One of the biggest areas of disagreement among drivers is how frequently they should rotate their tires, or whether the practice is even necessary. Most experts will tell you, however, that not only is rotating your tires recommended but actually a very important part of auto maintenance. Still, there are a few things to go over when it comes to the routine procedure.

For those who are unaware, rotating a car's tires involves changing their position in the car. When you switch their places on the vehicle, it will spread the wear out evenly and allow you to hold on to the same tires for longer. Most manufacturers suggest rotating the tires at least every 8,000 to 15,000 miles.

According to Yahoo! Autos, there are some people who argue against the necessity of rotating tires in a front-wheel drive car. They say that, because the front tires suffer much more wear than the rear tires, you're better off simply replacing the front ones and leaving those in the back alone.

There's a significant counter to that argument. Mechanics say front tires may be worn out after about 50,000 to 60,000 miles of driving, but back tires could still have half of their life left in them. By rotating the tires, you'll be able to significantly extend their life to 70,000 or 80,000 miles.

Regardless of your school of thought on tire rotating, nobody disagrees on the importance of getting regular maintenance to keep your car running smoothly. New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center offers such services to the general public at affordable prices.

Drivers are holding on to their cars longer than ever. In fact, the average age of a vehicle on the road is at an all time high of nearly 11 years old. Some motorists may not be aware of how to get the most out of their cars, however. Luckily, there are a number of small steps you can take to ensure your ride makes it to 10 years and beyond.

Taking fewer short trips can go a long way in extending the life of your car. It may not seem like it makes a difference, but according to Cars.com, trips of less than 10 minutes can take their toll on a vehicle. The reason is due largely to the fact that there's not enough time for the engine to get up to its operating temperature, which means some water may stay around in your engine and exhaust and cause rust. If short trips are a must, experts recommend changing your oil more frequently.

You should also try not to drive around with excess weight too often. If your car is carrying around a lot of heavy items that you don't need, it can cause significant wear and tear on crucial systems, Cars.com says. Additionally, you may want to take off anything that causes drag, like a roof rack or cargo carrier, when they're not in use.

Of course, making sure that you follow a regular maintenance schedule might be the most important thing that determines the life of your car. Simple procedures like getting the oil changed or getting new air filters may seem small, but it makes a big difference. Not only that, but if you take your car to a mechanic for regular upkeep, they may spot serious problems before they snowball.

There are few things more important to a car than its brakes. Having brakes that function properly is crucial to how your car drives but it also has an impact on safety. Despite the importance of the component, some people may not know when they have to get their brakes looked at and replaced. Luckily, there are a few signs that can tell you when it's time to have your car looked at.

It may seem difficult to know when you need a brake job. After all, there is no set mileage for when brake linings are worn down to the minimum level, and a lot can depend on how and where you drive your car. This makes paying close attention to subtle indicators that much more important.

One of the most obvious signs you need a brake job is if there is a squealing or grinding noise coming from your wheels when you apply the brakes. According to AOL Autos, the noise is actually caused by indicators put in place to tell you it's time to get new pads.

Having trouble accelerating can also be a symptom of a brake problem. In this case, the drag may be caused by the fact that emergency brake cables are frozen due to rust, which can be avoided by  regularly using it.

Pulling to one side should tip you off to an issue with your brakes. This can happen for a number of different reasons including having brakes that are adjusted incorrectly, leaking brake fluid or spilled oil or grease.

If you notice any of these indicators you may want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center to get your brakes looked at.

Sometimes it may seem like expensive car repairs are unavoidable. After all, things happen and you just have to bite the bullet and pay for a costly fix. However, other times that is simply not the case, and the repair could have been avoided with a little preventative maintenance or by paying close attention to how your car is running. With that in mind, MSN Autos recently provided what it considers to be the most expensive car repairs you should keep an eye out for.

A catalytic converter is crucial to detoxifying exhaust emissions, which can be especially important to people looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Though many of them are built to last 15 to 20 years, sometimes a misfire or broken oxygen sensors can significantly shorten their lifespan. Due to their pricey parts, a new one can cost nearly $3,000.

