Normally, the middle of a February is a time when most people begin to look forward to spring. Unfortunately, this year has seen a harsh winter, and the forecast doesn't show much relief for East Coast inhabitants. While that might just be a minor inconvenience for some, a long winter can really wreak havoc on cars. With freezing temperatures, inclement weather and plenty of other unexpected obstacles, the season can cause a lot of damage to a vehicle if drivers are not careful. 

"The roads become icy and unpredictable, requiring that cars, and drivers, be equipped to handle the elements," said Pamela Harlin, the spokesperson for an insurance company. "Winter never fails to surprise us with its harsh weather annually, and though many are familiar with weather-related tips, it doesn't hurt to go through a checklist to ensure motorist safety throughout the winter months." 

One tip that all drivers can take advantage of is keeping the gas tank full. Not only will this provide some peace of mind should you wind up stuck in heavy traffic, but it also ensures that condensation doesn't occur in the tank and later freeze, damaging the system. At the same time, checking that the car's battery is fully charged and free of corrosion is also an essential part of getting a vehicle running smoothly in the cold weather. 

Another helpful tip is to check the HVAC system. A car interior that is too cold can affect your alertness and grip on the steering wheel, so turn up the heat and get the defroster performing well. 

If your car needs some winter maintenance, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment at New Jersey State Auto's Total Car Care Center. The garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have. 

While it is still early in 2014, many reports have indicated that the prices of used cars should fall in the coming months. Edmunds.com has added another to that list, becoming the latest auto organization to predict an excellent market for potential buyers of used cars. 

Edmunds.com credits improved new models from the past several years, which are inspiring drivers – even those who still have serviceable older cars – to buy. This adds high-quality offerings to the pool of used cars on the market. 

“Many car shoppers might not realize how much the new- and used-car markets feed off each other,” said Philip Reed, the consumer advice editor of Edmunds.com. “The boom in new car leases, for example, is leading to a higher number of lease returns, which adds to the growing inventory of used cars, forcing prices down.” 

In addition to lower prices, the influx of used cars for sale will give buyers a wider variety of vehicles to consider. Whether the automobiles represent more makes and models or different model years, the extra selection could allow drivers to more easily find the car of their dreams – within their budgets. 

There is one drawback to the surplus of used cars. Drivers who want to trade in their vehicles will likely be receiving lower offers in proportion to the drop in sticker prices. While this may not impact too many buyers or their decisions, it is still something that motorists should be aware of. 

Anyone searching for a used car at the right price should examine the selection of vehicles at NJ State Auto Auction. With hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, there are plenty of options that could satisfy all kinds of drivers. 

Winter gets a bad reputation because of the cold temperatures and slick roads that plague much of the season. However, the raw beauty of the cooler months, whether it consists of plenty of open stretches of pristine snow or glistening hanging icicles, can be stunning. 

CNN recently compiled a list of best routes that drivers can enjoy in the winter. While traveling any of these paths may take some advanced planning, the pure American scenery and interesting stops nestled along the way make them especially alluring.

New York's own Lakes to Locks Passage nabbed a spot on CNN's list. Beginning in Waterford, N.Y., the route travels more than 190 miles on the Interstate 87, following the Champlain Trail for most of the way. Visitors who cruise this route have a chance to check out the views of the Erie and Champlain canals, as well as many historic sites situated on the road. Fort Ticonderoga is a popular stop, and this 18th-century locale is surrounded by a few other villages and attractions that history buffs will love. 

The route ends at the Canadian border near the St. Lawrence River, providing yet another scenic location to enjoy before turning around and heading home – or continuing north for an extended vacation to Québec. While the Lakes to Locks Passage may be a long one, it doesn't have to take too much time or money, making it one of the most traveler-friendly selections on CNN's list. 

Before setting out on any type of winter trip, drivers should make sure their vehicles can handle the rigors of the road. The Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto is one garage that can address any issues a motorists may have, allowing anyone to set out on a road trip with a high-performing automobile and plenty of peace of mind. 

Valentine's Day is a special time for many lovebirds around the country, but the holiday also marks a good time to show a vehicle some love. Now that spring is in sight and your car has made it through a rough winter, Feb. 14 may be the perfect date to start repairing any damage from the cold weather and preparing an automobile for the months ahead. 

"If you want to add more years to the relationship between you and your car, give it some extra TLC this Valentine's Day," said Rich White, the executive director of the Car Care Council. "There's no debating the value of preventative maintenance to keep your car running efficiently. By showing your car a little love now, you'll avoid the heartbreak and unexpected expense of car trouble down the road." 

Having a professional take a look at the vehicle may be your best bet, as they can expertly change the oil, check tire alignment, replace windshield wipers and examine all other aspects of your car's performance. These changes may seem relatively minor, but you'll be glad you had them completed when spring's heavy rains arrive and middling temperatures cause roads to freeze over at night. 

The changing temperatures may also affect tire pressure, so it is smart to check this monthly. Similarly, if you replaced all-season tires with a winter version, it may be almost time to switch them back. 

You may already have a date for this Valentine's Day, but that doesn't mean you should ignore your car. Use the holiday as a reminder to call and schedule an appointment for an auto tune up at NJ State Auto's Total Car Care Center. The garage at this locale caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have. 

The winter may not be over, but for many drivers across the U.S., it can hardly get worse. Frequent snowstorms, frigid temperatures and heavy winds have wreaked havoc on traffic across the country, making it incredibly difficult to complete a daily commute or head out on an extended road trip. Even the most cautious drivers may have found themselves stuck with some kind of damage due to the extreme winter weather, and they should be especially careful when surveying their vehicles and filing claims. 

Check the policy
One of the first things drivers should do is double-check their auto insurance policy. Does the coverage extend to falling objects, such as icicles, and collisions? These factors could be important depending on the type of accident motorists were involved in, and understanding the limitations of insurance plans could go a long way toward making the entire situation easier to digest. 

Compare costs
After the insurance policy has been analyzed, drivers should do a comparison of what it would cost to file an insurance claim versus having the repair done separately. Some claims can drive up monthly payments on a car, causing the total expenses to skyrocket. If the problem is a minor one, paying out of pocket for the maintenance may save time, money and frustration in the long run. 

Some problems that normally plague drivers in the winter can be avoided with the right car. If you think it's time to shop for a used car that can meet your needs all year long, check out the wide array of choices at New Jersey State Auto Auction. There you can browse through hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans that cover a range of styles and budgets.