Maintenance and repairs are as much as part of car ownership costs as insurance and gasoline, but many drivers can lose money when it comes to mechanical work on their cars. AutoMD.com, an online repair resource, recently published a list of the top 10 costly mistakes drivers make when it comes to car repairs and maintenance.

First was putting off tuneups and minor repairs. Preventative maintenance can improve the overall performance of the car to reduce the risk of repairs and improve fuel economy, which can save drivers money in the long run. This includes everything from keeping an eye on tire pressure to changing the oil and filters or getting an alignment.

Ignoring minor fixes likely won't affect your ability to drive the car – not at first, anyway. When you don't address a small issue, it will likely worsen and turn into a major repair that could wind up costing more than just getting the original problem fixed.

"At AutoMD.com we are always looking for ways to help car owners save precious dollars while keeping their vehicles running safely," said Brian Hafer, the website's vice president of marketing. "This is why our experts have put together a list of simple tips to help pre-empt costly auto repair mistakes. By following this advice, car owners can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on auto repairs."

When you have work done on your vehicle and the mechanic tells you a part needs to be replaced, you should be sure to get the original part back. This will ensure you're not being charged for work that was never done if you're unlucky enough to bring your car to an untrustworthy mechanic. The automotive experts at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center will diagnose your vehicle and make necessary repairs without trying to pull the wool over your eyes.

School is ending, and teenage drivers have a lot more time to spend behind the wheel. This means more chances for dangerous situations, so it is important for teens to remember to stay safe behind the wheel. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states teen drivers are four times more likely to get into accidents than older motorists.

AutoTrader.com recently offered parents a few tips for helping their teen drivers stay safe on the road this summer, including discouraging distracted driving and stressing the importance of seatbelt use.

"Most safe driving tips are packed full of ideas that seem obvious to most people. However, what seems obvious to an adult with even a few years of driving experience, may not be obvious to a teen driver," said Brian Moody, automotive expert for AutoTrader.com. "At AutoTrader.com, we review and test-drive nearly every car on the market, and safety is always a top feature we look for. It is imperative for parents to equip their teens with the right tools, technology and education on how to be a safe driver."

The specific vehicle being driven by a newly-licensed teen can play a role in how safe they are on the road. For instance, you probably wouldn't want your teen driving an 18-wheeler. While that is most likely not a possibility, the size of the vehicle does make a difference for many new drivers. It can be more difficult to maneuver an SUV or a truck than a smaller car, which may increase the risk of crashing.  To find the perfect used car in NJ for your teen driver, you can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer has a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices.

Last week, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO was sold for $35 million to American collector Craig McCaw. Bloomberg reports this transaction makes the GTO the most expensive vehicle in the world. The car, which was sold through a private transaction, is one of 39 GTOs produced between 1962 and 1964. It was built specifically for British race car driver Sir Sterling Moss, who won 212 races in his career.

The car beat out the previous record held by Peter Mullin. Mullin, who owns and operates the Mullin Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, bought a 1936 Bugatti Atlantic Type 57SC for between $30 and $34 million in 2010, according to Fox News. The Ferrari's seller, Eric Heerema, paid $8.5 million to purchase the GTO from a collector in Japan.

This particular model was driven in the 1962 Le Mans 24-Hour race as well as many other notable competitions in its heyday, and it was listed among the greatest Ferraris of all time by Motor Trend, according to Bloomberg. The 250 GTO cars are highly sought after for their stylish design as well as their powerful V12 engines. The $35 million car has not been the only GTO to change hands in the past few days. Another model sold for between $25 and $30 million, and the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa that helped Phil Hill win the 1958 Le Mans 24-Hour race went for $25 million, the news source reports.

While not everyone is able to collect classic cars like 1950s and '60s Ferraris, those looking to purchase used cars in NJ can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer has a wide variety of makes and models, including sports cars, that won't cost shoppers millions. Plus, all the vehicles are CARFAX certified, so buyers know they'll be driving away in something reliable.

Ford's F-150 is one of the best-selling pickup trucks in United States, and the American automaker recently announced details for the latest model. The 2013 F-150 got a bit of a makeover, with a new front fascia that gives the appearance of a Ford Super Duty truck, but this year's model will not overwhelm drivers with a slew of major changes.

