Monthly Archives: February 2012

When Do I Change My Antifreeze?

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Posted in How To

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.

Chicago Auto Show Features Downsizing Trend

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Posted in General Auto News

The Chicago Auto Show opened its doors to the press this week, and the cars taking center stage are a bit different than those in years past. Automakers are showcasing their mid-size and compact vehicles this year, a stark change compared to the focus on SUVs at previous conventions, the Chicago Daily Herald reports.

The shift of focus may not come as much of a surprise given that many drivers have chosen to downsize over the last several years. With an unstable economy and gas prices still hovering near $4 a gallon, it makes sense for motorists to ditch the over-sized SUV, and manufacturers have certainly noticed the trend.

"We're seeing a definite migration from larger to smaller [vehicles]," Edmunds.com senior analyst Michelle Krebs told the newspaper. "Middle-America doesn't want to give up the SUV altogether but they're demanding far more in terms of economy and maneuverability."

Perhaps most indicative of the shifting attitudes is the fact that Chrysler unveiled its new Dodge Dart. Though it shares the name with sedan from the '60s and '70s, the redesigned Dart is supposedly much more reliable and wallet-friendly.  It's the first small car released by Chrysler since the manufacturer introduced the Neon.

Though the Chicago Auto Show may offer a glimpse into the future of compact cars, if you're in the market for one right now there are certain models that are safer than others, according to Forbes. One of the best picks is the Chevrolet Cruze, which comes with 10 airbags as well as an OnStar communications system with automatic crash notification.

Whether you're looking to downsize or stick with an SUV, New Jersey State Auto Auction has you covered. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, you're sure to find the right car.

IIHS Safety Ratings Can Help Drivers Find Their Next Car

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Posted in General Auto News

When it comes time to buy a car, safety tends to be a top concern for many drivers. The Insurance Institutes for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests cars and offers consumers some guidance, by naming its Top Safety Picks. Forbes recently complied a list of small cars named IIHS Top Safety Picks, which can be a useful tool for drivers starting the search for their next cars.

The news source started out with the list of all of the IIHS Top Safety Picks from the 2012 model year, and then narrowed it down to the vehicles with the most safety features that help drivers avoid crashes in the first place and keep them safe in the event of an accident. The Audi A3, for example made the cut because if has front, front-side and side-curtain airbags for front-seat passengers as well as seat-mounted side impact air bags for those sitting in the backseat.

Toyota's Prius found its way onto the list thanks to the optional Lane Departure Warning system, which not only alerts drivers if they are drifting but can register if another vehicle on the road is approaching or traveling in the same direction. The Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze, and Chevy Volt all made it onto Forbes' list as well.

The IIHS doesn't just focus on small cars, so drivers who want something bigger are in luck. The Ford F-150 and Honda Ridgeline pickups both had top marks in IIHS testing. SUV fans can look to models like the Volkswagen Touareg, Hyundai Santa Fe, Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer among other for safe options for larger vehicles.

Those looking to get behind the wheel of an affordable, safe vehicle can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer offers affordable prices on a wide variety of used cars, and all of their vehicles are CARFAX certified so you know the vehicle you choose will be reliable.

Kia, Audi Have Best Total Ownership Costs

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Posted in General Auto News

The cost of a car extends much past its initial price tag. From insurance to maintenance to gas, the expenses can certainly add up. Of course, certain cars are less expensive to own than others, and Kelley Blue Book recently announced its picks for its inaugural Total Cost of Ownership Awards.

The honors were given in a number of different categories, but the cars that performed the best were Kia, tops among all automakers, and Audi, the best luxury brand. Kia set it self above the rest for several reasons, but perhaps most significant were the redesigns of many of its models. The manufacturer managed to create a new image while maintaining the affordable initial price and high gas mileage. Specifically, models like the Soul and Optima performed well.

As for Audi, according to KBB, its biggest strength is that the company's vehicles maintain their value extremely well over time. For most vehicles, depreciation is their biggest expense, but for Audi it's not a large obstacle. Additionally, the automaker's cars have superior fuel economy compared to other brands.

"Car shoppers should take the time to compare vehicles on their consideration lists to fully understand the financial implications involved with cost of ownership," said Juan Flores, director of vehicle valuation for Kelley Blue Book. "While a vehicle might be less expensive up front, the cost of fuel for that model, insurance and other expenditures could make it the less appealing choice for their wallet in the long run."

Whether you're looking for a reliable luxury brand like Audi or a more affordable car like the Kia Sportage, New Jersey State Auto Auction has you covered. With affordable prices up front, you'll be sure to get a good deal regardless of what car you choose.

Car Loan Approval Now Faster Than Ever

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

As anybody who tried to get an auto loan during the recession can tell you, they were hard to come by. Even people who had relatively good credit found it difficult to get approved for a loan at the height of the economic downturn. Times have changed, however, and not only are lenders more apt to finance people with lower credit scores, they are doing so more quickly than ever before, Bloomberg reports.

The change in policy can largely be attributed to to the fact that housing market remains slow. As a result, banks have been turning to other ways to grow, and with the auto market rebounding, car loans seems like a logical fit.

