The cost of a gallon of gas fluctuates on a daily basis, and while the past few months have seen lower prices, the numbers are beginning to climb once more. The Detroit Free Press reports that the average cost of a gallon recently edged past $3.60, marking the highest price since October 22. Costs have been on the rise since mid-December when they hit a low of about $3.25.

The Energy Information Administration tracks gas prices across the U.S. on a weekly basis, and the Central Atlantic region saw prices climb nearly 7 cents in one week. The current average in this area, which includes New York and New Jersey, is a bit higher than the country’s average at $3.73 per gallon, roughly 10 cents higher than the cost during this week in 2012.

While these costs may be out of your control, you can take action to try and reduce the amount you’re spending at the pump. Getting regular maintenance and keeping up with any necessary repairs will help your vehicle run more efficiently, which will improve its fuel economy. You should also check the tire pressure regularly, as too little air in the tires will require your car to work harder and use more gas than if it was running at optimal conditions.

If you’re thinking about trading in your current vehicle, you can look into fuel efficient models to replace the car your have now. There are plenty of fuel efficient used cars, including hybrid options like the Toyota Prius. New Jersey State Auto Auction has a variety of makes and models to choose from, making it easy to find the ride you want. Plus, every model is CARFAX certified, so you know you’ll get behind the wheel of a reliable ride when you buy from NJ Auto Auction.

Honda was recently given the first-ever “Driver Engagement” award at the Chicago Auto Show. Since social media has become an integral part of marketing for most major car companies, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association decided to introduce a new award at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show to showcase the effectiveness of marketing through sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Japanese automaker’s campaign, Honda Loves You Back, beat out runners-up Nissan and Dodge to take the prize. 

“We are thrilled and proud that the latest edition in our Honda Loves You Back social media campaign has been recognized. We’re so grateful for the love our customers express for their Honda vehicles,” said Alicia Jones, manager of social media at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “I think it’s the simplicity of the campaign’s intent – to say thank you and share the conversation with them – that makes it work.”‘

The Honda campaign showcased a music video from the up-and-coming band Monsters Calling Home, as the video was filmed inside one of the band member’s Honda. The car company got the band booked on” Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in a symbolic gesture of giving back to fans of the brand.

Social media campaigns like this help drivers connect more personally with a brand, as they can interact with a company by uploading their stories and photos. Toyota, for instance, ran a campaign for fans to upload photos to Instagram. The winning picture was featured during Toyota’s Super Bowl commercial.

Whether drivers have been won over by a marketing campaign or they just prefer a certain brand, they’ll be able to find a variety of used models at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Every vehicle on the lot comes with a full CARFAX vehicle history report, so drivers know exactly what they’re buying.

Kia recently unveiled its Superman-inspired Optima Hybrid, the sixth installment of its eight-car charitable campaign, “We Can Be Heroes,” at the Chicago International Auto Show. The South Korean automaker is customizing eight different vehicles to represent the superheroes who make up DC Entertainment’s Justice League – Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman and Cyborg. With the help of DC Entertainment co-publisher Jim Lee, Kia designers created a vehicle that captures the unbeatable invincibility and upstanding nature of the FDR-era Superman.

“As the most recognized superhero in the world, Superman is a symbol of strength and integrity, making him the perfect character to join forces with Kia’s first-ever hybrid to create a customized ride powered by a robust and efficient powertrain,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing and communications for Kia Motors America. “Each of our Justice League-inspired vehicles are remarkable collaborations between the automotive and comic book worlds, and all for a worthy cause.”

The Superman-themed car has a few fancy features, including a button that raises and lowers the suspension, customized fenders, red headlights and other red accents, and of course, the iconic “S” logo the hero wears on his costume. This and the other super-cars are being used to promote DC Entertainment’s efforts to raise funds to help people in the Horn of Africa who are fighting drought and famine.

While this ride is one-of-a-kind, drivers looking for used cars can head over to New Jersey Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of makes and models, including a variety of Kia cars as well as hybrid options like the Toyota Prius. Every model on the lot is CARFAX certified, so drivers can get behind the wheel of a reliable vehicle whether they want to save the world by going green or opt for something a bit more traditional.

When you’re looking to purchase a used car, there are many different aspects to consider, including the initial price as well as a vehicle’s safety and reliability, but perhaps one of the most important elements of having a car is the long-term cost of ownership. After you shell out the dough to buy your car, you won’t stop spending money on your purchase. Everything from fueling up to getting regular maintenance and insuring your vehicle will add up over time, and some models cost more to own than others. For instance, a large SUV like a GMC Terrain will likely use more gas and cost more to fill at the pump than a smaller model like a Honda Civic.

You can research the cost of ownership of certain vehicles online or by asking people who own them about the expenses. In addition to fuel consumption, you will want to find out how frequently a particular model needs to be serviced, whether it is known for needing repairs or part replacements regularly, and how expensive it is to insure. A sporty Porsche 911 is going to have a higher insurance premium than an entry-level sedan like a Ford Fiesta. Some brands and models are known to break down more frequently than others that have a reputation for being reliable.

You should factor long-term costs into your decision before purchasing a used car, especially if a vehicle is priced well below the average selling price for that model. This could indicate it is in less-than-ideal condition, so the money you save up front would be made up by the repairs you’ll need to pay for down the line.

When you have done your research, you can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction to find the vehicle you desire. The dealer carries a wide selection of makes and models, and every car on the lot is CARFAX certified, so you know you’ll be getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride.