Of all the safe winter driving tips you've heard, chances are the biggest one that you encounter most often is to swap your all-weather radials for snow tires. But if money is tight or you don't want to make a trip to your mechanic's garage, consider these basic facts on snow tires and why they're so important.

Don't let the name fool you: All-weather tires aren't great in the snow.

What makes snow tires different?
You may have seen some people forego winter tires and instead just wrap their all-weather radials in chains. While this can help maintain traction, this measure isn't nearly as effective as a good set of winter tires. The two main conditions snow tires are designed to withstand are icy roads and extremely cold temperatures. They are made out of a softer rubber, which means that they can grip the road more easily. Another side effect of the softer rubber is that the tires don't freeze and harden as quickly as all-weather radials do. When the tire rubber hardens, it significantly compromises your traction.

"But they're called 'all-weather' tires…"
One of the most common objections to snow tires is that they're unnecessary if you already have all-weather radials on your car. But despite the name, these standard-issue tires aren't the any-condition superstars they claim to be. In fact, according to Edmunds, all-weather radials are a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none ordeal. They tend to work well in wet conditions, but they won't provide the level of safety you need in the snow and ice, or even the freezing cold. In fact, it's impossible for a tire to be truly "all-weather." Outside temperatures cause the rubber in the tires to expand or contract, and can change the hardness and pliability of the tire. This is why tires that work great in summer aren't good for winter.

What about my traction assist system?
Many newer cars are equipped with a tracking assist feature that can be activated from the dashboard by the push of a button. These systems are good additional safety measures, but they aren't a replacement for proper tires, especially in the winter. Most tracking assist systems work by electronically limiting the amount of power your car can exert on your tires, preventing you from turning too hard and losing traction. However, tracking assist does nothing to improve the grip of your tires themselves. Even with this modern safety feature, it's still possible to lose control of your car through hard turns.

OK, so I'll compromise and get two winter tires
People who want to straddle the line between safety and frugality sometimes decide to buy two winter tires instead of a full set, under the assumption that the added traction on the front or rear wheels, depending on how your car's drive system works, can be similarly effective. Not only is this a misconception, it's incredibly dangerous. Having two snow tires and two all-weather radials on your car results in your front and rear axles experiencing different grips on the road, which can make it nearly impossible to control your car. If your rear tires are receiving the extra traction, you won't be able to steer nearly as effectively with the poorer traction on the front wheels. If you decide to put snow tires just on the front, you run a high risk of fishtailing.

If you're shopping for a high-quality used car to see you through the winter, head to NJ State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and a helpful in-house financing department to assist you with loan approvals.

Hear that? Christmas is just around the corner. Time to do a quick mental calculation and figure out if you're going to end up on the naughty or the nice list. Get in your last-minute good deeds now, because there are a number of items car-lovers are definitely going to want on their list this year.

Gadgets have been integrated into almost every aspect of car ownership and driving. They do everything from help your vehicle run better to keep you and your passengers more effectively entertained. Here are some of the coolest car gadgets – just be sure to leave some extra cookies and milk out for Santa.

Remote starters
Who hasn't wished they could start their car while they're finishing breakfast, giving the heat time to kick in so you can climb into a cozy ride for your morning commute? Remote starters have been a popular gadget for years, and the market seems to be exploding. The big name in this sector is Viper, a company that has manufactured an array of remote starters at varying price points depending on your budget and which features you want. For around $200, you can pick up a system that will let you start your car remotely from up to a mile away.

This technology has even been updated for the digital age. Viper recently launched its SmartStart app. This program integrates with a remote starter to let you control it directly from your smartphone.

On-board Wi-Fi lets you bring the Internet with you, wherever you go.

In-car Wi-Fi
Mobile technology has become so ubiquitous that Wi-Fi hotspots have begun cropping up in public places and businesses to accommodate a convenience-happy customer base. Even airlines have begun providing wireless connectivity in mid-flight, so it stands to reason that car manufacturers would follow suit.

