Automakers have placed an emphasis on fuel economy over the last several years, and according to a new report out of the University of Michigan, their efforts appear to be paying off. The average gas mileage for all new cars sold in the United States surpassed the 24 mile per gallon mark for the first time in history, researchers found.

The figure is impressive given it includes all vehicles sold March – that includes cars, light trucks, SUVs and minivans. The exact number was about 24.1 MPG, which was up over the last several months including 23.9 in February and 23.6 in March. Perhaps most impressive, the average fuel economy used cars is up 20 percent since 2007.

In addition to cars using less fuel than before, researchers also discovered that vehicles are becoming increasingly eco-friendly. The monthly Eco-Driving Index (EDI), which is put out by  Sivak and Schoettle, measures the monthly emissions by the average driver. In March, the figure was about 0.83, down a bit from December's 0.86. Much like fuel economy, the EDI has decreased significantly over the last five years.

Automakers' commitment to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles is paying significant dividends, not only for drivers, but for the companies themselves.

"Given the volatility of gas prices – and the likelihood that they'll head through the roof again – it's clear that customers want better fuel economy and delivering it means a better bottom line for the industry," Carol Lee Rawn, transportation director of sustainability advocate Ceres, told United Press International.

Although new cars have better gas mileage, many used cars from the last several years are also an cost-efficient choice. New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty of cars that get plenty of miles to the gallon, and with a wide variety at affordable prices, there's something for everyone.

Whether it's upkeep around the house or putting off fixing that broken computer, ignoring regular maintenance can be a bad decision, and that's especially true when it comes to your car. Putting off regular car care will not only make your vehicle run less smoothly, but will likely result in a big bill once you need to get more significant repairs.

Luckily, there are a number of ways to avoid such a fate. The most important thing, however, is to stay in front of problems so you can address them before they even start. After all, going in for routine maintenance is much more affordable than getting serious repairs.

"Maintaining and replacing key components such as brakes and batteries at proper intervals can keep vehicles on the road and help prevent dangerous and costly breakdowns in the future. The key is to be proactive. Take care of your car so it can take care of you," AutoZone's Jimmie Swims said.

Although being aware of the potential for complications in brakes and batteries is important, it takes a little more knowledge than simply knowing they can break down to keep them in working order. When it comes to batteries, experts suggest testing them if they're are four years or older, especially if you drive in tough conditions.

As for brakes, mechanics at AutoZone recommended checking them once every quarter to make sure they are as functional as possible. Not only will this save you money in the long run, it could also prevent an accident.

Whether you're looking to get your brakes inspected, battery tested or any other preventative maintenance, you may want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a stable of knowledgeable mechanics, it will be sure to meet your needs.

With gas prices climbing past the $4-per-gallon mark, it might seem to reason that consumers would be reluctant to head out and buy new cars, but statistics are showing just the opposite. March was one of the best months in years for car sales, and gas prices might be the cause behind the rise, Automotive News reports.

Though it would not be surprising if motorists were buying newer, smaller cars, that's not exactly what's happening. Instead, consumers are returning to their same cars but believe the updated versions will get better gas mileage. Even though the initial investment of a new or used car might seem like it would cost more, since more recent models have better mileage, it may add up in favor of the consumer.

"It's not changing their buying habits," industry insider Mike Good told the news source. "But they want fuel efficiency. Everybody knows the mpg when they walk in."

The biggest indicator of just how consumer behavior has changed in the last four years is the sales of pickup trucks. Last time gas prices spiked this much, in May 2008, truck sales dropped 25 percent. In March, truck sales actually grew 11 percent.

Though most automakers performed well in March, there were certain companies that did better than others. According to the Baltimore Sun, Volkswagen was particularly successful, with a 35 percent rise in sales compared to March 2011.

The growing number of people buying new cars is good news for people looking to pick up a used vehicle. As people trade in their older models, more and more become available. New Jersey State Auto Auction has a wide variety of makes and models that are perfect for people looking to pick up a reliable pre-owned vehicle.

