Memorial Day celebrations marked the unofficial start to summer, and many families are gearing up for weekend trips to the beach. Any seasoned beachgoer knows southbound traffic on the Garden State Parkway is slow-moving at best on the weekends, so the last thing you want is to have your car breakdown along the journey. Before you pack your kids, coolers and beach chairs into the family car, it's a good idea to get a tuneup and make sure your vehicle is ready for a trip to the Jersey Shore.

There are a few things you can do in your own driveway, but for messier and more skilled work, you can bring your car to the experts at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center in Jersey City. They can change the oil and other fluids and inspect the car for any potential issues that could ruin a weekend getaway. Be sure to have them check the brakes and replace worn pads before you hit the road, and you'll appreciate the work when you're sitting in stop-and-go traffic.

When it comes to at-home maintenance, you should check the tire pressure and fluid levels. Top off the coolant and oil to reduce the risk of possibly overheating. If you suspect the coolant may be leaking, you might want to get a bottle of pre-mixed coolant to keep in the car. This way, you'll be able to add more along the way to your destination if need be. In extreme emergencies you can add just water, but this should be a last-ditch effort as undistilled water can damage the cooling system.

It is also important to check windshield washer fluid levels and the wipers themselves, replacing damaged wipers if necessary. This will ensure you have the best visibility possible along your journey.

In order to start a car, an electrical charge is needed to provide the spark for the ignition system to kick the engine into gear. This energy is supplied by the car battery, which is designed to wear out over time. The average automotive batter typically lasts for roughly two years, but this can be drastically shortened if proper care is not taken to maintain the car part.

The main factors that contribute the declining health of a battery include extreme temperatures, sulfation caused by lack of use, dirty battery connections and faulty alternators and starters that can prematurely drain the battery. Extreme temperatures, both high and low, can prematurely drain a car's battery. Parking in the shade during the summer and keeping a car in an insulated garage or insulating the battery itself can help protect it all year long.

Another thing you should keep an eye on is the state of the posts and the wires connected to them. Corrosive buildup is inevitable, but needs to be removed regularly. Otherwise, it can create electrical resistance that will prohibit the car from starting due to lack of enough electrical charge. Corrosive buildup typically appears as a white, powdery substance. This material is dangerous and you should not touch it with your bare hands. A hard bristle brush, baking soda and water are all you need to remove the corrosion, but be sure to wear protective gloves if you decide to perform this bit of maintenance yourself.

If you're experiencing trouble with your battery, it could be time to replace it. However, you can bring your vehicle to the Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction and have a certified mechanic make sure there are no other factors coming into play. If the alternator or starter are acting up, you may find battery problems will continue after a replacement.

If you are not thorough when you purchase a used car, you could end up with a lemon. Unlike reputable car dealerships in New Jersey like NJ State Auto Auction, some dealers may try to pull the wool over your eyes to make a quick buck. Before you purchase a car, it is always wise to check the vehicle history report to find out if there have been any major repairs. This could bring down the value of the car as well as increase the odds of encountering a major mechanical problem early in ownership.

Some dealers are up front about their inventory such as New Jersey State Auto Auction, which guarantees all its cars are CARFAX certified. A CARFAX report not only details the individual vehicle's history, but alerts drivers to any recalls that have been made on that particular make and model. CBS News reports this excludes BMW, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Lexus, as these automakers refuse to work with CARFAX. For these brands, and as added assurance for others, you can have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle you want before you buy it to look for signs of
previous repairs or major damage.

If you do encounter mechanical problems with used cars in NJ, you can bring them to the Total Car Care Center at NJ Auction. The certified mechanics at this Jersey City shop can help you sort out any necessary repairs as well as perform maintenance to keep your used vehicle on the road. The service is available to drivers whether they bought their cars at NJ Auto or from independent sellers.

By deciding to purchase a used car in New Jersey, shoppers have already made a smart choice if they're looking to save money. But while purchasing a pre-owned vehicle is a good start, there are some ways you can ensure you'll find an even better deal.

