Monthly Archives: March 2013

Check Oil Between Regular Service to Catch Problems Early

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Posted in How To

Getting the oil changed in your car regularly is one of the most important things you can do to keep it running smoothly. A good rule of thumb is to flush and replace the fluids every 7,500 miles, but this may vary depending on the age and condition of your vehicle. Your mechanic can help you determine how often you should be bringing your car in for an oil change. However, this is not a be-all, end-all solution – you should also be checking the oil in between routine services. This can help you catch leaks and other issues early, before they get worse and become expensive problems.

Make sure that your car has been off for at least an hour, giving it plenty of time to cool down before you pop the hood. You'll want to wear some protective gloves and have clean paper towels or rags handy when you check the oil. Locate the dipstick, which is typically toward the front of the engine bay, and pull it out. Wipe it clean, insert it all the way back into the pipe and then pull it out again.

Take a look at the end of the dipstick to see how high the fluid level is. There should be markings to indicate the appropriate fill line. If the liquid is low, you'll want to add more – usually, a quart will do – and check back again in a few days. If the level has dropped again, this could indicate there is a leak, and you'll want to bring the car in to the garage as soon as possible.

The color and consistency of the fluid is also important. Clean oil should be golden to light brown in color and free of debris. Dark brown or black fluid may indicate it is time for an oil change, while dirt, debris or flecks of metal are signs there is likely a leak in the system.

If you notice any of these issues, you can bring you car to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. This auto shop is open to the public and staffed with experts ready to help get your vehicle back in working order.

Maintain Current Cars, Buy Used to Save Money

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Posted in General Auto News

In the years before the recession, it was commonplace for drivers to buy new vehicles every one to three years, but after the economic downturn, fewer Americans can still afford to do this. In fact, the Car Care Council suggests it could be a smarter financial move to put off trading in your current car for a new vehicle. Instead, it can be better to spend money on maintenance and repairs for the car you own now, and allocate the funds you would spend on car payments to more pertinent needs, such as credit card debt.

"Hanging on to your current vehicle allows you to redirect money you would spend on a new car to pay off credit card debt, college loans and other bills, beef up savings or even take a road trip vacation," said Rich White, the executive director of the Car Care Council. "By simply budgeting the equivalent of just one new car payment, consumers could cover an entire year's worth of basic maintenance."

Eventually, drivers will need to replace their current rides, but they don't have to break the bank on a new car. there are plenty of used cars, trucks and SUVs that offer many of the same safety and entertainment features as new models, and they're more affordable. It doesn't hurt that the depreciation rate of a used car is well below that of a new one, which means you'll get more money back when you're ready to sell or trade in the used model. Drivers in the market to replace their vehicles can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction to check out the wide selection of makes and models. 

Reader’s Digest Ranks Kia Soul Among Best Affordable Cars

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Posted in Auto Industry News

The Kia Soul was recently chosen as one of the six Best Car Deals Under $15,000 in the March edition of "Reader's Digest." This unique vehicle has been turning heads since it first appeared on the market back in 2009, as it not only has a fresh, boxy design, but also comes standard with state-of-the-art technology like Bluetooth connectivity and USB connections for nearly any handheld device. Plus, a brand-new model starts at $14,400, making it an affordable option whether new or used.

"The Soul is the vehicle that sparked Kia's design led transformation back in 2009, and it has been a runaway hit ever since," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing and communications for Kia Motors America. "Inclusion in the 'Reader's Digest' list is another great honor for Kia, recognizing our funky, urban passenger vehicle's winning combination of technology and value. It's gratifying that the vehicle that jump-started our unprecedented growth continues to resonate so well."

Kelley Blue Book indicates a 2010 Kia Soul in excellent condition has a retail value of about $11,400, making it easy for drivers to save money and still get behind the wheel of a fun vehicle. Plus, purchasing a used car has other advantages, as the value will decrease far slower than that of a new model. This means, drivers will get a larger return on their investment when they trade in the car.

Car shoppers who want to drive something a bit more unconventional and modern can find used cars like the Kia Soul at NJ State Auto Auction. The dealer has a wide selection of makes and models from which drivers to choose, making it easy to find an affordable and stylish ride.

Justin Bieber’s Fisker Karma Wrecked by Lil Twist

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News

Pop sensation Justin Bieber is known for his catchy songs and ability to make girls swoon, but his fancy cars and motorcycles are also well known, and the Canadian entertainer's Fisker Karma recently made headlines. The car was wrecked, not by Bieber, but by his close friend Lil Twist.

The young rapper reportedly crashed the chromed-out exotic car, worth $100,000, on Tuesday night and then fled the scene, according to TMZ.com. Lil Twist, 20, drove the car into the protective cement poles outside of a liquor store in San Fernando Valley, California. Shortly after the accident, witnesses told the source a BMW pulled up and waited while the hip hop star loaded broken pieces of the Fisker Karma into the trunk, and then it took off with Lil Twist in tow.

