This Thanksgiving, you may be one of the more than 41 million Americans who are planning to road trip to visit their loved ones. If that's the case, then you probably have a lot on your mind, especially if you're trying to balance contributing to the holiday feast with driving hundreds of miles in a short time span. Here are a few tips to keep you and your family safe on the roads. 

1. Have a safe car
It all starts with the vehicle. Make sure your car can handle a road trip by taking it in for a tune-up at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. The experts at this garage can address any issue you may have, providing you with the peace of mind needed to hit the road during this hectic holiday weekend. 

2. Avoid the busiest travel days
According to Google Maps, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the busiest day for traffic. In a perfect world, you could alter your travel plans to avoid this day, but that's simply not feasible for many families. If possible, try to stay off the roads between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., which Google predicted to be the worst part of the day. During the weekend, Sunday looks to be less crazed than Saturday, and traveling that day could provide some welcome relief.  

3. Take advantage of low gas prices
With the cost of fuel plummeting around the country, there's no excuse to have the gauge hit empty while you're driving. Make sure you fill up before pulling onto the highway, particularly if you're traveling during a popular timeframe. There's no telling how long you'll be stuck in traffic for – especially with last-minute delays like accidents and weather factors that can potentially impact your trip. 

4. Always have a backup plan
You could be driving the same route you've taken hundreds of times before, but one tiny factor could throw all of your plans out of whack. Make sure you prepare for the worst before pulling out of your driveway. Have maps or a navigational device ready in case you have to change course suddenly. It also helps to have some cash on hand, as there could be surprise tolls or other expenses on these alternate routes. 

5. Be flexible
No matter what, you should expect some kind of delays on the road. With so many uncontrollable factors coming into play, even the most thorough plans could be thrown off track. Just take a deep breath and go with the flow. 

Temperatures are steadily going down across the country, and there's no telling how low they could go this winter. Regardless of how many layers you bundle up in, you'll have to get used to the cold – especially if you regularly commute in the early hours of the morning or after the sun sets. 

Is hypothermia a real problem? 
You may think that feeling the chill is just a side effect of driving in winter. However, the danger of hypothermia is real. The condition occurs when body temperature drops to an abnormally low level, causing many functions to slow down. It is also characterized by disorientation, fatigue, slower reflexes and poor muscle function, with the most serious cases eventually escalating to the loss of consciousness. 

All of this sounds pretty intense – and possibly far-fetched – but it is a real threat in the wintertime. It can be particularly dangerous for children and smaller adults, as body size does play a role in generating heat and staying warm. Even leaving someone in a car for a few minutes puts them at risk. Just as it's dangerous to leave kids or pets in a hot car under the summer sun, it's not safe to keep them out in the cold. 

How to stay safe
On the surface, it seems like there's probably an easy fix: Don't leave children or pets in the car. However, it can become tricky, as it's possible to sneak into a vehicle in a home garage. Pets or kids may also make so little noise that the driver loses track of passengers. To avoid this, drivers are advised to always lock the car. This eliminates the risk of a pet or child climbing into the backseat when you're not paying attention. You should also keep something in the backseat that you won't forget about, such as a cellphone or a purse, as that will remind you to always turn around and check the area before leaving the car. 

Does your car need a little help before it can perform in winter? If so, schedule an appointment at NJ State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. The garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issue you may have, including problems stemming from the HVAC system. 

Car theft is a problem that can strike anyone at any time. The National Insurance Crime Bureau recently released some information that points to winter being the most precarious time for drivers, as many let their guard down in the search for warmth. 

Why you must watch out this winter
When winter strikes and temperatures plummet, many drivers change up some of their habits. For example, it's common to see people turn on their cars and leave them idling, without a driver, to warm up. While that makes for a more comfortable interior when passengers finally load in, it also leaves the vehicle a clear target for theft. 

"We all like a warm car with a defrosted windshield, but so do the car thieves," said NICB President and CEO Joe Wehrle. "Leaving a car running and unlocked in the driveway or parking lot is an open invitation to them to drive off with a vehicle that they normally couldn't steal." 

Don't let up on holidays
Certain holidays are also popular with criminals. The NICB noted that New Year's Day was the celebratory day with the most reported thefts, as 2,184 cars were stolen Jan. 1, 2013. That easily outpaced Halloween, which was in second place, and some of the summer holidays. However, a few other cold-weather festivals, such as Presidents' Day, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve also had quite a few reported thefts. 

There is some good news, though. Thanksgiving and Christmas Day were the two holidays with the lowest number of thefts, with Dec. 25 marking the lowest point for the entire 2013 calendar year, according to the NICB. 

Stay up-to-date on maintenance
One of the most important things you can do to avoid theft is to make sure your car is running on all cylinders – literally and figuratively. For instance, if your ride takes a long time to warm up in the morning, you may want to have the HVAC system checked out. A simple fix could have your heat blasting in no time, which in turn means you won't have to leave the vehicle idling out in the open. 

If you want to have a tune-up to see if your car can be improved, schedule an appointment at NJ State Auto's Total Car Care Center. The garage caters to the public and can address any issues you may have. 

