Students across the country count down the days to their summer vacations. Once the final bell rings and these young people are have three months of free time, they often hit the roads and add to the already heavy traffic. Teen drivers are no longer constrained by school schedules, allowing them to get behind the wheel to embark on road trips, head to the beach or get a temporary job – all of which means there will be more people contributing to traffic congestion. 

According to information from AAA, the influx of young people driving in the summer months leads to more dangerous situations. In fact, seven of the 10 deadliest days on the roads occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and all drivers must be aware of the problems that may arise when traffic gets heavier. 

"More teen drivers are involved in fatal auto accidents during the summer months than any other time of the year," said Richard Harkness, CEO of ADEPT Driver. "Let's make 2013 the year that we reverse these sad statistics. All drivers, and particularly teen drivers, need to put away smartphones and other distractions when they get behind the wheel." 

While avoiding distracted driving can aid in the safe driving efforts, all motorists should also make sure their car is performing at a high level before getting behind the wheel. Certain features of a vehicle need to be working well to provide adequate support and safety, and getting these checked out can go a long way toward making summer driving accident-free. 

Car owners can get a jump start on safe driving by bringing their vehicle in for a tune up at the Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Getting the safety features and overall performance of an automobile examined is an important step toward keeping you protected on the roads. 

Memorial Day is a major celebration around the country, but few states see as much activity as New Jersey and New York. Tourists and vacationers head to the shore in droves to mark the first holiday of the summer season, which means traffic will be crazy and the risk of crashes and other incidents will skyrocket. To have a safe and happy three-day weekend, you need only abide by safe driving practices and perhaps be a bit more alert than usual when you take to the roads.

Give other drivers breathing room
It can be tempting in stop-and-go traffic to inch close to the car in front of you, especially because leaving any more space than that will inevitably mean an eager car will attempt to squeeze in ahead of you. However, it's important to give yourself some space in case there is an accident and you need to get out of the way quickly. 

Patience is key
Sitting on the highway for hours on end when all you want to do is stick your toes in the sand can be frustrating, but remember that everyone else is in the same boat. Getting heated about the situation will only make it seem longer and can increase the chances you make an irrational decision and get into an accident. So crank some summer tunes, grin and bear it. Eventually you'll be off the roads and starting your vacation.

Plan ahead
Whether you're traveling a couple miles or a few hours to reach your vacation destination, it's important that you pack the necessary supplies. Water, flashlights, batteries and snacks are a some essentials you'll be glad you have on board in the event of a breakdown or a long wait on the exit ramp.

Get a tune-up
Before you hit the road, swing by your local auto shop, such as NJ Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. A mechanic can perform routine maintenance, change your oil or address any other basic fixes to ensure you and your family will stay safe on the roads this weekend.

Memorial Day weekend signifies the start of the summer vacation season for travelers around the nation. Many of these eager vacationers are ready to return to the famous Jersey Shore despite the unknown state of some areas in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. 

A poll from AAA Clubs of New Jersey found the majority of travelers will return to the Jersey Shore, even as rebuilding efforts continue. People from New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania widely consider themselves to be regular visitors to the shore, often taking road trips to spend a day or even weeks at one of the coast's beach homes. 

"We are very happy to announce that 79 percent of shore travelers are saying that Sandy did not alter their travel plans," AAA Mid-Atlantic spokeswoman Tracy Noble told WCBS News. "They are going to be traveling to the Jersey Shore as usual. We found that 71 percent of respondents believe that the Jersey Shore will be open for summer travelers, with 75 percent of those folks believing that the ocean and bay water will be safe for swimming and boating, which is a big relief to the Jersey Shore communities." 

As vacationers pack up their cars to head down the shore, they'll want to make sure their car is ready to handle the rigors of a road trip. The Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction can help drivers address any issues their vehicle may have. If you want your automobile to get a tune up before your summer vacation rolls around, the garage may be just the thing to meet all of your auto needs. 

Car manufacturers rely on the opinion of consumers to help create the best products that give buyers what they want. The most recent Cisco Customer Experience Report, which surveyed more than 1,500 people from 10 different countries, revealed what many drivers enjoy about automotive technology – and the results show that the more extras the better.

Consumers indicated they are holding out for advancements in safety, time and cost savings. Specifically, 52 percent of drivers said they would love better technology to track gas mileage as well as other costs associated with car ownership. Another 35 percent indicated they would like to have the tools to track the availability of roadside assistance, and 46 percent wished for a better way to keep track of insurance prices.

