Category Archives: General Auto News

Questions to ask when buying a used car

Buying a car is serious business, and it can be an intimidating process. If you're considering purchasing a used car, things can get even trickier. Not all dealers have reputable sales methods. For this reason, it's important to understand the used car-buying process and ask the right questions. 

Is this car in my budget? 
The first step for any potential car buyer is to determine how much they can afford to spend. It's a smart idea to compile a list of cars you are interested in to get insurance quotes, check tax rates and compare payments. This will help you narrow down your list to vehicles that will fit comfortably in your predetermined budget. Remember that selecting a car you can't afford can lead to poor credit and other negative consequences. Consult with a financial advisor if you need help establishing a budget. 

Does it have a vehicle history report? 
Before you purchase a car, you should run a vehicle history report. All you need is the Vehicle Identification Number to determine if the purchase you are about to make it a good one. These reports will outline the vehicle's past ownership. The Department of Motor Vehicles also reports that these will also tell you if the car has ever had maintenance done, if there have ever been problems with the title, if there are any liens on the vehicle, if the car was ever involved in an accident and whether the car has ever been classified as a "lemon." A vehicle history report will ensure that the used vehicle you select will operate as you expect it to.

Asking these questions will help you get the best used car in your budget.Asking these questions will help you get the best used car in your budget.

Did I notice anything unusual in the test drive? 
The test drive is another important part of the car-buying process. It allows you to get behind the wheel of your desired car and see how it handles. A test drive will also alert potential buyers to any issues before a sale. During a test drive, you should be vigilant for any problems with performance. Your test drive doesn't end once you return to the car lot, though. You should open and close all doors, windows, the trunk and the hood to make sure that they operate properly. 

Am I getting this car for the best price? 
Everyone wants to make sure they are getting the best price when buying a car, but to guarantee this, you must do a little research. Online price guides will tell you how much the model year is worth, but it's up to you to negotiate the true value. If the car has had significant work done, it is usually smart to talk the price down. 

Buying your first used car may seem like an overwhelming experience. However, if you educate yourself and ask the right questions, you will find yourself in a much better position to purchase the used car of your dreams. 

To find used cars that are reliable and affordable, click here.

The pre-road trip car checklist

As the weather warms up and schools close down, road trip season approaches. Summer brings with it those few months out of the year when families are able to pack up the car and hit the open road. Yet, before you and your loved ones make the journey to your favorite destination, you need to make sure your car is as prepared as you are. Take a look at the checklist below to ensure your vehicle is ready or your road trip.

Familiarize yourself with your vehicle
Taking the time to learn about your car can save you trouble and confusion down the road. If you are able to identify important features and know how to perform basic maintenance, you will be more prepared to handle a breakdown or other issues during your trip. You should also know what type of oil your car takes and on which terrain it drives best. This information will make your trip much less stressful.

Get a checkup 
Taking your car to a professional for a checkup is one of the best things you can do before going on a long journey. A mechanic's trained eye will be able to spot leaks, cracks and other issues that could cause problems on the road. At your checkup, be sure the mechanic checks the levels of all fluids, tests the breaks and examines the engine for any irregularities. He or she should also replace headlights and air filters as needed.

Getting an inspection by a professional will ensure your vehicle is safe for the road.Getting an inspection by a professional will ensure your vehicle is safe for the road.

Take a look at your tires 
Nobody wants a vacation spoiled by tire trouble. Before you begin your trip, examine all the tires on your car for signs of damage. If the treading is worn down or the rubber has begun to split, it is a smart idea to replace your tires before you begin your journey. You should also check the tire pressure and alignment. When your primary tires are set, inspect your spare. It should also be properly pressured and free of damage.

Pack an emergency kit 
Anything can happen on the open road. For this reason, an emergency kit is a vital part of preparing your car for a road trip. The Department of Motor Vehicles recommend that your kit include road flares, a tire jack, a first-aid kit, jumper cables, a blanket, a flashlight and bottled water. Click here for the full list. 

Consider GPS 
If your vehicle does not have built-in navigation capabilities, you should think about purchasing a GPS system. This ensures that, even if you have no cell phone service or map, you will be able to navigate your route with confidence. 

A road trip is a great way to spend the summer, but don't let car problems get in the way of a good time. By following the checklist above, you can help ensure that your vehicle is prepared for whatever journey lies ahead. 

Visit the New Jersey State Auto Auction for more car tips.

Tire Rotation and What You Have to Know

shutterstock_239973394

Several car owners are not aware of different aspects of tire maintenance. The periodic rotation of tires is very important to keep your tires in good shape for a long period of time. How does tire rotation help? Well, according to automotive experts, the primary objective of regular tire rotation is to ensure that the tires wear out uniformly. You can check for a rotation period and pattern in your vehicle owner’s documentation or otherwise rotate the tires after every six thousand miles at the minimum.

It isn’t a good idea to include the temporary spare in a tire rotation. This is because the spare is kept exclusively for emergency use. However, always check if the spare tire has sufficient air in it.

