Importance of Paying Attention to Check Engine Light

Cars need regular maintenance to continue functioning safely, and when problems arise, it is important for drivers to take action as soon as possible, regardless of how big or small the issues might be. One particular issue that crops up quite frequently is the check engine light. The Car Care Council indicates that one in 10 cars on the roads in the U.S. is operating with the check engine light on. When this symbol is illuminated on the dash panel, it is warning the driver that something is amiss underneath the hood.

"When the check engine light comes on, it means that a vehicle system, such as the ignition, fuel injection or emission control, is not operating properly, even if the vehicle appears to be running normally," said Rich White, the executive director of the Car Care Council. "A glowing check engine light doesn't mean you have to immediately pull the car to the side of the road, but it does mean you should get the car checked out as soon as possible."

Often, drivers dismiss the light, assuming it is on because there is a problem with the light itself. However, there are many different problems that could be related to the light, including a faulty oxygen sensor or ​trouble with the spark plugs. If the light starts blinking, it means the issue is more severe and requires immediate attention.

The sooner the light is addressed, the less severe the damage will likely be. Ignoring the light could lead to worsening issues and more expensive repairs.

In some cases the damages may not be worth the cost, as buying a new used car could be a better financial decision. Drivers can find a slew of makes and models at New Jersey State Auto Auction, and each vehicle is Carfax certified.

Used Cars Offer Great Value And Selection

Purchasing a used car doesn't have to mean you are stuck with limited choices. In fact, the current market for pre-owned vehicles boasts a large assortment of automobiles, with much of the growing selection consisting of recent models that offer great value for drivers. 

According to The Boston Herald, the combination of decreasing used-car prices and the riding quality in recent vehicles makes for lots of opportunities for excellent value, providing motorists know where to look. Many recent redesigns and popular new introductions have flooded the market, and drivers with money to spare have been investing in these automobiles while releasing their used cars – many of which are only a few years old – to the public. 

These used vehicles have many modern features that drivers are looking for while still offering discounted prices. The news source reports that the average cost of used cars is down 6 percent from its high point in May 2011, and many experts believe the price will keep dropping as the supply of pre-owned vehicles for sale grows. 

"If the new-car prices are out of your budget and you're looking to buy used to save a few dollars, used cars [from] the past few years are really good products," Alec Gutierrez, an analyst for Kelley Blue Book, told The Boston Herald. "If you take a look now, the manufacturers have made huge strides in improving their product." 

Drivers who are looking for quality used cars can turn to New Jersey State Auto Auction for help. The auction lot has plenty of CARFAX-certified vehicles, ranging from compact cars and sedans to vans and trucks. With so many options, it's easy to find a pre-owned automobile that has all of the features you need to stay safe and happy on the road. 

The Justice League Takes Off In A Kia Sorento

No one can deny that superheroes have style. Whether it's with their outfits or their rides, the larger-than-life characters that have starred in comic books, television shows and movies know how to make an impression. So it's no surprise that some of the most iconic superheroes acted as the inspiration for a customized Kia Sorento. Unveiled at San Diego Comic Con, the vehicle is the eighth and final car in a line that came from the partnership between the automaker and DC Entertainment. 

The exterior of the car features an airbrushed design with depictions of members of the Justice League, with the group's logo emblazoned on the hood of the Sorento. Each of the seven seats in the car has also been dedicated to a superhero – Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Flash and Cyborg are all present. 

This Sorento will be auctioned off to benefit the We Can Be Heroes campaign, which supports ending hunger in the Horn of Africa. 

"Auctioning the Justice League-inspired Sorento is the perfect way to finish off what has been a very positive and successful partnership between Kia and DC Entertainment to benefit the 'We Can Be Heroes' campaign," said Michael Sprague, an executive vice president at Kia Motors. "Like all of the Justice League-inspired vehicles before it, this customized Sorento blends the automotive and pop-culture worlds while also allowing Kia to extend our philanthropic efforts to support this very worthy cause." 

You may not be able to purchase your own superhero-inspired ride, but you can certainly check out the selection of Kia vehicles at places like the New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot is home to many CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, so there's a good chance you can find a used automobile that is perfect for you.  

Improve Mileage With Basic Car Maintenance

As gas prices continue to fluctuate, many drivers across the country are searching for ways to save at the pump. While some may be investing in hybrid technology or looking for used cars that offer great mileage, not everyone has the extra funds to make a purchase of this size. Luckily, there are a number of little things you can do to maximize your vehicle's fuel economy and save yourself some money. 

