The economy may be showing signs of improvement, but drivers are still hanging on to their cars longer than ever before. The average age of a car on the road is closing in on 11 years and vehicles are surpassing the 100,000 mile mark with ease. However, keeping a car running for years requires a bit of work on your part, and there are a number of ways to ensure your old ride running a bit longer.

Perhaps most importantly, drivers should be sure to stick closely to the recommended repair schedule, CBS News reports. Almost all owner's manuals will have set intervals for regular upkeep such as getting your brakes checked and rotating your tires. The same goes for oil changes, with most manufacturers suggesting getting the procedure done every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.

How you drive your car may also have a significant impact on how long you're able to keep it running. Specifically, some experts recommend getting in some highway driving every now and then, even if it's not part of your daily routine. Start-and-stop driving can take its toll on a car, the news source reports.

There are also some complications specific to older cars that you may want to be on the lookout for. You'll want to make sure that you get your belts and hoses checked because they can be damaged by heat over time. Additionally, you may want to focus on wheel alignment and your timing belt.

Above all else, however, you need to visit a reliable mechanic. That won't be a problem at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center. With a knowledgeable staff, motorists can get everything from repairs to general maintenance.

Few things can be more alarming to a driver than when their check engine light comes on. While it can be indicative of a very simple and easy-to-fix problem, other times it could be highlighting a serious, and costly, issue.

One of the most common reasons that your check engine light has turned on is an oxygen sensor that is not working properly. According to The Associated Press, the sensor is relatively important because it keeps an eye on how much unburned oxygen is in the exhaust, which in turn keeps the car's computer up to speed on how much fuel is in the tank. If it's not working properly, the issue could take its toll on the vehicle's gas mileage.

Among the most serious issues that the light could be indicative of is a broken catalytic converter. This component is used to turn harmful gases into less damaging substances, and often uses expensive metals to do so. As a result, the average cost of repairing one can be around $2,000.

Though they may not be as serious as a broken catalytic converter, misfiring spark plugs are another significant problem that the check engine light could be warning you about. According to the AP, this malfunction might seem small but its effect can be felt everywhere from fuel economy to engine power, and may actually damage your catalytic converter in the long run.

The best way to avoid some of the most serious issues associated with the check engine light is to make sure you're on top of regular maintenance. New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center provides the general public with a great resource to keep their cars running smoothly. With a stable of talented mechanics, the center offers everything from repair to general upkeep.

Brake pads provide both friction and a cushion to help bring your car to a safe stop without wearing down the other components of the brake system. They are typically made of a metal mixture, although some high-performance vehicles may be equipped with ceramic brake pads. These auto parts are designed to wear down over time, and it is important to keep an eye on them. If you wait too long to replace worn brake pads, you risk damaging the brake rotors and the calipers, which could require more expensive repairs to get your brakes working well once more.

You can easily inspect the thickness of the brake pads in most cars by peering through the wheels. Some vehicles may not provide a convenient access window, but most brake pads come with built-in warning systems. Once they wear down enough, a small metal piece will become exposed. This causes a high-pitched squealing sound when the brakes are applied. When you hear this noise, you'll want to take your car to an auto maintenance professional to have the brake pads replaced. It is important to change the pads sooner rather than later, as allowing them to wear further can damage the brake system.

This is a project that gearheads can typically tackle on their own, but other drivers may want to leave the job to the professionals at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center. The automotive experts at this service center, located in Jersey City and open to the public, can replace the brake pads to help keep your car safe on the road.

Spring is just around the corner, and drivers need to start thinking about de-winterizing their vehicles. This is one step many may forget, but it is important to make sure a vehicle did not suffer any damage during the harsh winter months. Cleaning the car can be a good place to start, as it can make the vehicle gleam like new. Plus, removing all the road salt residue and debris that may have accumulated over the winter will help preserve the paint job.

The spring is also a good time to check the oil, transmission, steering, coolant and brake fluids. Oil should be a clear, golden color. If you remove the dipstick and the fluid is dirty or dark in color, you may want to have the oil changed. Low levels could indicate it's time for a change as well.