Even though it is recommended to undertake tire rotation after every six thousand miles, you could do it earlier if there is development of uneven or irregular wear on the tires. You can consult a certified alignment store or tire dealer to establish the wear issue cause. It is crucial to know that powerful impacts like hitting potholes have the potential of causing misalignment. This eventually results in an uneven wear on the tire.

You will find that certain tires such as those with uni-directional or asymmetric tread structures might not fit into the typical rotation patterns. You can consult a professional to get help with such tires. Visit the New Jersey State Auto Auction to know more about vehicle functionalities.

 

#NJSAA

#NJStateAuto

#NJStateAutoAuction

New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com/?ibp-adgroup=SE_Target

Selecting the Right Tires for Your Wheels

shutterstock_127686947

If you’ve just purchased a new vehicle or are looking to replace the old tires in your existing vehicle, there are various ways to go about it. The simplest way, of course, is to buy the exact size and structure of tires (matching the original dimensions). Besides that, you could also think about opting for better quality tires which can enhance dry and wet handling.

The first step in replacing tires is perhaps determining the tire size. You can visit the old tire dealership (from where you bought the original tires) to get them replaced in the exact same size. The tire’s sidewall can also be checked for size identification. Besides this, the manual in the vehicle will give you information regarding the tire size.

If you select a tire belonging to the immediate lower profile, it is possible to significantly enhance riding quality and vehicle handling. Choosing a bigger sized tire or upsizing is becoming quite popular, especially among truck and SUV owners. This is primarily because wider and taller tires help in improving ride quality as well as performance. As far as trucks are concerned, larger tires could enhance cargo carrying capacity, appearance and traction.

For owners who need to replace just a single tire, it is a good idea to choose a replacement tire from a similar brand, load capacity and speed rating. This way it will match the specifications of the other three tires. Visit the New Jersey Auto Auction showroom to get more information about tires for your vehicle.

 

#NJSAA

#NJStateAuto

#NJStateAutoAuction

New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com/?ibp-adgroup=SE_Target

How Often Should You Inflate Your Tires?

how often should you inflate your tires

Many car owners are confused about how often to fill air into the tires of their vehicle. The answer is actually quite simple. It is advisable to check the tire pressure at least once every month (according to the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association). However, checking the tire pressure each time you stop for fuel is a proactive measure you can take as well.

The maintenance of suitable inflation pressure in tires helps in the optimization of fuel economy and tire performance. With the correct tire pressure, the driver can experience comfort, performance and durability that match the requirements of the vehicle.

It is important to know that tire pressure will change over a period of time. The change in temperature also has an impact on tire pressure. If you avoid checking tire pressure on a regular basis, you could end up with a puncture at any odd time and find yourself stuck in a difficult situation. It is very common for car tires to come in contact with foreign objects such as screws, nails and other sharp items which in turn can cause them to lose air.

When checking the pressure in your car tires, ensure that they are “cold”. This means you need to check the pressure before they get heated up due to driving. For more information on tires and tire inflation, visit the New Jersey State Auto Used Cars showroom.

New Jersey State Auto Used Cars

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: (201) 200-1100

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com/

Why are Engines Getting Smaller?

shutterstock_281392622

There was a time when car lovers looked forward to large breathy engines. V8’s and V10’s roared and rumbled across the roads and it all made sense. They drank fuel like water and spit out smoke and toxins, but people did not really care, they loved their cars and everyone was happy. All that is coming to a grinding halt now as it makes no sense to have a huge engine carry you to work where you barely even touch 40 mph, sitting in traffic stationary for longer than you actually move.

Then there’s the price of fuel and the environmental impact. So car engines naturally got smaller, but a lot more efficient. The gas mileage of a city car today is at a minimum of 30 mpg, cars are run on computers and not carburetors anymore. They are also safer with every available system on board to make sure you always come out alive. With hybrids and fuel cells going mainstream, engines have gotten even smaller and more efficient. There are electric motors that assist the engine, taking a share of the load, this increases the efficiency of the car by many times and they are silent.

Engines have gotten smaller, but driving is still as fun as it was in the old days. So come down to the New Jersey State Auto Auction today and pick out a modern, yet fun to drive pre-owned car today!

 

#NJSAA

#NJStateAuto

#NJStateAutoAuction

New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com/?ibp-adgroup=SE_Target

The Greatest V10 Cars Ever Made

Engine

There is just something about a V10 that makes it irresistible to a car lover. It is big, powerful, fast, and gives you that seemingly endless torque that will scare you, especially when on a highway and when making a pass. It seems however that the glory days of V10 engines are over, car makers have started to put smaller, more efficient engines in their cars. Even historically overpowered cars like the Mustang will be getting a much smaller engine from next year as an option. In fact, it has been years since the ultimate cars- the F1 cars moved away from V10 engines. Since it may be the last generation in which we ever see V10’s on the road, here are the best modern V10 cars out there:

  • 2009 Audi R8- Had the engine of a Gallardo, impressive in every way.
  • 2005 BMW M5- Actually had the engine derived from an F1!
  • 2006 Dodge Ram SRT-10- One of the most powerful pickup trucks ever made. 500 bhp on tap, 8.3 liter V10.
  • 1999 Dodge Viper- The Viper was always insane, an 8 liter V10 that put out 415 BHP, it went and sounded more like an animal than car.
  • Lexus LFA- The V10 put out 553 BHP, tuned by Yamaha to sound like the ‘roar of an angel’. It does.

