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Red Light Cameras Reduce Violations, Improve Safety

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Posted in General Auto News

Many cities and towns across the country have adopted the use of security cameras to crack down on moving violations at dangerous intersections – running red lights, in particular. Not only do these cameras catch drivers in the act if they blow through a red light, but they can also work to prevent people from doing so in the first place, which is helping to make the roads safer. 

In order to determine just how effective red light cameras have been, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently examined data involving the rate of red light-running in Arlington, Virginia. In June 2010, cameras were installed at four major intersections throughout the city. IIHS researchers recorded these intersections and tracked when and how often drivers ran red lights.

After a year, the researchers found that the number of violations dropped significantly, and the reductions increased for violations that occurred later into the red light. Those that occurred at least 0.5 seconds after the light turned red dropped 39 percent, and the odds of someone running a red light at least 1.5 seconds after it changed declined 86 percent. 

“What these numbers show is that those violations most likely to lead to a crash are reduced the most,” said Anne McCartt, senior vice president for research at IIHS. “The longer the light has been red when a violator enters an intersection, the more likely the driver is to encounter a vehicle traveling in another direction or a pedestrian.”

Drivers who want to stay safe on the road can find a reliable used car at New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide selection of makes and models to choose from, vehicle shoppers are sure to find what they’re looking for. Plus, every model is CARFAX certified, so they will know they’re getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride.

AAA Survey Reveals Many Drivers Use Phones Despite Risks

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Posted in General Auto News

It is no secret that using a phone while driving is one of the major distractions behind the wheel, but plenty of motorists are still using their devices when they’re operating vehicles, according to a recent survey from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Even though the majority of those surveyed said they think other drivers using phones threaten their own safety, 69 percent of these same individuals admitted to using their phones while driving in the past month.

“Ninety percent of respondents believe that distracted driving is a somewhat or much bigger problem today than it was three years ago, yet they themselves continue to engage in the same activities,” said Peter Kissinger, president and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “More work clearly is needed to educate motorists on the risks associated with using a cell phone while driving, especially given that most Americans believe this problem is getting worse.”

What’s worse is these same individuals are also more likely to do other dangerous things in their cars, including speeding (65 percent), texting (53 percent), driving while drowsy (44 percent) and not wearing a seatbelt (29 percent). On the other hand, drivers who abstained from using their phones behind the wheel were far less likely to engage in other risky behaviors. Only 31 percent said they had speeded in the past month, 16 percent didn’t wear seatbelts, 14 percent drove while drowsy and a mere 3 percent said they sent a text while driving.

Drivers looking to stay safe on the road can find reliable rides at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer has a variety of used makes and models, and every car on the lot has been CARFAX certified, letting car shoppers rest easy knowing they’re getting behind the wheel of a safe ride.

Saving Gas During Colder Months: Don’t Preheat Your Car

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Posted in How To

When temperatures drop, it might seem ideal to start your car and let it run until the heater kicks in so your hands don’t freeze to the steering wheel. However, this can be a very wasteful practice. For every hour the car idles, it can use anywhere from a quarter to half a gallon of gasoline, according to the Department of Energy.

If you let the car warm up for 10 minutes every day before you leave for work, you could have wasted as much as 2 1/2 gallons of gasoline – and that doesn’t even take into account other times you might warm up the car. Basically, it can add up quickly. Not only does this mean you’re going to be spending more at the pump, but you’re also releasing more emissions into the atmosphere, which works against other efforts you and your family might be making to go green. 

Some people may believe it is necessary to let the engine warm up before driving, but this is a myth. An engine will run better when the temperature is higher, but the fastest way to heat up the engine is to put it to work. Think of it this way, do you get warmer faster by standing in one spot or by moving around? The same holds true for your car. 

Sure, letting the interior of the car heat up can make it easier to melt the ice on your windshield, which is better than using all your energy to scrape it off by hand. However, there are other options to make this process easier. There are many de-icing solutions available that you can spray on your windshield, but you can also mix a solution using equal parts water and ethyl alcohol or vinegar. This will help to melt the ice and make it easier to clear the glass.

If you’re looking for a car this winter, consider checking out the options at NJ State Auto Auction. The dealer has a wide selection of makes and models, and every vehicle is CARFAX certified.

Batmobile Stands Out at Barrett-Jackson

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News

Last weekend, The Barrett-Jackson auction house held its first auction of the year, and there were plenty of unique automobiles for sale, including the Batmobile. The vehicle brought in an impressive $4.2 million, making up a small portion of the $223.8 million that the auction house raised over the weekend, according to AOL Autos.