Audi became the first to offer Wi-Fi in its vehicles, and in 2011, the manufacturer teamed up with telecommunications provider AT&T for faster and more reliable service. Since then, other manufacturers have followed suit. Autonet Mobile is making a splash as a provider of aftermarket mobile modems that can be installed in any car to create a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Autonet router retails for $345, and users can buy data packages of 1 gigabyte per month for $29.99 or 5 GB per month at $59.99.

Window washers
You're proud of your car, and you want to keep it looking its best. That can be especially hard to do in the winter when snow, ice and salt can wreak absolute havoc on your windshield. It may seem like a small thing, but a portable window-washer can make keeping your car clean so much easier. The tiny Karcher WV2 Window Vac is a battery-powered window cleaner that not only lets you clean your windows whenever you need to, but to do so quickly and effectively too.

The WV2 runs off of a rechargeable battery. It works by using suction to pull in dirt, water and cleaning solution from your windows for a one-swipe cleaning job. The battery lasts for around 25 minutes on a single charge.

Portable jump-starter
Winter driving is stressful enough without having to worry about dealing with a dead battery in the middle of a snowstorm or deep freeze. Even though you're careful to pay attention to your interior lights and other battery-draining features, mistakes can still happen. A portable jump-starter can grant you an extra bit of peace of mind in the winter months.

The Stanley Portable Jump-Starter can provide you with 500 amps of power – enough to get your vehicle back on the road in an emergency situation. With its included air compressor providing 120 p.s.i., this device can even serve as an all-around safety must-have.

Digital diagnostic indicator
Believe it or not, your car talks back to you – you just have to know how to understand what it's saying. A digital diagnostic readout can help you interpret common alerts, like the infamous check-engine light, so you know what you're dealing with. Some models, like the CarMD that retails for $70, can even connect you to a website to help explain what the diagnostic codes mean. It even provides model-specific suggestions based on your circumstances.

If you want to give the gift of a high-quality used car this year, head to NJ State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, and the friendly and helpful staff are always on hand to help you select the vehicle that's right for you.

Christmas is more than presents and a big family dinner. There's something about this time of year that sets it completely apart from the other 11 months. Of course, that may also just be the Christmas lights.

Holiday decorating is almost as big a tradition in the U.S. as gift-giving is, and it's easy to see why. A creatively-lit house or cozy-looking suburban footpath can instantly transform people from the world of their mundane concerns to one of seasonal magic and enjoyment. In fact, driving around to spot lights, holly, decorations and snowy courtyards is a favorite pastime for many families. If you can't seem to deck the halls hard enough and want to hit the road to see the merriest cities in the country, keep these destinations in mind.

Washington, D.C.
It should really come as no surprise that the nation's capital is a city to reckon with when it comes to spreading holiday cheer. While the townhouses and iconic brownstones of D.C. itself may very well house residents who like to go all out with lights, the real appeal can be found at the Smithsonian. Each year, the National Zoo holds its Zoolights festival – an aptly named celebration that combines the radiant joy of holiday decorating with the fascination of the animal kingdom. Some 500,000 LED lights adorn the zoo, and light the way for visitors who want to take a ride on a solar-powered carousel or visit the nocturnal animal exhibits.

Aspen is one of the most festive cities in the country.

