Teens may be enrolled in driver's education classes, but the bulk of what they learn about the roads stems from their parents. Whether they're picking up on what to do at busy interactions or getting a master class in road rage, these young people are frequently exposed to good and bad driving habits. This heavily influences the type of motorist they become in the future, so adults should be aware of how they're behaving. 

Parents influence teens
One recent study from Goodyear focused on how the parents of young drivers view themselves on the roads. According to the survey, more than half of adults know their kids are paying attention to how they act, and more than one-third admit that their habits directly influence children's attitude behind the wheel. 

For the most part, parents believe their children see them as good drivers. But that's in spite of the fact that nearly half have gotten a speeding ticket while a child was in the car, and more than one quarter admit to engaging in some bad habits as they drive. If adults want to be good role models for teen drivers, they'll have to start cleaning up their act. 

"It is clear the role of parents starts very early," said Eszter Salamon, president of the European Parents Association. "They are role models for the children. They drive behavior, and their behavior on the road as drivers, cyclists or pedestrians has an influence."

Safety first 
Parents of young drivers don't have it easy. They have to balance safety and a budget – something that can be incredibly difficult when inexperienced drivers are involved. Not only do you want to make sure these motorists are protected with all of the top technologies and safety features, but you also must guarantee you're not sinking too much into an investment.

According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, drivers ages 16 to 19 are almost three times more likely to be involved in an accident than their more experienced counterparts. Even if these collisions are light fender benders, they could still result in repairs that are both time consuming and expensive. Rather than get involved in a tangle of maintenance bills and sky-high insurance premiums, search for a great used car at New Jersey State Auto Auction. This lot is loaded with Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, most of which offer the right balance of quality and price that you're looking for. 

Once you've invested money into a used car and begin driving it every day, it's easy to get attached. But when the miles add up and standard maintenance issues start getting costly, it may be time to think about moving on from the comfort of an old vehicle and purchasing one that has more of a future. This isn't an easy decision to make. However, it's one that is often necessary for safety and practical reasons. 

When to end the relationship
So you've been driving the same car for years and years, and you have a feeling it's nearing the end of its life. How can you be sure? There's no foolproof way know when a car has reached the end – unless it's dead in your driveway, of course – so you'll have to use your best judgment. 

Start by researching the average depreciation and resale value of your ride. Finding out how much your car is currently worth is the first step toward realizing if you're spending too much on fuel, repairs, insurance and other expenses. Most cars hold value until they near the 200,000-mile mark, but collisions and similar problems over the course of a vehicle's life can decrease this number. 

Be sure to take a clear look at what maintenance is costing you. If you're spending hundreds of dollars on quick-fix repairs to keep the car on the road, you may be wasting money. In fact, those funds could be better spent as a down payment on another ride that will last you much longer than what's currently in your driveway. 

Moving on with used cars
When you've finally come to terms with the fact that it's time to upgrade your ride, it's important to turn to the right place for help. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, you can browse through hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, allowing you to find the right replacement at an affordable price. With many options for financing as well, it's easy to get behind the wheel of the vehicle you want quickly and affordably. 

Whether you want to take your time with the car-buying process or are eager to get back on the road, you can find the right course of action at NJ State Auto. Let our team of professionals help you select a high-quality used car. 

As you hunt high and low for the best used cars, you're going to have to keep track of a lot of tiny details. Everything from preferred car color to mileage to sticker price has to be meticulously organized and accounted for in a budget, and that takes a lot of effort. In fact, it may even distract you from focusing on some other important aspects of the used cars. 

The next time you're looking at a used car, make sure you're paying attention to these five aspects of the vehicle. Each one can have a major impact on your auto-related decisions. 

1. Recall history 
Checking out the recall history of a used car is more cautionary than anything. Some vehicles may have a clean record, but if there's any that have been involved in a recall, you need to ensure they've had the necessary repairs. A thorough vehicle history report or repair summary should have these details. 

2. Driver complaints 
As you're looking up details of certain makes and models, take the time to examine any documented driver complaints. If you know what other drivers noticed during their time behind the wheel, you'll be in a better position to evaluate performance, judge a test drive and even negotiate a price. 

3. Strange smells 
Your test drive will likely involve getting comfortable in the driver's seat and evaluating the car's road performance. However, that's not all you need to look at. Take note of any strange odors in the car itself. Consumer Reports noted that musty smells may indicate that there was a leak or water problem, while other scents could be a sign that a previous owner was a smoker. 

