Buying a car is a lot like making any other decision – at the end of the day, you’re the one who has the last word in choosing your fate. But there are a number of myths that stand in the way of reaching that final decision to buy, and even the craziest misconceptions can sway some choices. But don’t worry – we’ve highlighted a few common car shopping superstitions to remove from your mind before you head to the dealership:

1. You can get a great deal on a rainy day
According to Edmunds, this is a common myth that many people believe. The idea is that nobody else will be out shopping for cars on a rainy day, so you’ll be the only one to score the best deals. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. On one hand, you could have a lot full of people who believed the same fable that you did. Or, you’ll be jumping from car to car in the pouring rain, only to find yourself walking away in drenched clothing and lost hopes for a “incredible deal.”

2. All car dealers are going to rip you off
It’s your car dealer’s job to make a return on investment for the dealership. That means he’s probably going to offer you the vehicle for way more than it’s worth. But that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s ripping you off – he’s just doing his job. Instead of letting him get away with it during your car buying experience, you need to make sure you do your research. Autobytel stated there’s really no excuse for getting overcharged nowadays. That’s because you can search the internet and find the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, similar prices being paid in your area, the worth of your trade-in and your interest rate qualification. Learn everything you need to know before heading to the dealer so you can counter his offer with a better one.

Make sure you do your research before heading to the dealership.

3. When you pay in cash, you get the better deal
There’s no difference between handing over cash or paying with a loan. And while the dealership might think they’re making it easier on themselves to just accept the stack of money, they’d make a better sale if they took the loan. For example, if you qualify for a loan at 5 percent and you get 7 percent from financing through the dealer, they’re going to make that extra 2 percent. That’s because financial institutions often give dealerships a good portion of the loan when you finance your car with them. Buying your car in cash might make you feel like a hot shot, but at the end of the day, that’s the only benefit that comes out of it.

4. Car reviews give you all the information you need
Sure, getting a second opinion before you purchase a new vehicle is always nice, especially if it’s a good one. However, the whole idea of a second opinion is that it comes after yours, so you need to go check out the car for yourself before anything. It might be convenient to sit on your couch and browse the internet for a review on that car you want, but that shouldn’t be where the decision is finalized. Make sure you get to that dealership and test drive the car for yourself before coming to a conclusion. After all, it’s you who’s going to be driving it around for the next 5 years or more, not that virtual friend of yours.

5. If you don’t buy now, you’ll never get the incredible offer
Sometimes, walking away from the dealer after looking into their best deal is difficult – especially if they tell you the bargain ends tomorrow. However, Cartelligent stated that unless you’ve found the car of your dreams that plans to go off the market tomorrow, you’ll probably find a similar or better deal in a week or two. Don’t settle for the low price if it’s not the ride you want. Who knows, maybe your ideal car will end up showing up on that bargain lot soon!

Now that we’ve debunked those crazy car shopping myths, you’re ready to get to the dealership! Come down to NJ Auto Auction, where we have a lot full of Carfax-certified vehicles we’d love you to take for a test drive.

While you might like the hot weather that comes with summer, your car isn’t exactly a fan of those extreme temperatures. Excessive warmth can cause damage to your tires, battery and engine, and even keep your air conditioning system from running properly, according to Autotrader. However, with the routine maintenance and care, your ride will do just fine in the blazing heat.

Here are four tips for keeping your vehicle safe during the dog days of summer:

1. Get your fluids checked
During the summer months, monitoring your engine coolant is key. This fluid keeps your ride from overheating and ultimately breaking down. Most cars have a closed system for coolant, so checking and filling it is a simple task you can complete on your own. The same goes for your windshield washer fluid – it’s easy to add and it’s a must when you’re driving in the summer, especially with the amount of bugs you’ll likely squash during your road trip.

An oil change is always important, but it’s especially crucial during the warmer months – when you don’t change it, the engine becomes too hot, which isn’t ideal in excessive heat. Eventually, if you keep skipping this maintenance task, your engine will shut down completely. Don’t let this happen while you’re on the road this summer, you’ll end up drenched in sweat on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck.

2. Monitor your battery
Did you know that the warm weather has an impact on your battery, too? According to the Allstate Blog, the liquid inside your battery evaporates as temperatures rise, causing it to die. If your battery is old, it might not even hold a charge or jump-start after this happens. It’s common to forget about maintaining your battery, but you should make it a priority to replace it every three years or so. If you don’t know how old your current one is, it’s worth taking it to the shop to find out.

3. Change your tires
Extreme temperatures put added stress on your tires, according to Car and Driver. The heat will also cause your air pressure to rise. Be cautious and get your tire condition and air pressure checked monthly during the summer. Always be sure to rotate your tires and get them changed every 5,000 miles.