"The survey shows consumers' comforts with technology and need for immediate information whether they are researching, buying, driving or servicing their vehicle," said Peter Granger, a senior industry marketing manager for Cisco. "While consumers in diverse parts of the world may expect very different experiences, their technology demand is more positive than many manufacturers imagine. Many consumers are just waiting for manufacturers to respond with better car buying, driving and service experiences augmented by technology."

Researching a vehicle prior to buying plays a large role in the car shopping process for 83 percent of survey respondents. This can be a great way to compare different models before heading to the dealership. When you're ready to buy, you can head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction to check out the selection of used makes and models. With more than four football fields' worth of cars, trucks and SUVs, you're sure to find what you're looking for.

When recent tornados devastated many regions of Texas, General Motors immediately stepped up to offer assistance. The GM Foundation has pledged to donate $500,000 to Habitat for Humanity, a charity that relies on volunteers to build homes for those in need.

Many people lost their homes and more to the tornados, but GM's donation will help them on their journey to recovery. According to The New York Times, 10 tornados, possibly more, touched down in northern Texas, claiming at least six lives and leaving hundreds of homes in pieces. While the wind tunnels may have passed, the people of the affected Texas towns have a long journey ahead of them.

"Helping Texas residents rebuild and repair their homes is a critical priority for Habitat for Humanity International in the aftermath of recent tornados," GM Foundation Chairman Selim Bingol, vice president of GM Global Communications and Public Policy, said in a statement. "Through the $500,000 grant from the GM Foundation and the recently donated Chevrolet Express Vans, we are helping the organization immediately provide financial and other important resources to those in need."

If you want to donate to a charitable cause, whether you'd like to keep things local and help out with Sandy recovery efforts or reach other to other states, consider donating your current ride if you were planning to get a new one soon anyway.

You can save more money in your budget to help out by opting to buy a used car instead of a new one. New Jersey State Auto Auction carries a wide selection of affordable, pre-owned makes and models. Plus, every vehicle is backed by CARFAX, making it easy to find a reliable ride that suits your needs without breaking the bank.

The yellow traffic light can be a driver's worst nightmare. Decisions about speeding up, slamming on the brakes or trying your luck with red light cameras abound whenever you approach an intersection, but some drivers in Florida recently had to face an even more difficult situation. Municipalities throughout the state shortened the length of yellow lights below the standards given by the U.S. Department of Transportation, with some people claiming they did so with the intent of ticketing more drivers, AutoBlog reports. 

"Red light cameras are a for-profit business between cities and camera companies and the state," James Walker, executive director of the National Motorists Association, told WTSP News. "The [rule change] was done, I believe, deliberately in order that more tickets would be given with yellows set deliberately too short." 

The change, which has been in effect since 2011, only reduced the times by fractions of a second. However, even a half-second decrease in time could double the amount of fines handed out because of red light cameras, the news source reports. Although this specific study focused on Florida, it wouldn't be surprising to see similar issues crop up in others places around the U.S. as states try to supplement their funds with revenue from red light cameras. 

No matter how long yellow lights last for, drivers in any state need to ensure their vehicle's brakes, tail lights, blinkers and other equipment are functioning properly. You can take a car to the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction for a tune up that checks out all of these areas and more. When you know everything is in working condition, you'll feel more confident as you approach situations at intersections or with heavy traffic. 

It takes a special kind of couple to navigate the challenges that a travel experience brings, and many are choosing to face these issues head on with a road trip. At the end of the day, however, most of these lovebirds are finding that only good things come about from a highway adventure. 

A new survey from Ford and the dating site YourTango.com found that road trips are a great way for people to grow closer to their significant other. Approximately 90 percent of couples who have taken these vacations with their partners say it ultimately strengthened the relationship, and as many as 77 percent of those people look forward to taking a similar trip again. 

When couples decide to embark on a road trip, many get behind the wheel of a sedan. A comfortable interior and better mileage are among the main reasons sedans outrank their larger counterparts when it comes to being the car of choice for lovebirds. 

"More and more couples are taking road trips due to the high cost of airfare, and because it gives you the opportunity to take your vehicle with you to explore new places," said Ford Fusion marketing manager Samantha Hoyt. "We're excited most couples choose a sedan to travel in, and we've designed the Fusion to meet the needs of couples who enjoy getaways by providing an inviting and comfortable interior in a car that is really fun to drive." 