4. Maintenance costs 
It's relatively easy to look up the average maintenance costs for certain brands or models. Although some of these expenses might not come into play, it's best to know ahead of time what you can expect so you can factor it into your budget. 

5. Average expenses 
Maintenance or repair costs can vary based on many factors, but other expenses will stay relatively flat throughout your time as a car owner. It's best to work out these costs before you buy. Take the time to determine what your hypothetical monthly payments would be for insurance, loans and fuel. This allows you to work out a budget and figure out what you'd be willing to bid at a facility like NJ State Auto Auction. With so many quality used cars on this lot, it's easy to find a car, truck or van that meets all of your needs. 

You've probably a heard a lot of different things about auto auctions. Some of these rumors are likely accurate, while others are more exaggeration than fact. So what are some truths that you need to know? It certainly helps to be aware of the advantages of an auto auction, and that means you should be keeping these five perks in mind. 

1. Cut through the red tape
When you buy a car, you usually have to go through long processes and bundles of paperwork. That's not the case at an auto auction. In fact, places like NJ State Auto pride themselves on providing buyers with options that allow them to drive off the lot with their purchase as soon as possible. To help, the financing department even offers same-day credit approval, which gives you some of the monetary assistance you need to finalize a purchase. 

2. Find lower prices
Many drivers will be drawn to the great value at auto auctions. CarsDirect noted that many sticker prices at auto auctions can't be found anywhere else, and bidding options can allow drivers to save even more. When you only bid what you think a car is worth, you can avoid high prices and take advantage of great deals. 

3. Browse a high volume of vehicles
Another benefit of these auctions is that they often have a wide range of vehicles for sale. At New Jersey Auto Auction, for example, you can browse the hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans available on the lot. Not only are you able to look through many makes and models, but you can also check out cars from different age ranges. This makes it easy to find the type of car and features you want, all while staying within a budget. 

4. Speed up the process
Auto auctions often allow you to act much more quickly than traditional dealerships. You have the option to begin registration paperwork before you even get to the lot, and you can start the bidding process almost immediately. Those who don't want to waste any time can select the "buy now" option. 

5. Trust the vehicle maintenance 
If you're buying a used car at an auto auction, you know the lot has checked the vehicle over and given the machine its stamp of approval. Additionally, easy access to a vehicle history report allows you to scope out the car's past and evaluate any damage or maintenance that it has been through. The auction may also have its own car care center, which you can keep in mind in case you need any work done in the future. 

Choosing the right car for a new driver is tricky. On one hand, you want to make sure they have all the features they need to stay safe on the roads, but you also don't want to have them be easily distracted by technology and infotainment systems. Then there's the price factor – insurance rates are already higher for these young motorists, and no one wants to fork over a ton of cash when teens are just getting started in the world of driving. 

For teens, certain factors matter
The British Medical Journal conducted a study on teen drivers on U.S. roads, focusing on the circumstances of dangerous crashes. Published online in the journal Injury Prevention, the results of the report showed that larger cars tend to be safer for teens. Pickup trucks and large SUVs were involved in fewer fatal crashes than their smaller counterparts. 

Similarly, cars with updated safety features were also more secure for young drivers. Amenities such as electronic stability control, rear-view cameras and side airbags were all found to be extremely advantageous in reducing the risk or severity of a crash. These features aren't limited to brand new cars, either. In fact, buyers can find some lightly used cars with these tools. 

"Larger, heavier vehicles generally provide much better crash protection than smaller, lighter ones," the researchers wrote. "Newer vehicles generally are also more likely to have better crash test ratings and important safety features such as ESC and side airbags. Parents may benefit from consumer information about vehicle choices that are both safe and economical." 

Finding the right fit
Buying a car with top-notch safety features doesn't have to be a huge blow to your bank account. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, for example, shoppers can browse hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars – most of which can be bid on and had for affordable prices. 

Of course, it's also important to teach teens the rules of the road – and the limitations of their car – so they can avoid accidents altogether. Provide new drivers with plenty of time to get used to their ride and its features. Once they know how to work different aspects of the car, these tools are less likely to cause distractions or problems on the roads. 