The injection pump is one of the most important parts of car, as it is responsible for delivering fuel into the engine cylinders. Unfortunately, it can sometimes become clogged, which requires it to be changed. In smaller cars, the fix is not too expensive, but in SUVs and trucks it can labor intensive. Luckily, regular maintenance like routinely changing air filters can prevent the problem, the news source reports.

Cylinder failure can be one of the biggest issues a driver faces, but the good thing is that it can be caught early by addressing smaller problems like misfires. However, if the warning signs are ignored, it can lead to repair costing as much as $8,000.

"There are typically many warning signs," Art Jacobsen of CarMD.com told the news source.

Sometimes repairs are inevitable, and in that case you should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center. Located in Jersey City and open to the public, the center offers everything from general upkeep to fixes.

The average driver may not think they're qualified to perform repairs on their car. While there are certain fixes that should only be attempted by professional mechanics, there are a number of other common maintenance issues that even the least mechanically-minded car owner can perform.

One of the easiest do-it-yourself aspects of auto maintenance is checking and filling your tires. Since most gas stations have free air pumps, all you need to purchase for yourself is a tire pressure gauge and familiarize yourself with the appropriate levels. Not only is this easy, but it's important as well. Having properly inflated tires is crucial to safety because it improves handling, and according to Edmunds, inflating your tires can save you ton of money not only on service costs but on fuel economy as well. Properly-inflated tires have proven to save around $120 a year on gas.

Changing your air filter can be done in your home as well. The process takes about five minutes and only requires you to have a screwdriver and a new filter on hand. While most mechanics might suggest having a professional do it, the website suggests it's not necessary.

When a light bulb goes out, it can be more of an annoyance than anything else. Having to drive to a garage for such a simple fix may seem unnecessary and according to some experts, it is. The only obstacle is finding out how to reach the bulb in the first place, but the owner's manual can usually solve that problem.

Though there are some fixes that can be done in the comfort of your own home, for more intricate repairs and a routine check up you should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Car Center.

Though they may not get the attention that some other components of the car get, the tires are one of the most crucial aspects of a vehicle. After all, they are the only part that is contact with the ground at all times and if they are not in good shape it can put a serious dent in your car's safety. Still, some people may not know how to best maintain their tires and when it's time to get new ones.

It can be complicated to know when the time is right. Some people may judge their quality based on age and others say that tread quality is the best indicator. To get a good gage on when you should replace your tires, there are a few things you should take into consideration, Edmunds says.

Where you're driving can have a significant impact on how long your tires last. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), climate can play a substantial role in the lifespan of tires, and factors such as heat and exposure to sunlight may mean they won't last as long.

How you take care of your tires is also important to take into consideration. For one thing, if they are not properly inflated or if you drive recklessly (like occasionally running over curbs) then chances are your wheels will  wear out faster.

While there are no set NHTSA guidelines regarding the the age limit on tires, other groups are a little bit more forthcoming with information. According to Edmunds, some carmakers say that tires should be replaced after about six years, while tire manufacturers say that their products can top out at 10 years.

Sometimes you have to store your car for a long period of time, whether it be the result of life changes or impending weather. While it might seem like an easy task, there are a number of things to take into consideration before you stow your car away, and you should take great care to prepare correctly.

One of the first things to do before you store your car is to make sure it gets washed. According to Edmunds, it might not seem important to have a clean car if it's not being used, but making sure your vehicle is free of debris and water stains can help keep its paint looking good while it's not being driven.

Along with keeping it clean, you will also want to take measures to prevent any animals from making their home in certain places of your car. Experts suggest blocking any gaps such as the exhaust pipe or an air intake with steel wool. If you're leaving town for a while, you may also want to enlist the help of someone who can check the garage sporadically while you're away – just to make sure.

Another tip that may seem counter intuitive is to fill it up with gas before you store it away. If you're planning on keeping it in the garage for the more than 30 days, a full tank of gas can prevent moisture from building up on the inside and lower the chances of seals drying out, Edmunds says.

