Oct. 31 has the potential to be one of the most fun nights of the year. Whether you're trick-or-treating with your family or heading out to a wild costume party, however, you still need to remain safe on this night of mischief. You also need to make sure your car is out of danger, but this task may take a bit of effort. 

"Halloween is often thought of as a prankster's holiday, one that attracts any and all kinds of criminals," said Patrick Clancy, vice president of LoJack's law enforcement team. "However, we aren't just seeing petty crimes and joy riding. Now, criminals are smarter, more educated and aware of how to steal in the dead of night."

Here are three ways you can thwart mischief-makers on Halloween – and any other day, for that matter. 

1. Keep your lights on
Darkness may be a running theme on Halloween, but it is also an ally for any would-be criminals. Leave outside lights on for as long as possible, even if it means you have to deal with a few late-night trick-or-treaters. You should also always have your headlights on as you drive, even if it is relatively early in the day. Young children typically start trick-or-treating before nightfall, and some of their costumes may cause them to blend in with their surroundings. 

2. Don't be lazy
If you're driving around a neighborhood on Halloween, it can be tempting to leave your car running while you escort your family up to the door for some trick-or-treating. However, this leaves your car ripe for theft or break-ins. Instead of letting your laziness take over, make the extra effort to completely turn your car off and pocket your keys as needed. 

3. Hide your valuables
It may sound obvious, but you shouldn't be leaving anything of value out in the open in your car, even if it's locked. You may have brought a camera to snap a few pictures of your companions in their Halloween costumes or have your cellphone on hand in case of emergencies. Consider keeping these objects either on your person or locked securely in a glove compartment. 

Want to make sure your ride can handle Halloween? Schedule an appointment at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. This garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have, getting every aspect of your vehicle up to par. 

You've probably heard the phrase "Fall back, spring ahead" as it applies to daylight saving time. While this quote is an easy way to remember which way you're supposed to change your clocks, it can also be a handy method of reminding yourself to schedule car maintenance. 

Why does daylight saving matter? 
Daylight saving occurs twice each year, and both times signify an upcoming change in weather. When the clocks "fall back" in November, for instance, it's a signal that you need to get ready for frigid temperatures, snowfall and icy roads. Because prepping for winter weather can be rather intensive for your car, it's a good time to bring your ride to a pro for some work. 

"The end of daylight saving time means that winter weather is on the way, which can be rough on your car," says AAA's director of Automotive Engineering, Greg Brannon. "This is a good time to have vehicle systems checked and perform important maintenance to ensure your car is in peak condition." 

It's also important to note that daylight saving time means it's going to be darker relatively early in the day, so you'll need to put some of your car's features to use more frequently than before. 

What do I need to check? 
If you've scheduled an appointment at the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction, then you're on the right track. The team of professionals there can look over your vehicle and address any issues you may have. However, it can't hurt to have a clear idea of what the most pressing matters may be – especially if daylight saving time is imminent. 

AAA suggested looking into areas such as windshield wipers and lights. These are two aspects of your car that you'll need as it begins getting darker earlier in the day. Additionally, make sure your tires are getting some attention. This could be the year you need to switch to snow tires, or your wheels may just need an upgrade due to poor tread. Either way, tracking the wear and tear on tires is essential during the winter months. 

Other areas that may require updating include the battery and engine, according to AAA. Both of these aspects of a car can have small problems that are aggravated by cold weather, causing more expensive and frustrating breakdowns later on. 

Putting a child behind the wheel of a car for the first time can be an emotional experience for any parent. Often lost in this haze of tears and anxiety, however, is an opportunity to educate these young drivers regarding all of the rules of the road they'll need. It's not enough to pass this responsibility off to driver's ed instructors – parents must do their part as well. 

Young drivers need practice
The AAA Foundation recently released a report in conjunction with National Teen Driver Safety Week. In its study, AAA found that experience garnered in the driver's seat matters more than other factors, such as age, when it comes to safety. 

According to the organization, drivers who got their licenses at an older age were less likely to be involved in an accident in the first five months of their driving career. However, the data for teens was relatively flat – in fact, people who began driving at age 18 instead of 16 were more likely to be involved in a crash. 

"Turning 18 does not instantly make someone a safer driver," said Peter Kissinger, president and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. "This new research clearly demonstrates how important experience is to safe driving and suggests that graduated driver licensing laws may be beneficial for people that begin driving at an older age."

New Jersey laws help teens
Luckily for parents in New Jersey, the state has a plan in place for getting teens acclimated to life on the road. As one of the only states to have this program in place, New Jersey reaps the benefits of more informed, safer drivers. Still, parents of drivers at any age can pass on knowledge to their children to ensure that they're ready for the road. 