The next few weeks will be filled with holiday parties, New Year's bashes and plenty of revelry. In a perfect world, these gatherings would take place nearby – or perhaps even in your own home – but in reality, you've probably got to travel for at least one of these parties. When you're on the roads in these upcoming weeks, keep a few simple driving tips in mind to stay safe and secure. 

Get in the holiday spirit
One of the easiest ways to stay safe on the roads is to be nice to others. Aggressive or hotheaded drivers can cause serious problems. Rather than put yourself in the bullseye, practice defensive driving and share the holiday spirit with others. Let drivers merge ahead of you, don't cut in front of cars and be conscious of blind spots you may be encroaching on. This will help you steer clear of potentially dangerous motorists. 

Turn your lights on
There are many types of drivers on the roads during the holidays, so make sure you are visible to all of them. Use your headlights often, even if you don't think it's that dark or difficult to see. Fellow drivers could have worse vision, more distractions or numerous other obstructions, and by following this tip, you can make it easier for these motorists to identify your car. 

Get an auto tune-up 
Never underestimate the power a tune-up can have on your car's status. Instead of blindly pulling out onto the roads, head to the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto. There, a professional can scope out your car and make sure it's ready to safely navigate the roads. This garage caters to the public and can address any issues you may have. 

Stay connected
Even if your car has been cleared by an expert, there's still a chance you could get hung up by weather or incidents with other drivers. It's important to be in a position to calmly and quickly react to these situations. AAA recommended drivers have emergency contact information on hand and easily accessible. Good phone numbers to have include some kind of roadside assistance and friend or family member who can provide a lift if necessary. Additionally, drivers should have an adaptable cellphone charger ready to go in their vehicles. In the event of an accident, a dead phone isn't much use, so make sure you're ready to communicate at all times. 

By now, you've already heard a ton of information about who is traveling this holiday season. You've probably thought of the millions of extra drivers on the roads and shrugged it off, thinking that it's not much of a problem in your neck of the woods. But that's where you could be wrong. New Jersey and the surrounding states could be right in the middle of some heavy holiday travel. 

New Jersey residents get moving
AAA Mid-Atlantic projected that a lot of travelers will be coming from New Jersey. According to the organization's data, about 2.4 million residents are expected to get behind the wheel and drive 50 miles or more for the holidays. If that estimation is accurate, it would be a 4.4 percent increase over 2013. 

The holiday travel season runs from Tuesday, Dec. 23, to Sunday, Jan. 4, encompassing the nearly two-week span around Christmas and New Year's. That's good news for travelers, as it means they have plenty of chances to find off-peak or less congested times to drive. 

"It's going to be crowded," Tracy Noble, the spokeswoman for AAA Mid-Atlantic, told NJ.com. "But we need to keep in mind that this year's holiday travel season lasts 13 days, so it's going to be spread out."

Mapping routes through NJ 
Not only are a lot of NJ locals getting ready for road trips, but the state is also prepping for many motorists to come through. Because of its location and low gas prices, it's an attractive stop for many out-of-towners. This will add to congestion on the roads, but it shouldn't be a negative unless you wind up stuck behind a slow-moving stranger who doesn't know where they're going. 

"We will see more people coming through our state because New Jersey is a corridor state," Nobel told NJ.com. "And they will be filing up at our gas stations."

Be smart about road trips
No matter where you're going, you can protect yourself by being smart about your choices. Start by getting a tune-up to make sure every part of the car is capable of working smoothly throughout a trip.

If you think even that maintenance won't help your existing vehicle get up to snuff, consider shopping for used cars and speeding up the buying process with a trip to NJ State Auto Auction. This lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars – many of which are available to buy the same day. An in-house financing team is on hand to help sort out credit and loan issues, allowing you to get in a car and on the road quickly. 

With so many people ready to get behind the wheel for road trips this winter, it's only natural that there may be some hiccups along the way. However, some of the obstacles drivers encounter are likely avoidable – they just chose not to take the proactive measures to protect themselves. 

Drivers act smart before road trips
There are some motorists who are doing their best to avoid becoming a cautionary tale on the roads. The Rubber Manufacturers Association recently conducted a survey to see what these drivers are taking care of before long trips. According to the study, the majority of people – about 54 percent – check their tire pressure prior to leaving on a road trip. This helps avoid lost fuel efficiency or subpar driving performance. About one-fourth also conducted a quick tread check to make sure their tire grip was adequate. 