An easy task that can go a long way toward improving a car's mileage is to keep an eye on tire pressure. Under-inflated tires can result in significantly lower fuel efficiency, so ensuring they are at the level suggested by the manufacturer can increase fuel economy by up to 3 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. This translates into a savings of up to $0.11 per gallon, which adds up to quite a hefty amount in the long run. 

One of the best ways to improve fuel efficiency is to take your car to the shop for preventative maintenance. The basics of this usually consist of getting a tune up, where a professional can check your motor oil, air filter and more. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that regular maintenance can result in a 12 percent to 18 percent savings when compared to reactive maintenance, reducing emissions and improving mileage for your vehicle. 

Whether you think something is wrong or you're ready to get your car a tune up, you can bring it over to the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and can help you address any issues a car might have, while also providing basic vehicle maintenance that can keep your fuel efficiency up. 

Driverless Cars One Step Closer to Reality as UK Begins Testing

Google and other companies have been testing driverless car technology for a few years now, and the autonomous vehicles are making progress around the world. The BBC recently announced driverless cars will be tested on public roads in the U.K. by the end of the year. 

Researchers from Oxford University will be taking their modified Nissan Leaf, which relies on lasers and small cameras to get around, out on the streets in "semi-autonomous mode." This means a person will be riding along in the driver's seat with the ability to take over control of the vehicle in case of an emergency situation.

The U.K. government is allowing testing to commence in an effort to find ways to reduce congestion. The Department of Transport released a report detailing the current state of U.K. roads and dedicated £28 billion to improving road conditions, and a portion of these funds will go toward developing autonomous technology.

"They maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front at a set speed and without deviating from their lane – all without the driver's input," the report stated concerning driverless vehicles.

It remains unclear when autonomous cars will become commercially available, so until then drivers will need to do the work themselves to get their vehicles from point A to point B. They'll also need a reliable set of wheels to operate safely, and those in the market for used cars, trucks or SUVs can check out New Jersey State Auto Auction.

The dealership carries a wide selection of used makes and models, giving drivers the ability to test drive a variety so they can find the perfect vehicle to suit their needs. NJ Auto Auction also provides financing to help drivers get approved regardless of their credit history.

Car Shoppers Rejoice: Used Car Prices on the Decline

For car shoppers on a budget, used cars offer the opportunity to find a reliable ride for less than buying the same model new. While there are plenty of inexpensive new models on the market, searching for a used ride gives you the opportunity to get a model that might have been out of your price range when it first came out, creating a world of opportunities to get the car of your dreams without breaking the bank. The Associated Press reports that now may be the time to make a move if you've been delaying purchasing your next ride, as the used car market is ideal for buyers.

Things have only been improving since 2011 when the economic recession began to ebb. Back then, used car prices were comparable and sometimes higher than new, but now the tables are turning. More people are selling or trading in their current cars for newer models, which means the number of used cars for sale is on the rise. At the same time, demand has slowed, since some drivers are turning back to the new market. This equates to falling prices for used models, and Kelley Blue Book's Alec Guttierez told the AP the average cost of a used car has dropped 4 percent between April and June.

Drivers in the New York/New Jersey area can find the used car, truck or SUV that they want at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer carries a wide selection of makes and models at affordable prices and every vehicle on the lot is backed by Carfax. Drivers can also secure their financing on the spot, as NJ Auto Auction partners with a number of lenders to help get you approved quickly regardless of your credit score.

How To Handle A Car Crash

When you prepare your vehicle for a road trip or get a tune-up to extend its life, you're doing everything you can to keep the automobile in peak condition. However, there is only so much you can do when it comes to keeping your car on the road for longer. Unforeseeable and unavoidable events pop up all the time, and while some of these situations may result in no more than nicks and scratches, others could cause serious damage to a vehicle. 

If you find yourself in the middle of a car accident, the first thing you should do is take note of your surroundings and get off of the road. You don't want to block traffic or put yourself in a dangerous situation, so moving to the side of the roadway whenever possible is your best bet. At that time, you can notify the proper authorities and appraise the situation. 

Another helpful tip is to take photographs of any damage or injuries, as these pictures can help move along insurance claims. 

"A car crash can leave you feeling overwhelmed, frightened and vulnerable," said Michael Consedine, the insurance commissioner for the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. "Even if the crash appears to be minor, consumers need to document what happened and contact their insurance company to start the claims process." 

If your car has suffered minor damage in an accident, or perhaps a major problem has sent you looking for a new ride, you do have options available that can help to keep costs low. At NJ State Auto Auction, there is a wide selection of CARFAX-certified vehicles on the lot, as well as a Total Car Care Center that can help drivers deal with issues that arise with their cars. 

