Bill de Blasio, the newly inaugurated mayor of New York City, will have a lot on his plate as he begins his first year in office. One issue that is near the top of his to-do list, however, is road safety. Making sure drivers and pedestrians throughout the New York City area are protected is a problem that needs to be addressed, and the new mayor will likely make it a priority during his first few months in the position.  

The advocacy group Right of Way has led the charge for better safety conditions. Its goal, also known as Vision Zero, is to eliminate fatalities of drivers, passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists in the city within the next 10 years. 

“Achieving Vision Zero by 2024 demands decisive action starting on day one,” said Keegan Stephan, an organizer with Right of Way, as quoted by Gothamist. “There will obviously be many competing interests for de Blasio's attention when he takes office, but with people of all ages being killed in traffic across the five boroughs nearly every day, Vision Zero must remain a top priority.”

According to AutoBlog, de Blasio already has a few ideas for improving safety on the roads. Redesigning certain intersections, widening streets and sidewalks, increasing awareness and expanding slow speed zones will all likely be part of the plan. 

One large part of vehicle safety is driving a car that is functioning at a high level, with all of the little parts working as they should. Brakes, windshield wipers and everything in between need to be operating correctly, so taking a vehicle in for a tune up becomes extremely important. If your car needs a check-up, make an appointment at the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto. 

When it comes to caring for an automobile, there are many basic maintenance tasks that can go unchecked if drivers are not aware. Although taking a car in for a tune up is one of the standard ways to make sure it is functioning properly, many drivers lack the knowledge to know when to schedule an appointment or to identify certain warning signs that could signal a problem. 

While something as simple as reading an owner's manual may clue a driver in to the maintenance that needs to be done, many motorists simply don't complete this action – and that can lead to potentially harmful problems. 

"Not following the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual is very common," Brian Hafer, the vice president of marketing for AutoMD.com, told Bankrate. "People have these repair issues because they didn't consult their owner's manual. Typically, it happens more often with younger drivers, because they just aren't aware." 

One item that needs to be consistently replaced is the air filter. This is an integral part of the engine system, and if the filter is clogged, it could lead to poor efficiency or overheating of the motor. That has the potential to be extremely costly for drivers, but it is also easily preventable. 

Checking and replacing a car's air filter is just one of the many aspects of vehicle maintenance that need to be regularly addressed. If you're in need of a professional to take care of this, consider scheduling an appointment at the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto. That garage caters to the public and is capable of handling the problems that may arise in an automobile. 

Fuel efficiency is near the top of almost every driver's wish list. After all, having a vehicle with great mileage can lead to lower fuel costs and less vehicle maintenance, which saves a significant amount of money in the long run. For this reason, electric vehicles and other alternative-fuel options may be intriguing for motorists. Many drivers will be relieved to learn that the average price of used EVs is dropping dramatically – especially compared to the cost of a new car, which can often run quite high. 

Much of the reason for this trend is because of the incentives and subsidies associated with purchasing an electric vehicle. These federal and state rebates are available to encourage consumers to buy certain automobiles, but they are only applied to new cars. As a result, the used car prices typically reflect these incentives. 

"The incentives are on new vehicles," said Jack Nerad, an analyst at Kelley Blue Book, as quoted by PlugInCars.com. "This has the effect of lowering the value of used vehicles, since you don't get the incentive when you buy used." 

For example, if a vehicle sells for $30,000 but offers a subsidy of $7,500, its used value immediately drops to $22,500. While this immediate depreciation may not be good news for owners, it can be great for buyers. Although this new price may not accurately display the quality of the vehicle, the drop still occurs, offering many buyers a chance to capitalize on great value. 

No matter what type of vehicle you're looking for, you can find great options at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot is home to hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans. These options can fit a wide range of needs for all types of drivers, and it's easy to find vehicles that fall into a budget. 

Winter may have already begun, but the toughest part of the season is still ahead for much of the country. According to the Farmers' Almanac, which is correct about 80 percent of the time, much of the U.S. is expected to experience lower-than-average temperatures this winter. That, combined with above-average precipitation, could lead to heavy amounts of snow in certain areas, especially in the Northeast. This inclement weather could make up a large portion of the first quarter of the year. 