Above all else, you will want to make sure it is up-to-date on its maintenance. Whether this means having the oil changed or getting a new battery, a well-kept car will make it through storage much better. New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center is a great place to go for services ranging from repairs to regular upkeep.

Despite an improving economy, many drivers are still holding on to their cars as long as possible to ensure they get the most out of their investment. It is certainly a wise decision, but sometimes motorists may be unsure about how to go about doing it. According to CarJunky.com, there are a number of day-to-day things  drivers can do to help their cars stay on the road.

Storage can play a large role in how long your car lasts. Keeping your in a garage is must, but sometimes motorists use their garage as a place to keep other household items and leave their ride out in the elements. Those without a garage should invest in a car cover and check for bugs or other pests that can get under the tarp.

How you drive your car can also play a big role in how many miles you can get out of it. According to the website, regularly accelerating and cornering too quickly can put unnecessary strain on your vehicle.

Perhaps most importantly, you cannot ignore regular maintenance. Following the schedule outlined in the owner's manual is crucial, and you should be sure to stay on top of components such as brake pads and filters.

"Giving the car an occasional wash and wax is nice but really not as important as regular maintenance," Tom Taylor, engineer and vice president of RockAuto.com, told the website. "Driving and maintaining your car as if it needs to last for at least 200,000 miles or 20 years is a smart way to preserve the value of an expensive asset."

New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center is a great resource for drivers looking to extend the life of their car. Located in Jersey City, the center is open to the public and offers everything from repairs to regular upkeep.

The winter presents drivers with a number of different challenges than other months. In addition to navigating icy roads and having to defrost the windshield every morning, operating a car can be substantially altered during the winter as well. That is especially true when it comes to the battery. Luckily, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure your battery does not die at an inopportune moment.

The biggest danger facing batteries during the winter is that they may not be able to charge as well due to the cold weather. This problem can be exacerbated especially if you go several days without driving your car. To help combat the issue, some experts recommend running your car for even just a few minutes if you haven't taken it out in a few days.

According to NASCAR, one of the best ways to stay on top of the health of your battery is to be on the look out for terminal corrosion while also checking the battery cables to makes sure they are tight enough.

Furthermore, turning your attention toward other aspects of maintenance can also have a positive impact. ABC affiliate KFBB reports that auto service company NAPA says moisture in the fuel is another common issue that comes up as the weather turns cold.

"It doesn't matter if you’re using a diesel, a gas, or what, if you have moisture in your fuel, it's going to give you trouble," industry insider Lonnie Davis told the news channel. "And there's any number of products that will take care of that. Other than that, just pretty much common sense."

Whether you're looking to get your battery checked or your oil changed, New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center can help. The Jersey City location is open to the public and can take care of everything from repairs to general upkeep.

Not only does the winter present motorists with a number of challenges while driving their car, it may also make it more expensive to do so. With added complications like waiting for the vehicle to warm up and expensive winter tires, the costs can start to add up. However, according to The Record, there are some tips that can help you save money as the temperature starts to drop.

Among the most common practices of motorists during the winter is letting their car warm up in the cold weather. Though it may make your ride a bit more comfortable at first, letting it idle for as much as 10 minutes can be a big waste. Experts say that your car really needs no more than one minute of warm-up time.

Along with knowing how long you should run your car, you may also want to consider what is in it. While it may not seem like a big deal, cleaning out your trunk can save you a lot of money on gas. In fact, the newspaper reports that every 99 pounds of extra weight can increase fuel consumption by about 2 percent.

Furthermore, you should follow certain steps when it comes to climate control. Of course, you'll want to, and have to, use the defroster every now and then but make sure you don't let it run longer than necessary or you could end up using more fuel than you might think.

As a final step, most experts recommend getting a winter tune-up before the harsh weather sets in. New Jersey State Auto Auction makes it easy to do so thanks to its Total Car Care Center. Located in Jersey City, the center offers auto maintenance and repairs so you can keep your car on the road as long as possible.