Are there any cars on this list that you have driven or owned.

If you want to buy a used V10 car, walk into New Jersey State Auto Auction.

 

#NJSAA

#NJStateAuto

#NJStateAutoAuction

New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com/?ibp-adgroup=SE_Target

Why Can’t Car Makers Just Reissue Classic Cars Instead Of Updating Less Aesthetic Versions?

shutterstock_110606108

Many car enthusiasts love used classic cars. The cars of old had a certain charm of their own and a majority of them had more character than many of the more traditional looking vehicles on the road today. So, why don’t car companies just reissue old models with updated specs to meet present standards?

This is a question that many automotive enthusiasts have asked. So, why don’t automakers just go ahead and do that?

Well, there are actually several reasons why automakers don’t do that. For starters, there aren’t too many people who love classic cars or their retro designs. You might disagree with that, but, it’s the truth. The ones who do want classic cars to make a comeback belong to a very small community of automotive enthusiasts.

On the other hand, the majority of consumers are just regular old folk who are just looking for a set of wheels that will carry them from point A to B in safety and comfort. They are not as passionate as the average car guy or gal.

The other reason, and the more significant one, is that old cars do not possess the design or construction to accommodate modern safety features. Automotive safety depends heavily on the way a car or vehicle is designed. Sadly, cars back in the day were not designed to accommodate modern safety standards. They may have been relevant for their day, but, they clearly lack the sophistication that modern vehicles possess.

Do you like old used cars? Well, New Jersey State Auto Auction has quite a few good ones in store. Drop in to take a look and find the one which suits you best.

 

#NJSAA

#NJStateAuto

#NJStateAutoAuction

New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com/?ibp-adgroup=SE_Target

Why Are Some Cars So Ugly?

shutterstock_324976514

Have you ever noticed that some cars are just plain ugly? Have you ever wondered why this is the case? Well, before you start to blame things on bad designers, realize that a lack of designing skills is rarely the case. Producing a car is an expensive and complex process. What this means is that compromises are going to be made unless you’re buying a Rolls Royce that costs half your family fortune.

Cost is a major factor when it comes to automotive design. The other major factor is quality.

You must understand that most automakers are designing and building cars for the market majority and the market majority is made up of your average Joe, who isn’t going to spend an entire year’s income on a car. In fact, many people prefer buying a used car as it is more cost effective.

Now, add some government and quality standards to the mix and you’ve got a complex issue on your hands. You need to create a vehicle that meets all those standards and is still affordable to the consumer. That’s just not possible without making a few compromises. So, what’s the first area that’s going to get compromised? It’s the vehicle’s appearance because that’s the only area that’s not going to drastically affect the overall performance and quality of the vehicle.

High end vehicles look amazing because the consumers who buy them are willing to spend every penny, which means automakers can’t and don’t have to make significant compromises.

Other than that, there is also the issue of use and practicality. For instance, the Toyota Venza displayed at SEMA this year looked great compared to the standard version, but, you would never be able to drive such a vehicle in an off-road situation because of the tiny gaps around the wheels. On the other hand, a standard Venza does not have that problem and can be used in off-road situations.

Since, the Venza is primarily an SUV; its design must fit its real purpose.

Interested in a used Venza? Come on down to New Jersey State Auto Auction and take your pick or browse the selection of affordable, great looking vehicles.

 

#NJSAA

#NJStateAuto

#NJStateAutoAuction

New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com/?ibp-adgroup=SE_Target

What Does A Hissing Sound In The Engine Mean?

shutterstock_239956273

Is there a hissing sound originating from your used car’s engine? Well, if there is, there could be many reasons for that sound. A hissing sound from the engine generally isn’t a very good sign. However, there is no reason to panic.

In fact, it’s possible for most cars to carry parts that may create this hissing sound. So, before you jump to any conclusions, make sure you narrow down the problem to a specific cause. What you need to do is indulge in a thorough investigation to determine where that sound is coming from.

Look for visual cues. The more severe hisses are usually accompanied by some kind of release. For example, it could be coolant escaping from the radiator or radiator hose as a result of overheating. The coolant, in this situation, tries to escape in the form of steam.

If you can’t identify any visual cues, the next step is to listen closely, while the engine is still on. When you’re doing this make sure you follow a few safety measures. For example, don’t get too close to moving parts and if you have long or loose hair, tie it up.

Once you manage to identify the source of the hissing sound, start looking for symptoms. The symptoms will further help you decide what needs to be fixed.

Reasons for a hissing sound could include an overheating engine, in which case, you will need to fix the cooling system. It could also be that your catalytic converter or exhaust system is plugged. In this case, you will need to replace the parts in question.

If you’re concerned about the hissing sounds in your engine, please bring your pre-owned vehicle over to New Jersey State Auto Auction for a quick fix.

 

#NJSAA

#NJStateAuto

#NJStateAutoAuction

New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com/?ibp-adgroup=SE_Target