Recent initiatives have placed the spotlight on the importance of buckling up before hitting the road. Before children can learn the importance of buckling their seat belt every time they get in a car, they have to be firmly secured in a car seat. Kids don't have the power to place themselves in these protective devices, so it's up to you to put in the leg work. 

As you make the final decision on which car or booster seat to buy, you should keep a few key points in mind. Here are three of the most important: 

1. You need to do some research
Choosing the right seat involves a lot of background research. Look into the history of possible car seats to find one that has a clean bill of health – no recalls, no involvement with accidents or crashes, and recent upgrades if applicable. This is easy with resources form the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which recently released a Car Seat Finder Tool that allows users to search for just the right product. 

"The first step for a parent is finding the right seat and our new Car Seat Finder Tool helps sort through the numerous options in car seats to ensure they're making the best choices for their child passengers," said NHTSA Deputy Administrator David Friedman.

2. Use a professional 
There are instances when you'll need the help of a professional for your vehicle, and dealing with a car seat is no different. If it's been a few years since yours was used and you want to get it checked, head to an inspection station. There, a technician can examine the seat for any defects and show you how to correctly use it.

Experts can also help you keep the car running smoothly. Schedule regular appointments at a garage like the Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction to stay ahead of the curve with regard to your vehicle's maintenance. 

3. Stick to the guidelines 
A car seat will only be as effective as you make it. To ensure you're creating the safest environment possible, follow all of the directions included with the device. This includes the installation of the seat, use of the harness and the angle it's set at. Those aren't the only rules you need to remember, either. Too many parents move kids from car or booster seats before they're ready. Wait until children are of the proper height and weight before taking the devices out of the car. 

Fall can be a wonderful time of year. Whether you're a fan of football games or pumpkin spice everything, the season is packed with plenty of fun and excitement – but this doesn't often extend to your car. However, if you're ignoring your ride in favor of apple picking and tailgating, you could be setting yourself up for disaster, as taking care of vehicle maintenance is essential during the fall. 

"Getting your vehicle ready for winter while temperatures are still mild is a proactive approach to preventive maintenance that helps ensure safety, reliability and fewer unexpected repairs when severe winter weather strikes," said Rich White, the executive director of the Car Care Council.

The organization recommended giving your tires some attention before the temperature drops. Here are a few things you can do to prepare for the chillier weather: 

Keep an eye on tread
Autumn weather may seem perfect, but you still need to prepare for some extreme conditions. Heavy rains lead to slick roadways, while piles of falling leaves can also cover a surface and make it difficult for tires to get a good grip. To battle against this, you'll want tires with a thick, deep tread. This allows the tire to funnel water away from the vehicle. It also decreases the chance that a stray object or debris in the road will puncture the equipment, causing a blowout and potential loss of control.  

Slow down
You already know that speeding leads to some major problems. If the roads are slick, it could even put you in some dangerous situations. To stay safe – and protect your tires – you must remember to slow down. It's going to take you much longer to come to a complete stop. In fact, wet surfaces could quadruple the amount of time and space normally needed to brake. By reducing speed, you're not only being safer, but you're also reducing the stress on your tires and other gears. 

Invest in maintenance
Perhaps the most important thing you can do is ensure that all aspects of your car are functioning properly. Luckily, the team of experts at NJ State Auto's Total Car Care Center can help. This garage caters to the public and can address any issues you may have, getting your vehicle ready for fall and winter weather. 

Having extensive car repairs done to your ride can be a pain, even if you find a great garage to take care of your needs. For example, while New Jersey State Auto Auction offers the Total Car Care Center for the public, it would be much easier to simply organize regular appointments with the crew there rather than rushing in with extensive damage. 

To avoid costly damage to your vehicle, dedicate yourself to maintaining the car throughout your time as owner. By paying attention to these three areas, at the very minimum, you can decrease the odds that you have to empty your wallet to fix a problem later on. 

Fixing windshield cracks
There may come a time when a small pebble or stray object gets flung at your windshield, causing a tiny crack. At first, this may seem more like an inconvenience than anything, especially if the mark is outside of your normal field of vision. However, a seemingly miniscule scratch could quickly expand, obstructing your view and branching off into more cracks. Instead of letting it spread and having to replace the entire windshield, get it patched up for much less. 

Rotating tires 
Your tires require a lot of care. It's not just about checking the tread and air pressure, or replacing them as necessary. You also need to be regularly rotating and aligning them. Proper rotation ensures that all tires are wearing at an even pace, which in turn avoids poor driving performance. For example, you could find that the car begins to drag or pull to one side while on the road, which could be a sign of poor alignment or uneven wear. Although this could be a simply annoyance in the beginning, it could lead to more problems or expensive repairs down the line.  