A new set of tires will help you ride smoothly all summer.

4. Maintain your air conditioning
There’s nothing better than rolling down the windows and blasting your music on a summer’s day, but only if the weather permits. If the temperatures are too high, you’ll rely on your air conditioning to keep you and your friends cool. Therefore, it’s important to have your system checked annually, especially if it seems like it’s not working as efficiently as it should. Autotrader suggested checking your owner’s manual to see when it’s time to change your filter. Then, take it to the shop for some maintenance.

Saving your car is worth the cost
The maintenance services you should perform on your vehicle this summer might seem expensive, but they’ll be worth it in the long run.

“It takes very little time and money to make sure your car runs properly during summer, and although breakdowns happen, they can definitely be minimized by taking a few extra preventive maintenance steps,” executive director of Car Care Council Rich White told Car and Driver.

The season of summer might be coming to a close soon, but that doesn’t mean the hot temperatures aren’t going to stick around. To be cautious, consider taking your ride in for its routine maintenance at NJ Auto Auction. We have a service shop with technicians who will make certain your car is running smoothly.

While you might like the hot weather that comes with summer, your car isn’t exactly a fan of those extreme temperatures. Excessive warmth can cause damage to your tires, battery and engine, and even keep your air conditioning system from running properly, according to Autotrader. However, with the routine maintenance and care, your ride will do just fine in the blazing heat.

Here are four tips for keeping your vehicle safe during the dog days of summer:

1. Get your fluids checked
During the summer months, monitoring your engine coolant is key. This fluid keeps your ride from overheating and ultimately breaking down. Most cars have a closed system for coolant, so checking and filling it is a simple task you can complete on your own. The same goes for your windshield washer fluid – it’s easy to add and it’s a must when you’re driving in the summer, especially with the amount of bugs you’ll likely squash during your road trip.

An oil change is always important, but it’s especially crucial during the warmer months – when you don’t change it, the engine becomes too hot, which isn’t ideal in excessive heat. Eventually, if you keep skipping this maintenance task, your engine will shut down completely. Don’t let this happen while you’re on the road this summer, you’ll end up drenched in sweat on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck.

2. Monitor your battery
Did you know that the warm weather has an impact on your battery, too? According to the Allstate Blog, the liquid inside your battery evaporates as temperatures rise, causing it to die. If your battery is old, it might not even hold a charge or jump-start after this happens. It’s common to forget about maintaining your battery, but you should make it a priority to replace it every three years or so. If you don’t know how old your current one is, it’s worth taking it to the shop to find out.

3. Change your tires
Extreme temperatures put added stress on your tires, according to Car and Driver. The heat will also cause your air pressure to rise. Be cautious and get your tire condition and air pressure checked monthly during the summer. Always be sure to rotate your tires and get them changed every 5,000 miles.

A new set of tires will help you ride smoothly all summer.

4. Maintain your air conditioning
There’s nothing better than rolling down the windows and blasting your music on a summer’s day, but only if the weather permits. If the temperatures are too high, you’ll rely on your air conditioning to keep you and your friends cool. Therefore, it’s important to have your system checked annually, especially if it seems like it’s not working as efficiently as it should. Autotrader suggested checking your owner’s manual to see when it’s time to change your filter. Then, take it to the shop for some maintenance.

Saving your car is worth the cost
The maintenance services you should perform on your vehicle this summer might seem expensive, but they’ll be worth it in the long run.

“It takes very little time and money to make sure your car runs properly during summer, and although breakdowns happen, they can definitely be minimized by taking a few extra preventive maintenance steps,” executive director of Car Care Council Rich White told Car and Driver.

The season of summer might be coming to a close soon, but that doesn’t mean the hot temperatures aren’t going to stick around. To be cautious, consider taking your ride in for its routine maintenance at NJ Auto Auction. We have a service shop with technicians who will make certain your car is running smoothly.

Summer’s here – the season that poses the perfect opportunity for a road trip. It’s time to pack your bags, throw on your sunglasses and fill up the gas tank en route to the beach. But while you might be trying to leave the worries of life behind, you still need to take precautionary measures before getting on the highway.

It’s common to assume winter is the most dangerous season, due to its harsh weather and poor driving conditions. But it turns out that summer has it beat, and that’s because of its high levels of traffic and congested roadways. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Highway Loss Data Institute, the number of motor vehicle crash deaths that occurred in summer 2014 amounted to 8,796, while the number was only 7,248 in winter.

