New technologies have drastically changed the way people approach driving. You can do everything from customize your music choices to receive video feeds of the space behind your vehicle, making it easier and more enjoyable to get around. Several advancements have also impacted how motorists find their way to destinations, although not all of the effects are positive. 

Recently, Harris Interactive conducted a study for Michelin that found most drivers have been led astray by their GPS device. Whether they use a special device or a smartphone with navigation capabilities, about 63 percent received faulty directions from a system. These mishaps aren't a one-time occurrence, either, as adults say they have gotten thrown off course nearly five separate times. 

While GPS devices can be a major help, many individuals choose to use old fashioned paper maps as they attempt to get around a new place. Nearly 40 percent of U.S. drivers say these physical maps are their top choice when it comes to directions, and about 46 percent of motorists at least keep a paper map in their vehicle in case of an emergency. 

"Technology is great, but a printed map is one of the most important tools a traveler in an unfamiliar setting can have – the battery doesn't die, it is easy to use and it allows you to make decisions on route changes if necessary," said Michelin's editorial director Cynthia Ochterbeck. 

Still, some drivers want to look for used cars that have top-of-the-line navigation systems installed – or at the very least, pre-owned vehicles that are reliable in the event you find yourself in some unknown territory. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, you can browse through a large selection of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, any one of which could be your next ride. 

Narrowing down your search for a vehicle can be difficult, but keeping up with the maintenance is even more time consuming. Drivers who are constantly monitoring their car's performance can stay ahead of the curve and take preventative measures that will extend the life of their automobile – and potentially cut down on costs as well.

There are a few key areas these motorists should be focusing on when it comes to their vehicle maintenance, including the tires and fluid levels, which can make a major difference in a car. Changes in temperature can wreak havoc on tire pressure, so you should constantly be checking tires. Spot checks and quick examinations may be all you need to stay on top of tire maintenance, but if you notice the wheels are underinflated or overinflated, take the proper steps to repair the problem. 

Heat-related breakdowns are quite common in the summer months. To prevent these hiccups from disrupting your driving, be sure to pay close attention to your HVAC system and coolant levels. If you notice the air conditioning isn't up to par, it may be time to bring the vehicle in for a tune up or for minor repairs. Additionally, coolants keep the temperature of the engine down, and drivers can fill their car's liquid coolant reservoir to the proper level so it continues to do its job. 

If you think there's something wrong with your vehicle or you're just ready to get your car a tune-up, you can bring it over to the Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and can help you address any issues relating to your automobile. 

It's never easy for teens to learn how to drive. They usually rely on their parents to provide some insight into how to act behind the wheel, but that doesn't mean there aren't some discrepancies between how each group behaves when in control of a car. 

According to a recent survey commissioned by Ford, there are distinct differences between adult and teen drivers. For example, about 76 percent of teens and 83 percent of parents believe that distracted driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving, but the adults are 40 percent more likely to check phones when in control of a car than their teenage children. Additionally, despite about half of all young motorists admitting to being distracted by something in their car, only 26 percent of parents use devices aimed at enforcing the rules of the road or limiting cell phone use for their child when they use the car. 

Luckily, there are a few methods parents and teens can turn to if they're looking to improve driving techniques. Several companies are implementing things like safe driving programs, Do Not Disturb phone options and other strategies to keep the attention focused on the roads. 

"Ford has a long record as a safety leader and continues to work through many channels to help address the risk factors associated with inexperienced drivers," said Steve Kenner, global director of Ford's Automotive Safety Office. "Features such as MyKey and programs such as Ford Driving Skills for Life help parents and teens as they develop the skills needed to control a vehicle, detect hazards and assess driving situations." 

When you're ready to invest in a used car for an adult or younger driver, check out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot has plenty of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that could be the perfect option for your next vehicle purchase. 

Automotive-related gifts are sure to be a hit this Father's Day, especially for dads who treat their cars as a member of the family. You can play it safe with a gift certificate to a local auto parts and accessories store or you can be more adventurous and wash the vehicle or take it in to the shop for a tune-up. Here are a few fun ideas for the gearhead patriarch in your family.

Put Together a Gift Basket
If you're not sure what to get your father, why not gather up a bunch of small items and create a clever car-oriented gift basket? You can include items like air fresheners, cleaning products, a tire pressure gauge and a gift certificate for a local car wash. Other fun additions like automotive magazines, a car figurine for Dad's office or a classic dad gift with a twist – a tie with cars on it – are sure to rev any father's engine.