The head of Ford truck marketing, Doug Scott, explained to AutoBlog that this is because the automaker doesn't hold onto new technology and reinvent its vehicles every few years. Rather, they include new features and make adjustments when they become available. For instance, last year, the F-150 was given two new V6 engine options.

"Like our hardworking customers, Ford is committed to getting the job done right with our industry-leading trucks," said Mark Fields, Ford president of the Americas. "The 2013 F-150 demonstrates our commitment to continuously improving our trucks with new features and capabilities, allowing F-Series owners to be increasingly productive."

The new truck will also feature the MyFord Touch system, which allows drivers to control certain elements of their vehicles like the radio with voice commands. This can help reduce the risk of distracted driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports if you take your eyes off the road for as little as 4.6 seconds, you drive about 100 yards – the length of a football field – without ever looking at the road.

Drivers who are looking to get behind the wheel of a used Ford F-150 can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer has a wide variety of makes and models for shoppers to choose from, and all vehicles are CARFAX certified, so you know you'll be driving away in a reliable vehicle.

June 1 marks the start of hurricane season for the Atlantic Coast, and people who live along the ocean are urged to begin preparing for the worst. While it is impossible to predict just how many storms will hit the coast this year, it is wise to be prepared, even if you don't live in the southern U.S.

New Jersey has been hit with many hurricanes over the years – some more severe than others – so residents should be ready. This includes everything from keeping emergency supplies in the home to making sure your car is running well in case there is a mandatory evacuation. You can bring your car to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center in Jersey City to get a tuneup and ensure there are no major issues that could leave you stranded in a tropical storm.

Aside from taking care of your vehicle, you might want to keep some supplies in the trunk just in case. Road flares, emergency blankets, ponchos, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit and water are all useful items to keep in your car during hurricane season and all year long.

You should also familiarize yourself with emergency evacuation routes whether you live along the shore or further inland. There are typically signs posted on major roads that guide you away from the ocean, but if you're evacuating the area during heavy rain, you may not be able to see these markers easily. The New Jersey Office of emergency Management provides maps of all evacuation routes online. You can learn them ahead of time or print out a map to keep in the glove compartment.

As people age, there comes a point when it is no longer safe for them to get behind the wheel of a car. It becomes increasingly difficult for older adults to see at night, and AAA reports a 60-year-old needs three times as much light to see as clearly as a 20-year-old. Hearing loss and slowed reaction times can be contributing factors as well.

While it is necessary for seniors to give up driving eventually, many are unable to tell when their time has come. A recent survey conducted by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) found most older adults (85 percent) think they are "excellent" or "good" drivers. However, 25 percent of this same group of drivers ages 65 to 91 also reported being involved in motor vehicle crashes in the past year.

"A large debate in driving research is whether or not at-risk drivers can self-regulate, and thus possibly reduce their crash risk," said study author Dr. Lesley Ross, an assistant professor in UAB's psychology department. "This research indicates that, at least for this sample, a previous history of four adverse driving outcomes has no relationship with the self-reported driving ability, thus possibly indicating a lack of awareness in regards to driving abilities. The majority of older adults can continue to drive safely well into old age. However, there is a group of older drivers who are at greater risk for crashing."

AAA provides an online assessment test that older drivers can take to determine if they fall into this at-risk category. They should also heed warnings offered by friends, family and physicians when they are told it may be time to hand over their keys. Those who don't have to give up this pastime can head over the New Jersey State Auto Auction to pick out their next ride. The dealer has a variety of makes and models at affordable prices.

Ford recently announced that performance fans will soon get the chance to get behind the wheel of one of the automaker's newest compact sports cars – the 2013 Ford Focus ST. This summer, the car company will host events in New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., San Francisco and Los Angeles where driving enthusiasts can test out the upcoming car. Each event will feature two separate driving courses sure to make anyone with a need for speed a bit weak in the knees.

The first course will be all about performance training and the second is a timed autocross. Those who sign up for the event, which must be done ahead of time, can learn how to better handle the sporty model and then put their new knowledge to the test.

"Our fans have expressed extremely high interest in this car, but we know the proof is in the pudding," said Lisa Schoder, Ford Focus ST marketing manager. "We want ST fans, as well as drivers of competitive vehicles, to be able to taste this car firsthand. What better way to do it than to bring the car to the people with the help of professional driver instruction on closed courses."