There have been many different versions of the Batmobile over the years, including the flame-throwing version created by Tim Burton in the 1990s, but the original vehicle featured in the 1960s “Batman” TV show may be even more coveted by fans of the Dark Knight. While Burton’s model barely even qualified as a car, the ‘60s version was much closer to being a street-legal design. Auto customizer George Barris started the transformation with a 1955 Lincoln” target=”_self”>Lincoln Futura concept car, and then installed a clear bubble over the passenger cab and added tons of fun crime-fighting features to create the legendary ride. The vehicle, which remained in Barris’ possession until the auction, was equipped with lasers, a “Batphone,” smoke screen capabilities and other devices to stop criminals in their tracks.

There were plenty of other models that fetched prices in the millions at the annual Scottsdale, Arizona, sale. Motor Authority reports the first production 2014 Corvette Stingray sold for $1.1 million, for example. Other vehicles failed to do as well as expected – George W. Bush’s Ford F-150 only brought in $300,000 and a 1958 Corvette owned by the CEO of General Motors came up short with a winning bid of $270,000. 

Drivers looking to experience the thrill of the auction without shelling out hundreds of thousands of dollars can bid on used cars at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer has four football fields of models to choose from, and every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified.

 

 

Best Used Cars Under $10,000

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Posted in General Auto News

It can be difficult to choose the best car, especially when you’re on a tight budget. There are plenty of used models available that provide everything from fuel efficiency and safety to fun features and luxury, and you may even be able to find certain rides for less than you think. Here are a few options that offer versatility, reliability and quality that won’t cost more than $10,000.

Luxury for less
Just because you have a budget, doesn’t mean luxury models are out of the question. You may not be able to find a 2011 Audi A4 for less than $10,000, but you can check out the BMW 3 Series. From 1999 to 2006, this sedan was named to Car and Driver’s “10 Best” list, according to AOL Autos. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) indicates that a 2004 model in excellent condition will have an average retail price under $9,000.

Sports cars within reach
If you want nothing more than to get behind the wheel of a sporty ride, you have options. A 2006 Ford Mustang in pristine condition sells for just over $10,000, according to KBB, which means you might be able to find one that’s a bit more worn in for less. You can find sporty Volkswagen models, like the 2006 Jetta TDI, that sell for less than $10,000, as well as many other models that offer a bit more bang for your buck. 

If you are having a hard time deciding which model might be the best fit for you, you can head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has a wide selection of vehicles to choose from. You might see a car you like that you hadn’t found in your online research, and you can test drive it to make sure it’s a good fit. While it is still a good idea to research the model before you buy, you can rest easy knowing that every car at NJ Auto Auction is CARFAX certified.

Spotting Problems When Checking Your Car’s Oil

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Posted in How To

When you own a car, you need to keep up with routine maintenance in order to ensure your vehicle runs well, and one of the major aspects of car care is oil changes. The general rule of thumb is to have the oil drained and replaced every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. However, visiting an auto body shop like New Jersey Auto Auction‘s Total Car Care Center every few thousand miles is not always enough to keep the car in check. You should pop the hood and peek at the oil every week or so to make sure things are running smoothly.

First, make sure the engine is off and has had time to cool down to avoid burning yourself on the hot metal. Then, pop the hood and locate the oil dipstick. The handle is usually yellow and found toward the front of the car. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a rag or paper towel. Then, reinsert it all the way down and pull it out once more. This will give you an accurate reading of the level.

If it looks low, you should add more fluid to the oil reservoir. Be sure to check again in a few days, as a significant drop typically means there is a leak that should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the engine.

You will also want to look at the quality of the fluid. Oil that is opaque or very dark in color should be changed soon, even if it is ahead of the scheduled maintenance. If you notice dirt, debris or flecks of metal, you may be dealing with a leak or a part that is wearing out.

For oil changes and bigger problems, the experts at the Total Car Care Center can help get your car back on the road in a timely fashion. The auto shop, affiliated with NJ Public Auto Auction, is open to the general public, making it a viable resource for drivers in the New York/New Jersey area.

Study: Being Overweight Increases Risk of Dying in Car Accidents

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Posted in General Auto News

Automotive engineers design cars, trucks and SUVs to be as safe as possible for drivers and passengers, but a recent study points out they may have left out one crucial factor. Car safety technology, such as airbags and seatbelts, are designed using the parameters of the “average” individual, which means that people who are overweight or underweight may not reap the same benefits as those who are closer to the average. 

A group of researchers examined data from the U.S. Fatality Analysis Reporting System from 1996 to 2008, searching through nearly 57,500 fatal traffic collisions for those that involved two vehicles and resulted in one or both drivers dying. In the 3,403 applicable accidents, roughly half the drivers were normal weight, one in three was considered overweight and 18 percent were obese. Obese drivers were more likely to die in these accidents than overweight and normal weight drivers, and this risk increased the more a driver weighed.