Local laws put young drivers in a position to succeed, but to remain safe they need the right equipment. That's where NJ State Auto Auction comes into play. Our lot offers hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, any one of which could be ideal for a first-time driver. As an added bonus, we even have an in-house financing team on site. These experts are ready and willing to help you find the best deal possible, enabling you to find a high-quality car for your teen at an affordable price. 

It is common knowledge that young people are at risk behind the wheel simply because of their inexperience. To make up for this, parents often lay down rules designed to make driving safer – but there are some loopholes they should be aware of.

Young drivers are at risk
In a survey conducted by the National Safety Council, the majority of parents reported that they don't let teens drive with friends in the car or operate a vehicle after 10 p.m. Despite the fact that 57 percent of parents forbid young people from driving with friends, 60 percent allow these drivers to shuttle around siblings – an act that is just as dangerous. Similarly, driving when it is dark places the same challenges on teens regardless of the clock. 

"The most dangerous period for a new driver is during the first year or first thousand miles, but only 54 percent of teens get their license before their 18th birthday," said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president of the National Safety Council. "The risk factors remain the same whether you are 16 or 19, so we are thrilled to see parents support extending the most effective interventions to our most inexperienced drivers." 

Passing on information
According to the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility, 65 percent of teens say they sometimes or usually find themselves in situations they are unprepared for when driving. About two-thirds were unsure of how to maneuver through complex driving scenarios, while 60 percent didn't know how to react when a speeding car came up from behind them. Additionally, 35 percent were confused when an emergency vehicle approached them at a red light. 

While some of these situations may seem basic to experienced motorists, it takes time for young people to reach that knowledge level. Attempting to convey this information early with formal driving lessons or an open line of communication could allow teens to ask more questions and therefore receive more answers early on in their driving careers. 

Set teens up for success
One of the best ways to ensure that a teen is being safe on the road is to put him or her in a safe vehicle. If you're looking for a car that is tough enough to protect a young driver, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction to check out the selection. The lot boasts hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, and many of the options have excellent safety features that can be huge advantages in an emergency. 

With winter on the horizon, drivers have likely turned their attention to some issues that may pop up in the season. Whether these motorists concern themselves with icy surfaces, piles of snow on the windshield or making sure the heat works, they know that the cold weather brings at least some car-related challenges. This can even extend to tires, and it's never too early for drivers to start focusing on these fickle parts. 

Down goes your tire pressure
According to the Goodyear Tire Company, for every 10 degrees of temperature change, your tire pressure can drop 1 to 2 pounds. This can be especially harmful at the beginning of the cooler seasons, as the mercury readings are liable to fluctuate wildly from day to night. 

"Odds are that many motorists haven't checked their tire pressure since the weather began turning cooler. If the last time the tire pressure was checked was during the heat of summer, many people could soon be riding on severely underinflated tires," said Steve Rohweder, Goodyear director of consumer tire technology, in a press release. 

Having your tires at the optimum pressure is essential for the functioning of your car. FleetOwner reported that underinflated tires can result in an increase in fuel consumption – and therefore a decrease in efficiency – as well as more wear and tear on the wheels. TruckingInfo also noted this risk, stating that as much as 90 percent of tire failures are caused by underinflation, which in turn can lead to an uptick in emergency service calls. 

What you can do
Are you worried about tire pressure fluctuating throughout the winter? Fear not, as there are plenty of solutions for all types of drivers – even if you're a novice when it comes to car maintenance. Goodyear recommended checking the pressure at least once a month with a gauge. If you're unsure how to do that, refer to your owner's manual and check out the specifics as they relate to your vehicle. 

Do your tires need some extra attention? Don't hesitate to schedule an appointment at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. The professionals at this garage are capable of addressing any issues your car may have, including those relating to tires, and they could even complete some other tasks that will have your ride running smoothly throughout winter. 

Caring for a used car can be tough. You've got to pay attention to a bunch of different parts and numbers, many of which you might not even understand. It's never too late to learn, however, and just a little bit of knowledge could make a big difference in how you maintain a vehicle. Being aware of the various fluids in your car, for example, can give you the knowledge you need to maintain them properly. 

"Less maintenance improves the cost of vehicle ownership, but fewer visits to the repair facility means the technician will have fewer opportunities to check your vehicle for signs of wear," said John Nielsen, AAA's managing director of automotive engineering and repair. "It's important for motorists to conduct monthly safety inspections to identify issues before they escalate."