Recognizing when your car is in need of some fixing can be tough if you're not a professional mechanic. However, it's certainly not impossible – especially when you're smart enough to use all of your senses. Your nose may be able to smell some strange things going on under the hood, and it can be a good indicator of what needs to be checked out. 

Below are five smells you may sniff around your car and what they could mean. Even if you can accurately locate the sources of these odors, be sure to schedule an appointment at NJ State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. The professionals there can address any issues causing the smells while also making sure there are no underlying problems. 

1. Burning rubber
If you smell burning rubber, it's probably not because you're starring in your own version of "The Fast and the Furious." Instead, it could be due to belts and hoses rubbing up against the hot engine, which burns through the material and causes leaks or tears. You can lift the hood and check out the situation there, and potentially make some easy fixes, but the burning could also result in the need for replacement parts. 

2. Gasoline
It may sound obvious, but smelling gas is a sign of a potential problem with your gas tank or fuel injection system. Leaking fuel is a fire hazard, so be sure to get this checked by an expert as soon as possible. 

3. Burning carpet
Chances are you haven't smelled burning carpet before, but if you start inhaling something that could be this odor, it's time to check the brakes. When brake pads wear down or drag on the ground for extended periods of time, they emit this smell and may be unsafe. Have your brakes serviced and the pads replaced if necessary. 

4. Rotten eggs 
Rotten eggs isn't a pleasant smell at any time, and that extends to when you're in the car as well. The most common cause for this odor is a problem with your catalytic converter, which likely needs to be replaced. While this can be expensive, it's also a preventative measure that will definitely save you in the long run. 

5. Sweet syrup
Getting a whiff of something sweet may be nice when you're stuck in traffic, but if the smell is coming from your car, it's usually a warning sign that something is off with your engine coolant. Your best course of action is to let an expert examine the fluid levels when the car has cooled down. 

One of the most common reasons for taking a car into the shop is to figure out why that pesky check engine light is on. If you see your dash light up with this warning, take these three steps to address it. 

Step 1: Act on it 
First thing's first: Don't ignore the check engine light. While it may blend in with the many other lights and gauges on your dash, it flicks on for a reason. Even if yours is constantly turning on and off, you need to have the problem examined – it's good for your safety and your wallet. 

"Even if the vehicle appears to be running normally, ignoring the warning light could result in more costly repairs," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "At the very least, the light could be alerting you to an engine problem that is negatively impacting fuel economy and costing you money."

Step 2: Keep a level head
You shouldn't automatically assume anything about your check engine light. If the light is steady, then it's likely a standard problem that can be fixed with a quick tune up or a replacement part. There's no reason to freak out when this alert comes on, although that doesn't mean you should procrastinate a visit to a mechanic. 

"Motorists should not get spooked when the check engine light comes on," White continued. "When illuminated, the check engine light usually means that a vehicle system, such as the ignition, fuel injection or emission control, is not operating properly."

The exception to this comes when the check engine light blinks instead of simply remaining lit. In these instances, the light is trying to alert you of a bigger problem going on under the hood, and immediate action must be taken. Take care to slow down and ease off the power, then get your ride to an expert right away. 

Step 3: Stay on top of maintenance
It's important to remember that each time the check engine light turns on, it's a new problem you must address. Just because a past instance was a fluke or an easy fix doesn't mean it's always going to be that way. You need to regard each warning light as a potentially serious problem, and that means scheduling an appointment with a professional as soon as possible. The Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto can help in this regard, as the garage caters to the public and can address any issue you may have. 

With winter approaching, most of your energy will probably go toward switching to snow tires, inspecting the engine and making sure your heat is working smoothly. While all of these are certainly worthy causes, they aren’t the only issues you should be focusing on.

Your car’s headlights are just as important – especially during the winter – and they need to be treated as such. Bulbs can dim over time, and the glass can become dirty, making seeing the road more difficult. That’s hazardous at any time of year, but it’s magnified in the colder months when the sun sets earlier. Here are three tips that you should keep in mind as the days get darker. 

1. Don’t be afraid to upgrade 
First thing’s first: If you’ve had the same lights on your car for ages and they’ve never or rarely been looked at, it may be time to upgrade. Luckily, there are tons of viable options out there that won’t break the bank. 

2. Customize your ride 
So you know you can upgrade the lights themselves – now what? It’s not all about buying the most expensive option on the market. In fact, you can do a little shopping to find bulbs that are ideal for your driving habits. For instance, if you regularly drive great distances and are no stranger to nighttime road trips, you’ll need bulbs that can keep up, and those will be different than a parent who mostly commutes during the day. Do some research to find the perfect option for you. 

3. Treat headlights like any other part 
Many people don’t give their headlights a second thought, but it’s important to care for them just as meticulously as the engine or car battery. Make sure they’re examined regularly and given the same level of maintenance as the rest of the vehicle. All you have to do is note how they’re performing at all times of the year. If you see a dip in performance, take the car to an expert and rest easy. 

If you think your car’s headlights need some love, schedule an appointment with the Total Care Car Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have. Even if your lights are in tip-top shape, the team of experts may be able to find a few other fixes that will enhance your driving experience. 

