When a longstanding ethanol subsidy expired on New Year's Day, the change likely went unnoticed by the majority of drivers on the road. However, they may be feeling the pinch as a result, as analysts believe that termination of the program will lead to higher gas prices, USA Today reports.

The change could come as early as next week, with some experts predicting a 45 cent-hike in the price of a gallon of gasoline. The reason is because ethanol, which has been shown to have smog-reducing characteristics, accounts for about 10 percent of many gasoline-based fuels. Still, despite the ominous predictions, some believe that there might not be a significant upward swing given the added emphasis on clean burning gas and fuel-efficiency.

"Things have changed. The marketplace has changed," Matt Hartwig of the Renewable Fuels Association, which represents ethanol makers, told the publication. "Today, ethanol is 10 percent of the nation's gas supply."

Whether or not gas prices rise significantly, taking steps to improve your fuel economy is never a bad idea. According to Edmunds, there are a few proven ways to help save money at the pump that you can start implementing today. For example, driving more moderately offers an average savings of 31 percent. In a similar vein, driving slower on long trips can save motorists an average of 12 percent.

Additionally, there could be some internal issues causing your gas mileage to plummet, but you may not know about it until you take your car to a professional. New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Car center can answer the question. Located in Jersey City and open to the public, drivers can get everything from repairs to routine maintenance.

The North American International Auto Show has been one of the earliest indicators of a year's coming trends for more than two decades, and don't expect much to change this year. The two-week event comes to Detroit on January 9, and according to USA Today, there are a number of things to be on the lookout for.

Many of the trends over recent years have had to do with fuel efficiency and that will continue in 2012, experts say. One of the things to be most on the lookout for is stop-start technology, which actually turns off the engine while a car is idling at the stop light, and then starts it back up once it's ready to go. The features is already available in a number of vehicles, including the Mazda 3.

Of course, saving money on gas is not the only thing that drivers want. They are also looking to be safer than ever before. Industry experts are anticipating that the number of airbags in cars will grow to 10 in the coming year with some having already implemented front-seat knee versions of the safety device, the news source reports.

How a car drives may also change in the coming months due to a greater emphasis being placed on both the size and power of engines. According to USA Today, prognosticators believe that there will be more small engines with greater output much like the 2-liter four-cylinder turbocharged, direct-injection engine created by GM that provides 270 horsepower.

Regardless of which trends come and go, one thing will remain the same – New Jersey State Auto Auction will continue to be a great place to get behind the wheel of a used car. The dealer offers plenty of makes and models at affordable prices.

When buying a used car, looking into its history is one of the most important things you can do. It's the only way to be sure you won't be surprised by any lingering issues or unnoticeable damage later on. Retailer CarMax is being accused of not disclosing its vehicles history, allegations that may cause prospective buyers to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction.

According to The New York Times, the troubles stem from a 2008 ruling that required the retailer to tell consumers when a car had previously been in a rental fleet. However, a filing made last month claims that they haven't done so. CarMax has vehemently denied the charges, saying that it is in compliance with Maryland's law.

Making it clear that a used car was once a rental is a big part of protecting consumers. Industry insiders say that they are usually sold for less because it is difficult to get a precise history pertaining to its maintenance records.

"States like California and Maryland require disclosure of prior daily rental to avoid consumers paying too much," Clarence Ditlow, the executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, told the Times.

Before buying a used car there are a few things you should be sure to ask concerning its past. According to AOL Autos, you should be sure to inspect whether it has had many previous owners as well as if it has received routine maintenance.

New Jersey State Auto Auction will help allay the fear of not knowing your car's history thanks to the fact that every ride is Carfax certified. This way, you'll be sure that you're driving off the lot in a reliable automobile.

As the economy continues its slow recovery, growing consumer confidence is beginning to be reflected in auto sales. The price-tracking website TrueCar.com announced that 2011 saw the most vehicles sold since 2008, with both new and used cars seeing an increase.

Analysts found that about 12.8 million cars and trucks were sold during the year, which is up significantly compared to last year's figures. Additionally, experts predict that the trend will continue into next year, with J.D. Power and Associates estimating that 2012 will see about 13.7 million units sold.

December was a particularly good month for car sales. Additionally, the website found that there was an 24.4 percent jump compared to November in terms of new-car sales but used models also experienced growth.