Here are three fluids in your vehicle that need to be maintained regularly. 

1. Brake fluid
It's easy to overlook brake fluid: Because it's part of an individual closed system in your car, there's no need to constantly check on it. However, ignoring it completely is dangerous. Find a happy medium by examining it when you have an oil change, just to lump your maintenance together for ease. It only needs to be completely flushed and cleaned out about every two years. 

2. Oil
Almost every driver has at least some knowledge of oil changes. This update is essential for those who want their engine to run smoothly, but today's motorists may not know when to check the oil or have it replaced. Conventional wisdom says to get an oil change every six months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first, but in reality the need varies by make and model. Check your owner's manual for information that's specific to your car. 

3. Power steering fluid
Much like brake fluid, the power steering fluid doesn't need to be constantly monitored. If the level gets low, you'll likely hear some kind of creaking or feel resistance when using the wheel. To avoid this, check the fluid about once a month or so, but don't worry about replacing it until 50,000 miles pass, Lifehacker recommended. If you're unsure, check the owner's manual for more information. 

If you think your car needs to be examined and maintained by a pro, head to the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. This garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have.

As the temperature drops and the autumn air gets crisp, you'll want to spend plenty of time perusing pumpkin patches or tailgating the next football game. However, you shouldn't let your favorite fall activities get in the way of your car's maintenance. 

The importance of tire tread
Tire tread is an essential part of car safety. The deep grooves on the surface of a tire grip the ground and help control the vehicle, wicking away water and other debris when necessary. Tread is especially important during the cold, wet months, as it allows drivers to maneuver over slick areas and complete their drive safely. 

According to The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, this year's winter is predicted to be colder than normal for most of the country. While it's hard to imagine anything being worse than last year's polar vortex, the frigid temperatures and inclement weather on the horizon will likely challenge it. Additionally, people in the eastern part of the U.S. can expect heavy snow and rainfall throughout the season. 

But drivers don't have to be stuck inside when winter arrives – instead, they can work to ensure that their cars are safe enough to handle the roads. 

Invest in tuneups
With slippery snow and rain arriving shortly, drivers should turn their attention to vehicle maintenance now. Simply getting an auto tuneup is a good place to start, as this quick check-up can ensure that all aspects of a car are running smoothly. Professionals will know how to check your tire tread, along with a few other areas, to see what needs to be done before the next cold wave arrives. 

"It's never too late to prepare your vehicle for winter," said Steve Rohweder, Goodyear director of consumer tire technology, in a statement. "Along with antifreeze and battery check-ups, inspection of your tire tread is especially important as we prepare for potential slippery road conditions."

Where to go
At New Jersey State Auto Auction, you can do more than find used cars. The facility also has the Total Car Care Center, a garage that caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have. Schedule an appointment today to have your tires checked out before you hit the worst of fall weather. You can even use this opportunity to learn more about the use of snow tires or chains, which could increase car safety during the winter. 

For most Americans, traffic is merely an inconvenience – albeit one that can drive them to their wits' end. However, many people don't realize that gridlock throughout the U.S. costs drivers thousands of dollars each year. Not only does the constant stop-and-go traffic drain your gas tank, but the time spent in a car and away from a productive place also negatively affects your wallet and sanity. 

Traffic poses major problems
INRIX recently released the details of its latest report, which focused on the facts and figures surrounding traffic gridlock. According to the data, the annual costs associated with traffic will jump by almost 50 percent by the year 2030, bringing its total cost to around $293 billion. 

"This report shows that advanced economies could be heading for 'car-maggedon​,'" said Kevin Foreman, a general manager at INRIX. "The scale of the problem is enormous, and we now know that gridlock will continue to have serious consequences for national and city economies, businesses, and households into the future." 

In fact, many individuals are already paying for gridlock. The report found that the annual cost of traffic for an American household is about $1,700, and that could climb to as much as $2,300 by 2030. Idling in traffic also proves costly for the environment, as approximately $300 million worth of carbon emissions are lost each year. 

Planning for traffic 
Savvy drivers can make a few concessions that should help them avoid traffic gridlock – and the costs associated with it – in the future. INRIX recommended using navigation services that help individuals find traffic-free routes or nearby public transportation stops instead of sitting in gridlock. More advanced technologies that allow cars to identify crowded areas and avoid them may also assist owners in saving money. 

While some residents of urban areas like New York City may just resign themselves to a life of public transportation, there are still plenty of opportunities to find used cars without a hassle. New Jersey Auto Auction, for example, has hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans that can help any driver get around. Shoppers may even find a fuel-efficient or alternative option designed to save money in the long run.