With winter on the horizon, drivers have likely turned their attention to some issues that may pop up in the season. Whether these motorists concern themselves with icy surfaces, piles of snow on the windshield or making sure the heat works, they know that the cold weather brings at least some car-related challenges. This can even extend to tires, and it's never too early for drivers to start focusing on these fickle parts. 

Down goes your tire pressure
According to the Goodyear Tire Company, for every 10 degrees of temperature change, your tire pressure can drop 1 to 2 pounds. This can be especially harmful at the beginning of the cooler seasons, as the mercury readings are liable to fluctuate wildly from day to night. 

"Odds are that many motorists haven't checked their tire pressure since the weather began turning cooler. If the last time the tire pressure was checked was during the heat of summer, many people could soon be riding on severely underinflated tires," said Steve Rohweder, Goodyear director of consumer tire technology, in a press release. 

Having your tires at the optimum pressure is essential for the functioning of your car. FleetOwner reported that underinflated tires can result in an increase in fuel consumption – and therefore a decrease in efficiency – as well as more wear and tear on the wheels. TruckingInfo also noted this risk, stating that as much as 90 percent of tire failures are caused by underinflation, which in turn can lead to an uptick in emergency service calls. 

What you can do
Are you worried about tire pressure fluctuating throughout the winter? Fear not, as there are plenty of solutions for all types of drivers – even if you're a novice when it comes to car maintenance. Goodyear recommended checking the pressure at least once a month with a gauge. If you're unsure how to do that, refer to your owner's manual and check out the specifics as they relate to your vehicle. 

Do your tires need some extra attention? Don't hesitate to schedule an appointment at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. The professionals at this garage are capable of addressing any issues your car may have, including those relating to tires, and they could even complete some other tasks that will have your ride running smoothly throughout winter. 

Caring for a used car can be tough. You've got to pay attention to a bunch of different parts and numbers, many of which you might not even understand. It's never too late to learn, however, and just a little bit of knowledge could make a big difference in how you maintain a vehicle. Being aware of the various fluids in your car, for example, can give you the knowledge you need to maintain them properly. 

"Less maintenance improves the cost of vehicle ownership, but fewer visits to the repair facility means the technician will have fewer opportunities to check your vehicle for signs of wear," said John Nielsen, AAA's managing director of automotive engineering and repair. "It's important for motorists to conduct monthly safety inspections to identify issues before they escalate."

Here are three fluids in your vehicle that need to be maintained regularly. 

1. Brake fluid
It's easy to overlook brake fluid: Because it's part of an individual closed system in your car, there's no need to constantly check on it. However, ignoring it completely is dangerous. Find a happy medium by examining it when you have an oil change, just to lump your maintenance together for ease. It only needs to be completely flushed and cleaned out about every two years. 

2. Oil
Almost every driver has at least some knowledge of oil changes. This update is essential for those who want their engine to run smoothly, but today's motorists may not know when to check the oil or have it replaced. Conventional wisdom says to get an oil change every six months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first, but in reality the need varies by make and model. Check your owner's manual for information that's specific to your car. 

3. Power steering fluid
Much like brake fluid, the power steering fluid doesn't need to be constantly monitored. If the level gets low, you'll likely hear some kind of creaking or feel resistance when using the wheel. To avoid this, check the fluid about once a month or so, but don't worry about replacing it until 50,000 miles pass, Lifehacker recommended. If you're unsure, check the owner's manual for more information. 

If you think your car needs to be examined and maintained by a pro, head to the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. This garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have.

As the temperature drops and the autumn air gets crisp, you'll want to spend plenty of time perusing pumpkin patches or tailgating the next football game. However, you shouldn't let your favorite fall activities get in the way of your car's maintenance. 

The importance of tire tread
Tire tread is an essential part of car safety. The deep grooves on the surface of a tire grip the ground and help control the vehicle, wicking away water and other debris when necessary. Tread is especially important during the cold, wet months, as it allows drivers to maneuver over slick areas and complete their drive safely. 

According to The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, this year's winter is predicted to be colder than normal for most of the country. While it's hard to imagine anything being worse than last year's polar vortex, the frigid temperatures and inclement weather on the horizon will likely challenge it. Additionally, people in the eastern part of the U.S. can expect heavy snow and rainfall throughout the season. 

But drivers don't have to be stuck inside when winter arrives – instead, they can work to ensure that their cars are safe enough to handle the roads. 

Invest in tuneups
With slippery snow and rain arriving shortly, drivers should turn their attention to vehicle maintenance now. Simply getting an auto tuneup is a good place to start, as this quick check-up can ensure that all aspects of a car are running smoothly. Professionals will know how to check your tire tread, along with a few other areas, to see what needs to be done before the next cold wave arrives. 

"It's never too late to prepare your vehicle for winter," said Steve Rohweder, Goodyear director of consumer tire technology, in a statement. "Along with antifreeze and battery check-ups, inspection of your tire tread is especially important as we prepare for potential slippery road conditions."