A good place to start on your hunt for an affordable used car is by looking at what the best selling cars were three or four years ago, NASDAQ suggests. Experts say because cars like the Honda Civic and Volkswagen Jetta were popular in 2008 and 2009, there are likely a lot more of them on used car lots than less popular vehicles, like the Nissan Sentra or Ford Focus. As a result, you'll probably get a better deal.

In a similar vein, you should makes sure to do plenty of research before heading to the lot. Luckily, there are a number of resources available to prospective buyers, so you can look at everything from safety ratings to fuel-efficiency and reviews by previous drivers to get a good idea of which car is the best deal. Additionally, thanks to websites like Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, you can get an idea for what a fair price is for your ideal car.

Last but not least, you'll want to head to the right place. In this case, New Jersey State Auto Auction is your best bet. You can choose from a wide variety of makes and models, ranging from SUVs to vans to compact cars, and they're all CARFAX certified, so you know you're getting a reliable car when you drive off the lot.

It's pretty safe to assume drivers want to get the most life out of their cars, but all too often they don't do what's necessary to get their vehicle to last past 100,000 miles. April is recognized as National Car Care Month, and in an effort to provide people with the guidance they need to prolong the life of their ride, the Car Care Council recently offered some tips on how to boost a car's safety, dependability and function.

Experts say checking the brakes on a regular basis is one of the most important things a car owner can do. They should be inspected at least once a year. The Car Care Council also recommends having the  linings, rotors and drums looked at during every oil change.

In addition to the brakes, experts say drivers should be cognizant of how their heating, ventilating and air conditions is working. Not only is this important for temperature control, but it is crucial to defrosting in the winter.

The exhaust system is another area that should not be overlooked, the Car Care Council says. In particular, be on the lookout for broken supports, odd noises or leaks. Above all else, the most important thing is to stick to a maintenance schedule.

"Neglected vehicle care almost always means much higher costs down the line in the form of more extensive repairs or lost resale value," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "Following a routine maintenance program makes financial sense, extending useful vehicle life and helping avoid costly repairs down the road."

Visiting New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center helps you stick to a maintenance program to ensure your car runs as long as possible.

While some people might bring their car to a mechanic for even the smallest repair, others may want to go to a professional only as a last resort. There are certainly times when a skilled eye is necessary, but often there are fixes to your car that you can do yourself.

According to AutoMD.com, one of the easiest repair jobs you can do yourself is replacing windshield wiper blades. There are a number of reasons why you're better off doing this job alone, but perhaps the most important one is that it requires no special tools. Along with easy access and simple directions, the job can be completed in as little as five minutes.

In addition to changing out a wiper blade, experts say that replacing a fuse is also easy to do. For starters, it's simple to find the fuse box because it's very clearly labeled, and this job only requires a fuse puller. All in all, it should take you no more than 10 minutes.

Having to replace an air filter is one of the most common repairs motorists experience, but you don't have to take your car to a mechanic to get it done. With instructions located in the owner's manual the only necessary tool being a screwdriver, there's no reason not to do it yourself.

"These are jobs just about anyone can do, and not only will it save you money – nearly $200 if you complete all of our top five easiest jobs– but, believe it or not, it can also save you time," said AutoMD.com president Shane Evangelist. 

Although these repair jobs can be completed by a novice mechanic, there are others that require professional help. If this is the case, head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center, which offers assistance on everything from maintenance to significant repairs.

As the weather starts to warm up, many motorists are getting ready to hit the road. It's not uncommon for drivers to be more active in the spring and summer than they were in the winter, so it's imperative to ensure that your car is in excellent shape. There are a number of maintenance issues you should get checked out to prepare for the spring season.

Having brakes that are in working order is imperative any time of year, but if you're gearing up for a few months of road trips and vacations, it's even more crucial. It will be a smart idea to have a mechanic look at brake pads, rotors, calipers and other hardware to ensure you won't hit any snags in the near future.