Daily Mail reports this is not the first time Lil Twist has had a brush with danger behind the wheel of one of Bieber's vehicles. Back in December, the Texas-born rapper was driving the Bieb's white Ferrari 458 when he was stopped by police. The story made headlines across the globe, as a member of the paparazzi was struck and killed by another vehicle while photographing the incident.

As of yet, it remains unclear whether Lil Twist will be pursued by the law for his actions following the Fisker Karma crash. According to TMZ, he did not make any attempt to speak with the property owner before fleeing the scene, which is a crime in California. The damage to the Fisker Karma is unknown as well.

Regardless of how it happened, this accident serves as a good reminder for drivers across the country to take caution behind the wheel. Whether they're driving flashy, expensive rides or sitting behind the wheel of more modest used cars, motorists should drive safely to reduce the risk of a crash.

Safety is an important factor when buying a vehicle as well, and every model on the New Jersey State Auto Auction lot comes with a CARFAX certification, giving drivers added assurance that they'll be getting a reliable ride.

Pet Safety is Pertinent for Car Owners

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Posted in General Auto News

Everyone knows the importance of using proper safety restraints for children in vehicles, but not nearly as many are aware that pets require special safety precautions when traveling as well. As fun as you might think it is to have Rover on your lap or bounding around in the backseat, this is actually extremely dangerous, as your pet is not only serving as a distraction, but he is also at serious risk of injury in the event of a car accident.

Pets need to be properly secured, whether they are wearing special harnesses that can be clipped to seats or kept in crates that are safely tied down. There are many different options available for car safety devices designed for animals, but it is especially important that pet owners do their research before buying.

Subaru of America recently announced a partnership with the Center for Pet Safety which will help fund testing of such devices to provide consumers with better information and help keep their furry friends safer on the road.

"The Center for Pet Safety conducted a pilot study which showed that the majority of pet safety restraints currently on the market do not provide acceptable protection in a crash situation," said Michael McHale, Subaru's director of corporate communications.

In addition to finding the safest products, you should also take your pet's comfort into account. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports you should make sure any carrier gives your pet enough room to sit, stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. You can also help your pet acclimate to his new car confines by taking him on short trips, which will ensure he is ready for a longer trek.

If you have a lot of pets or very large ones, you might need a bigger vehicle to accommodate them on your next journey. New Jersey State Auto Auction has a wide selection of used cars, trucks and SUVs to choose from.

Car Sharing Grows in Popularity

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Posted in General Auto News

Owning a vehicle may no longer be a top priority for every driver, thanks to car-sharing options like ZipCar and Car2Go. These services allow individuals who don't own cars to rent them for short periods of time, whether for a few hours or a few days, which can be much more affordable than ownership for people who have other transportation options.

A recent survey conducted by CouponCabin.com looked to find out just what makes this new transportation option so appealing. They found that the main reason people enjoy short-term rentals is the cost savings. Roughly 32 percent of respondents cited saving money at the pump and 31 percent indicated the lower cost compared to ownership overall is what won them over.

"Regardless of their car situation, many people are realizing the wide variety of benefits to short-term car-sharing/rental services," said Jackie Warrick, senior savings advisor at CouponCabin.com. "Not only do these services offer an inexpensive option for anyone trying to get around, they can make like easier and have a positive environmental effect."

Car sharing services are available in most major U.S. cities, which means people in more suburban areas might not be able to take advantage of such options. However, peer-to-peer car sharing is growing more popular as well. Companies like Getaround connect drivers who need cars with owners who are willing to rent them out, giving the latter a chance to earn some extra cash while their car would otherwise be sitting unused in the driveway. 

Those who would like to own a car, whether they don't have access to short-term rentals or they'd like to get in on the car-sharing game themselves, can head to NJ State Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of used cars, truck and SUVs. Every model on the lot is CARFAX certified, so drivers know they'll be getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride.

Tips for Checking Tire Pressure

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Posted in How To

Did you know that having the correct amount of air in your tires can not only keep you safer on the roads but save you money at the pump? Tire pressure is something you need to check on a regular basis – once or twice a month is a good schedule to stick to. This will also help you recognize if there is a problem. Consistently low levels may point to a leak that, if caught early, will help you avoid a blowout while driving. 

Get a pressure gauge
You can find tire pressure gauges at auto parts stores as well as gas stations and any shop that has an automotive department. They're only a few bucks and small enough to fit in any storage compartment in your car. To use one, you simply unscrew the stem cap on a tire and push the gauge into the stem. The plastic measurement indicator should pop out, allowing you to read the amount of air pressure, expressed in pounds per square inch (psi). The proper psi for your tires can be found in the owner's manual or on a sticker that is usually located inside the driver's side door frame. 

