It's not exactly a secret that cars need maintenance to continue running well as long as possible, and until pretty recently, most car owners had to keep track of tuneup schedules and mileage to know when to bring their vehicles to the shop for oil changes and other maintenance. However, technological advancements in recent years have led to cars that let their drivers know when it's time to visit the garage. Some models have offered this feature for many years, but now it is far more common across nearly all brands and trim levels.

"The advancements in modern maintenance reminder systems take the guesswork out of deciding when to take your vehicle in for service," said John Nielsen, AAA's Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. "The challenge now is educating consumers to trust that their vehicle will alert them when maintenance is needed."

A recent AAA survey revealed that of the 63 percent of car owners who have a maintenance repair alert system in their vehicles, only 51 percent rely on this service to determine when to get a tuneup or other maintenance. Whether a car is a bit older and its maintenance alert system is limited to a check engine light on the dashboard or it is a newer model that offers more specific information, drivers should not ignore these warnings. Delaying service could lead to extensive problems that will cost more to repair.

Drivers who live in the New York/New Jersey area can bring their cars to the Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction. This auto maintenance shop is open to the public, and the car repair experts here can address maintenance issues as well as pinpoint any issues that need to be taken care of, so drivers can keep their cars on the road as long as possible.

Fall is in full swing, and as temperatures continue to cool down, drivers should start thinking about preparing their rides for the icy cold months ahead. There are a few things every car owner should do to prepare for the changing of seasons, in order to help keep a vehicle running smoothly all year long. This ranges from getting a tuneup to changing the oil and waxing the exterior of the car.

"The winter driving season and harsh weather conditions can be particularly damaging to your vehicle, so it's important to start preparing your car against harmful elements in the fall before temperature really drop," said Mike Schultz, senior vice president of product development for Turtle Wax. "Early preparation can allow for cars to perform better during the hazardous driving conditions and is an all-around safer practice."

Drivers can conduct some maintenance at home, such as waxing the exterior to protect it from the dirt, debris, salt and other deicing products used on the roads in the winter. They can also inspect the various hoses and tubes for signs of damage or leaks. Parking the car on a level, clean surface overnight and then checking underneath can alert drivers if any fluids are leaking from their cars. It is also a good idea to inspect the car battery connections. If there are signs of corrosion, cleaning this off can help reduce the risk of a dead battery.

It is also important for drivers to have their vehicles inspected by trained professionals. The experts at New jersey State Auto Auctions' Total Car Care Center can perform a routine checkup to look for any issues that need to be addressed. They can also help with changing the oil, which should be done every few thousand miles regardless of the season.

As long as the proper steps are taken to ensure a vehicle is running smoothly, drivers can reduce the risk of encountering problems this winter. In turn, this can help them stay safer when the roads get icy.

General Motors recently announced that they would be discontinuing the use of front bench seats in its vehicles. The company's Chevrolet Impala was the last car in the U.S. to come with this option, but the next model will feature bucket seats instead. In fact, the bench made the Impala the only sedan sold in America that offers six-person seating, according to Forbes.

"There is a certain nostalgia for bench seats, like being able to snuggle up with your date at a drive-in movie, and some customers still like them," said GM's design director, Clay Dean. "You never know, we might see bench seats re-emerge someday, possibly even in small cars like the EN-V urban mobility concept vehicles, in which the feeling of open space may be very desirable."

Chevrolet told Forbes that the Impala's front bench seat, which has been an option on the brand's sedans since the first Chevy (the Series C Classic Six) rolled off the production line in 1911. Approximately 10 percent of Impala buyers these days opt for the feature, which is an added cost for new car buyers.

Those in the market for a used model may be able to find one with a bench seat already installed. New Jersey Auto Auction carries a wide variety of makes and models, so there's a good chance drivers will be able to find a care that suits their needs. The dealer also has guaranteed credit approval, thanks to partnerships with many major lenders.