Temperatures And Tire Pressure Drop In Winter

With winter on the horizon, drivers have likely turned their attention to some issues that may pop up in the season. Whether these motorists concern themselves with icy surfaces, piles of snow on the windshield or making sure the heat works, they know that the cold weather brings at least some car-related challenges. This can even extend to tires, and it's never too early for drivers to start focusing on these fickle parts. 

Down goes your tire pressure
According to the Goodyear Tire Company, for every 10 degrees of temperature change, your tire pressure can drop 1 to 2 pounds. This can be especially harmful at the beginning of the cooler seasons, as the mercury readings are liable to fluctuate wildly from day to night. 

"Odds are that many motorists haven't checked their tire pressure since the weather began turning cooler. If the last time the tire pressure was checked was during the heat of summer, many people could soon be riding on severely underinflated tires," said Steve Rohweder, Goodyear director of consumer tire technology, in a press release. 

Having your tires at the optimum pressure is essential for the functioning of your car. FleetOwner reported that underinflated tires can result in an increase in fuel consumption – and therefore a decrease in efficiency – as well as more wear and tear on the wheels. TruckingInfo also noted this risk, stating that as much as 90 percent of tire failures are caused by underinflation, which in turn can lead to an uptick in emergency service calls. 

What you can do
Are you worried about tire pressure fluctuating throughout the winter? Fear not, as there are plenty of solutions for all types of drivers – even if you're a novice when it comes to car maintenance. Goodyear recommended checking the pressure at least once a month with a gauge. If you're unsure how to do that, refer to your owner's manual and check out the specifics as they relate to your vehicle. 

Do your tires need some extra attention? Don't hesitate to schedule an appointment at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. The professionals at this garage are capable of addressing any issues your car may have, including those relating to tires, and they could even complete some other tasks that will have your ride running smoothly throughout winter. 

3 Car Fluids You Need To Maintain

Caring for a used car can be tough. You've got to pay attention to a bunch of different parts and numbers, many of which you might not even understand. It's never too late to learn, however, and just a little bit of knowledge could make a big difference in how you maintain a vehicle. Being aware of the various fluids in your car, for example, can give you the knowledge you need to maintain them properly. 

"Less maintenance improves the cost of vehicle ownership, but fewer visits to the repair facility means the technician will have fewer opportunities to check your vehicle for signs of wear," said John Nielsen, AAA's managing director of automotive engineering and repair. "It's important for motorists to conduct monthly safety inspections to identify issues before they escalate."

Here are three fluids in your vehicle that need to be maintained regularly. 

1. Brake fluid
It's easy to overlook brake fluid: Because it's part of an individual closed system in your car, there's no need to constantly check on it. However, ignoring it completely is dangerous. Find a happy medium by examining it when you have an oil change, just to lump your maintenance together for ease. It only needs to be completely flushed and cleaned out about every two years. 

2. Oil
Almost every driver has at least some knowledge of oil changes. This update is essential for those who want their engine to run smoothly, but today's motorists may not know when to check the oil or have it replaced. Conventional wisdom says to get an oil change every six months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first, but in reality the need varies by make and model. Check your owner's manual for information that's specific to your car. 

3. Power steering fluid
Much like brake fluid, the power steering fluid doesn't need to be constantly monitored. If the level gets low, you'll likely hear some kind of creaking or feel resistance when using the wheel. To avoid this, check the fluid about once a month or so, but don't worry about replacing it until 50,000 miles pass, Lifehacker recommended. If you're unsure, check the owner's manual for more information. 

If you think your car needs to be examined and maintained by a pro, head to the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. This garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have.

To-Do List For Fall Maintenance: Tires

As the temperature drops and the autumn air gets crisp, you'll want to spend plenty of time perusing pumpkin patches or tailgating the next football game. However, you shouldn't let your favorite fall activities get in the way of your car's maintenance. 

The importance of tire tread
Tire tread is an essential part of car safety. The deep grooves on the surface of a tire grip the ground and help control the vehicle, wicking away water and other debris when necessary. Tread is especially important during the cold, wet months, as it allows drivers to maneuver over slick areas and complete their drive safely. 

According to The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, this year's winter is predicted to be colder than normal for most of the country. While it's hard to imagine anything being worse than last year's polar vortex, the frigid temperatures and inclement weather on the horizon will likely challenge it. Additionally, people in the eastern part of the U.S. can expect heavy snow and rainfall throughout the season. 