Clean Dad's Car
Unless your father is very particular about how his car is cleaned, you can surprise him by getting out the hose and soap bucket and giving his ride a wash. This is also a great way for young children to show dad they care. It can also be a fun activity for the kids to bond with their father if they do it together on Dad's special Sunday.

Get a Tune-Up
Another great idea for those who have access to dad's car keys, can be to take the car in for maintenance. Getting the oil changed and having a skilled mechanic perform a diagnostic test can bring a smile to your father's face. It'll show that you care about the quality of his ride as much as you care about him. You may also want to offer this service in the form of a gift certificate, whether the auto shop offers them or you create one of your own.

If you opt to take the car to the shop, you may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. 

Travelers who are planning a road trip to a destination this summer are probably consumed with working out the details of their vacation – beach houses, guests, food and all of the other factors that can make or break an experience. However, all of these elements shouldn't distract you from getting your car examined in anticipation of a road trip. A breakdown or failure can put a damper on your trip, which makes getting everything checked out of the utmost importance.  

A car's tires should never be overlooked. As one of the most instrumental areas of an automobile, it is essential that they are taken care of. Drivers can keep tabs on tire performance throughout the year, but it may also be worthwhile to get the wheels examined by a professional before a big trip comes along. 

"Tires are taken for granted by many drivers," said David Shelton, director of marketing for a tire manufacturer. "But if you think about it – they allow you to go, stop, turn and carry the load of your vehicle, not to mention all of your precious cargo … Have your tires checked before you hit the road this summer. It could mean the difference between a hassle-free trip and ending up stranded on the side of the road, or much worse." 

If you want to have your tires checked out or just think it's time to bring a car in for a tune up, you can take your vehicle to the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and can help to address any repair or maintenance issues a ride might have. 

As a major issue facing motorists today, distracted driving practices are getting their fair share of attention. Many recent studies are focusing on the effect different habits can have on drivers, and one from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found hands-free devices that are aimed at increasing safety are actually detrimental to the cause.

Tools such as talk-to-text programs or voice-activated controls often lead to a mental workload that increases reaction time and takes a driver's attention off of the action in front of them. Motorists frequently focus on the technology instead of doing things like scanning the roads or checking out their surroundings, making it less likely they identify danger before an accident happens. 

"These findings reinforce previous research that hands-free is not risk-free," said Peter Kissinger, president and CEO of the AAA Foundation. "Increased mental workload and cognitive distractions can lead to a type of tunnel vision or inattention blindness where motorists don't see potential hazards right in front of them."

To keep your attention focused firmly on the roads, drivers should do their best to limit the amount of use voice-activated technology – or any other technology – gets in the car. You can even take steps to disable certain functions of mobile devices, such as taking advantage of the "Do Not Disturb" option on phones to block unimportant messages from getting through when you're behind the wheel. 

Improving automobile safety goes far beyond simply eliminating distractions. You need to be sure the vehicle you're driving is capable of meeting the demands of the roads, so if you think there may be an issue with your automobile or simply want to bring it in for a tune up, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The auction house's Total Car Care Center caters to the public and can help address any problems a vehicle may have. 

Drivers in New Jersey are suffering from soaring prices when it comes to car repairs. A recent study from CarMD.com found that the Garden State was the place with the most expensive check engine light-related repairs in 2012 – a feat that's is likely attributed, at least in part, to Hurricane Sandy. 

There was a significant increase in the number of motorists who had to bring their cars in for repairs in the wake of the Superstorm, which contributed to rising costs of labor and replacement parts. Even after the immediate damage of the storm was assessed, the rates continued to increase, as there were many drivers who put off receiving the necessary car repair – causing  more damage to their vehicles in the process.

The average cost of check engine light-related fixes in the U.S. was $367.84 in 2012 – an increase of 10 percent from the year before. However, New Jersey drivers had to deal with even higher prices, as the average cost of repairs in the Garden State was $392.99. 

"In 2012, we saw a dramatic shift in the top five most expensive states for average car repairs, as many drivers along the East Coast incurred rising auto repair costs, while they simultaneously contended with Hurricane Sandy's aftermath," said Ieon C. Chen, CEO of CarMD.com. "Car owners in many states also continued to put off small repairs, contributing to cumulative failures with increased repair costs." 

Whether you think something's wrong or you're just ready to get a tune-up, you can bring your vehicle over to the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and can help you address any issues your car might have.