Whether you need the perfect car to use for a road trip or just want to get a tune up at a local garage, you can find what you're looking for at New Jersey Auto Auction. The Total Car Care Center can provide professional maintenance that will have your vehicle ready for a long road trip, and you can also browse the selection of CARFAX certified cars, vans and trucks to find just the right ride for your adventures. 

Mother's Day is fast approaching, and if you're looking to break the mold of flowers and breakfast in bed, why not perform some basic maintenance on her car? There are plenty of things you can do to improve her ride regardless of your skill level. Here are a few ideas for how to really surprise Mom this year:

Maintenance ideas
Perform a basic check-up, looking for things like low fluid levels and worn or damaged hoses and belts. Change the oil if you have the know-how to do so, or take the car to a professional if it's time to flush out the fluids. A professional can help spot any issues, such as worn brake pads or minor leaks that can prevent more expensive damage in the future. Mom will surely be pleased when she finds out you caught a problem early, and her wallet will thank you as well.

Easy alternatives for the whole family
You don't have to learn how to change the oil or visit the mechanic to make Mom's ride stand out. Washing the car is a surefire way to earn mom's appreciation, so gather some supplies and start scrubbing. You'll need mild soap, fresh water, buckets and clean sponges and rags. Make sure to rinse the car off before you begin to remove any loose dirt and grime. Wipe down the car once it's clean to avoid water spots drying on the surface, and if you have time, you might want to give the car a good polish to really make it shine.

If the car is in need up a professional tune-up or repair, you can bring it to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The experts at the dealer's Total Car Care Center can address any issue the car may have.

When buyers are shopping for a used car, they're usually tuned into things like how it performs on test drives, mileage and special features. While vehicle maintenance is usually considered in this mix, there are a few key areas prospective owners should be looking at as they hunt for the right automobile, including standard servicing that needs to be done at certain intervals. 

The Street reports people who are considering cars that have met certain mileage milestones need to look closely at the maintenance history. For example, vehicles that have clocked between 30,000 and 40,000 miles may require servicing, such as brake pad replacements or new tires. Similarly, cars that have between 60,000 and 70,000 miles or those that have hit 100,000 miles may also need some extra attention. Filters, timing belts, oil changes and other upgrades are all common at these points. 

"If you're buying a used car, you should also know about these milestones and understand that extensive maintenance may soon be due – or should have been done already," Edmunds.com reports, as quoted by The Street. "… Anyone shopping for used cars in this range should check that the required maintenance has been done. A savvy buyer could use the fact that the service hasn't been done yet as a bargaining chip to make a lower offer." 

Customers don't have to worry too much about vehicle maintenance when they shop for used cars at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot is filled with CARFAX certified cars, trucks and vans, so you can be sure you're choosing a vehicle that has plenty of use in its future. If you find a car that needs a little extra work, just bring it over to the Total Car Care Center at NJ Auto Auction, where they can take care of the upkeep of a vehicle and have it ready to drive in no time. 

It's not uncommon to see entertainment systems in cars evolve. Over the years, things like cassette and CD players have become popular in vehicles – and fallen by the wayside as new technologies come into play. The one consistency has been the presence of the radio, but even that may be facing some stiff competition from newer methods of listening to music. 

"AM and FM as a delivering mechanism isn't going to be the most important in cars anymore," Thilo Koslowski, vice president at the technology research firm Gartner Inc., told The Detroit News. "By 2020, I feel very confident that many consumers will consume radio content through avenues other than terrestrial broadcast." 

Many manufacturers are already making moves to include smartphone connectivity services in cars, especially when it deals with music streaming. In the past few years, many automobiles have been released with adaptors for smartphones and MP3 players. This technology makes it easy for drivers to get their favorite tunes at all times, as well as access to tools like GPS navigation systems or hands-free communication. 

Although traditional radio will still be included in most cars, at least for the near future, automakers are choosing to focus on ways to make live streaming or web browsing easier. Many customers want to have all options included in their rides, whether it's satellite radio, AM/FM or MP3 connectivity. 

Used cars with traditional radio as well as other connectivity options are up for sale at NJ State Auto Auction. The lot is filled with CARFAX certified vehicles, so you can choose from an array of great models ranging from sedans to trucks to vans. If you're looking for your next ride, head over to the New Jersey Auto Auction to find the right car for your needs.