Replacing the oxygen sensor
According to a report from CarMD, the No. 1 reason a car's check engine light turns on is due to a problem with the oxygen sensor. It could be an easy fix, but if left unattended, it may lead to a 40 percent drop in fuel efficiency – adding even more money to the cost of repairs and gas. To prevent this money pit from opening, take your car into a shop soon after the alert comes up and spring for a sensor replacement if necessary. 

There's an unfortunate stereotype that people from New York and New Jersey have a bit of an attitude. While we won't stipulate about any kernel of truth behind these rumors, one organization decided to see if the dramatic edge extended to the roads. 

Drivers see road rage all the time
Plymouth Rock Assurance recently conducted a study that examined instances of road rage in New Jersey. According to the data, a whopping 99 percent of drivers throughout the state have witnessed at least one incidence of road rage. In most cases, the anger manifested itself in the form of honking horns, but swearing, making obscene gestures and flashing headlights were also common, with more than half of respondents reporting that they had seen these behaviors. 

Only 11 percent of people had ever seen drivers physically engage with each other, while about 35 percent stated they had witnessed some kind of "uncontrollable anger." However, a large number of motorists said they saw other types of behavior that may ignite an angry reaction. For example, about 96 percent said they saw people disobeying posted speed limits on highways, 89 percent reported drivers changing lanes without using signals and 59 percent saw others use insulting gestures, according to the study. 

"Considering the legal and potentially fatal consequences of aggressive driving behavior, the frequency and types of actions reported in our latest study are unsettling," said Gerry Wilson, CEO of Plymouth Rock Management Company of New Jersey. "We also found that nearly half of New Jersey drivers are concerned about their safety on our roads – we want those drivers to know that they are not alone and that there are ways to deter and avoid road rage."

How to avoid an anger strike
Just because anger is so prevalent on the roads doesn't mean you have to fall victim to it. Plymouth Rock Assurance recommended avoiding eye contact with other drivers on the roads and breathing deeply to stay calm, even in stressful situations. 

You can also avoid infuriating scenarios by making sure your car can handle any and all circumstances. Getting headlights and taillights fixed, checking turn signals and ensuring that the vehicle can reach highway speed are all important tasks, and they also have an added bonus of helping other drivers as well. Schedule an appointment at NJ State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center is you notice that some area of your car needs a little attention. 

No one wants to think that they'll be involved in an auto accident. But while it may seem like an unlikely scenario, in reality there are a number of factors that could cause you to collide with something or someone. Regardless of who or what is at fault, there is a certain protocol you should follow in the event of an accident. 

Don't say a word
You've likely heard the phrase "You have the right to remain silent" hundreds of times in movies and on television. While you may not be getting arrested after an accident, it's a good idea to keep the mantra in mind anyway. Blaming someone right away – or worse, admitting your own fault – could come up again should the situation go to court. Rather than say something you regret, don't comment on the accident at all. Check in and verify that any other parties are physically OK, and then move on and mind your own business. 

Document the scene
Once you've checked that all involved parties are physically fine, it's time to do the same to your vehicle. Even if you don't see any obvious damage, be sure to document everything with pictures and possibly video. Smartphones are a huge help in this regard, as it's easy to snap a few photos and save them in case the images are needed later on. You should also take pictures of any bodily harm. The smallest scrapes or bruises could wind up being important, so be thorough in your investigation. Don't limit the photos to just your vehicle either – snap a few of any other involved cars, just in case. 

Gather information
Taking pictures is part of the process of collecting information, but there is definitely more to it. You must exchange details including names, phone numbers, addresses and insurance information. Any police officers or claims workers called to a scene will get the 411, but keeping it for your own records is a good idea – as well as a solid backup plan in the event something goes wrong. 

The damage from accidents can range from innocent fender benders to a completely ruined vehicle. Whatever the end result, know that you can turn to the team at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot here has hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, and one of these vehicles could be right for your next purchase. We even have an in-house finance department, which is ready and able to help you pay for the investment. 

The dog days of summer may be in your rearview mirror, but the threat of major storms and natural disasters is just beginning. Hurricanes can strike New York and New Jersey area throughout September and October, and the arrival of the fall season means that other rainstorms and even blizzards are on the horizon. 

Mother Nature may have a mind of her own, but you can still come up with a few ideas to try to thwart her. If you don't have a personal weather machine handy, however, you may have to settle for taking action to prepare for the worst. 

