Car Brands Strive For Customer Loyalty

There's a lot of factors that cross your mind when you're ready to purchase a car. For many, an important aspect is the vehicle brand, especially if they've had good experiences with a certain company in the past. This kind of loyalty is essential for automakers, and as such brands are constantly trying to leave their customers with a good impression. 

A recent study from Polk, Loyalty Management Practice, took a look at which brands inspire loyalty in customers. Overall, the number of drivers who felt some kind of connection to their car brand and chose to buy another model from that company hit 51.5 percent during the first three months of 2013. This is a 2 percent increase from the same time period last year. 

Ford topped the rankings with an overwhelming 65.1 percent of its drivers demonstrating brand loyalty. Other automakers, such as Porsche and Cadillac, experienced the largest increases, with loyalty growing by 9.5 percent and 8.3 percent, respectively. 

"In each case, strong-selling models fuel the loyalty to these brands," said Lonnie Miller, vice president of Polk's Loyalty Management. "We saw a majority of the contribution for brand loyalty coming from Cayenne owners for Porsche, CTS owners for Cadillac and Mazda3 owners for Mazda. There's something to be said for paying positive attention to the majority of your customer base while treating buyers professionally and continuing to meet or exceed their vehicle need."

Brand loyalty extends to all kinds of shoppers, including those who are in the market for a used car. These drivers can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which boasts plenty of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans from a variety of automakers. 

Survey Shows Drivers Develop Emotional Attachments to their Cars

Even if you're not a gearhead, chances are that you feel an emotional attachment to your car, truck or SUV. AutoTrader.com recently conducted a survey that revealed just how emotionally invested people can become in their vehicles, and the results show more than 70 percent are at least "somewhat attached" if not "very attached" to their current rides. Men were more connected to the adventures they have had in their cars while women, and younger drivers in general, tended to be more drawn to the aesthetic elements. Older drivers felt a deeper connection with how their cars handled on the road compared to the design.

Despite the bond drivers may feel with their automobiles, the relationship cannot last forever.

"Summer is known as the season when people find new love. So while breaking up is never easy, this is the perfect time to let go of relationships that are holding you back," said Dr. Michelle Callahan, a life coach and relationship expert. "There are things you can do to minimize the emotional fallout from a breakup – and that applies even to your vehicle. the good news is you can make a clean break and when it comes to cars, there can be a significant financial upside to doing it right."

If you're ready to cut ties with your current ride and invest emotionally and financially in your next used car, you may be able to find your four-wheeled soul mate at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealership carries a wide selection of affordably priced makes and models, all of which are CARFAX certified. This provides added assurance that you know exactly what you're getting into, which you certainly won't find when seeking a new boyfriend or girlfriend.

Do Your Part During National Tire Safety Week

Tires are one of the most important parts of a vehicle. They play an integral role in the safety and performance of a car, and as such they need to be treated with the same level of care and maintenance as other elements. 

"Your car's tires affect its ride, handling, traction and safety, so this National Tire Safety Week be sure to do your PART and check the Pressure, Alignment, Rotation and Tread," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "… It only takes five minutes to check tire pressure and stay safer on the road." 

The acronym PART explains just how drivers can stay on top of their tire maintenance. Pressure of the tires, which is the first aspect of care, involves monitoring tires to ensure they are not under inflated. When these parts are properly filled, it improves personal safety and the car's performance while also providing you with better mileage. 

Alignment and Rotation comprise the second and third aspects of good tire care. Professionals can check and fix any issues that come up with the alignment, which may cause your car to veer to one side, and rotation, which can lead to uneven wear and tear if not observed. Rotating tires prevents expensive damage while also extending their lifespan. 

Finally, drivers should check the tread on tires. Doing a simple penny test, where you place an upside down coin in the tread, is a good indicator. If you can see any portion of Abraham Lincoln's head, the rubber has worn down significantly and should be replaced. 

Whether you think something's wrong with your tires or your car's ready for a tune-up, you can bring it over to the Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and can help you address any issues your vehicle might have.

Drivers Need To Improve Care For Car Tires

One of the most important parts of an automobile is its tires. Despite this fact, many drivers do not know the proper way of maintaining their wheels, which can eventually lead to dangerous situations and inefficient vehicles. 

The Rubber Manufacturers Association recently conducted a survey to see how drivers care for their car tires. It found that the vast majority of motorists are unaware of the best practices for maintaining tires, with only one in six people being considered "tire smart" and knowing enough to check tire pressure on a monthly basis. 

When it comes to being tire smart, factors such as age and gender tend to play a role in knowledge levels. Only about 20 percent of men and 14 percent of women know what they should be doing to care for tires. Younger drivers, in particular, lack the knowledge needed to properly maintain tires – only 8 percent of people ages 18 to 39 know how to check tire pressure and carry out a few other basic maintenance practices. 

While drivers can certainly keep an eye on tire maintenance themselves, occasionally it is best to get a professional to look at the automobile. 

"Have [a service center] check tire condition and pressure, look over the cooling system and go through their checklist," Pam Oakes, a car care expert, told The Chicago Tribune. "Having a professional set of eyes looking at your car will provide an idea of repairs you may or may not need going into spring and summer." 

Drivers who want to have an expert examine their vehicle can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction and its Total Car Care Center. The facility can provide a car tune up and check the quality of your tires, making sure your car is safe and capable of handling anything on the roads.