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.

Distractions have long been proven to create safety issues on the road, and a new study from the National Coalition for Safer Roads and FocusDriven revealed that distracting behavior can lead to red light violations. Distractions can come from a number of unsafe behaviors behind the wheel, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating or drinking, fiddling with the radio, or even talking to passengers in the car.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that, in 2008, more than 2.3 million crashes occurred in intersections, and approximately 165,000 people are injured each year due to red-light running incidents. The recent study found that a number of these incidents are directly caused by distracted driving. Researchers analyzed 118 red light cameras in 19 different communities and found that 12 percent of red-light running occurrences could be attributed to distractions, which equates to an estimated 7.3 million red-light violations in 2012. 

The researchers are working on a campaign, Stop Distraction on Red, to promote awareness of the problem and help prevent accidental injury and death. Traffic cameras have helped reduce the rate of violations at intersections, but more efforts need to be made on the part of the community, law enforcement and individual drivers to keep the roadways safer for pedestrians, cyclists and those traveling by car.

One way drivers can improve their safety on the road can be to find a reliable ride that has modern safety features, such as brake assist, lane departure warnings and, of course, air bags.

New Jersey State Auto Auction carries a wide selection of makes and models, so it is easy for drivers in the New York/New Jersey area to find used cars, trucks and SUVs that offer the latest features. Plus, every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified, providing car shoppers with added assurance that they'll be driving off the lot in a safe ride.

Backseat drivers are something that nearly every motorist is familiar with. In fact, many people consider these talkative passengers to be among the most annoying scenarios when you're behind the wheel. A recent survey from Insurance.com looked at who many car owners believe to be the worst backseat drivers. 

Most married people claimed their spouse was the worst backseat driver. About 40 percent of men and 34 percent of women pinpointed their significant other as the most annoying passenger, while men then claimed friends and mothers were also irritating. Women also reported mothers and friends as being annoying passengers. Children and fathers weren't the source of as much grief, despite the fact that they can be just as distracting for motorists. 

Nearly half of all drivers – 47 percent – said that people commenting on driving speed was the most bothersome behavior. Other irritating actions include giving directions, talking too much, fiddling with the music or mimicking steering and braking. 

There are a few things drivers can do to avoid annoying backseat drivers, or at least limit the extent of their input. 

"Rather than commenting on how fast or how badly someone is driving, speak to the impact it is having on you," said Jane Greer, a relationship expert. "… There's a better chance that will trigger a sense of responsibility and invoke the commitment to take care of you and the driver will be more responsive."

Sometimes, the best remedy for a backseat driver is a car that is equipped with great safety features and entertainment options that will put any passenger at ease. At NJ State Auto Auction, you can find a top selection of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, any one of which could be the best option for your next ride. 

Ask any parent, and they're sure to tell you that safety is a major priority when it comes to their kids. Keeping youngsters safe and sound is especially crucial behind the wheel, and a recent study in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons highlighted this need and offered a few guidelines for parents to follow.

One of the most important points made in the report was that child car safety does not stop when kids reach a certain age. The researchers found that 97 percent of parents with children 3 and younger use car seats and other proper restraint systems. When it came to parents of kids 4 to 6 years old, this number dropped dramatically to 42 percent. Only 46 percent of parents even know that youngsters in the age group should be using booster seats, and many simply go from using car seats to regular seat belts for those ages 4 to 7.

"The safest position for a child is the rear center seat, because side impact crashes are more likely to cause serious injury and fatality, with the greatest risk associated with perimeter seating," said lead author Dr. Walter H. Truong, a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare in Minnesota.

In addition to properly securing kids in the backseat, parents should take other steps to keep them safe on the road. Buying a reliable vehicle is a crucial component of safety, and drivers can find the perfect car, truck or SUV at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Each model is CARFAX certified, so families will have added assurance that they're driving around with the utmost security.

Even if you're not a gearhead, chances are that you feel an emotional attachment to your car, truck or SUV. AutoTrader.com recently conducted a survey that revealed just how emotionally invested people can become in their vehicles, and the results show more than 70 percent are at least "somewhat attached" if not "very attached" to their current rides. Men were more connected to the adventures they have had in their cars while women, and younger drivers in general, tended to be more drawn to the aesthetic elements. Older drivers felt a deeper connection with how their cars handled on the road compared to the design.

Despite the bond drivers may feel with their automobiles, the relationship cannot last forever.

"Summer is known as the season when people find new love. So while breaking up is never easy, this is the perfect time to let go of relationships that are holding you back," said Dr. Michelle Callahan, a life coach and relationship expert. "There are things you can do to minimize the emotional fallout from a breakup – and that applies even to your vehicle. the good news is you can make a clean break and when it comes to cars, there can be a significant financial upside to doing it right."

If you're ready to cut ties with your current ride and invest emotionally and financially in your next used car, you may be able to find your four-wheeled soul mate at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealership carries a wide selection of affordably priced makes and models, all of which are CARFAX certified. This provides added assurance that you know exactly what you're getting into, which you certainly won't find when seeking a new boyfriend or girlfriend.