But drivers don't have to be stuck inside when winter arrives – instead, they can work to ensure that their cars are safe enough to handle the roads. 

Invest in tuneups
With slippery snow and rain arriving shortly, drivers should turn their attention to vehicle maintenance now. Simply getting an auto tuneup is a good place to start, as this quick check-up can ensure that all aspects of a car are running smoothly. Professionals will know how to check your tire tread, along with a few other areas, to see what needs to be done before the next cold wave arrives. 

"It's never too late to prepare your vehicle for winter," said Steve Rohweder, Goodyear director of consumer tire technology, in a statement. "Along with antifreeze and battery check-ups, inspection of your tire tread is especially important as we prepare for potential slippery road conditions."

Where to go
At New Jersey State Auto Auction, you can do more than find used cars. The facility also has the Total Car Care Center, a garage that caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have. Schedule an appointment today to have your tires checked out before you hit the worst of fall weather. You can even use this opportunity to learn more about the use of snow tires or chains, which could increase car safety during the winter. 

Can You Afford A Used Car?

Used cars can be a great option for drivers. Not only are they more affordable than their newer counterparts, but they also offer plenty of the same styles and features that motorists want. Unfortunately, a recent study found that pre-owned vehicles may still be financially out of reach for many. 

Used cars may be out of reach
The website iSeeCars.com gathered data from 25 million used car transactions in the 50 largest metro areas in the U.S. What it found was somewhat surprising: A typical used car sale is enough to leave the average American household financially overextended. For example, people in New Orleans spent about 140 percent more than what is ideal for their budget over the course of used car ownership, CNBC reported. 

"The fact is, buying a used car or truck is just not realistic financially for millions of Americans," said iSeeCars.com CEO Phong Ly, as quoted by NBC News. "Low annual household income in some parts of the country is forcing people into car payments that are higher than they'd like, or for a term far longer than ideal, just to make them more affordable." 

According to CNBC, the figures were calculated using the average transaction prices in a given region, as well as the typical down payments and monthly payments. Loans can certainly help drivers in the long run, but choosing an option with a longer term also means paying more interest. The trick is to find a solution that balances finances with the needs of the consumer – an act that can be tricky if you're not sure of the process. 

Can you afford one? 
Are you unsure about your ability to buy a used car? Never fear, as New Jersey State Auto Auction is here to help. In addition to having hundreds of used cars for sale, the facility boasts its own in-house financing team. These experts are well-equipped to find you the best auto loan or financing option possible, ensuring that you can drive off the lot with the car of your dreams. 

NJ Auto's financing team is able to approve prospective shoppers for car loans and then help them decide which option is best for their specific situation. Not only does this clarify an otherwise confusing process, but it ensures that you're signing up for a plan you can afford. 

Traffic Costs Americans Big Bucks

For most Americans, traffic is merely an inconvenience – albeit one that can drive them to their wits' end. However, many people don't realize that gridlock throughout the U.S. costs drivers thousands of dollars each year. Not only does the constant stop-and-go traffic drain your gas tank, but the time spent in a car and away from a productive place also negatively affects your wallet and sanity. 

Traffic poses major problems
INRIX recently released the details of its latest report, which focused on the facts and figures surrounding traffic gridlock. According to the data, the annual costs associated with traffic will jump by almost 50 percent by the year 2030, bringing its total cost to around $293 billion. 

"This report shows that advanced economies could be heading for 'car-maggedon​,'" said Kevin Foreman, a general manager at INRIX. "The scale of the problem is enormous, and we now know that gridlock will continue to have serious consequences for national and city economies, businesses, and households into the future." 

In fact, many individuals are already paying for gridlock. The report found that the annual cost of traffic for an American household is about $1,700, and that could climb to as much as $2,300 by 2030. Idling in traffic also proves costly for the environment, as approximately $300 million worth of carbon emissions are lost each year. 

Planning for traffic 
Savvy drivers can make a few concessions that should help them avoid traffic gridlock – and the costs associated with it – in the future. INRIX recommended using navigation services that help individuals find traffic-free routes or nearby public transportation stops instead of sitting in gridlock. More advanced technologies that allow cars to identify crowded areas and avoid them may also assist owners in saving money. 