This also holds true for other liquids in your vehicle. Transmission fluid can be a few different colors, typically green or red, but if it has a rusty hue, you may need to have the system flushed. Coolant, which is typically green, can also be other bright colors, such as pink, blue or yellow. If you see this fluid on your driveway, you may have a coolant leak. This should be addressed immediately to avoid overheating the engine.

Drivers can take their cars to New Jersey Auto Auction's Total Car Care center for routine tuneups. Located in Jersey City and open to the public, this automotive service center can handle any maintenance and repairs your car may need to run smoothly this spring. Even if you're not sure whether it's time to get the oil changed, the experts at NJ Auto will know what your car needs.

With many analysts predicting the average price of gas may hit $4 a gallon in the near future, it's more important than ever for drivers to be as fuel-efficient as possible. Though cars have improved gas mileage over years past, there are still a number of ways you can help get the most out of your car.

"There are several easy things drivers can do to stretch each tank of gas and find the lowest fuel prices when it is time to fill up," said Marshall L. Doney, the AAA national vice president of automotive, financial services and e-Business.

Among the easiest ways to save on gas is to make sure your tires are properly inflated. Still, despite the known benefits of having tires filled to the right levels, only 17 percent of drivers have all four tires sufficiently inflated. To check the proper levels, look at the manual or on a sticker on the driver's side door jamb, AAA says.

How you drive can have a significant impact on how much you spend at the pump as well. For example, driving at or around the speed limit can save you a substantial amount. The U.S. Department of Energy found that for every 5 mph driven over the speed limit it's like you're paying 24 cents more a gallon.

Similarly,  going easy on the brake and gas pedals will save money as well. By not starting and stopping so harshly you could improve mileage by as much as 33 percent, according to AAA.

Regular maintenance is also a must when it comes to improving your gas mileage. To ensure your car is running smoothly you may want to visit New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Care Care center. Open to the public, the center provides everything from repairs to general upkeep.

Used cars provide consumers with a number of distinct advantages, not the least of which is that purchasing one can be a little easier on their wallet. However, drivers can sometimes be lulled into a false sense of security and may actually end up spending more money in the long run. To avoid falling victim to many common purchasing pitfalls, buyers should make sure to ask some basic questions during the process, The Palm Beach Post reports.

Perhaps the most important thing to do before you buy a used car is to look at the vehicle's history. There are a number of resources available for you to do so, including vehiclehistory.gov, which contains reports on specific makes and models. It also provides tips on how to accurately read a report. Despite the importance of being familiar with a car's history, few people think to investigate further than its appearance.

According to the newspaper, there are a few areas you may want to inspect before you purchase the car to ensure it has not experienced more wear and tear than is being revealed. For instance, you may want to glance at at the steering wheel to see if it's worn smooth. You should also look for signs of excessive wear in places like the armrest, floor mats and pedals.

There are also some dangers associated with buying from independent sellers, since they are not required to guarantee a car's road-readiness. You may want to instead visit dealers like New Jersey State Auto Auction instead. In addition to offering a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, all of New Jersey Auto's vehicles are CARFAX certified so you know you're getting a reliable ride.

Motor oil is one of the most important components of a car but all too often it is surrounded by myths. Knowing what's true and what's false about this vital liquid is crucial in maintaining your car, however it can sometimes be difficult to separate fact from fiction.

One of the most pervasive misconceptions surrounding motor oil is how often it needs to be changed. Most people abide by the rule that you should change it every 3,000 miles or three months – whichever you hit first. This may have been true in years past, but according to Edmunds, it's an outdated credo. There have been a lot of advancements made with motor oil and you can go by what's recommended in your auto manual. In 2010 for instance, the average recommended interval was about 7,800 miles rather than 3,000.

Another common myth is that using synthetic oil is better for your car and may actually improve your fuel economy. While synthetic products are often considered a better lubricant, there is not a lot of evidence to back up any claims of improved gas mileage and the extra money may not be worth it.