"We're encouraged that more than half of holiday road trippers are taking steps to be tire smart and check tire pressure," said Dan Zielinski, RMA senior vice president of public affairs. "But all motorists should be checking tire pressure before every long trip. Fully loaded vehicles packed with people, luggage and holiday gifts that ride on under-inflated tires present a safety issue." 

A few other maintenance actions were common as well. About 51 percent of motorists sprung for an oil change before road trips, and another 41 percent had the brakes checked. However, 15 percent had nothing done, and that puts them and their cars at risk. 

Easy safety tips 
The RMA had a few other recommendations that drivers should take note of, specifically with regard to tire care. For instance, the organization suggested drivers take out the owner's manual to see what the optimal tire pressure is. That way, they'll have a baseline to compare readings to when measuring before long trips. Motorists should also pay attention to the temperature – if there are any wild weather swings or big plunges, it could be smart to give the tires an extra examination. 

If you're not sure what needs to be done on your ride, don't be afraid to seek some help from the professionals. The Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction, for instance, caters to the public and can address any issues you may have. Just one appointment could save you a lot of time and money by avoiding costly repairs in the middle of your trip. 

Are you heading somewhere other than your own home for the holidays? There's a good chance you are – at least according to the latest figures from AAA. The organization recently released a report detailing the end-of-year travel forecast. 

Who's traveling? 
AAA estimated that 98.6 million Americans are going away from home for the holidays. These travelers aren't going down the street either, as this figure represents those who are journeying more than 50 miles away from home. Additionally, about 91 percent of these people will be driving to their destinations, translating to almost 90 million people on the roads from Dec. 23 to Jan. 4, according to the report. 

The organization noted that the travel volume will be the highest since 2001, when AAA began recording the data. Much of that is due to low gas prices, relatively affordable used car rates and the rebounding economy. 

"'Tis the season for holiday travel, and this year more Americans will join with friends and family to celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year than ever before," said Marshall Doney, AAA president and chief operating officer. "While the economy continues to improve at an uneven pace, it seems more Americans are looking forward with increasing consumer confidence, rather than looking back at the recession. This is helping to drive expected travel volumes to the highest level we have seen for the year-end holidays."

Who gets stopped? 
There are many reasons why you may find your road trip sidetracked. Among the most common is car breakdowns – and those incidents will impact a fair number of drivers this winter. AAA estimated that it will have to aid more than 1.1 million drivers during the holiday season. Although some of these motorists will run into unavoidable circumstances, others may have breakdowns that could have been prevented. 

Before you head out on the highway, schedule an appointment with NJ State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. This garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have, even if it's just some simple preventative maintenance. The experts can make sure you have peace of mind – and a capable vehicle – before your journey begins. 

Once you take the leap and decide to buy a used car of your own, you're going to want to take care of it. It's important to take the right steps at all times of the year, but it can be especially imperative to conduct maintenance in winter. As the end of the calendar year approaches, make sure you are doing all you can to protect your car from common dangers. 

Protect it from the elements
The first thing you have to do is get your car prepped for extreme weather. Instead of just winging it this winter, take a few precautions. Start by having a stocked emergency kit and spare tire ready to go in case of emergency. You should also have the vehicle washed and waxed. The right wax can act as a sealant, keeping harmful moisture and debris away from your car's paint and body. Even if you have this barrier, you should invest in regular washes. Road salt can easily get on the body of your ride and speed up the rusting process. Washing the layers of grime away will remove the particles before they do any damage. 

Protect it from others
Unfortunately, there are some unsavory people out there who may want to get their hands on your ride. To prevent these criminals from making you a target, be sure you are taking advantage of a few practices that can deter car thieves. Start by always parking in well-lit areas. Avoid pulling your car in next to dumpsters, greenery or large trucks as well, as these can obstruct your view of the vehicle and provide cover for criminals. It's also a good idea to hide any valuables, whether they're navigation devices, recent purchases or holiday gifts, so you don't unwittingly make yourself a target. 

Protect it from yourself
Your own actions play a major role in how your car performs and ages. Instead of leaving the fate of your ride up to chance, schedule an appointment at NJ State Auto's Total Car Care Center. The experts there can address any issues you may have and make sure your car is running at an optimum level. If you ignore the necessary maintenance, however, you could be putting your vehicle at serious risk for costly problems in the near future.