To better prepare for these expected conditions, drivers around the U.S. need to get their cars ready with tools like snow tires and other preventative maintenance. Tires are a large part of this, as the right options – which typically include snow or winter versions – offer a stronger grip on the roads. When complemented with other essential maintenance practices, drivers can rest assured that their vehicles can safely get around in even the roughest of weather. 

"No one wants to get into a hazardous winter driving situation with snow, ice, slush and cold – and then wish they had better prepared for those types of conditions," said Brandy Gadd, the brand manager for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. "That is why we say the time to prepare your vehicle for winter is before winter arrives. Along with the antifreeze, battery check-ups and new wiper blades, an inspection of the tire tread should be a year-round practice, but especially as we prepare for potential slippery road conditions." 

If you are ready to get your car prepared for the winter, consider making an appointment at the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage is capable of addressing any issues you may have. 

The start of a new year means there are plenty of opportunities for fresh beginnings. That's the reason so many people dedicate themselves to making a life change at the launch of a new calendar year, but there are many other ways individuals can improve their lives without having to implement drastic lifestyle changes. 

One of easiest methods to stay safe throughout 2014 is by embracing positive driving habits. Safe practices, along with vigilant vehicle maintenance, can go a long way toward extending the life of an automobile, cutting back on expenses and creating a better overall driving experience. The Car Care Council recommends that all motorists prioritize preventative maintenance and similar safety measures, as they can offer many advantages for drivers. 

“Regular auto care shouldn't be one of those New Year's resolutions that goes by the wayside,” said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. “Preventative vehicle maintenance pays off all year, every year.” 

Simple actions like checking tire pressure, getting timely oil changes and monitoring the condition of windshield wipers and lights are all easy but effective ways to keep a car in top shape. Similarly, scheduling tune ups throughout the year is also important, as it can help diagnose problems before they get too costly. These check-ins are also key for completing preventative measures, such as replacing brake pads and refilling fluid levels. 

Anyone who is ready to embrace 2014 can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. Not only is the lot home to hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, but it also has the Total Car Care Center. This garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have. 

When drivers head out onto he roads in the wintertime, they are frequently met with a new set of challenges. Poor visibility, slick surfaces and inclement weather can wreak havoc on motorists, but despite this experience, many drivers are confident in their abilities. In fact, a recent survey from PEMCO Insurance found that the vast majority of motorists believe they are fully capable of driving in the winter, which could cause them to be less prepared.

According to the survey, four out of five drivers said their skills behind the wheel were on par or better than their peers. Additionally, more than half of all respondents said they felt comfortable driving in rough winter conditions. That confidence may be the reason why many do not take precautions like stocking up on tire chains – only 37 percent of motorists who live in areas that traditionally get significant amounts of snow carry these tools. 

"Despite what we may see on the streets, drivers around here definitely seem to have plenty of self-confidence – perhaps showing they think their skills and comfort driving in snow keep them from needing tire chains," said Jon Osterberg, a PEMCO spokesperson. 

Just because motorists believe they are strong drivers doesn't mean they should bypass all helpful tools. In reality, practicing with tire chains and other resources beforehand may improve skills and increase safety for everyone. 

No matter how you feel about your driving abilities, you can gain confidence by getting behind the wheel of a vehicle that is both safe and efficient. If you're ready to shop around for the right used car, head to NJ State Auto Auction. The lot on site is home to hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that can meet your needs this winter. 

Drivers know they need to be informed before they can make a final decision about purchasing a used car for sale. In addition to planning out a budget and devising a game plan for the shopping process, you should also be trying to organize your thoughts to effectively prepare to buy a used car. 

The first thing you have to do is consider your needs and wants – and distinguish the two. Certain safety features may be must-haves for drivers looking to keep family members safe, while others may be searching for vehicles with tons of cargo space for extra storage. You should list out all of these desired amenities, singling out the ones you're not willing to budge on. 

You'll need to get specific with these wish lists. Almost every shopper will want things like extra legroom or advanced technology. By coming up with several explicit amenities, such as infotainment systems or under-seat storage, you can narrow down your choices and have a clearer picture of what you're looking for. At the same time, you need to be willing to bend a bit on your desires. Not every vehicle will be your dream car, but you can get incredibly close when you're not afraid to look outside the box and consider all of your options. 

When you need to stick to a budget but don't want to sacrifice quality, head to car lots like NJ State Auto Auction. There, curious shoppers can find hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans. They'll also be able to take advantage of the Financing Department, which can help shoppers determine their budget and apply for auto loans.