Winter is in full swing, which means drivers need to take extra precautions to keep their cars in good condition to stay safe on the road. There are many ways to winterize a car, including switching to snow tires and getting a tune-up. Here are three things you can do at home to protect yourself and your vehicle this winter.

1. Keep an eye on coolant
When the temperatures dip below freezing, the antifreeze in your car’s cooling system prevents the liquid from freezing in the pipes. If the fluid level is low, add more, but remember you need to use a mixture that is equal parts water and antifreeze. You can purchase premixed solutions, so you don’t have to worry about getting the measurements right.

2. Check your windshield wipers
Whether it’s snowing or raining, visibility is a crucial part of safe driving. In addition to making sure you have plenty of windshield washer fluid, you’ll need wipers that can effectively clean the glass. Examine the wipers currently on your car. If they are stiff or ripped, replace them. This is typically inexpensive and easy to do yourself.

3. Keep an emergency kit in your car
If your vehicle should happen to break down, you will be glad you thought ahead and prepared an emergency kit. This should include spare coats or security blankets so you can keep warm while you wait for help as well as flashlights, spare batteries and some extra cash. You might want to throw a few jugs of water into the car as well. If the engine overheats, you can add water to the radiator to get the car running again.

Drivers who need to buy used cars will find a wide selection of makes and models at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer also has a garage, the Total Car Care Center, that is open to the public and can help drivers address any automotive concerns this winter.

The average price for a gallon of gas now is far lower than it has been in recent months, but this doesn’t mean you should forget about fuel efficiency all together. In fact, now is a great time to hone your good driving habits, so you’ll be prepared when fuel costs eventually increase once more. It’s also helpful to know how to conserve gas if you’re looking to buy a used car, as the fuel economy of older vehicles may not be as impressive as some newer models. Here are five ways to get the most of every drop of gasoline.

1. Drive less
This may seem obvious, but you may want to think about how often you drive. If your destination is close enough, you can always walk or ride a bike instead of driving. Consolidating trips can help improve fuel economy as well.

2. Ease up on the pedals
Accelerating quickly and braking hard burns up more fuel than if you gradually speed up and slow down. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports that aggressive driving reduces your mileage by as much as 33 percent at highway speeds.

3. Check your tire pressure
Underinflated tires create more friction on the road surface, so it takes more energy to keep your car moving. Maintaining the proper air pressure can improve your car’s fuel economy by 3.3 percent, according to the DOE.

4. Don’t idle
It takes far less fuel to restart a car than it does to keep the engine running. Idling for two minutes uses approximately as much gas as driving one mile, so shut off the engine when you’re parked.

5. Keep your car in tune
A car that runs well will also be fuel efficient. Make sure to get regular tune-ups and oil changes.

Drivers in the market for a fuel-efficient used model can head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has a wide selection of makes and models to choose from.

The best way to keep your car in good shape is to stay on top of regular maintenance. You should be monitoring your car in between regular tune-ups to spot problems early. The sooner you catch an issue, the easier, and cheaper, it will be to fix. There are some things you can do at home, but for more complicated procedures, you may want to visit a mechanic, such as one of the experts at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. Here are a few steps you can take to keep your car running well between tune-ups.

There are a few things you can do yourself that can extend the life of your vehicle and help improve fuel economy.

First, check your air pressure. This only takes a few minutes and can usually be done for free, or with a few quarters when you visit the gas station. Keep in mind the psi (pounds per square inch) printed on the tires is the maximum amount they can handle. The proper amount of air pressure can be found in the owner's manual and on a sticker usually located inside the door frame. You should check the tire pressure at least once a week or so, as the correct pressure will help improve your car's fuel efficiency.

Keep an eye on the fluid levels as well. If you notice the oil or coolant is getting low, be sure to top it off. You'll want to take a peek again in a few days to ensure the levels haven't dropped drastically. If they have, you might be dealing with a leak somewhere in the system. In this case, it is best to bring your car to an auto shop and have an expert take a look. NJ Auto Auction's mechanics can address these and other issues, and the Total Car Care Center is open to the public.

Come back soon to learn more at-home car maintenance tips.

If you're planning to travel for the holidays, whether to visit relatives or just to get away for a family vacation, you may want to take the time to ensure your vehicle is in top condition before you hit the road. There are typically more cars on the road around the holidays, and combined with inclement weather conditions, this can increase the chances of a crash. If your car is running well, the odds of anything going wrong can be greatly reduced. Here are a few things you can do at home ahead of your winter trip.

Check fluid levels
Even if you've had the oil changed recently, it is a good idea to ensure all the fluids in your vehicle are at the appropriate levels. This includes the oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant and even the windshield washer fluid. Low levels could indicate a leak that will not only cause damage over time, but could result in a mishap that leaves you waiting for a tow truck in the snow. If you notice low levels, you can bring your car to a professional mechanic like the experts at New Jersey Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. An expert will be able to address any problems that may be causing the leak.

Check the car battery
You might want to take a look at the car battery before heading to grandma's for Christmas. Usually located near the front of the car, under the hood, the battery has two terminals that are connected to wires. These terminals may be covered in corrosion, which could result in difficulty getting the car to start. You can clean the terminals yourself with some baking soda, water and wire brush. Remember to wear gloves at the corrosive materials are harmful to skin.

Check tire pressure
The correct tire pressure keeps you safe on the road and improves fuel economy. Consult the owner's manual to determine the appropriate pressure for your car and add some air if necessary.

On the first Sunday in November, Daylight Savings Time requires most individuals to dial their clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. While this means many people will be privileged with an extra hour of sleep, it also means the days will grow darker sooner. As such, there are also some things for car owners to consider on November 4.

"Turning back the clocks means fewer hours of daylight, so it's even more important that your vehicle's lights and wipers are working properly so you can be seen by others and your visibility is not compromised," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "From the driver's seat, you may not notice a light isn't working, so inspect all of your car's lights and replace those that are out. Also, inspect and replace wiper blades so you can see clearly when weather hits."

Having proper lighting and visibility is important to keep all drivers safe on the road. When one car has a headlight out, not only is that driver unable to see as well as they should, but other motorists may be thrown off by the missing light, putting them at risk as well. In addition to checking for burnt out bulbs, drivers should examine the headlight covers. Dingy, clouded and yellowed covers can block light and decrease visibility, but this can be fixed.

While they're at it, drivers may want to take their vehicles to the experts at New Jersey Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center for routine maintenance before fall turns to winter. This can reduce the risk of encountering problems like dead batteries and broken heaters. The mechanics will also be able to spot any potential problems that need to be repaired.

The brunt of Hurricane Sandy may have passed, by New Jersey and New York residents are only just beginning to assess the damages of this massive storm. Footage from across the affected areas has repeatedly shown abandoned cars caught in deep floods, and if you happen to have a vehicle that got caught in the raging waters brought on by Sandy there are steps you should take to protect your vehicle from further damage.

Once the flood waters recede and you can safely access your vehicle, the first thing you should do is pop the hood and disconnect the battery for safety reasons. Do not attempt to start your car, as there is certainly plenty of water still left inside the vehicle, much of which will contain dirt, sand and other debris that could cause a great deal of damage. Chances are that those who live in coastal towns will not be able to salvage their vehicles, as salt water causes irreparable problems.

If the flood waters were not too filled with debris, there is a chance your vehicle, or at least parts of it, could be saved. You will need to wait a few days at least for the many electrical and other components to dry out entirely, but in the meantime you can assess the fluids. Check the dipsticks for signs of water, which will not mix with oil or transmission fluid. If you notice water in the mix, you'll need to have the fluids drained and replaced.

In most cases of extreme flooding, vehicles that get left in the water are considered totaled. In this case, car owners will need to contact their insurance companies, and then have an insurance adjuster visit the vehicle and assess the damages. Those in need of a replacement vehicle in the wake of Hurricane Sandy might want to stop by New Jersey State Auto Auction, located in Jersey City to find their next ride.

As the weather grows colder and the leaves begin to turn and fall from the trees, drivers are reminded that winter is coming. This means the weather will grow colder and harsher, especially in the New York/New Jersey area. The Northeast is expecting a harsh winter season this year, making it especially important for drivers to prepare their vehicles before the first snowfall. Autumn is the perfect time to perform basic car maintenance to make sure everything is running smoothly, which can help motorists reduce the risk of automotive trouble when the roads are icy and more dangerous.

