Most people associate spring cleaning with making their homes spotless, but the yearly tradition should also be applied to your car. A long winter can certainly take its toll on your vehicle, and there are a number of ways to ensure it is ready for the upcoming season and beyond. According to Consumer Reports, there are a few things every driver should do once the weather turns warmer.

The first thing you want to turn your attention to is the interior. Very frequently drivers can accumulate a great deal of trash over the winter without even noticing it, so make sure you clean up all the discarded cups, bags and bottles that may have built up over the last few months. Additionally, vacuuming is an important step as dirt, sand and other debris were likely tracked in during the winter.

After the inside of your car is taken care of, the website suggests tackling the exterior. Washing and waxing your vehicle is the best way to return it to its pre-winter shine. Experts say you should be sure to never to wax your car in direct sunlight or if the paint is hot, as this could make it more vulnerable to scratching.

Of course, having your car looking nice and running well are two different things, and you should be sure to pay attention to maintenance during the spring cleaning process. Winter can take its toll on everything from the brakes to tires so you may want to make sure everything is in working order before you embark on the first long road trip of the spring.

New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center is the perfect place to go for all your springtime maintenance needs. With a knowledgeable staff, they'll be able to complete everything from repairs to general upkeep.

The Honda Accord has been one of the best-selling cars on the road for years, but a 2007 hybrid version was never able to take off the way the manufacturer wanted due to lower-than-expected fuel economy. However, it looks like the automaker is ready to dust off the hybrid design once again, and is set to release a plug in hybrid version of the Accord for the 2013 model year, Cars.com reports.

There are few details available about the hybrid model, but the automaker did provide some specifics regarding the battery. Along with an electric range of about 10 to 15 miles, the battery can be charged in as little as 90 minutes with a 240-volt charger and four hours with a 120-volt charger. If drivers select the all-electric setting they will have to sacrifice performance a bit, as it will only have a top speed of 62 miles per hour. The new model is expected to be available sometime in the late fall or winter, the website reports.

The announcement of a new hybrid Accord comes as yet another electric car is slated to hit the market. According to USA Today, the  2012 Coda electric sedan went on sale in California last week, and although it comes at a price lower than originally anticipated, its $37,250 price tag may turn some potential consumers away. The Coda is expected to get as many as 88 miles on a single charge, besting the Leaf's 73 miles, and although it's currently only available for purchase in four cities, more locations are expected to follow suit.

Electric cars are still a long way from being a mainstay on America's roads, but there are plenty of used, fuel-efficient options for motorists looking to save money on gas. New Jersey State Auto Auction offers a wide variety of makes and models with high gas mileage, so there is something for everyone.

When it first hit American roads in 2002, BMW's Mini was considered by many motorists something of a gimmick. The compact British car looked sporty, but was it really going to be a hit with American drivers? Ten years later, the answer is a resounding yes, and BMW is celebrating the milestone by touting a decade of success.

The biggest reason for Mini's popularity among consumers is that it offers a small car without sacrificing quality. Despite its size, the Mini was able to handle the rigors of everyday driving while still offering the fuel-efficiency many motorists sought as gas prices climbed to near-record levels.

"Mini launched in the U.S. during the time when gas was cheap and large trucks and SUVs ruled the road," said Jim McDowell, vice president of Mini I USA. "Many thought the brand would be a one-hit wonder, and we are extremely proud that we were able to surprise some of the toughest critics, and at times, even ourselves."

The popularity of Mini is evident through how many consumers buy pre-owned versions of the vehicle. It's not surprising either, given that the Mini has one of the best used programs available, according to the Los Angeles Times. In particular, experts say that the car's two-year, 50,000 mile warranty that starts after new car coverage expires makes it an especially appealing choice to consumers looking to save money.

Whether you're looking for a reliable used Mini or are more interested in getting behind the wheel of an SUV, New Jersey State Auto Auction has you covered. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable price, there's sure to be the perfect car for nearly everyone.

Last year, April and October were designated as Car Care Months, and now that some statistics are in, it paints an ugly picture of how well Americans take care of their rides. The Car Care Council found that 84 percent of vehicles were in need of service or parts, the highest number in five years.

The figure was drawn from an analysis of vehicle inspection forms submitted by a number of volunteers. The most common issue that drivers encountered were problems with oil and fluids, air filters, battery cables, lights and hoses. Additionally about 10 percent of vehicles had their check engine light on, and another 19 percent of cars needed a new air filter.

The larger number of cars that need work could be indicative of changing driver behavior. Motorists may be putting off maintenance as a means to save money in the recovering economy, but experts say that's a bad move.

"What they don't realize is that neglecting routine maintenance can end up costing a lot more in the long run," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "These results demonstrate the importance of consumer education as the lack of proper vehicle maintenance can greatly impact highway safety, air quality, cost operation, and vehicle performance and dependability."

Regular maintenance is also a crucial component of making sure your car is as fuel-efficient as possible, and with rising gas prices that has become especially important. New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center makes staying on top of maintenance easy. With a convenient location in Jersey City, drivers can stop by and get everything from regular upkeep and more significant repairs.

As the economy continues to improve, forecasters have had to re-evaluate their predictions for car sales several times, and according to Kelley Blue Book, they might have to do it again. The new and used car information provider expects that car sales in March will reach their highest levels since 2007.

Analysts expect there will be around 1.425 million units sold in March,  bringing the year-long prediction to about 14.6 million. That sales estimate is the highest for any March over the last five years, since the levels reached about 1.5 million in 2007. There are a number of reasons for the impressive sales, but analysts believe it's largely due to the fact that there's an increased demand for fuel-efficient vehicles along with the release of a redesigned Toyota Camry.

"Conditions in the economy have generally been positive through the first few months of the year, and if conditions remain steady, the industry can expect to see continued strength in sales for the months ahead," said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst of automotive insights for Kelley Blue Book. "Rising fuel prices could slow down the current momentum in sales growth if left unchecked, so this will be a key factor to monitor moving forward."

The number of people buying or considering purchasing a fuel-efficient car has also been on the rise. A recent study from kbb.com found that 51 percent of respondents said they want a smaller car with higher gas mileage. Furthermore about 20 percent of people are weighing the option of buying a hybrid, alternative fuel or diesel-powered vehicle.

With more people buying new cars, there may also be more used options for people looking for an affordable ride, and New Jersey State Auto Auction has a wide variety of used vehicles to choose from.

Rising gas prices may be causing some people to worry, but it could actually be good news for anybody looking to buy a used truck. As fuel-efficient cars become more in demand, the prices of pre-owned pickup trucks are likely to drop significantly, according to Automotive News.

Some estimates put the figure at about a 22 percent decline in price and it is directly tied to the instability in gas prices. Experts say that as tensions in the Middle East continue to grow, there could be a chance of gas prices reaching the $5 per gallon mark. According to the National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA), $4.50 a gallon would result in about a 9 percent drop in used pickup prices.

"We are always making vehicle price adjustments based, in part, on our expectations for the price of gasoline," NADA analyst Larry Dixon told the news source.

While that may be bad news for dealers, it is certainly cause for celebration among consumers, especially those who have been driving pickup trucks for years. But what are the best used pickup trucks to get? According to Vehix.com, there are many good options to choose from.

Among the best is the 2006 Ford F-150. There's a reason this truck is always one of the best selling cars in the country. According to the website, the 2006 model was especially reliable, not to mention it can tow up to 9,000 pounds.

Whether you're looking for a used Ford F-150 or a Chevy Silverado, New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty of pickup trucks to choose from. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, there is something for everyone.