Filling up
Most gas stations have air compressors that are free to use or take a couple of quarters to get the air flowing. If they do not have automatic pressure sensors, you will need to fill the tires little bit little, checking the pressure with your gauge as you go until you reach the appropriate level.

Keep heat in mind
If you've driven more than a mile, your tires have likely heated up, causing the air pressure to increase, according to SaferCar.gov. If the pressure reading is a bit higher than it should be, wait for the tires to cool down and measure them again.

When you encounter issues with your tires, you can being your vehicle to NJ State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. The maintenance experts can help you address issues such as tears and leaks.

Study Finds Car Seat Safety Issues Not Addressed Enough by Doctors

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Posted in General Auto News

Child safety tends to be a top priority for parents, but many may not know the best ways to protect their young ones when it comes to riding in cars. The laws for child passenger safety vary slightly from state to state, but youngsters need to ride in safety seats until they reach a certain size. Seat belts in cars are designed to protect adult-sized individuals, not children, which is why it is important for parents to ensure their kids are properly restrained.

A major problem with child safety in vehicles is simply a lack of awareness, and a recent study published in Pediatric Emergency Care found that less than half of the physicians who responded to the study believed parents of children under 2 would be provided with information about car safety after being treated for car crash-related injuries.

"Unfortunately, our research showed that many emergency physicians are not aware of community resources for child passenger safety," said lead author of the study Dr. Michelle Macy of the University of Michigan's C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. "We know the visit to the emergency department is a crucial opportunity to prevent future injuries. Families are frequently discharged following a car crash without referrals to local resources where parents can obtain additional information about child safety seats."

Not only is it important for kids to use car seats and booster seats, but they must use these safety devices properly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a study that revealed 72 percent of almost 3,500 car and booster seats were misused in such a way that they could cause injury to the child during a crash.

In addition to educating themselves on proper car seat usage, parents should also be sure to buy vehicles that offer the highest safety value. There are plenty of options to choose from for families looking to purchase used cars at New Jersey State Auto Auction.

Do your homework before buying a used car

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Posted in Auto Industry News

When it comes to buying a used car, many people may not realize all of the research they should be doing beforehand. There are many benefits to buying a used vehicle, like fair price points and less hassle, but in order to make sure you're getting the best deal possible, you'll need to do your homework.

The Better Business Bureau recently offered tips to people who are buying a used car for the first time. For example, it's a good idea to look into the kind of car you want. This way, when you're looking at what the typical selling price should be for a specific model, a red flag will go up if you see a similar vehicle priced a lot lower.

You'll also want to do an investigation on the kind of gas mileage the car receives. As fuel economy is a concern for many, picking a car that does not get many miles to the gallon could cause you to drain more money at the pump, even if you did not pay much for the car.

Kelley Blue Book reports that it's also a good idea to really test drive the vehicle. If you know anything about cars, you should be able to tell if something is wrong with the vehicle you're considering. You'll also want to do a background check into the seller, whether it's a person you found online or a dealer. Find out if the source is reputable, as this could put some of your fears at ease.

New Jersey Auto offers a number of used vehicles with something for everyone. Additionally, it takes the hassle out of dealing with individual sellers who may be trying to scam you.

Automotive Spring Cleaning: Detailing the Interior

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Posted in How To

Spring cleaning is all about reaching every inch of the area you're working on, whether you're scrubbing down your car or your kitchen. Just washing the exterior of the vehicle is not enough. You should also attack the interior, removing trash, vacuuming dirt and debris from the floors and between seat cushions and wiping down surfaces to remove dust and make the passenger area as fresh as the exterior.

After you've cleared out all the garbage and odds and ends you've collected over the winter months, use a vacuum to pick up the bits of dirt, sand, rock salt, crumbs and other debris that have likely collected under the seats, in the crevices of the cushions and on the floors. If you're dealing with stains on the fabric, you might want to get a deep-cleaning product or even rent an upholstery cleaning machine.

Then, you can wipe down the harder surfaces such as the dashboard and center console. Use a gentle cleaning product as anything too strong could degrade the material. For smaller cracks, crevices and hard-to-reach spaces, you can use cotton swabs or tightly rolled pieces of paper towels. Paying attention to these small details while cleaning will really help to make your car feel like new again.

Don't forget to use glass cleaner and a paper towel or lint-free rag to clean the interior sides of the windows. This will enhance visibility and get rid of any finger-drawn pictures your kids may have made when the windows fogged up during winter.

A car with a clean, well maintained interior is likely to have a higher resale value than one with stains, unpleasant odors and dirty dashboards. If you're thinking of trading in your vehicle at New Jersey State Auto Auction and replacing it with a used car, truck or SUV, you should take the time to clean up the current ride to give it a boost in value.