eye. However, you may sometimes see smoke coming from the pipe, and in certain cases this could indicate there is a serious issue. The appearance of the smoke can tell you a lot about what might be going on with your car.

White Smoke
White smoke typically indicates that water has gotten into the exhaust system. This could be due to condensation on a dewy morning or a coolant leak. It's important to inspect the coolant levels and add more fluid if necessary when you notice white smoke. You may also want to check the oil, as a coolant leak in the wrong spot can wind up getting into the oil, which can create a host of other problems.

Black Smoke
If the engine is unable to burn off all the fuel during the combustion process, the gasoline can get into the exhaust system and create thick, black smoke. You may also notice that your car's fuel economy has dropped significantly.

Blue Smoke
If the smoke has a bluish appearance, chances are that somehow the motor oil has made its way into the exhaust system, likely due to a leak. The sooner this issue is addressed the better chances you have at preventing further damage.

Regardless of what color smoke is pouring from the tailpipe, it's important to visit a mechanic as soon as possible. The experts at New Jersey Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center can help you sort out the issues, keeping you safer on the road.