While some residents of urban areas like New York City may just resign themselves to a life of public transportation, there are still plenty of opportunities to find used cars without a hassle. New Jersey Auto Auction, for example, has hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans that can help any driver get around. Shoppers may even find a fuel-efficient or alternative option designed to save money in the long run. 

Watch Out For Car Fraud And Theft

If you had to pick two personal possessions that were never stolen, there's a good chance you would name your car and your wallet. These are some of the most valuable items you own, and not only are they costly to replace, but losing one is sure to bring plenty of headaches and frustration. All of this makes a recent trend even more alarming. 

Stealing identities – and cars 
The National Insurance Crime Bureau is raising awareness of white-collar methods that many thieves are using to steal cars. One of the most popular schemes involves criminals using stolen IDs to lease or purchase vehicles. Once the car is in their possession, they skip any and all payments, leaving the original victim of theft stuck with the bill. Those vehicles could even be resold to unsuspecting buyers. 

Although there are no concrete numbers associated with these scams, the NICB is paying attention to the threat – and you should be too. 

"Trying to put a number on these kinds of thefts is a challenge," said NICB President and CEO Joe Wehrle. "It's comparable to a hacker stealing IDs – you don't know you're a victim until it's too late. Most of these thefts don't show up in traditional crime reporting numbers and become financial losses for lenders, car rental companies and others. The result is millions of dollars added to the cost of doing business, which is ultimately passed on to consumers."

How to stay safe
You can take some measures to protect your investment. Start by keeping your ID close to you at all times. You should also be monitoring any suspicious mail that comes to your home address, making sure that you aren't unwittingly receiving follow-up letters from a loan or purchase. 

Additionally, always lock your car or home, particularly if you have a wallet lying around. When looking for a used car, be sure to research the vehicle history and make sure you a clear idea of where the car came from. 

It also helps to go to a reputable used car lot for all of your shopping and auto financing needs. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, for instance, you'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified vehicles as well as a top-notch financing team. They'll assist you in your search for the perfect ride, complete with an affordable price tag, auto loans and plenty of security features. 

More Drivers Attempting DIY Maintenance

Thinking about all of the money that goes into a car – the price of buying used cars, insurance payments, auto loans, gas money and more – can be overwhelming. It may even seem like there's no relief from these costs, as the bills associated with owning a car just continue to pile up. That's why some drivers are getting their hands dirty this year. 

More drivers embrace DIY
According to a survey conducted by AutoPartsWarehouse.com, drivers are increasingly trying to save money by doing their own auto maintenance and repairs. Nearly 80 percent of people stated they were trying to pinch pennies by doing their own work, with another 66 percent saying they simply enjoy maintaining cars. 

About half of the people who said they embrace DIY jobs reported trying their hand at more tasks this year than in the past, and two-thirds of drivers said they're willing to take on more difficult projects. 

Why are these car owners stepping outside their comfort zone? For starters, many of them are driving older vehicles, and they don't feel like it's worthwhile to pump more money into them. Almost half of the respondents said their cars were 10 or more years old, with 64 percent clocking in with more than 100,000 miles.

Some of these motorists would be surprised to hear that repairs and maintenance aren't always so costly. In fact, there may even be a few local garages capable of delivering fine work at a relative low price – drivers just have to work up the effort to find them. 

Don't take unnecessary risks
You may feel the urge to try your hand at some car maintenance, but if you're not comfortable with certain tasks, don't hesitate to call a pro. The team of experts at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center, for example, can address any issues you may have with your vehicle. 

At NJ State Auto, you can also find used cars that will serve as great replacements for older vehicles that may be on their last legs. Instead of using patchwork DIY projects to extend the life of a ride, let the facility's in-house financing team figure out how you can get behind the wheel of a more reliable, stylish option. 

New Radar Gun Focuses On Texting

The sight of an idling police car on the side of the road is enough to make any driver nervous. Even if you're traveling at the speed limit, passing by a radar gun can be nerve-wracking. Motorists may have to get used to this feeling, however, as a recent innovation resulted in a radar gun that lets police know if a driver is texting while driving. 

Is texting really that big of a problem? 
In short, yes. The Federal Communications Commission reported that text messaging while driving increases the risk of a crash by 23 percent. Additionally, about 11 percent of drivers ages 18 to 20 who were involved in an accident admitted to sending or receiving texts at the moment it happened. 