If you plan to hit the road during the summer driving season, just be sure to follow these safety tips:

1. Check your tires
Do you want to stay safe and save money while you’re on the road? Then The Huffington Post suggested checking your tires before you take off. Tires that are well-maintained can keep you from experiencing a potential breakdown, all while improving your handling and fuel efficiency. Make sure the air pressure levels in your tires always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation – this can actually increase your fuel efficiency by one mile per gallon! Just be cautious and take your car to the auto shop. The maintenance workers can take a look at your tires and let you know if they’re good to go.

Make sure the air pressure levels in your tires match the manufacturer’s suggestion.

2. Pack the car accordingly
You might be inclined to take your entire wardrobe on the trip, but you need to keep your limited space in mind. Your friends and family need some of the cargo room, too! Packing too much could be bad for your car  – exceeding the payload capacity can cause the cabin to drop and ultimately damage your vehicle. If you think you’ve overdone it with the luggage, consider weighing your bags and then check the owner’s manual for information on maximum weight your vehicle can carry.

3. Stay focused on the road
Once you’ve buckled up, put the key in the ignition and set the radio station, make sure you’re staying completely focused on the road. For starters, the California Office of Traffic Safety suggested staying off your phone – even hands free – while you’re driving, both talking and texting. If you need to make an important call or send an urgent message, wait until you reach a rest stop.

If you’re starting to feel tired while driving, ask one of the other passengers to take a shift. This can help you avoid fatigue and reduce your risk of falling asleep at the wheel. Also, make sure you have time set aside to take frequent stops along the route. This gives everyone the chance to get up and stretch while your mind takes a break from focusing on the road.

4. Watch out for road hazards and construction zones
Between potholes created in the winter and construction projects preparing to fix them, you’re bound to run into a few hazards while you’re on the road. Just make certain you’re keeping a watchful eye out for construction zones, and always obey the signs. Almost every state increases fines for speeding or violating other traffic laws while driving through construction zones, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association, so be cautious! After all, who wants to receive a ticket on their way to the beach?

5. Keep motorcyclists in mind
During the summer, you’ll notice more motorcyclists on the road, especially traveling on the highway. Unfortunately, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation reported that over half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle, and the cyclist is almost never at fault. While driving to your vacation destination this summer, be especially cautious around choppers. Check your rearview mirrors carefully when changing lanes, and always be mindful when following a cyclist. Allow more distance behind the motorcycle than you normally would with a car just in case you’re in a situation that leads to slamming on your breaks.

Always leave plenty of space when trailing behind motorcyclists.

6. Keep your children entertained
You might think your smartphone is your biggest distraction on the road, but your children can actually be 12 times more distracting, according to The Travelers Indemnity Company. To stay safe in the car, create entertaining diversions for your kids. Bring snacks, books and portable game consoles to keep them occupied while you drive to your destination.

7. Always buckle up
Sure, your passengers might complain that the seatbelt is uncomfortable during your long trip, but that’s no excuse to stop wearing it. As the driver, it’s crucial to make certain that everyone in the car is always buckled up while the vehicle is in motion – yourself included. Almost every state has at least a secondary law that requires seat belt use, so make sure everyone’s wearing it! It doesn’t only keep you from getting a ticket, it can also save your life.

Does your car need a tune up before you hit the road? Head to NJ Auto Auction, where one of our maintenance workers can give your car the care it deserves.

There’s nothing like packing the car with your closest friends and heading out on a road trip. It’s an opportunity to travel somewhere new and create memories in the process. But in order to make the most of your travels, you’ll want to plan an itinerary that takes you to the best stops along your route. MarketWatch explained that a great scenic pathway consists of breathtaking views of water, mountains and other natural features, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.

Here are a few road trip destinations you should consider this summer:

1. Overseas Highway, Florida
Florida is a great summer vacation spot for so many reasons. Besides the gorgeous weather, there’s an abundance of blue water you can enjoy for miles and miles. If you take Route 1 from Key Largo to Key West, you’ll soon find yourself traveling through Islamorada on a bridge that’s surrounded by a beautiful turquoise sea. CNN reported that the Overseas Highway is an entry to incredible secluded islands and historic shipwrecks – making it a great destination for sight-seeing tourists.

2. Pacific Coast Highway
If you’d rather head out West for your road trip, consider the scenic route of the Pacific Coast Highway. From Santa Barbara, California to the Canadian border, the whirlwind of twists and turns along the cliffs will make for an unforgettable experience itself. National Geographic stated that this designated “All-American Road” is among the nation’s most scenic routes that you simply can’t pass up. Besides the many mountains plunging into the Pacific, you’ll pass through villages, meadows and canyons, so you can enjoy plenty of Mother Nature’s beautiful offerings.

