Monthly Archives: March 2013

Volvo’s High Beam Technology Increases Night Driving Safety

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Posted in Auto Industry News

Volvo recently announced its latest safety technology, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, will be an available option on the new S60, V60 and XC60. The Swedish auto manufacturer has developed a system that allows car headlights to continuously use high beams without blinding other motorists.

The Active High Beam Control relies on the camera that Volvos use for brake assist and other safety needs to adjust the light output. This way, the lights can still illuminate the road, and the beams that would otherwise get in the eyes of oncoming drivers are shaded. Traditionally, drivers have had to manually shut off their high beams when they see another car approaching, which can not only be distracting, but a delayed reaction time still has the potential to threaten the safety of another driver on the road. This new safety feature eliminates that risk, ensuring everyone can drive in safe conditions at night.

"The technology makes driving at night more comfortable and safe. It also makes it easier to focus on the driving and is an excellent example of our Designed Around You approach, always focusing on features that really make a difference to the customer," said Professor Lotta Jakobsson, senior technical specialist at Volvo Cars Safety Centre.

While this technology may only be available for newer Volvo models, there are plenty of other safety features, such as lane departure warnings, that can be found on used cars. Drivers who live in the New York/New Jersey area can head to NJ State Auto Auction to check out the wide selection of makes and models to find a ride with all the modern conveniences they could want. Plus, every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified, giving car shopped additional assurance that they'll be getting a reliable car, truck or SUV.

Why Should You Wax Your Car?

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Posted in How To

To protect your car's exterior appearance, you need to wax it regularly. Wax acts as a protective barrier from the elements, including dirt, leaves and other debris, as well as sunlight and insects that hit your car while you're driving, as all of these can degrade the overall quality of the paint job. How often you should wax you car depends on a variety of factors including the age of the vehicle, your location and the climate. If you live in the New York/New Jersey area and own an older model or a used car, you'll probably want to consider waxing your vehicle this spring. Not only have you been driving on icy and salted roads, but the coastal region also faces salty air conditions that can erode the metal of your vehicle and cause it to rust.

As the weather grows warmer and the days get longer, your car is going to be spending a lot more time under the sun, so it's a good idea to seal in the paint job with a good wax early into the season. This will help protect against fading, and the protective layer of wax will also prevent sand, dirt and other debris from scratching the surface. You might not be able to see these tiny indentations, but they can contribute to oxidation that leaves a car looking dull and lifeless. Regularly waxing a vehicle helps keep it looking shiny and new.

If your vehicle is already starting to lose its luster, you might want to think about using a car polish to remove any grime and restore the original shine before waxing. It's important to note that polish and wax are not interchangeable, as polish won't remain on the surface – it only serves to get rid of preexisting scratches and dirt.

Waxing a car is an important part of getting it ready for spring, but drivers should also think about getting regular maintenance. The experts at NJ Auto Auction's Total Car Care garage can handle everything from oil changes to routine maintenance to repairs.

Cars Are Less Important Than Phones for Millennials

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Posted in General Auto News

Owning a car is growing less important to younger drivers, and a new report by Zipcar found that cars are taking a backseat to other technologies, such as smartphones and laptops, for the Millennial generation. The survey of those between the ages of 18 and 34 found that almost two-thirds are more concerned about losing either their phones or computers than they are about losing their vehicles. Millennial drivers who live in urban areas take advantage of car-sharing programs like Zipcar, Relay Rides and Wheelz to access vehicles when they need them instead of taking on the responsibility of car ownership. Many of these peer-to-peer car sharing companies further connect with this generation of drivers by allowing them to reserve vehicles directly from apps on their smartphones.

"We're living through the most important shift in transportation in generations – the creation of a new mobility society. Soon we'll live in major metropolitan areas that include networks of ubiquitous, mobile-app powered on-demand mobility services," said Zipcar chairman and CEO Scott Griffith. "These mobility networks will enable connected consumers to pick the best mode of transportation for each trip, in real-time. Millennials are leading the charge for this highly efficient new model that is revolutionizing how people get around."

These findings help to explain a recent report by Pew Research, which found fewer people under 35 own cars. This study found the recent recession to be a major factor in lower ownership rates, but it could be a combination of both factors, especially because many younger adults tend to live in urban areas where they can rely on public transportation for much of their travel needs.

Those who live in suburban and rural areas where car-sharing programs, buses and trains may not be as accessible may still need to own cars, but they don't need to break the bank to have a set of wheels. There are plenty of affordable and reliable used cars, and those in the New York/New Jersey area can find a wide selection of them at NJ State Auto Auction.