Where to go
At New Jersey State Auto Auction, you can do more than find used cars. The facility also has the Total Car Care Center, a garage that caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have. Schedule an appointment today to have your tires checked out before you hit the worst of fall weather. You can even use this opportunity to learn more about the use of snow tires or chains, which could increase car safety during the winter. 

For most Americans, traffic is merely an inconvenience – albeit one that can drive them to their wits' end. However, many people don't realize that gridlock throughout the U.S. costs drivers thousands of dollars each year. Not only does the constant stop-and-go traffic drain your gas tank, but the time spent in a car and away from a productive place also negatively affects your wallet and sanity. 

Traffic poses major problems
INRIX recently released the details of its latest report, which focused on the facts and figures surrounding traffic gridlock. According to the data, the annual costs associated with traffic will jump by almost 50 percent by the year 2030, bringing its total cost to around $293 billion. 

"This report shows that advanced economies could be heading for 'car-maggedon​,'" said Kevin Foreman, a general manager at INRIX. "The scale of the problem is enormous, and we now know that gridlock will continue to have serious consequences for national and city economies, businesses, and households into the future." 

In fact, many individuals are already paying for gridlock. The report found that the annual cost of traffic for an American household is about $1,700, and that could climb to as much as $2,300 by 2030. Idling in traffic also proves costly for the environment, as approximately $300 million worth of carbon emissions are lost each year. 

Planning for traffic 
Savvy drivers can make a few concessions that should help them avoid traffic gridlock – and the costs associated with it – in the future. INRIX recommended using navigation services that help individuals find traffic-free routes or nearby public transportation stops instead of sitting in gridlock. More advanced technologies that allow cars to identify crowded areas and avoid them may also assist owners in saving money. 

While some residents of urban areas like New York City may just resign themselves to a life of public transportation, there are still plenty of opportunities to find used cars without a hassle. New Jersey Auto Auction, for example, has hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans that can help any driver get around. Shoppers may even find a fuel-efficient or alternative option designed to save money in the long run. 

Thinking about all of the money that goes into a car – the price of buying used cars, insurance payments, auto loans, gas money and more – can be overwhelming. It may even seem like there's no relief from these costs, as the bills associated with owning a car just continue to pile up. That's why some drivers are getting their hands dirty this year. 

More drivers embrace DIY
According to a survey conducted by AutoPartsWarehouse.com, drivers are increasingly trying to save money by doing their own auto maintenance and repairs. Nearly 80 percent of people stated they were trying to pinch pennies by doing their own work, with another 66 percent saying they simply enjoy maintaining cars. 

About half of the people who said they embrace DIY jobs reported trying their hand at more tasks this year than in the past, and two-thirds of drivers said they're willing to take on more difficult projects. 

Why are these car owners stepping outside their comfort zone? For starters, many of them are driving older vehicles, and they don't feel like it's worthwhile to pump more money into them. Almost half of the respondents said their cars were 10 or more years old, with 64 percent clocking in with more than 100,000 miles.

Some of these motorists would be surprised to hear that repairs and maintenance aren't always so costly. In fact, there may even be a few local garages capable of delivering fine work at a relative low price – drivers just have to work up the effort to find them. 

Don't take unnecessary risks
You may feel the urge to try your hand at some car maintenance, but if you're not comfortable with certain tasks, don't hesitate to call a pro. The team of experts at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center, for example, can address any issues you may have with your vehicle. 

At NJ State Auto, you can also find used cars that will serve as great replacements for older vehicles that may be on their last legs. Instead of using patchwork DIY projects to extend the life of a ride, let the facility's in-house financing team figure out how you can get behind the wheel of a more reliable, stylish option. 

Want to try something impossible? Drive safely without being able to see. You wouldn't get behind the wheel while blindfolded – so why would you attempt to drive with anything less than perfect vision? 

A clear view ahead
The Car Care Council underscored the importance of maintaining a clean and clear windshield. Heavy autumn rains and shorter days mean you'll need to have car lights and wipers that can handle the load – otherwise, you could be left struggling to see what's going on around you. 

"With fewer daylight hours in fall and winter, it's important to make sure your vehicle's lights and wipers are working properly so your visibility is not compromised and you can be seen by others," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. 

According to the Council, one of the most important things you can do is clean dirt and debris off your headlights and taillights. This allows you to see the road and other drivers to see your vehicle. You also must aim them correctly so they're properly lighting the way. 

Don't overlook the maintenance
An increased focus on windows, lights and windshield wipers will naturally lead to more regular car maintenance. It all starts by making sure you can see what's happening on the road ahead at any time of day or in any weather. 

"From the driver's seat, you may not notice a light that isn't working, so inspect all of your car's lights and replace those that are out," White continued. "Also, inspect and replace wiper blades so you can see clearly when wet weather hits."

It's also important to have the HVAC system examined. Colder mornings can lead to fogged-up or iced-over windshields, and a functioning defroster will have you seeing clearly in no time. Even with this feature, be sure to have an ice scraper on hand to clear off a particularly stubborn patch if necessary. 