Tires are one of the most important parts of a vehicle. They play an integral role in the safety and performance of a car, and as such they need to be treated with the same level of care and maintenance as other elements. 

"Your car's tires affect its ride, handling, traction and safety, so this National Tire Safety Week be sure to do your PART and check the Pressure, Alignment, Rotation and Tread," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "… It only takes five minutes to check tire pressure and stay safer on the road." 

The acronym PART explains just how drivers can stay on top of their tire maintenance. Pressure of the tires, which is the first aspect of care, involves monitoring tires to ensure they are not under inflated. When these parts are properly filled, it improves personal safety and the car's performance while also providing you with better mileage. 

Alignment and Rotation comprise the second and third aspects of good tire care. Professionals can check and fix any issues that come up with the alignment, which may cause your car to veer to one side, and rotation, which can lead to uneven wear and tear if not observed. Rotating tires prevents expensive damage while also extending their lifespan. 

Finally, drivers should check the tread on tires. Doing a simple penny test, where you place an upside down coin in the tread, is a good indicator. If you can see any portion of Abraham Lincoln's head, the rubber has worn down significantly and should be replaced. 

Whether you think something's wrong with your tires or your car's ready for 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 your vehicle might have.

One of the most important parts of an automobile is its tires. Despite this fact, many drivers do not know the proper way of maintaining their wheels, which can eventually lead to dangerous situations and inefficient vehicles. 

The Rubber Manufacturers Association recently conducted a survey to see how drivers care for their car tires. It found that the vast majority of motorists are unaware of the best practices for maintaining tires, with only one in six people being considered "tire smart" and knowing enough to check tire pressure on a monthly basis. 

When it comes to being tire smart, factors such as age and gender tend to play a role in knowledge levels. Only about 20 percent of men and 14 percent of women know what they should be doing to care for tires. Younger drivers, in particular, lack the knowledge needed to properly maintain tires – only 8 percent of people ages 18 to 39 know how to check tire pressure and carry out a few other basic maintenance practices. 

While drivers can certainly keep an eye on tire maintenance themselves, occasionally it is best to get a professional to look at the automobile. 

"Have [a service center] check tire condition and pressure, look over the cooling system and go through their checklist," Pam Oakes, a car care expert, told The Chicago Tribune. "Having a professional set of eyes looking at your car will provide an idea of repairs you may or may not need going into spring and summer." 

Drivers who want to have an expert examine their vehicle can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction and its Total Car Care Center. The facility can provide a car tune up and check the quality of your tires, making sure your car is safe and capable of handling anything on the roads. 

Driving around in a hectic parking lot can seem like an accident waiting to happen. In many cases, this is exactly the case, as vehicles often times hit parked cars resulting in damage and much-needed repairs. However, not every driver takes these run-ins seriously, which can occasionally saddle an unsuspecting motorist with a costly bill. 

According to a recent poll from PEMCO Insurance, only about half of drivers in one U.S. city – 53 percent – claim they always leave a note behind after hitting a parked car. That means nearly 47 percent leave the scene of an accident without fulfilling duties required by law. 

"… If you ever are in a car crash, we recommend all drivers follow several important steps to ensure the best outcome for those involved," said Jon Osterberg, spokesman for PEMCO. 

In the event you are involved in an accident with a parked car, there are a few set things you should try to do. After surveying the damage and making sure no one was injured, leave contact and insurance information for the other driver. If there's serious damage or injuries, make sure to call the police and file a report. 

You should also take photos of any and all damage. The PEMCO poll found that only about 25 percent of people complete this step, but pictures of the accident can come in handy if you need support from an insurance company. 

If your car is damaged beyond repair or you're in the market for a used vehicle, check out the offerings at NJ State Auto Auction. The lot has CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that can fill the void in anyone's driveway, regardless of what caused the need in the first place. 

With Memorial Day now behind us, the summer has unofficially begun, which means many people are going to be taking road trips. AAA, a leading roadside assistance company, estimates there will be at least 8 million cars in need of roadside rescue this season. To prevent yourself from being a part of this statistic, it can be wise to get a tune-up before hitting the roads this summer. Key factors to check include the car battery, brakes, windshield wipers and washer fluid, and tire condition and air pressure.

"The best way to avoid a breakdown during a trip is to ensure your car is properly maintained before hitting the road," said John Nielsen, AAA's managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. "But unexpected breakdowns can still occur, so for your safety and security, and that of your passengers, be sure to have access to a roadside assistance provider like AAA."

It can also be a good idea to stock up on some emergency items. Flashlights, road flares, batteries, bottled water and even a few security blankets are smart items to keep in your car at all times. This way, if you get stuck on the side of the highway, you can feel safe while waiting for a tow.

Before you head out on the road, whether you're traveling across the country or just driving down to the shore, it's a good idea to have an expert take a peek under the hood. Routine maintenance is key to ensuring your safety on the road, and the experts at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center can spot potential problems before they occur. This can help you prevent future issues that would likely be far more costly and dangerous.