New York traffic has a reputation for being the stuff of nightmares. Road rage, reckless drivers, countless roadblocks, slow-moving tourists – you name it, the region deals with it on a daily basis. As it turns out, this reputation may be well-earned. Several new studies have shed light on the extremes of traffic in the New York area, and some of the truths may be tough for regular drivers to stomach. 

Regional commutes aren't easy
TomTom recently released its fifth annual Traffic Index, and the results confirm what we already know: New York traffic is bad. According to the report, the Big Apple is the fourth-most congested city in the U.S., ranking only behind Los Angeles, San Francisco and Honolulu. And the area's congestion is only getting worse. New York saw its traffic increase in the past year, pushing it from sixth to fourth on TomTom's list. 

All of this traffic only adds to the work week for most regional drivers. The study noted that the average rush hour congestion increases a commute by about 46 percent compared to times when there's no traffic. However, New Yorkers may have it a bit worse, as their commutes add up to extend the work week. NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer released a report stating that the typical commute for a worker in the city averages six hours and 18 minutes per week. That's the highest in the nation, according to the New York Post, and it gives people a total work week of about 49.1 hours. 

New York traffic is some of the worst in the nation.

It doesn't have to be work
Just because your commute is counted as part of your work day doesn't mean it can't be enjoyable. All you need is the right environment. That starts with riding in a car you like – and one that can handle the stress of your commute. Your vehicle should be comfortable and efficient on the roads in any type of traffic, and that kind of service shouldn't be costly. 

You can find just the right ride at NJ State Auto Auction. Our lot is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans that are available at competitive prices. As if that's not enough, the in-house financing team is ready and able to secure credit approval and get you a loan that works. You'll get behind the wheel quickly and painlessly, all the while ensuring your used car is one that will meet all your needs on the way to work. 

Not all used car dealerships are honest. While the team at New Jersey State Auto Auction may be dedicated to getting you behind the wheel of a car you can trust, other sellers are more interested in your cash. It’s these less-than-reputable dealers who may try to employ scams or tricks to convince you to invest in a low-quality car. 

But you aren’t without power. All you have to do is arm yourself with a bit of knowledge and you’ll be poised to spot the schemes before they get you. Here are three tests you can conduct as you’re browsing a used car selection to make sure a vehicle is in good shape. While these examinations won’t catch everything, they do act as a way to spot some of the most common cover-ups in the industry. 

1. The Magnet Test
You can determine if a car has had any shoddy repairs with the help of the magnet test. Consumer Reports recommended prospective buyers complete the simple process to make sure the frame of a vehicle is safe, and it’s pretty easy to do. Take a magnet and run it across a vehicle’s doors and fenders. In most cases, the magnet should be attracted to these spots. If it doesn’t stick, it could be a sign of body filler or some other subpar patch. 

2. The Sniff Test 
Odors can signify a lot of things going on with a car. While most drivers would love to inhale that new car smell every time they sit behind the wheel, the reality is they may sniff something that indicates damage. Check the interior and the trunk for any out-of-place aromas. It’s a good idea to brush up on some of the most common smells before hitting the lot to easily identify problems. For example, a musty or damp odor is often a warning sign of water damage, whereas the stench of rotten eggs might indicate problems with the engine. 

A quick sniff in a car’s interior could identify a potential problem.

3. The Tailpipe Test 
Take a look at the car’s tailpipe. Most people might not give this a second thought, but you should set aside a few seconds to scope out the gear. All you have to do is take a peek at the tailpipe and determine how dirty it is. Should there be any type of build up present, such as black gunk or grease, it’s a sign that the engine is burning oil. That’s not how a car should run, and although there may not be any major damage, it’s still a repair that needs to be taken care of as soon as possible. 

Of course, a great way to avoid used car scams is to bring your business to a reputable facility. NJ State Auto is one such auction lot. You can browse through hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans to find one that’s a perfect fit. 

Winter may not be the most fun season, especially when you consider how the weather wreaks havoc on your car. Snow and ice increases the risk of accidents, road salt rusts the exterior, and freezing temperatures may cause damage to other parts of the car. All of that makes driving in spring particularly precarious, especially when the rains come, the ice melts and roads get slick. 

Rebounding from the winter
Many drivers decide to celebrate the return of spring with a road trip to warmer climes. That's a great way to get back into the swing of good weather, but it can place a lot of stress on your car. Odds are your vehicle needs a little care before racking up the miles, which makes a tune-up or professional check a priority. 

"Spring break time is finally here. While jumping in the car and heading to a warmer climate may sound like a great idea, don't forget to make sure your car is road ready before you go," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "A pre-trip vehicle check will give you peace of mind because you can take steps to have any needed repairs performed before you go."

Make sure your car can handle the road before heading on a springtime trip.

How to avoid breakdowns
Preventing breakdowns doesn't have to be difficult. Most problems can be avoided with a few simple repairs or updates. The Car Care Council recommended drivers take a look at the brakes to ensure they are operating at a high level. You'll need these gears to be working so you can come to full stops on wet spring roads and respond quickly to wild animals or other road obstacles. 

Next, be sure to check under the hood to guarantee all belts, hoses and tubes are intact. Cold temperatures can make some of these materials brittle and could lead to tears or fraying. If one of these breaks completely, it could leave you stranded, but it's easily avoided with a little forethought and a fast replacement. While you're at it, examine the gas cap and fluid levels in the automobile. Refilling any liquids and checking for leaks is a quick task that can prevent major issues later on, according to the Car Care Council. 

Don't be stuck with a broken-down car this season.

Get a fresh start this spring
Even the most vigilant car maintenance won't help if your ride is too far past its prime. If you've had it with costly repairs, aggravating breakdowns and subpar driving performances, it's probably time to embrace a new beginning and get behind the wheel of a used car. 

New Jersey State Auto boasts a wide selection of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, any of which could be perfect for you. Purchasing one of these high-quality vehicles doesn't have to break the bank either. Our facility has an in-house financing department that can help you secure an auto loan or credit approval quickly and easily.

Used cars are a valuable commodity. Not only do they provide a way for people to get where they need to be, but the vehicles are often a smart financial investment. Before you take the leap, however, you need to be sure you're purchasing the right car. This starts with lots of preliminary research. Below are five areas you should look into prior to signing off on a purchase. 

1. The seller's website
The first place you should go to conduct research is the seller's official website. For NJ State Auto Auction, for example, you can go online and browse through the full collection of used cars for sale. Look over the hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans to find a few options that pique your interest. Then you can plan for test drives and get a head start on financing, as the site allows you to begin the registration and bidding process. 

2. Technical service bulletins 
According to the Traverse City Record-Eagle, checking out technical service bulletins could be a smart move for many shoppers. These documents are released by manufacturers to inform drivers of any problems. They aren't as serious as official recalls, but they often involve important issues you should know about. 

3. The official website
Although the car you're considering may be used, you should still head to the manufacturer's website to check out the initial specs. This will give you a better idea of the technology and features available. It can also make it easier to compare the original version with the one you're thinking about buying, allowing you to scope out any areas where care may have lapsed over the past few years. 

4. Consumer reviews
You should also take a moment to research reviews from other drivers. This feedback provides insight as to what you can expect with regard to future maintenance and repairs. It could also let you know what to look for when taking test drives. 

5. Official vehicle history reports 
Once you've researched what people think of the model in general, you should do a little more digging into the background of the specific car you're considering. Carfax and similar organizations can provide a look at any past accidents or major repairs. While the right servicing may have made some of these events a non-issue, it's best to know what you're dealing with before you buy.