Aspen, Colorado
Santa is hands down the biggest celebrity of the season, but with his famous workshop sitting way up at the North Pole, chances to visit his wintry home aren't exactly frequent. Fortunately, travelers can see the next best thing: Aspen, Colorado. The skiing resort town has an undeniable charm to it that just screams holiday spirit during the winter. Walking along the snow-covered and lantern-lit Cooper Ave. is like taking a step back in time. But don't lose yourself in too much thought, or you may miss out on the many cookie exchanges and public s'mores roasts. When you're finished taking in the crisp Colorado air, you can retire to the Hotel Jerome, which regularly hosts carolers in its lobby.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Christmas and Macy's department stores go together like milk and cookies left out for Santa. But while Macy's has many stores all over the country, you could argue that "the" Macy's is in Philadelphia. Since 1956, Macy's has offered its famous Christmas Light Show to guests, who are treated to a 100,000-LED spectacle that spans four stories. Christmas trees, reindeer, ballerinas and toy soldiers all make appearances as the show walks viewers through a delightful Christmas tale narrated by Julie Andrews. The show ends with a bang – or rather, with the 287-ton Wanamaker Organ playing its rendition of "O Tannenbaum."

Richmond, Virginia
Some people love Christmas lights, while others may find them garish and tasteless. It turns out that many of the residents of Virginia's capital take both stances. Every year, the city hosts its Tacky Lights Festival, which has been running for 26 years. The Richmond Times-Dispatch publishes a list of some of the most elaborately and creatively lit houses in the city, turning the town's residential streets into makeshift sightseeing tours and parade routes. Perhaps the best part is that anyone who wants to can take part in the unofficial "competition" that the festival is based on. But you'd better be ready to compete with the big players – to be eligible for festival inclusion, your display has to boast a minimum of 40,000 bulbs.

Branson, Missouri
Those light-chasers who make it all the way down to Branson, Missouri, will find that their efforts were well worth the trip. The tiny town is host to its annual Old Time Christmas festival at its trademark Silver Dollar City. Not only is there live music and a nightly parade, but visitors can feast their eyes on 1,000 decorated trees covered in a total of 5 million – yes you read that right – bulbs.

Spread holiday cheer this season by heading to NJ State Auto. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, ensuring that you'll find the vehicle that's right for you with financing options that fit your lifestyle.

As the end of the year approaches, we start to think about what we'd like to change for the coming months. New Year's resolutions have been a part of American culture for decades, and every January, people across the U.S. vow to hit the gym, fix their budget or toss out the junk food.

But we all know that making these promises to yourself is one thing, but keeping them is something else all together. Since it's so easy to fall off the wagon with the standard resolutions, why don't you look to your car for inspiration? After all, your car is an important part of your life, and you want to take care of it. Here are some things you can resolve to do in the new year to properly show your appreciation for the ride that has served you so well.

Taking proper care of your car may mean you'll be seeing more of these guys in the new year.

Resolve to stay on top of maintenance
Basic maintenance doesn't have to be complicated, but it does require you to adhere to a schedule. Busy lifestyles may mean that you end up pushing back that oil change a week or forget to bring your car in for a tune-up, but these are the habits you should break in the new year. Winkler Automotive noted that being conscientious of your car's various fluid levels is essential for the longevity of your vehicle. The most important one of these is your motor oil. You don't need to stick to the outdated doctrine of changing it every 3,000 miles, but you should still be changing it every 7,000 miles. One way to make this easier is to designate one day each month to check your various fluid levels, and top any off that need it. You can probably do your oil and coolant yourself, but if you're unsure about your brake or clutch fluid, a trip to a mechanic's may be in order.

Resolve to be more fuel efficient
Cutting back on your car's gas-guzzling is good for both the environment and your wallet, making it a double threat that's hard to ignore. Luckily, many newer cars are designed with more efficient engines or even hybrid engines, helping you get the most out of your gas dollars. If you have an older car, there are still things you can do to improve your fuel efficiency. Refrain from slamming on the accelerator, as that can eat up a bunch of gas. Green Living noted that aggressive driving can burn gas at a rate that's 35 percent faster than more conservative and defensive driving.

Resolve to give your vehicle a total-body makeover
It's true that it's what's on the inside that counts most, but that doesn't mean you can neglect the body as well – that is, your vehicle's body. Your car may take a beating from its environment. This is especially true in winter, when snow and salt can stain your wheel wells and undercarriage, and can even cause rust and corrosion. Come January, have your car's body inspected so any dings, dents or paint scrapes can be taken care of.