"This year was absent of a blockbuster sales month but we see this pace of growth as healthy and sustainable in the coming year where the industry is going to sell nearly 14 million units based on the merits of its products and improved economy," Jesse Toprak, the website's vice president of industry trends and insight.

Certain brands experienced a better final month of the year than others, with Hyundai and Kia selling nearly 40 percent more cars in December 2011 than the previous year. Chrysler had a good month as well, with 33.8 percent higher sales than December 2010.

Whether you're looking to buy a used Hyundai, Kia or Chrylster, New Jersey State Auto Auction is the place to go. All of its makes and models are Carfax certified so you know you're getting a reliable vehicle.

One of the most iconic cars in television history is going on sale. No, it's not Kitt or the Batmobile, but the General Lee, the famous ride of The Dukes of Hazard. The instantly-recognizable 1969 Dodge Charger will be going up for auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, insideline.com reports.

While there were several versions of the General Lee over the seven-season run of the television show, this is the first one. In fact, this model is seen in the opening credit sequence of every episode. Despite its fame, it has followed an interesting path to get to where it is today.

According to the website, after it was featured in the series the Charger was taken to a junkyard where it stayed for decades until 2001. The car was significantly damaged as the result of the 82-foot-long jump shown in the credits, which made it seem like it would fall into the annals of television history, never to be seen again. 

However, some fans decided to take it upon themselves to restore the classic muscle car, a project they completed in 2006. There's no telling how much the vehicle will get when it goes up for auction, but a replica recently sold for $450,000.

"If Lee 1 sells for less than that," Travis Bell, who first purchased it in 2001, told the website.  "It would be sad."

While not everyone can get behind the wheel of a piece of TV history, it is easy to get a reliable used car thanks to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices.

As the calendar moves through the winter months, there are many ways that drivers can make sure their cars can handle the treacherous conditions. Still, regardless of how much maintenance you perform on your vehicle, there are certain makes and models that are better suited to the winter. Kelley Blue Book's website kbb.com recently unveiled its list of the top cars for winter driving.

The number six car happens to be one of the most popular SUVs on the road. The latest version of the Honda CR-V includes a number of features that make it an excellent pick for cold weather driving. For example, it includes an intelligent control system that makes keeping the car on the road a bit easier. Even if you're in the market for a used CR-V, the reliable vehicle will be sure to withstand the rigors of the colder months.

It's not just SUVs making their way on the list. The website also included crossovers such as the Chevrolet Traverse, which came in at number four. What makes this practical car a good choice for the winter is that it comes with optional all-wheel drive for when the roads are especially slick.

"Although this purposefully diverse roster includes a full spectrum of highly capable alternatives, all share one common trait: Each boasts some type of user-friendly all-wheel drive system that can help keep you on the road – figuratively and literally – as you head to your final destination," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.

Whether you're looking for an SUV or a crossover to get where you're going this winter, New Jersey State Auto Auction is likely to have it. The dealer offers a wide variety of used cars at affordable prices.

As more drivers look for ways to save money, many are choosing to perform auto maintenance on their older cars rather than buy a new one. In fact, a recent AAA survey found that half of American drivers are planning on keeping their older cars rather than buying new ones, the Middletown Journal reports. Though it may cost a bit, experts say that it is a smart move because putting off any fixes may end up costing more money in the long run due to larger repairs.

The change in attitude isn't just reflected in what drivers are saying, but in what they doing as well. A separate study found that the average length of ownership of both new and used cars is on the rise, and most people are planning on putting at least 50,000 more miles on their current car than their previous model. With an added emphasis on making cars last longer, mechanics say that there are certain things that cannot go overlooked.

"You have to change your oil, you have to change fluids, you have to change your tires and you have to replace things," Brian Hafer, vice president of marketing for AutoMD.com, told the newspaper.

According to Reader's Digest, there is a long list of ways for motorists to extend the life of their cars other than just making sure their fluids and tires are maintained. Among the most often-overlooked tips is having a lighter keychain. The publication reports that the added weight can put a lot of strain on the ignition. Additionally, you should make sure to have your wheel alignment checked every 30,000 miles or so.

If you're looking to extend the life of your car as long as possible, New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center is the place to go. Located in Jersey City, the center is open to the public and performs everything from maintenance to repairs.