Prepare for natural disasters
The Car Care Council cited a few areas that drivers should make sure are up-to-snuff before nasty weather hits. Near the top of the list are tire tread and pressure, as they are needed to grip slick or icy roadways. Similarly, motorists should have their brakes serviced. You never know what a storm will throw at you – literally or figuratively – but having the brakes checked out can ensure you're ready to stop at a moment's notice. 

"Emergencies and natural disasters come in a variety of forms, and you don't always have time to prepare," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "It is important and gives you peace of mind to know that your vehicle is always ready for the task." 

Have an emergency kit
You might not be able to control the weather, but you can control how you react to problems. Your response starts with having an emergency kit ready to go in your car. The most basic pack should have a flashlight, jumper cables, an area map and a first-aid kit. More prepared individual will also have blankets, nonperishable foods and bottled water, along with road flares, which can alert others in the area as to your immediate needs. 

Kits may come in handy in the event of an emergency, but there are other things you can do to make sure your ride is ready for anything. The team at NJ Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center can help. These professionals are able to address any problems you may have with your vehicle, ensuring that every aspect of your ride is doing its job. If all else fails, you can search through the hundreds of options on the lot to find a used car that fits your needs. 

If you're not a professional mechanic – or even an amateur one with plenty of auto knowledge – then chances are you will end up paying money for some sort of maintenance or repairs. These figures can add up over time. However, there are ways to relieve some of the stress on your wallet so you can spend money on what really matters: yourself. 

No matter your knowledge level, keep in mind three tips for finding lower prices on all of your car's necessary work. Although you'll still have to pay for basic maintenance, preventative actions can do a lot to avoid larger, more crippling repairs in the future or even dangerous car issues that occur on the road. 

1. Follow the owner's manual 
Keeping track of everything from vehicle maintenance schedules to ideal tire pressure in winter is a handful. That's where the owner's manual can save the day. Few people crack these open as much as they should, but the manuals are a treasure trove of information, so it pays to read some key points. Check out the recommendations for gear replacements, regular maintenance and more. Key areas you should be studying up on include what to do about air filters, spark plugs, brakes, the battery and more. 

2. Stick with a trusted mechanic 
You wouldn't change doctors or dentists every time you needed to schedule an appointment, so why would you do that for your car? Just like anything else, your ride should have some consistency in its life, and that includes the professionals taking care of it. Instead of patching together auto work, build a relationship with a garage like the one at NJ State Auto Auction. Our Total Car Care Center caters to the public and is capable of dealing with whatever issues you may encounter from routine tuneups to major repairs. 

3. Get your oil changed 
You'd be surprised by the number of problems that may be caused by a lack of oil changes. The oil is essential to the proper functioning of your engine, and staying on top of your game can reduce the odds of major engine damage or the replacement of certain car parts – both of which can be extremely costly. You'll also have to change oil at regular mileage intervals and when the temperature changes, so determine when these sessions should be and plan for them in advance. 

People in the Mid-Atlantic region are used to seeing deer. Whether these creatures are grazing through a backyard – and maybe even wrecking some gardens in the process – or walking beside a quiet road, there's a good chance they make themselves known to you. This isn't normally a problem, but if you're behind the wheel of a car, things can get dicey. 

Here are three things you should know about deer – and how to avoid collisions with them. 

1. Deer are predictable 
Like most other living things, deer can be creatures of habit. They are most likely to move around at dawn and dusk, when visibility is not ideal. It is also more common to see them out and about in the fall. October, November and December are hunting and mating season, which means deer are frequently on the move and may be more likely to cross roads. 

"Periods of daily high-deer movement around dawn and dusk as well as seasonal behavior patterns, such as during the October-December breeding season, increase the risk for auto-deer collisions," said Ron Regan, the executive director for the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies.

2. Location matters 
Drivers in certain states are more likely to have an encounter with deer than others. State Farm found that motorists in Pennsylvania, for example, have 1 in 71 odds of colliding with these creatures, which is second only to West Virginia. People in New York and New Jersey fared better, with odds of 1 in 154 and 1 in 225, respectively. 

Odds can vary dramatically within a state as well. A few areas are more likely to have deer present than others. Roads close to heavily wooded areas, recent construction or hunting grounds may have animals moving around in search of a new home, so drivers should be aware when maneuvering their vehicles in these regions. 

3. You have responsibilities 
It's up to you to do your part to stay safe on the roads. While many encounters with these animals will be outside of your control, there are some aspects of the incidents you do have power over. For example, make sure you are taking your car to a public garage for tuneups. Places like the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto can address any issues you may have – even those involving brakes, headlights and safety technology, which can be incredibly useful in preventing accidents.