The Ford Focus ST hit showroom floors across the nation in May. It offers 252 horsepower and 270 lb-ft. of torque from a 2.0-liter Ecoboost engine. It was designed to work wonders as an everyday driver and still allow the motorist to unleash power on the track. The new car starts around $24,500, so not everyone will be able to afford this sporty new compact.

However, those looking for powerful used cars in New Jersey can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The used car dealer has a wide variety of makes and models, from traditional sports cars to the unexpected powerhouse. Drivers can always opt for something a bit more modest and tack on aftermarket accessories to enhance the vehicle's performance.

When you're shopping for a used car in New Jersey, you should thoroughly research your purchase before making a final decision. This includes everything from determining the market value of a particular model and assessing the total cost of ownership to test driving and inspecting the vehicle itself.

Many drivers may not be aware of the importance of inspecting the vehicle, but doing so can help them spot and avoid a "lemon." Lemons are cars that have sustained significant damages or undergone repairs that drastically reduce their value, but many private sellers and some used car dealers may try to pull the wool over consumers' eyes to make money off their cars. Not all dealers are out to deceive car shoppers. New Jersey State Auto Auction, for instance, guarantees the quality of their vehicles, which are all CARFAX certified, so drivers know they're getting behind the wheel of reliable vehicles.

However, it is always a safe bet to give a car a once over, just in case something is wrong that may have gone unnoticed. The Wall Street Journal recommends looking for mismatched paint and checking for uniformity along any seams in the car's body. This can indicate major repair work was done. You should also check for signs of flood damage inside the engine. Look for water lines under the hood that could hint the vehicle has been exposed to water damage. This can not only impact the value of the car, but has likely caused a significant amount of damage and rust.

The best way to ensure a vehicle is in the condition the seller claims is to have a trusted independent mechanic inspect the car before you make a purchase. This typically costs between $75 and $150, according to the news source.

With the country still emerging from the recession, many American drivers are holding on to their cars longer than ever. As a result, the average age of a car on the road is around 11 years old. There are many ways motorists can ensure they get the most out of their ride for years to come, and a recent survey of mechanics revealed some of the best options.

Researchers talked to 450 auto maintenance experts across the country, and the results revealed some of the best ways to take care of your car are also some of the easiest. The majority of respondents said that changing your oil at the recommended intervals and regularly replacing all the vital fluids are the most important components in keeping your car on the road. Making sure you get your tires rotated was also one of the most popular answers.

Staying on top of general upkeep likely doesn't come as much of a surprise to many motorists. However, the many mechanics also highlighted the benefits of using higher-quality gasoline. In fact, seven out of 10 of the respondents said people can ensure their cars  run longer thank to higher-quality gas. In a similar vein, almost all of the mechanics (95 percent) pointed to having a clean fuel injector as one of the most important components of having your engine perform well.

Whether you need your oil changed, tires rotated or a more substantial repairs, New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center can help you out. With a staff of talented mechanics, you can be sure to keep your car on the road as long as possible.

May is graduation season, and many parents choose to reward their kids' hard work with the gift of a car. Total Car Score recently published a list of its picks for the best cars for drivers fresh out of college that are reliable, safe, fuel efficient and affordable. The Kia Forte not only made the grade, but it was the most affordable vehicle on the list, which also included the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Chevy Cruze and Scion xB.

"Forte's achievement of being named to Total Car Score's 'Top Cars for College Grads' list is validation that its low cost and abundance of smart, youthful characteristics make it a natural fit for young adults who are about to enter the professional world," said Orth Hedrick, product planning director for Kia Motors America. "Furthermore, as the automotive marketplace becomes increasingly competitive with higher-quality cars, the Kia Forte is poised to succeed as one of the most well-built, well-equipped cars in its class."

In the past few years, Kia has built up a reputation for delivering affordable, trustworthy vehicles and the company is now one of the leading brands in the U.S., making it a great choice for a college grad.

A new Forte has a starting price of just $15,200. This means used models are likely to be even more affordable. The Forte has not undergone any dramatic changes in the past few years, so parents can save money by purchasing a used model from a used car dealer in New Jersey like New Jersey State Auto Auction. An older version will still have many of the same amenities as the 2012 model.