Resolve to put down the phone
Life may be fast-paced today, but even if you're always on the go it's important to remain safe. Cell phones and cars still have a tenuous relationship. In many states, texting or talking while driving is enough to warrant a moving violation. If that's not enough to convince you, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in 2012, 3,328 people were killed in distracted-driving accidents. Phones are particularly dangerous because they include all three types of distraction outlined by the CDC: visual distraction, manual distraction and cognitive distraction. This is why hands-free phone kits aren't an effective solution – even if your hands are free and your eyes are on the road, you're still not giving your full attention to driving.

If you resolved to buy a high-quality used car this holiday, consider NJ State Auto. With hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, you're bound to drive away in one that's perfect for you.

As we get ready to count down to the new year, it's time for us to reflect on the one that has just passed. As we contemplate our successes and failures, it's also a great opportunity to reflect on how the year has been for used cars.

Whether you're interested in a top-of-the-line quality ride for yourself or are more swayed by the budget-friendly vehicles, there are plenty of options if you're shopping for a used car. But you don't want to make any rash decisions without having as much information as possible. Here are some of the standout used cars from 2015 so you can end your holiday shopping with a new gift for yourself.

The most cost-effective
The biggest draw of used cars for many motorists is the potential for savings, and with good reason – if you know where to look, you can drive away with a dependable car that you can count on for years to come, often for less than what you would pay for a comparable new model. While used cars generally tend to be more wallet-friendly, here are some of the most frugal rides from this year.

2005 Volvo S60
You wouldn't normally think of a luxury car when you're considering low-cost options, but that's just one of the ways that the '05 S60 surprises you. This is a great model for those penny pinchers who nevertheless want to add a touch of class to their daily commute. Kelley Blue Book reported that the Volvo S60 boasts fairly average gas mileage, with 19/27 m.p.g. city/highway, but the real prize here is the low cost. At a suggested retail value of $4,100, savvy car buyers could drive away in one of these for as little as $2,700 and still pay a fair retail price.

2004 Toyota Prius
With gas prices being as high as they are, you likely want to do everything you can to reduce the amount you pay at the pump. Older cars tend to be somewhat less fuel efficient than their more recent cousins, but in the instance of the 2004 Prius, this isn't the case. The Prius was a pioneer of the hybrid car trend, and with good reason. Kelley Blue Book noted that the car is capable of 45 m.p.g. on the highway, and a whopping 48 m.p.g. in the city. You may pay a bit more up front, with fair market price ranging from $4,800 to $6,700, but you'll be saving much more on gas in the long term.

The safest
Your budget is important, but you can't put a price on safety. Fortunately, with the cars on this list, you won't really have to. Here are some used cars you can purchase that can give you extra peace of mind. This is especially important for parents who are looking for a used vehicle for their teen drivers.

2009-2011 Ford Focus
The Focus has a reputation as something of a hip car for cool younger drivers, which will make it appeal to first-timers and teenagers. Fortunately, this cool factor doesn't come at the cost of safety. Consumer Reports noted that the Fusion is an excellent choice for new drivers, as its seats are high enough to provide a clear view of the road well in front of you. It also comes with the ability to sync Bluetooth devices for hands-free driving, which is a must in the age of text messaging. Consumer Reports indicated that the Fusion starts at $6,050.

2009-2010 Volkswagen Jetta
The Jetta is the first car of many a driver. That's because it balances performance, reliability and safety, for a price that isn't prohibitive to teens and parents. While the base model Jetta features a 5-cylinder engine, Consumer Reports recommended opting for the 4-cylinder variety. The car will still have plenty of pickup without the added noise. As a bonus, the Jetta also comes in an optional diesel model, which can pay dividends when it comes time to fill up at the pump, since you'll be netting an average 34 m.p.g. The Jetta is a bit pricier at a starting price of $7,250, but it's a good investment.