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. 

There are many different aspects consumers needs to pay attention to when shopping for new or used cars in New Jersey. Everything from researching the market value of the vehicle to finding out how it compares to similar makes and models can contribute to the final decision, but the test drive is the best chance to really find out if a certain vehicle is right for you. Getting behind the wheel gives you the chance to check for any issues with how the car drives, the interior features and other things like visibility and cargo space.

"The test drive can be the most important aspect of buying a new or used car, but it's also one of the most overlooked," said Joe Wiesenfelder, executive editor for Cars.com. "We want to ensure that shoppers don't let their emotions get the best of them when they should be gathering the important information they need to make the right purchase."

Cars.com recommends giving the vehicle a thorough once-over before you even start it up. Checking the door handles, power windows, radio and other features is a good start, especially when choosing a used vehicle. There may be something minor, such as a seat adjuster that sticks, that will wind up driving you up a wall if you buy the car. When you're sitting in the driver's seat, make sure you have clear visibility. You may find the SUV you had your heart on makes it next to impossible to see behind you. Cars.com recommends checking the storage space of the vehicle to ensure it will fit your needs.

New Jersey State Auto Auction carries a wide variety of makes and models, giving you will have plenty of options to choose from. Plus, all their vehicles are CARFAX certified, so you know you're getting a reliable vehicle.

Whether you're planning to hop in the car and head to the beach or you just want to stay home and enjoy the holiday weekend, you should be sure to keep car safety in mind. Memorial Day is notorious for celebrations and barbeques, and this often includes indulging in a few alcoholic drinks. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is reminding people to think twice before getting behind the wheel after the parties are over.

"MADD wants people to be safe on the roads this holiday weekend, so we have some tips to help," said MADD national president Jan Withers. "Coupled with law enforcement's efforts to deter and detect drunk driving, we hope this information will help keep our loved ones safe."

The organization recommends people plan ahead if they want to commemorate the beginning of summer with a few brews. Choose a designated driver before the festivities begin, and be extra careful and aware on the road. There is likely to be an increase of pedestrians, so it's especially important to observe the speed limits and pay attention to everything going on around you. MADD also suggests watching out for other motorists who appear to be driving erratically. If you notice this behavior, it is best to stay out of their way. If they are behind you, pull over and let them pass rather than risk being nearby if they lose control of their vehicle.

It can also be a good idea to get a tuneup before the weekend to ensure your car is running smoothly and reduce the risk of a crash when you're trying to enjoy the holiday. The automotive experts at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center can perform routine maintenance and address any necessary repairs so your car is running well this Memorial Day.

The  price of gas may have stopped climbing for the moment, but drivers are still concerned with fuel economy when it comes to picking out their next vehicles. A recent survey conducted by Consumer Reports found fuel efficiency is the most important factor for the majority of drivers. Roughly 37 percent of survey respondents said this was their top concern, while quality (17 percent) and safety (16 percent) rounded out the top three. Value (14 percent) and performance (6 percent) were also leading factors.

"These results make it clear that high fuel prices are continuing to impact driver behavior and influencing future purchase considerations," said Jeff Bartlett, deputy auto editor for Consumer Reports. "While quality, safety and value are still important, this may be foreshadowing a market shift by folks seeking relief at the pump."

Choosing a fuel efficient vehicle was not all about saving money either, as 65 percent of female drivers and 58 percent of men claimed they wanted to get behind the wheel of a vehicle with decent fuel economy to reduce their impact on the environment. Vehicles with alternative options, such as electric, hybrid and diesel cars, are gaining popularity as well, according to the survey results. More drivers (73 percent) are willing to consider these types of vehicles that ever before.

Whether drivers want to get behind the wheel of an electric car like the Chevy Volt or a hybrid like the best-selling Toyota Prius, they can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The deal has a wide selection of used cars in NJ to choose from, including alternative fuel options as well as efficient gasoline-powered models.