Garmin Introduces HUD Navigation System to Reduce Distracted Driving

The ability to display pertinent information such as directions and mileage on the windshield of a car is slowly beginning to appear in higher-end vehicles, but now the high-tech accessory is available for everyone. Garmin, a popular navigation system company, recently unveiled its stand-alone heads-up display (HUD), which can be used in any vehicle.

The device, which will cost only $129.99 when it is released later this summer, projects directions as well as your current speed and the speed limit for the road onto the windshield. It also adjusts to the brightness so you can use it day or night. You will need to place a special film on the glass for the images to appear, but this is a small price to pay for having the ability to use navigation assistance without needing to take your eyes off the road.

"HUD redefines the navigation experience by allowing drivers to find their way without taking their eyes off the road," said Dan Bartel, Garmin's vice president of worldwide sales. "Head-up displays currently have their place in select high-end cars, but HUD makes this technology available as an aftermarket accessory for any vehicle, at an affordable price."

The best part about this new feature is that it can be used in any car. Drivers in the market for used vehicles don't need to peruse 1-year-old models or shell out big bucks for a luxury model to find the cool, futuristic features they want, like heads-up displays. The Garmin HUD works with Bluetooth, so you can easily pair it with your smartphone. You will need to have either the Garmin StreetPilot or NAVIGON app to use the device, but this will give you access to regional maps, speed limit warnings, traffic updates and other helpful features.

Car shoppers can find a great used ride at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealership has a wide selection of makes and models, many of which include fun and useful features like infotainment systems and backup cameras. 

AutoTrader Survey Reveals Drivers’ True Feelings About Their Cars

Whether drivers take their cars in for tune-ups more often than they need to or they've come up with a cute nickname for their wheels, there's no doubt motorists develop an emotional connection with their vehicles. AutoTrader.com confirmed this sentiment in its recent Automotive Relationship Survey, which set out to determine why people are holding onto their cars longer than ever before.

In 2012, the most recent year for which data is available, the average age of a car on the road was just shy of 11 years, according to Polk data. Many believed the reason for the record high age was that consumers were waiting longer to replace their vehicles due to the recession, but the study shows there are other, more personal factors at play as well.

The survey revealed that 70 percent of respondents felt very or somewhat attached to their current cars, trucks or SUVs. More than 25 percent said they felt sad when they contemplated getting rid of their vehicles. Women tended to forge connections with their cars' appearances more often than men (48 percent of ladies compared to 29 percent of men), while more guys (57 percent) bonded with their wheels over adventures that took place behind the wheel than women (20 percent).

"The emotional attachment people feel for their cars is interesting, but not completely surprising," said Dr. Michelle Callahan, life coach and relationship expert. "In addition to the large financial investment, a car can become a significant emotional investment – it's there with them for major milestones in their lives like weddings, new babies and graduations, and it's literally the vehicle that makes being physically present in these moments possible."

When it does finally come time to say farewell to your beloved ride, you can find a new four-wheeled companion at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealership has a wide selection of makes and models, which will make it easy to discover a new best friend.

Fuel Economy Continues to Improve in June

In an attempt to meet consumer demand for fuel efficient vehicles and comply with the 2016 CAFE, or corporate average fuel economy, standards, automakers are ramping up efforts to improve fuel economy across their fleets. The result is a steady gain in miles per gallon across the industry.

TrueCar.com tracks fuel economy by collecting data from brands, manufacturers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The June numbers show a 0.7 mpg improvement last month compared to June 2012. The industry average hovers around 23.7 mpg for cars and trucks, which held steady from May. U.S. manufacturers saw the biggest month-over-month gains, as the TrueMPG went from 22.0 mpg to 23.1 mpg in June.

"Despite the relative drop in gas prices, consumers' preference for fuel efficient vehicles only grew stronger in June," said Jesse Toprak, TrueCar's senior analyst. "Even though we observed unseasonably strong increase in truck sales in recent months, the higher efficient of the new models resulted in another month of improvement in overall TrueMPG for the industry."

While the report focuses on new cars, drivers in the market to purchase used cars, trucks or SUVs can still find models with great fuel economy, including hybrids like the Toyota Prius. The TrueMPG provides an average, which includes vehicles with high mileage and those with lower mileage. This means drivers will have plenty of vehicles to choose from that are a few years old but still get more miles per gallon than some new cars on the market. To find a great ride, car shoppers can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has a wide selection of makes and models to choose from.