3. Route 66
For those who don’t know what Route 66 is, you deserve a road trip, because you’ve obviously been living under a rock. This famous 2,451-mile stretch is one of America’s most historic highways, which runs from Chicago, Illinois and ends in Santa Monica, California. A road trip on Route 66 poses so many sight-seeing opportunities as well as pit stop destinations along the drive. The Guardian points out Cadillac Ranch in Texas, just west of Amarillo, which displays incredible artwork made out of graffiti-coated Cadillacs. And you can’t forget about the Grand Canyon, which is known for its overwhelming natural scenery that makes it one of the most distinguishable landmarks of the West.

This famous route is one of America’s most historic.

4. Mount Washington Auto Road, New Hampshire
If you’re looking for a rustic, woodsy route to travel, consider climbing Mount Washington’s Auto Road in New Hampshire. Usually, getting to the top of peak requires a back-packing adventure on foot. However, this trip allows you to sit back in the comfort of your car, making quite the unique experience. The constantly changing weather is always altering the famous mountain, which amounts to the rare sights you’ll see each time you travel uphill. Mount Washington Auto Road’s official site offers its famous “This Car Climbed Mount Washington” bumper sticker, so you can show off your accomplishment well after your adventure.

5. Acadia All American Road, Maine
For winding roads that take you through Maine’s North-central coast, consider driving along the Acadia All American Road for your trip. En route, you’ll see granite peaks, fishing villages and forests along the coastline, which could potentially inspire you to pull over and hit the trails for a hike. But that’s not all you can enjoy – the Travel Channel insists stopping at Galyn’s in Bar Harbor for a serving of fresh and local seafood. Besides, what’s a trip to Maine without treating yourself to some lobster?

6. Tail of the Dragon – Tennessee/North Carolina
While road trip courses are often chosen for the scenery, this route isn’t quite the same. MarketWatch reported that the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap is most famous for its difficulty and excitement. The journey itself is only 11 miles, but it’s not boring whatsoever. Most people travel here for the sharp curves and thrills – so if you choose this destination, just be sure you’re driving cautiously the entire time – this definitely isn’t a laid back, typical road trip by any means.

Before you head out on your summer road trip, you’ll have to make sure your car is up-to-date on maintenance services. There’s no need to stress about getting the job done on your own, just head to NJ Auto Auction and we’ll take care of it for you! Our maintenance guys will make sure your car is in top shape to drive along whichever route you choose.

When it comes to investing in a car, there are a number of details you need to keep in mind. If the price seems out of your range, then you should look elsewhere. Because although you want the quality of a brand new car, sometimes, putting all of your eggs in one basket isn’t the best idea. You have to consider all of the other costs of owning a car – gas, maintenance, insurance, etc. If you want to save a good amount of money when investing, buying a used car is your best option. Here are a few reasons why:

1. It’s a reliable choice
According to Consume Reports, used cars are more reliable now than ever. After analyzing annual subscriber surveys from past years, CR found while rust and exhaust problems used to be common in five-year-old vehicles, it’s no longer an issue. Major engine and transmission problems have also decreased, proving used cars are at less of a risk for standing as an unreliable choice. It is said that most cars today should be able to pass 100,000 miles – some even reaching 200,000 – as long as proper routine maintenance is performed.

Most cars can pass 100,000 miles nowadays.

2. The overall cost is less
Not only is the payment you’re putting down on the used car going to be less than a new one, but other costs will be lower, too. Typically, financing a used car comes with a lower monthly payment, and insurance costs are usually decreased as well. And according to Bankrate, registration fees are also lower for used cars. Overall, by choosing to purchase a used car instead of a brand new one, you and your wallet are going to be happy.

3. If you shop smart, you won’t get ripped off
For some, buying a used car seems like risky business. How do truly you know what the car went through in the past? You could trust the seller to be honest with you, but what happens if he isn’t and you find yourself on the side of the road after a week of owning the car? Thankfully, nowadays most used cars can be checked with Carfax, a company that produces a full report to provide valuable information about the vehicle’s history. Before buying, ask the seller to show you a history report. If he neglects to provide the information, take that as a red flag and search elsewhere.

After deciding to buy used, head over to NJ Auto Auction, where you’ll find a lot full of Carfax-certified vehicles to choose from.

Whether you're ready to move on to bigger and better things or you just want to say goodbye to the clunker in general, selling your car can be a gratifying feeling. However, it's not as simple as parking it out front, throwing a "for sale" sign on the windshield and calling it a day. You're going to have to prepare the car for its new home. By getting your car in shape for top sale, you can help your customers get more bang for their buck, all while receiving a pretty penny to put on a down payment for your new ride.

