A favorite rite of passage for many teens is the day they get the keys to their first car of their very own. The freedom and responsibility that comes with having their own wheels is unmatched by many other things they'll experience in their adolescence. 

But keeping teens safe on the road is just as important as keeping them happy, if not more so. Knowing what's important when it comes to teen safety is a major guiding factor when it's time to head to the dealer and pick out their first car. 

Safety first
It's a no-brainer, but younger, more inexperienced drivers can benefit greatly from cars that put an emphasis on safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recommended looking for vehicles that have attained a four- or five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and performed well in the IIHS moderate overlap and side collision tests. 

This also means that you should pay special attention to the car itself before purchasing. Cars that have been in major collisions or have had extensive bodywork may have suffered significant damage that could compromise safety, so be sure to check the vehicle's maintenance history.

Size matters
Despite what you may have heard elsewhere, bigger can mean better when it comes to teen safety, the IIHS reported. When you're on the lot, steer clear of compact cars or minis, gravitating instead toward the smaller SUVs or larger midsize cars. The heavier weight and larger size offer more protection in the event of a collision, and can also provide better handling in adverse driving conditions like snow or rain. Of course, if your teen learned to drive a smaller sedan, make sure they take time to adjust to the difference in size before they hit the road. 

Rein it in
It's easy to understand how teens could be attracted to the allure of fast cars with loud engines, dreaming of hitting the highway with the wind in their hair. Sadly for them, the IIHS recommended against sitting new drivers behind the wheel with too many horses in front of them. Put simply, the faster the car can go, the more tempted they'll be to brush up against that upper limit, which could encourage unsafe driving.

When it's time to shop for a used car, head to NJ State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and an in-house finance team ready to help make the used car, truck or van of your teen's choice affordable.

Chances are, many of us barely notice them, yet our tires are one of the most important components of our cars. Good tire health is a part not just of the proper functioning of your car, but of the safety of you and your passengers as well. Staying on top of your tire maintenance can save you time and money in maintenance headaches. There are a few things to look for before heading out on the road.

Under pressure
One area that you'll find yourself monitoring often is your tires' air pressure, which can fluctuate frequently. Perhaps the part of your tire maintenance plan that will see the most fluctuation, which is why it's recommended that you check the air pressure in your tires every month or so, and a pressure gauge is definitely a good thing to keep in your glove compartment. Improper tire pressure, whether too high or too low, can reduce the handling or braking ability of your car, which is a serious safety risk, so keeping your tire pressure at the right levels is essential.

According to Car Talk, tire pressure can change even without a leak – assume a loss of 1 pound per square inch for every 10-degree drop in temperature, so remaining vigilant in the winter months is particularly important. 

Rotation relation
Having your tires rotated is key to good tire health. Over time, your tires can develop wear, and rotating their positions on your car can help to keep this even, adding to your tires' life. Especially if you have a front-wheel-drive car, regular tire rotation will help to space out the rate at which your tread wears down. Typically, cars will have tire rotation schedules outlined in the owner's manual, but expect to have this done around every 6,000 miles.

Tread lightly
Your tire's tread is, simply put, the most important part of the whole shebang. This contoured surface is what makes contact with the road, gripping it firmly, providing traction and keeping your car under control. Over time, your tire's tread will wear down naturally, so make sure you keep an eye on it.

As AOL Autos reported, many tires have wear indicator bars built into them, but in general, if you stick a penny into your tread and can see the top of Abe's head, it's time for replacements.

When shopping for a used car, head to NJ State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot and an in-house finance team ready to help you afford the used car of your choice.

A wash, wax and fresh coat of paint can go a long way, but the truth is when you're shopping for a used car you'll need to look beyond exterior appearances to really do your homework. Not all used cars are created equal, and despite a dealer's or seller's best intentions, sometimes a car's history can make it a less-than-ideal option. Knowing what to look for when you're in the market can help you uncover details that can inform your decision and save you money and headaches down the road.

Study your history
No, not your wars and presidents and important dates, though they're probably important to. The history you want to concern yourself with while car shopping is that of the vehicle in question. Specifically, you'll want to know its service history. Most dealers can provide Carfax reports detailing any major repairs that have been performed, giving you an idea of the sort of damage the car has taken.

Paint yourself a picture
It may sound strange, but your car's paint job can tell you lots about some of its repair history. Especially in instances where there's no service history for you to reference, you'll need to break out your magnifying glass and detective hat as part of your evaluation. MSN Autos recommended looking for what's called overspray – excess paint spatter you may notice on the car's trim, tires or wheel​ wells. This can be a red flag pointing to recent or hastily conducted repairs, and should be taken into account.