Among the lenders who approved the most loans was Capital One. According to Bloomberg, Experian Automotive data shows the bank raised its loans by 35 percent in the third quarter of 2011 along with an astonishing 75 percent in the first two quarters.

In addition to being more likely to approve your loan, banks are doing so much faster. Lenders are realizing that consumers credit scores are improving, so painstakingly combing through each application is becoming a less common practice.

"When the market pulled back, the instant decisions really slowed down. You had more manual reviews,"  Melinda Zabritski, director of automotive credit for Experian Automotive, told the news source. "That’s one of the things you’re starting to see change is you’re going back to the automatic approvals. For a while, you really were only doing automatic declines."

If you're looking to take advantage of the trend, you should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers guaranteed credit approval. Not only does the dealer have partnerships with all the big banks, but you can get approved in a matter of minutes.

Why Do I Need To Rotate My Tires?

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Posted in How To

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.

Man Named Buick Buys a Buick

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Posted in General Auto News

Unless you have a very literal vanity plate, it's not every day you can get behind the wheel of something with your name emblazoned on it. However, one Illinois resident has managed to do just that – and he didn't even have to change his plates. Giving into years of pressure, Kevin Buick recently traded in his old model to purchase a vehicle baring his namesake, according to General Motors.

The decision was not a hard one for Buick. The Sycamore, Illinois, attorney, felt it was time for him to trade in his Subaru Outback and he decided to pick up a Buick Verano, one of the manufacturer's latest models. While it is certainly not uncommon to see somebody named Ford, any Buicks out there are far and few between.

"With my name, I've been asked if I drive a Buick for as long as I remember," Kevin said. "But the cars were never right for me. The Verano, though, is truly perfect in every way that I ask of a car. It honestly feels like it was made just for me, so it’s amusing that I get to step over my name embossed in the sill plate every time I get into my car.

Perhaps most intriguing is that Buick's name actually can be traced back to the founder of the brand David Dunbar Buick, though he is a distant relative.

While you may not share your name with your favorite manufacturer, New Jersey State Auto Auction will make sure that you get a good deal on whatever car you choose. Each vehicle is CARFAX certified so you know you are getting a reliable automobile once you drive it out of the lot for the first time.

The Most Talked About Super Bowl Ads

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Posted in Auto Industry News

If you think the Super Bowl fanfare is over, you're wrong. Not only does last night's big event call for celebration in New York, but it lets Americans focus on all the commercials that were aired last night. Companies spend millions of dollars for a 30-second spot, and the automotive sector made sure it came out on top.

Although Chrysler went a different route its competitors' spots, it definitely packed a punch. The company is being praised for its "Halftime in America" spot, which aired during the Super Bowl's halftime, featuring the gritty voice of Clint Eastwood.

"This country can't be knocked out in one punch," Eastwood said in the commercial, according to the Christian Science Monitor. "We get right back up again, and when we do, the world will hear the roar of our engines. It's half time, America."

Trying to evoke nostalgia, Acura and Honda brought back old favorites. Matthew Broderick starred in Honda's commercial, reprising his role as Ferris Bueller. Throughout the ad, Broderick uses the redesigned CR-V as a replacement for the infamous Ferarri. Acura's ad featured Jerry Seinfeld, playing himself, trying to get the keys to the new NSX before anyone else. In order to persuade the dealer, Seinfeld offers him soup from the Soup Nazi.

Of course, plenty of advertisers made sure to focus on what sells – sex. According to Fox News, Victoria's Secret model Adriana Lima was featured in the Kia commercial that didn't get to air in its entirety during the big game. The news provider reports that if viewers wanted to see more, they can log onto Kia's website in order to see a scantily clad Lima  waving a flag in slow motion for five hours.

Miley Cyrus Pays Cash for New Mercedes

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News

Although Miley Cyrus has not been in the public eye much since leaving Hannah Montana (minus some inappropriate photos that hit the internet), the girl still comes out of hiding once and a while to do a little shopping. Proving Hannah Montana provided her with a decent paycheck, Cyrus recently went to purchase a luxury car. As a gift to herself, Cyrus, 19, purchased a $127,000 Mercedes-Benz convertible, according to the New York Daily News.

The actress and singer paid in cash – because she can – for a white 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL550. Perhaps this was a way to draw different press. The news provider reports earlier that same week, Cyrus was photographed at her boyfriend's birthday party posing provocatively with a phallic cake.

TMZ reports that once the entertainer decided to purchase the vehicle, she wasted no time enjoying her new ride. The actress chose to drive the new Mercedes home that same day, but instead of turning in her used car, Cyrus had her bodyguard follow her back to her house in her old vehicle.

Maybe she was treating herself to a little get well present, as she tweeted earlier in the week that she injured herself while doing gymnastics.

"Cracked my tail bone doing a front flip … on to the couch. That's like when I tripped over a pillow and broke my arm," the singer tweeted, according to the news provider.

No one seems surprised that Cyrus decided to make such a lavish purchase, as the girl has always had a penchant for luxury vehicles. According to People Magazine, at age 16 Cyrus received a Porsche Cayenne for Christmas from her parents. Talk about a nice first car.

How Do I Keep My Car Running as Long as Possible?

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Posted in How To

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.