Along with brakes, you should make sure to check the oil now that spring has arrived. In particular, warm weather can take a toll on motor oil, and you should be cognizant of both the level of oil and how clean it is, especially with the summer months fast approaching.

One component that could go overlooked is lighting – headlamps, tail lights and turn signals. It can be easy to miss, but if they are not in working order, this could make it more difficult to drive at night or in foggy conditions.

"Now is the time for motorists to ensure that their vehicles are in shape for summer driving," said industry insider Jim Sassorossi. "The safety, performance and life of a vehicle hinges on preventive maintenance."

New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center can take care of all your preventative maintenance needs so you can be out on the road as soon as possible.

Most people in the United States have had to deal with rising gas prices, but nobody has it quite as bad as some motorists in Alaska. In the town of Bethel, residents are paying more than $6 a gallon for gas, with the highest price climbing to $6.34, according to The Detroit Free Press. The plight of Bethel drivers may make $4.50 a gallon not seem so bad.

With no relief in the near future at the pump, many drivers may be looking to get the most miles per gallon possible. While there are a few well-known tips to improving mileage, including driving the speed limit and keeping your tires properly inflated, there are some additional measures you can take that may help you save a few dollars every time you fill up.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), one of the best ways to conserve gas is to wisely plan your trips. By consolidating errands you'll avoid taking numerous short trips from place to place. Starting your car up cold a number of times can use a considerable amount more gas than one continuous trip.

Removing any unnecessary clutter from your car can also have a significant impact on your mileage. Whether it's the softball equipment you haven't used in years or simply some miscellaneous items from the winter, clearing out your car could improve your fuel economy by 2 percent.

Staying up on maintenance is also a key part of getting good gas mileage. New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center offers an excellent opportunity for motorists to keep their cars running smoothly and efficiently.

It can be easy to take windshield wipers for granted. When they're working properly, you almost don't notice them being there. However, once they break down it can not only be an annoyance but it can also be dangerous. There are a number of issues that can plague windshield wipers and it's best to be familiar with them so you can address any problems should they arise.

One of the most widely-reported wiper problems is that they don't completely clear the windshield when turned on. Though this issue can sometimes be overlooked, it can get worse overtime to the point that a moderate rain shower makes it difficult to see. If this is the case, it means that your wiper blade is either bent or the rubber has become worn down. The only thing to do in this situation is to get a replacement blade, something which some experts recommend doing on a yearly basis anyway.

Though a blade-related issue is relatively easy to fix, that may not be the case with other problems. Sometimes drivers report their wipers are working more slowly than normal or not working at all. In this case, the root cause most likely rests with the wiper motor. While there are do-it-yourself fixes for such a problem, it's probably your best bet to take it to a professional to look at it, since there are electrical components to keep in mind as well.

Finding a knowledgeable mechanic to take care of your wiper needs is not a problem at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. Located in Jersey City and open to the public, the center provides everything from significant repairs to regular maintenance to keep your car running smoothly.

When an electrically-powered component of your vehicle such as the interior dome light or the radio stops working, you may be able to fix the issue on your own. Electrical power is distributed to these and other devices through circuits. The electricity travels from the source along the circuit to each device, and different items require different levels of power to operate.

If too much electricity tries to make its way to a particular device, it could damage the equipment, which is why there are fuses attached to every circuit. They are designed to break when there is a problem with the electrical current as a means of protecting the devices on the circuit.

There are often two different fuse panels in a car, one in the engine bay and the other underneath the dash. The latter is connected to electrical devices inside the passenger cab, and the owner's manual will contain a diagram to help you figure which fuse is connected to which device. You can easily remove a fuse with your hands or a pair of tweezers. Inside the plastic casing is a metal filament. If it is broken, you will need to replace the fuse.

Even if you replace the fuse, you should still have the car checked out by a professional mechanic. A fuse blows when there is too much electrical current on a particular circuit. This could be caused by faulty wiring or an issue with one of the parts being powered by electricity.

The experts at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center will be able to diagnose the problem and get your car back in working order. Located in Jersey City and open to the public, the service center provides assistance with repairs and regular upkeep.