There are basic things that drivers can do at home, from checking all fluid levels and replacing windshield wiper blades to waxing the vehicle and checking tire pressure. Many newer models have built-in tire pressure monitors that alert drivers when the air is getting low, but older vehicles will require owners to manually check them with a pressure gauge. The correct pressure can be found in the owner's manual. Some people believe the necessary pressure, expressed in pounds per square inch (PSI), is imprinted on the tires, but this is actually the maximum amount of air they can handle. Overfilled tires can reduce traction on the road surface and make driving dangerous, so care should be taken when adding air to the tires.

It is important to have fluids, including antifreeze, oil and brake fluid, inspected and changed if necessary. While it is possible to perform these procedures at home, they may be better left to professionals for drivers who are not experienced with at-home car maintenance. The experts at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center can handle maintenance and repair needs from oil changes and testing car batteries to inspecting for leaks and catching any other issues early, so drivers can stay safe on the roads this winter.

Regular maintenance is one of the necessities that helps keep a vehicle running smoothly as long as possible, and this is especially important to consider when the seasons change. Getting a tuneup before winter sets in will help reduce the risk of issues cropping up during the coldest months of the year, and drivers should have all their cars' fluids inspected and changed if necessary. It can also be a good idea to have an overall inspection done to catch any problems that may be forming. The earlier an issue is found, the less expensive it will be to repair.

"Whether you're expecting cooler temperatures, snow, rain or simply a little less sunshine, regular maintenance and seasonal checkups can help prevent unexpected repair costs in the future," said John Nielsen, director of AAA Automotive Engineering and Repair. "Properly preparing your vehicle for the next season of driving is essential for the safety of all passengers and will greatly decrease the chances of your vehicle letting you down."

While drivers may need a mechanic to handle any repairs or other work, there are a few things they can and should keep an eye on at home. For instance, car owners can check the fluid levels of their oil, coolant, transmission and washer fluid. They should also ensure these fluids do not appear to contain dirt or debris, which can create issues in the engine. For any problems that drivers cannot fix at home, those in the New York/New Jersey area can head to NJ Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. The experts at this auto shop can handle any repairs and maintenance necessary, and the garage is open to the public.

Traffic accidents can occur at any moment, whether it's during inclement weather or under blue skies, if there is a traffic jam or the road is nearly empty. Sometimes a crash is unavoidable, and drivers should be prepared in the event they find themselves in this situation. AAA recently released a few pointers to help motorists know what to do if they get into accidents.

"Even the most prepared and competent drivers sometimes find themselves involved in a crash," said Dr. William Van Tassel, manager of AAA Driver Training Programs. "It does not matter who is at fault, the most important thing to do first is make sure everyone is OK, then seek medical and law enforcement help and know what to do to protect yourself from legal or financial problems down the road."

When you get into a crash, the first thing to do is make sure everyone in your vehicle and the other vehicle, if there is another car involved, is all right. If anyone is hurt, call for help right away. If not, move to the next step, getting everyone to safety. Move the cars, if you can, off the road. Then, you have to call the police. This is the law, and a traffic accident report needs to be filed. You will need to explain to the cops what happened, and the report will help if you need to file a liability claim later on.

The next step is to trade contact, vehicle and insurance information with the other driver. You will also want to document the accident, taking pictures of damage and the scene of the accident. Then, submit all the information to your insurance company and have the other driver do the same.

If your car needs work, you can bring it to New Jersey Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. The repair shop, located in Jersey City, is open to the public and the maintenance experts can help you get your ride back on the road.

Summer is the season for road trips to the shore, and drivers should take the time to make sure their cars are road ready before their next adventure. A vehicle is only as good as its fluids, so it is a good idea to take a quick look under the hood and make sure everything's in good shape. The first fluid that likely comes to mind is the oil. The general rule of thumb for modern cars is to change the oil every 7,500 miles or so, but you should still keep an eye on the state of the liquid in between services.

When you pop the hood and pull out the dipstick, you're looking for a few different things – fluid level, coloration and consistency. Low fluid levels could indicate a leak somewhere in the system. In this case, add more motor oil and check back in a few days. If the level has dropped again, you may be dealing with a leak, which can lead to the engine overheating.

Oil that is dark brown or black is dirty. It should be a lighter, clear shade of brown. You will also need to look for signs of dirt and debris in the fluid, which may point to a clogged oil filter. If you notice any of these signs, you will need to change the oil. The experts at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center can handle this service as well as any other work needed to repair leaks. They can also perform a quick tune up to ensure you'll make it to the beach in time to soak up the summer sun instead of spending your vacation on the side of the highway.