With winter fast approaching, it's time drivers get ready for the inclement weather ahead. This starts by getting a tune-up for your car, which is why NJ State Auto has its Total Car Care Center open for business. This garage can address any issues your ride may have, but it only represents the first layer of protection against getting stranded this season. 

Expect the worst
If you're a driver in the Northeast, you know winters can be tough. That's why you have to prepare for the absolute worst conditions. Freezing temperatures are just the beginning – you'll likely also have to contend with heaps of snow, slush, icy roads and hail. Make sure your tires are up to snuff. Then turn your attention to windshield wipers, the HVAC system, the car battery and the engine – all of the parts that will be heavily affected by extreme weather. 

Keep the essentials on hand
Part of your preparations should consist of putting together an emergency kit. While you should have some semblance of this in your car already, it's important to check in with your gear to ensure everything is still operating as it should. 

"No matter what region of the country you live, State Farm encourages all drivers to stock their trunk with emergency kits to help if the unexpected happens," said John Nepomuceno, auto safety research administrator from State Farm. "Also, check to make sure all of your supplies are working properly. What's worse than a flat tire? Discovering your spare is flat too."

Some of the basics that all drivers should have include a spare tire, jumper cables, area maps, an ice scraper and brush and a flashlight. Those can help should your car run into trouble, but for human problems, be sure to have a first-aid kit as well. It can also pay to have a spare change of clothes in case the weather gets the best of you. 

Invest in a few extras
The above only includes the basics that all emergency kits should have. If you really want to kick your preparations into high gear, consider adding some more specialized equipment. For example, having road flares and reflective road signs can help you out in the event you get stranded or need to do some emergency work on your car. Another winter staple is road salt. This is key for gaining traction on a slippery surface, but if you don't have any on hand, cat litter can serve the same purpose. 

The holiday season is right around the corner, and that means the time of feasting and visiting loved ones has arrived. Of course, before this can happen, people have to get to their loved ones, which frequently involves road trips. Whether you're traveling through the city or across the country, be sure to know what to expect before you leave. 

Americans are on the move
According to Travel Pulse, there is a 12-day window for Thanksgiving travel this year, extending from Nov. 21 to Dec. 2. The number of air travelers taking to the skies is expected to increase this year, the source reported, but that doesn't mean the highways will be emptier. In fact, with the average price of a gallon of gas dropping below $3 in much of the country, more people may be encouraged to get behind the wheel. 

Last year, more than 43 million Americans traveled more than 50 miles from home to reach their Thanksgiving destination, according to an AAA report. About 90 percent of those drove, which accounts for almost 39 million people on the roads. If this year's numbers are similar, travelers could have to put up with plenty of congestion, especially on the busiest travel days. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is generally the worst, with more than one-third of people traveling that day. Roughly the same number return on both Saturday and Sunday after the holiday. 

Get your car ready
If you plan on driving somewhere this Thanksgiving, the first thing you should do is make sure your car can handle the trip. Heavy traffic means you could encounter many stop-and-go scenarios, so be sure your brakes can stop on a dime. It could also be beneficial to have a standard tune up, as a professional may be able to identify areas that need quick fixes. Just an extra hour in the shop could result in plenty of time and money saved on the road. 

New Jersey State Auto Auction can help you get any vehicle ready for a road trip. Take your ride into the Total Car Care Center for a tune up, as the garage there caters to the public and can address any issues you may have. Whether you need a simple fix or more extensive repair work, the team of experts at the garage can get you headed in the right direction. 

Traffic in New York City has never been great – just ask anyone who has to try to get to work on time. Still, many people choose to jump in their own cars or use taxis to cross the boroughs. The next time you head into the city, however, you're going to have to slow down. 

Slowing down for safety
Mayor Bill de Blasio recently lowered the default speed limit in the city to 25 mph. While this is only a small drop from the 30 mph limit on most streets, it could be a significant one. The Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg told CBS News that the 5 mph decline halves the risk of a fatality in a crash, which is key for protecting the many pedestrians in the area. 

"I think there's a real consensus in this town that we need to have people drive more carefully, more safely and slower for the protection of our kids, our seniors," de Blasio told reporters, as quoted by CBS News. 

The reduction is part of de Blasio's "Vision Zero" campaign, which aims to decrease the number of traffic deaths in the city. This will undoubtedly take time, but fatalities have already declined through 2014 compared to previous years, and the rollout of this new legislation isn't even complete, according to AutoBlog. 

Will drivers comply? 
The law just went into effect, so it remains to be seen if drivers throughout the city will obey the new rule. Many objected to the change initially, fearing increased police presence and speeding tickets. According to The New York Times, however, the city is not expected to increase ticketing – at least not just yet. It will take some time to update and replace street signs as well, and officials don't want to make an enemy of drivers as they get used to the new reduced speed. 

Anyone in or around New York City will need to make sure they comply with these rules – and that means having a vehicle that can handle the braking and accelerating of urban traffic. That's where New Jersey State Auto comes into play. Not only does the auction lot have hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans for sale, but there's also a garage that can address issues relating to driving performance.