“The ability of passenger vehicles to protect overweight or obese occupants may have increasingly important public health implications, given the continuing obesity epidemic in the USA,” the study authors wrote. “… It may be the case that passenger vehicles are well-designed to protect normal weight vehicle occupants, but are deficient in protecting overweight or obese occupants.”

The researchers also indicated the underlying health problems that often accompany obesity may contribute to the increased risk, so the blame might not fall entirely on the design of the vehicles.

Drivers of all shapes and sizes looking to get behind the wheel of a safe, reliable ride can find what they’re looking for at New Jersey Auto Auction. The dealer carries a wide selection of makes and models, and every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified.

3 Easy Ways to Stay Safe on the Road This Winter

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Posted in How To

Winter is in full swing, which means drivers need to take extra precautions to keep their cars in good condition to stay safe on the road. There are many ways to winterize a car, including switching to snow tires and getting a tune-up. Here are three things you can do at home to protect yourself and your vehicle this winter.

1. Keep an eye on coolant
When the temperatures dip below freezing, the antifreeze in your car’s cooling system prevents the liquid from freezing in the pipes. If the fluid level is low, add more, but remember you need to use a mixture that is equal parts water and antifreeze. You can purchase premixed solutions, so you don’t have to worry about getting the measurements right.

2. Check your windshield wipers
Whether it’s snowing or raining, visibility is a crucial part of safe driving. In addition to making sure you have plenty of windshield washer fluid, you’ll need wipers that can effectively clean the glass. Examine the wipers currently on your car. If they are stiff or ripped, replace them. This is typically inexpensive and easy to do yourself.

3. Keep an emergency kit in your car
If your vehicle should happen to break down, you will be glad you thought ahead and prepared an emergency kit. This should include spare coats or security blankets so you can keep warm while you wait for help as well as flashlights, spare batteries and some extra cash. You might want to throw a few jugs of water into the car as well. If the engine overheats, you can add water to the radiator to get the car running again.

Drivers who need to buy used cars will find a wide selection of makes and models at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer also has a garage, the Total Car Care Center, that is open to the public and can help drivers address any automotive concerns this winter.

5 Tips to Reduce Fuel Consumption

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Posted in How To

The average price for a gallon of gas now is far lower than it has been in recent months, but this doesn’t mean you should forget about fuel efficiency all together. In fact, now is a great time to hone your good driving habits, so you’ll be prepared when fuel costs eventually increase once more. It’s also helpful to know how to conserve gas if you’re looking to buy a used car, as the fuel economy of older vehicles may not be as impressive as some newer models. Here are five ways to get the most of every drop of gasoline.

1. Drive less
This may seem obvious, but you may want to think about how often you drive. If your destination is close enough, you can always walk or ride a bike instead of driving. Consolidating trips can help improve fuel economy as well.

2. Ease up on the pedals
Accelerating quickly and braking hard burns up more fuel than if you gradually speed up and slow down. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports that aggressive driving reduces your mileage by as much as 33 percent at highway speeds.

3. Check your tire pressure
Underinflated tires create more friction on the road surface, so it takes more energy to keep your car moving. Maintaining the proper air pressure can improve your car’s fuel economy by 3.3 percent, according to the DOE.

4. Don’t idle
It takes far less fuel to restart a car than it does to keep the engine running. Idling for two minutes uses approximately as much gas as driving one mile, so shut off the engine when you’re parked.

5. Keep your car in tune
A car that runs well will also be fuel efficient. Make sure to get regular tune-ups and oil changes.

Drivers in the market for a fuel-efficient used model can head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has a wide selection of makes and models to choose from.

What Your Music Choice Could Say About Your Driving Skills

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Posted in Auto Industry News

When you’re driving in your car, a typical way to pass the time is to turn on some tunes. However, what you’re listening to may actually affect your driving skills.

Confused.com reports that listening to music could ultimately predict how well you drive. The UK website looked at specific songs and how drivers reacted to them. The experts foundthat a woman who listened to hip hop tended to drive more aggressively, while men jamming out to heavy metal increased their speed. Surprisingly,it was classical music that caused both men and women to drive more erratically than if they were not listening to music at all.

“Music that is noisy, upbeat and increases your heart rate is a deadly mix,” Dr. Simon Moore, a psychologist who reviewed the driving footage, told the news provider. “Fast beats can cause excitement and arousal that can lead people to concentrate more on the music than on the road. In addition, a fast tempo can cause people to subconsciously speed up to match the beat of the song. Also, listening to music you don’t like can cause stress and distraction and this also negatively affects driving.”

Listening to music may not onlyaffect your driving skills, it could be dangerous. The Globe and Mail reports that listening to music while driving could cause an accident, because the driver is distracted.

In the event of a car crash, you may need to find a new vehicle quick. Luckily, New Jersey Auto Auction can help, as it has a number of vehicles within its fleet. Visiting the establishment may help you find exactly what you’re looking for.