Luckily, most of the tasks that need to be accomplished are relatively straightforward – but that doesn't mean they should be left to chance. Instead of improvising your own work, schedule an appointment with professionals at a garage like NJ State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. The garage caters to the public and can address any issues you may have. 

The traditional way of thinking about car maintenance is quickly becoming a thing of the past. While owner's manuals and old-school repair schedules provide some insight as to what needs attention, new technologies are changing how people approach maintenance, as well as what type of care a car needs. 

AAA recently released a report detailing the average knowledge a driver has about vehicle maintenance. The study found both good and bad statistics, revealing a few areas where motorists can focus their energies. 

Listen to alert systems
One of the easiest ways to stay on top of maintenance is by listening to the warnings the car is giving you. Onboard systems like the check engine light are there to help drivers, so be sure to pay attention when you see a light or reminder flip on. However, it's not enough to just get those specific parts checked. Use these systems as a reminder to have all aspects of your ride examined. 

"The expansion of onboard maintenance reminder systems – which often cover oil-change services – appears to help consumers stay on track with oil maintenance," John Nielsen, AAA's managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. "Many important services that are not typically detailed by those systems are often missed by consumers." 

Know what to look for
AAA also recommended drivers focus on a few areas that will otherwise be overlooked. For example, the study found that the majority are up to date on oil changes, but about 88 percent have skipped brake fluid service. That can be particularly dangerous, as the poor maintenance of this fluid may lead to the corrosion of gears, increased stopping distance and overall lower functionality. 

Other maintenance tasks that may have been lost in the shuffle include battery checks, fluid level examinations and tire care. Be sure to ask a professional to look into these aspects of your car as well as whatever issue brought you to the garage in the first place. 

Get professional help
We get it: Not everyone has the know-how to maintain a car themselves – and that's OK. Places like the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction are here to help. That garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have. Schedule an appointment today to ensure your ride is safe to drive. 

Ask any driver what they think of bicyclists, and you may get some not-so-nice answers. To many motorists, anyone peddling on the roads is more of a distraction and a nuisance than anything else. No matter what you think of cyclists, however, you still have to have the road with them, which means you need to know how to stay safe. 

By keeping these three tips in mind, you should be able to expertly navigate the roads while still allowing cyclists their fair share of space. 

1. Keep your line of vision open
Watching out for cyclists isn't the same as observing other cars. They can move faster in traffic, be temporarily hidden by other cars or follow their own rules of the road. As such, you have to be able to survey your entire surroundings to watch out for bicyclists. Check your mirrors constantly and make sure to look for these travelers behind other obstacles. You should also clean your windows, upgrade your wipers and fix your windshield if a quality boost is needed. 

2. Defer to safety
Whenever you're in doubt about what to do, defer to the safest possible option. Slow down when you approach cyclists and leave a cushion of at least three feet when passing them. Always assume bicycles will be following their own rules – that way, you won't make a hasty decisions that leads to a bad collision. 

3. Know how they operate
Rules regarding bicyclists are different in each region. For example, in New York City, peddlers are always supposed to be limited to the separate bike path in between the sidewalk and the roadway. There are also variances by state, as some allow bicycles to go through stop signs or even red lights if the traffic is clear, even though normal drivers have to stay put. Learn what the rules are for your area so you know what to expect from these individuals. 

Are you looking to upgrade from a bicycle to a car? Look no further than New Jersey State Auto Auction. Our lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans on the site, and you can browse through them all until you find the perfect fit. Need even more help? Then turn to our in-house finance department, who are available to navigate all of your loan and credit options. 

Teen drivers make up a significant portion of people on the roads, especially now that school is back in session and they have to shuttle themselves to school and extracurricular activities. Before these young drivers can feel totally comfortable behind the wheel, however, they have to get used to the rules of the road – an effort that can be helped by formal courses such as driver's education.

In New Jersey, teenagers must complete these classes before obtaining their license. While the process may be a pain for some, it also comes with a slew of benefits that will definitely help drivers in the long run. 

Driver's education helps teens
According to a recent report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, teens that do not take part in driver's education are more likely to be involved in car accidents. They also accrue more traffic violations than their peers – and the margin is not small. AAA found that completing driver's education decreased the number of convictions by as much as 40 percent. 

"This research confirms what conventional wisdom tells us – driver education makes a difference," said Dr. William Van Tassel, the manager of driver training programs for AAA. "Despite recent declines in participation, the overwhelming majority of Americans believe new drivers should take part in this critical step of the learning-to-drive process." 

Learning to drive in Jersey
Luckily for all motorists, New Jersey is one of the states that requires teenagers to complete a driver's ed course. As part of this, a driver must rack up six hours of behind-the-wheel practice with a licensed instructor. Additionally, they must pass a knowledge test and a vision exam. Of course, they also have to present some sort of proof of enrollment for a driver's training course in the state. 

Is your teen ready to drive? You'll want him or her to have a vehicle that is dependable on the roads and equipped with top-notch safety features. It may sound like a tall order, but you could find just what you're looking for at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified vehicles for you to consider, plus an in-house finance team that will help you figure out how to afford another ride.