"There is a school of thought that says the synthetic oils are slipperier and allow the engine to spin easier – I don't know that I believe that," auto expert Ryan Stark told Edmunds.

While many people may change their own oil, going to a professional will ensure it's done correctly, so you may want to visit New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center to get it done. With a location in Jersey City that's open to the public, drivers can get easily get everything from repairs to general upkeep.

A large part of car maintenance is knowing when to replace worn out components of your vehicle. Everything from tires to brake pads to batteries needs to be updated if you have your car long enough. One of the largest obstacles is being able to identify when it's time to replace a certain part, and driving too long on something that need replacing could damage other areas.

Among the most crucial aspects of a car are its shocks. This important component makes it easier for the springs in you car's suspension to absorb bumps when you're out for a drive. They are important because without them, you'd find it especially difficult to control your car every time you accidentally hit a pothole.

Luckily there are a many ways to tell if it's time for you to get new shocks. According to CNN, a lot can be gleaned from how your car brakes and accelerates. For instance, if the front end dips significantly whenever you brake or if the rear squats when you speed up, it may be time for new shocks. Additionally, if you notice a significant amount of swaying when you're driving or if your car frequently bottoms out, you should head to a mechanic.

Though keeping an eye out for warning signs is important, there are also some steps you can take to make sure you stay ahead of the problem. Regular maintenance is a great way to keep your car running smoothly. If you take it in for a check up make sure that the mechanic inspects the shocks, according to CNN.

Whether you need to get replacement shocks or want some regular upkeep performed, New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center is a great place to go.

Fuel injectors have become commonplace in most vehicles these days, and they provide much better performance than engines of yesteryear. However, if an injector becomes clogged, this can lead to a number of problems. There are a number of ways to help prevent the issue from occurring and ensure that you have a smooth running vehicle.

To understand how to keep your fuel injector working properly, you may want to familiarize yourself with how it operates in the first place. What makes a fuel injector such a better method than previously-used carburetors is that makes it easier for the gasoline to mix with air. Though it improves performance, gas vapors can solidify on the surface which may lead to a clog.

So just how do you prevent this from happening? One of the most effective ways is to use a higher quality gasoline in your car. Some drivers may balk at filling up with a more expensive fuel, but the higher grade comes with additives that reduce the chances of buildup accumulating and you'll end up with a car that runs smoother than ever.

Still, some people may not want to switch to premium, and that's understandable. However, you'll want to be extra vigilant to ensure that if your fuel injector does become clogged you get it cleaned right away.

Among the most common symptoms of a clogged fuel injector are a noticeable decrease in engine power. If your ride isn't accelerating like it used to or is noticeably sluggish, you might know where to look. Additionally, decreased gas mileage can be a result of poor engine function.

If you think you have a clogged fuel injector, or any other mechanical problem, you may want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center. Located in Jersey City, the center is open to the public and offers everything from repairs to general maintenance.

Of all the fluids in a car, few are more important than antifreeze. The vital liquid prevents a car's engine from suffering catastrophic damage and if it has outlived its usefulness, your car may be at significant risk. Despite it's crucial role, many people may not know how often they should change their antifreeze, which could lead to problems down the road.

It can be hard to know exactly when to change your antifreeze. There are a number of different schools of thought and some products tout to last longer than any other brand. However, most experts say that a good rule of thumb is to change the coolant every two or three years, or 30,000 miles. According to Yahoo! Autos, others suggest changing it every year, especially if you drive a car with an aluminum head, block or radiator.

Antifreeze needs to be changed because the chemicals that prevent corrosion can be used up over time. Though it can be hard to tell once it has lost its effectiveness, there are several ways to test how well the liquid is working. The most effective method is using test strips that identify the pH of the coolant. If the strips turns a certain color, the coolant should be changed. According to Yahoo! Autos, many suppliers provide such testing kits.

So once it's time to change the antifreeze there are a few options, but your best bet may be to take your vehicle to a car care center like the one at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Located in Jersey City, the center is open to the public and offers affordable service for regular maintenance as well as repairs.