Men and women differ on almost everything, and it turns out that carries over onto the road as well. Several weeks ago Edmunds' Inside Line released a list of which cars were mostly purchased by female drivers. Now it offered up what the most popular cars among men are, and there is quite a stark difference.

At the top of the female list was the practical Volvo S40, but men went a much different route. According to the blog, the vehicle with the highest percentage of male buyers is the flashy Ferrari 458 Italia. An astonishing 95.3 percent of these high-performance vehicles are bought by men, which is significantly higher than the next-closest vehicle, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, which comes in at about 92 percent. The Audi R8, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and Ferrari California also made the top five.

Not all of the vehicles that made the list were high-performance sports cars or luxurious German-made sedans. In fact, some classic American rides made their way onto the list. The GMC Sierra came in at number eight with about 87.5 percent of its buyers being men. Right behind it was the Ford F-Series, with an 87 percent male driving population. Rounding out the top 10 was the Corvette, with 86.9 of purchases going to men.

Whether you're male or female, New Jersey State Auto Auction is sure to have the ideal used car for you. Thanks to a wide variety of makes and models at affordable price, it's easy for consumers to come home with a vehicle that suits their needs. Additionally, each one is CARFAX certified so you know you're getting a reliable vehicle.

Not every consumer is a gearhead, and many may be unfamiliar with the different options they have when it comes to how a vehicle runs. One of the things consumers may not consider is the vehicle's drivetrain. Certain cars are available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) while others may be equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) or, in far fewer vehicles, front-wheel drive (FWD). This defines which axle of the vehicle is doing the work to push the car forward. In the cases of rear- and front-wheel drive, only one axle is controlled by the engine, and the other just goes along for the ride.

Each setup offers unique advantages, but if you're unsure what the pro's and con's of each are, you may have a hard time discerning which is best for you. AWD and FWD vehicles are typically preferred by drivers who live in areas with adverse weather conditions. These provide better traction in the winter than RWD vehicles. AWD cars, with two driven axles, have much more traction than RWD and FWD models, making this setup ideal for harsh winters and rough terrain.

RWD provides more even weight distribution than AWD and FWD, since the driven axle is heavier than the other one, and this adds more support to the rear of the car to counteract the engine weight. However, heavy acceleration can be more dangerous in cars driven by the rear axle. It can result in oversteer and fishtailing, which is why many RWD vehicles feature traction control to minimize these issues.

Front-wheel drive vehicles can be dangerous when you have to slam on the brakes, as most of the vehicle's weight is in the front. This can affect the front tires as well, and result in a loss of traction when driving up steep hills.

These are just a few of the advantages and disadvantages of the different options. Regardless of which drivetrain a consumer wants, they will have plenty of options to choose from at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Plus, all of the used vehicles are CARFAX certified, so drivers know they're getting a reliable ride.

While high gas prices have led many motorists to downsize to a smaller car, some industry analysts say it's not as many as you might think. Some drivers are sticking with the same exact model they used to have because it will likely be more cost effective as manufacturers place an increased premium on high gas mileage, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Although improved mileage is one of the biggest reasons drivers are more likely to stay loyal to their current model, even if it's an SUV, there are other causes as well. In particular, experts say that back in 2008 when prices spiked, people downsized because they panicked. Today, however, drivers are more likely to be used to high gas prices and won't make impulsive decisions.

"After what we've all been through with the recession, people are much more informed about the complexities of the economy and therefore much less reactive to higher gas prices," Kit Yarrow, a professor of business and psychology at San Francisco's Golden Gate University, told the chronicle.

One look at the sales figures from February and March backs up analysts' assertions. According to the newspaper, smaller cars made up about 24 percent of overall car sales. While that's a bit more than the 2011 statistics, it's only by about 4 percent.

Whether you're looking to stick with the same model or downsize, New Jersey Auto Auction is sure to have the car you're looking for. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, there's a perfect car for everyone. Additionally, since each vehicle is CARFAX certified, you know you're getting a reliable product.