Don't neglect your car before handing the keys over to a new owner. Instead, follow these tips for getting your car in top shape for sale.

1. Polish and detail
Before you take care of any maintenance issues, it's important to start by giving the looks some love. Forbes talked to a number of car experts and they all agreed that cleaning and detailing the car is the first step you should take to get it ready for point of sale. Ebay Motors Senior Manager Clayton Stanfield told Forbes it's a crucial yet easy task for prepping your car for a new owner.

"Thoroughly cleaning your vehicle is absolutely crucial – it's one of the simplest things you can do," he said. "You want to make sure that your potential buyers are seeing your vehicle at its best."

Invest in a thorough shampoo and vacuum job – it'll be well worth it in the long run.

2. Do your research
After giving your ride the clean and polish it deserves, it's time to analyze the car's current performance.  Your next step in preparing your car for sale is to do your research. Find out your vehicle's value and check local listings to see what else is out on the market. Also, search sale history of similar vehicles in your area – this can give you a better idea of what to expect when selling your car in regard to profit and timeliness.

Also, if you've been good about taking care of your car, make sure to gather proof to share with the buyers. About.com's Keith Griffin told Forbes that this is a critical part of the research process.

"Service records are immensely important in a private sale to show prospective buyers that things have been taken care of at the right intervals," he said.

Taking care of your car all of those years can really reward you in the end if you've saved documentation.

3. Invest in last-minute repairs
Sure, you're ready to get rid of this car, but you're not going to sell it if you have outstanding damage that needs repairs. Whether it's noticeable scratches and chipped paint or the check engine light is on, the buyer is going to hesitate when it's time to make a deal. Carsguide suggested investing your time and dollars into making these repairs. Depending on the damage of the car, it might not even cost you much. Just take the car to the shop, get an estimate for the repairs and ask if it's worth it – a maintenance worker can give you great advice about your ride.

Repairing dents and scratches before putting it on the market could determine it's likeliness of selling.

4. Top off the fluids
According to Car Talk, it's in your best interest to top of all fluids before putting your car on the market. That means getting the oil changed and filling the brake and windshield fluids. This shows the buyer that you've been taking care of the car. It also suggests that you care about the buyer – who wants to see the oil light come on over the dashboard only days after buying a car?

If you've successfully sold your car and you're ready to start your search for a new vehicle, head to NJ Auto Auction. There, you'll find a lot full of inexpensive Carfax-certified used cars to choose from.

Lemons seem to be on everyone's mind since Beyonce released her latest album album. However, in the car world, lemons are not as fierce as Queen B makes them out to be. In fact, buyers should be wary of dealers who try to sell them "lemons." Lemon cars are vehicles "that have a substantial defect covered by the warranty that occurred within a certain period of time or number of miles after you bought the car, and can not be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts," according to NOLO.com. The source reported that about one percent of all the vehicles sold in the United States each year qualify as lemons. Though lemon cars aren't as big of a concern for buyers as they once were, people should still know how to spot them.

Do a thorough inspection 
Most people will be able to spot a questionable car immediately, but some damage is harder to catch. If you're buying a used car, do an inspection of the interior and exterior.

Interior – You should be wary of cars that smell of mold or mildew. This can be a sign of faulty window seals or past flooding. You should also check the dashboard system to ensure all the gauges work correctly. Frayed seatbelts and worn pedals are also signs of high mileage. 

Exterior – The paint job is a good indication that work has been done to the body of the car. If you notice mismatching or slightly varying paint, it can be a signal to you that the car required maintenance. Checking the tires, suspension and engine for signs of visible damage is also a smart idea.

By inspecting the car thoroughly and using your best judgment, you can lower your risk of getting stuck with a lemon.

Conduct a car history report 
Even if your dealer isn't being honest with you, a car history report will be. Either request this from the seller or find one yourself online. These reports will inform you if your car has ever been involved in an accident or recall, undergone heavy maintenance or been repossessed. It will include information that a dealer may neglect to tell you if you don't ask outright. CarFax and Lemon Checks are two great websites for accessing vehicle history reports. 

Only buy from a reputable dealer 
The surest way to avoid purchasing a lemon is to work with a dealer that has an excellent service record. Take the time to carefully research different car sellers online. You can read customer reviews and compare competitors. The more research you do, the more comfortable you will feel knowing that you're working with someone trustworthy. 

No one wants to purchase a vehicle they love only to find out that they've been duped. Knowing how to spot lemon cars could prevent buyers from getting stuck with a useless ride. If for some reason you do end up with a lemon, the DMV has a full list of the Lemon Laws in every state.