To prevent this type of distracted driving from becoming more of a problem, 44 states have banned texting behind the wheel, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. Enforcing these laws is difficult, however, which is where the new invention comes into play. 

How does it work?
According to The Virginian-Pilot, the gun senses radio frequencies coming from cellphones inside a car. The device can even distinguish between texting and making a phone call, but it is not able to read what type of data is being transferred should an individual be using a smartphone to complete a different task. Although this device isn't being mass produced quite yet – and it still needs legal approval – there's a good chance it could be used on the roads in the near future. 

What can you do? 
Can you do anything about the texting radar gun? Probably not, but a good place to start would be to put down the phone when you get behind the wheel. The next step is making sure the car you drive has plenty of safety tools and other features that help you out on the road. 

It pays to shop around for the right car. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, for example, you can search through hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans to find the one that meets all of your needs. Maybe it's a subtle color that police won't pay as much attention to, or perhaps it has new technology that allows you to listen to messages without taking your hands off the wheel. No matter what, finding a vehicle with extra safety features – at an affordable price – can make a huge difference. 

Why Windshield Maintenance Matters

Want to try something impossible? Drive safely without being able to see. You wouldn't get behind the wheel while blindfolded – so why would you attempt to drive with anything less than perfect vision? 

A clear view ahead
The Car Care Council underscored the importance of maintaining a clean and clear windshield. Heavy autumn rains and shorter days mean you'll need to have car lights and wipers that can handle the load – otherwise, you could be left struggling to see what's going on around you. 

"With fewer daylight hours in fall and winter, it's important to make sure your vehicle's lights and wipers are working properly so your visibility is not compromised and you can be seen by others," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. 

According to the Council, one of the most important things you can do is clean dirt and debris off your headlights and taillights. This allows you to see the road and other drivers to see your vehicle. You also must aim them correctly so they're properly lighting the way. 

Don't overlook the maintenance
An increased focus on windows, lights and windshield wipers will naturally lead to more regular car maintenance. It all starts by making sure you can see what's happening on the road ahead at any time of day or in any weather. 

"From the driver's seat, you may not notice a light that isn't working, so inspect all of your car's lights and replace those that are out," White continued. "Also, inspect and replace wiper blades so you can see clearly when wet weather hits."

It's also important to have the HVAC system examined. Colder mornings can lead to fogged-up or iced-over windshields, and a functioning defroster will have you seeing clearly in no time. Even with this feature, be sure to have an ice scraper on hand to clear off a particularly stubborn patch if necessary. 

Luckily, most of the tasks that need to be accomplished are relatively straightforward – but that doesn't mean they should be left to chance. Instead of improvising your own work, schedule an appointment with professionals at a garage like NJ State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. The garage caters to the public and can address any issues you may have. 

Study Shows Hands-Free Technology Is Still A Distraction

Taking your eyes off the road for one second – whether it's to read a text message or check out the hottie in the car next to you – can be a costly mistake. No matter how minor, car accidents can result in physical pain and financial burden, which is why many automakers and electronic devices have hands-free features aimed at keeping the focus on the road ahead. 

Distracted driving remains a problem
Even with so many companies trying to find ways to keep drivers' hands on the wheel, distracted driving continues to plague motorists. Unfortunately, not all of these efforts have the intended results. A recent report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that hands-free technologies may actually increase distractions. That is despite the fact that three-fourths of drivers think the systems are safe to use, according to the study. 

Technology is a double-edged sword
Voice technologies are intended to help drivers by allowing them to keep their hands on the wheel. However, putting your mind to other tasks instead of motoring can be just as dangerous as physically controlling the devices. 

"Technologies used in the car that rely on voice communications may have unintended consequences that adversely affect road safety," said Peter Kissinger, president and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. "The level of distraction and the impact on safety can vary tremendously based on the task or the system the driver is using." 

While some of the programs caused high levels of distraction, there were a few that were relatively safer. Entune from Toyota, for example, bested its peers. AAA stated that this technology was even easier and less distracting for drivers than listening to an audiobook. Of courses, none of these options were as safe as just driving. 

Make smart shopping decisions
Distractions are always going to be present on the roads. However, you can go the extra mile to ensure you stay focused by making smart decisions during the car-buying process. For example, make sure you are surveying all of your options by using a facility like New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, so you'll be able to look at a ton of makes and models that may fit your needs. This will enable you to select the one that will be the safest on the roads.