Telltale tires
Pay attention to the tires when you're inspecting a used car. A car's tires can also point to other potential problems over and above poor air pressure. Uneven tread can be indicative of improper alignment or suspension. Similarly, if you notice a car's tires are mismatched, this should give you pause – according to MSN Autos it can be a key indicator that tires have been replaced after the car received collision-related bodywork.

Respectable inspectables
Here's a riddle: Would you rather pay a handful of cash now, or dish out a lot later on? You may be tempted to write a mechanical inspection off as an unnecessary additional expense, but think of it as buying peace of mind against future maintenance headaches.

When it's time to shop for a used car, head to NJ State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and an in-house finance team ready to help you afford the used car of your choice.

Summer is in full swing, and there are few things many east-coasters like more than a day trip to the beach on a hot sunny day. Whether you're planning a full-fledged vacation to the shore or simply want to take a day trip to a nearby beach, your car will undoubtedly play an important part in your oceanside escape. If you're in the market for a new ride to take you to the beach, or even if you just want to give your current car a beachy upgrade, there are a few things to keep in mind before hitting the dunes. 

Don't get stuck with sand in your trunks
This piece of advice is important whether you're talking about your swim trunks or the trunk of your car. Sand at a beach is as inevitable as hot dogs at a baseball game, but that doesn't mean it has to follow you home in your car. Anyone who's tried to clean the stuff out of car upholstery or floor mats can attest to how maddeningly undesirable it is. Fortunately, some auto manufacturers have begun taking this into account. The Honda Element, for example, is well-known for its urethane floors and water-resistant seating, meaning you can spend as much time as you want building sand​ castles and not have to sweat a big cleanup when you get home.

For those with more traditional interiors, a well-placed layer of plastic sheeting on days you head to the beach can drastically simplify post-seaside cleanup.

Carefully consider your cargo
Especially for the day​-trippers and beach campers, making sure you have everything on hand that you'll need is essential. There are few things that are worse than getting to the beach and realizing you forgot an essential piece of equipment. From umbrellas to coolers to boogie boards, a day at the beach requires careful planning and organization, and you'll want your car to be able to accommodate everything you'll need.

If your car doesn't boast a particularly cavernous trunk, you may be able to use your back seat for additional storage. Many models, especially minivans and sport utility vehicles, feature seats that can be folded back or removed outright so you can tote along everything that you'll need.

When you're looking for a high-quality used car, head to NJ State Auto Auction. You'll find a wide variety of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and an in-house finance team to help you drive away with the used car of your choice.

Summertime is a favorite time of year for teenagers, freed from the shackles of schoolwork and ready to face countless adventures as the open road stretches out before them. Whether striking out on road trips or simply commuting to and from summer jobs, the warmer months are a busy time for teen drivers. Of course, more teens driving more frequently also means that this time of year also sees a rise in accidents and dangerous driving habits from teens as well. Young drivers should be aware of the risks, and know how to avoid bad behavior behind the wheel so everyone stays safe. 

Summertime is danger time
As teens take to the road in the summer, the potential for accident and injury shoots up as well. As Edmunds reported, 27 percent of the almost 3,000 teen traffic fatalities that took place in 2012 occurred between June and August. Not surprisingly, the greater number of teens on the road means that the potential for injury is higher, especially considering that summer driving tends to be more casual and less regimented than does driving during the school year, Edmunds indicated. Youngsters are also far more likely to be out at night during the summer, meaning that the conditions under which they drive can be more dangerous than they would be on their trek to school in the morning.

Staying safe
Of course, none of this need put a damper on your summer road trip plans. By nipping a few problem behaviors in the bud you can preemptively help ensure a much safer summer season. 

One of the main culprits when it comes to dangers behind the wheel is distracted driving. Teens and cellphones go together like macaroni and cheese, but drivers will need to make a habit of pocketing their phones while behind the wheel for safety's sake. Even hands-free car extensions can cause divided attention, which is just as dangerous.

It's not just what teens do that puts them at risk, but what they don't do – namely, buckling up. In fact, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed that half of 2011's teen traffic casualties were not buckled up. Even more alarming, if teen drivers don't buckle in, their passengers are less likely to do so as well.

If you're looking for a used car, head to NJ State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and a helpful in-house finance team dedicated to helping you afford the used vehicle that's right for you.