In the years before the recession, it was commonplace for drivers to buy new vehicles every one to three years, but after the economic downturn, fewer Americans can still afford to do this. In fact, the Car Care Council suggests it could be a smarter financial move to put off trading in your current car for a new vehicle. Instead, it can be better to spend money on maintenance and repairs for the car you own now, and allocate the funds you would spend on car payments to more pertinent needs, such as credit card debt.

"Hanging on to your current vehicle allows you to redirect money you would spend on a new car to pay off credit card debt, college loans and other bills, beef up savings or even take a road trip vacation," said Rich White, the executive director of the Car Care Council. "By simply budgeting the equivalent of just one new car payment, consumers could cover an entire year's worth of basic maintenance."

Eventually, drivers will need to replace their current rides, but they don't have to break the bank on a new car. there are plenty of used cars, trucks and SUVs that offer many of the same safety and entertainment features as new models, and they're more affordable. It doesn't hurt that the depreciation rate of a used car is well below that of a new one, which means you'll get more money back when you're ready to sell or trade in the used model. Drivers in the market to replace their vehicles can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction to check out the wide selection of makes and models. 

Everyone knows the importance of using proper safety restraints for children in vehicles, but not nearly as many are aware that pets require special safety precautions when traveling as well. As fun as you might think it is to have Rover on your lap or bounding around in the backseat, this is actually extremely dangerous, as your pet is not only serving as a distraction, but he is also at serious risk of injury in the event of a car accident.

Pets need to be properly secured, whether they are wearing special harnesses that can be clipped to seats or kept in crates that are safely tied down. There are many different options available for car safety devices designed for animals, but it is especially important that pet owners do their research before buying.

Subaru of America recently announced a partnership with the Center for Pet Safety which will help fund testing of such devices to provide consumers with better information and help keep their furry friends safer on the road.

"The Center for Pet Safety conducted a pilot study which showed that the majority of pet safety restraints currently on the market do not provide acceptable protection in a crash situation," said Michael McHale, Subaru's director of corporate communications.

In addition to finding the safest products, you should also take your pet's comfort into account. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports you should make sure any carrier gives your pet enough room to sit, stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. You can also help your pet acclimate to his new car confines by taking him on short trips, which will ensure he is ready for a longer trek.

If you have a lot of pets or very large ones, you might need a bigger vehicle to accommodate them on your next journey. New Jersey State Auto Auction has a wide selection of used cars, trucks and SUVs to choose from.

Owning a vehicle may no longer be a top priority for every driver, thanks to car-sharing options like ZipCar and Car2Go. These services allow individuals who don't own cars to rent them for short periods of time, whether for a few hours or a few days, which can be much more affordable than ownership for people who have other transportation options.

A recent survey conducted by CouponCabin.com looked to find out just what makes this new transportation option so appealing. They found that the main reason people enjoy short-term rentals is the cost savings. Roughly 32 percent of respondents cited saving money at the pump and 31 percent indicated the lower cost compared to ownership overall is what won them over.

"Regardless of their car situation, many people are realizing the wide variety of benefits to short-term car-sharing/rental services," said Jackie Warrick, senior savings advisor at CouponCabin.com. "Not only do these services offer an inexpensive option for anyone trying to get around, they can make like easier and have a positive environmental effect."

Car sharing services are available in most major U.S. cities, which means people in more suburban areas might not be able to take advantage of such options. However, peer-to-peer car sharing is growing more popular as well. Companies like Getaround connect drivers who need cars with owners who are willing to rent them out, giving the latter a chance to earn some extra cash while their car would otherwise be sitting unused in the driveway. 

Those who would like to own a car, whether they don't have access to short-term rentals or they'd like to get in on the car-sharing game themselves, can head to NJ State Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of used cars, truck and SUVs. Every model on the lot is CARFAX certified, so drivers know they'll be getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride.

Child safety tends to be a top priority for parents, but many may not know the best ways to protect their young ones when it comes to riding in cars. The laws for child passenger safety vary slightly from state to state, but youngsters need to ride in safety seats until they reach a certain size. Seat belts in cars are designed to protect adult-sized individuals, not children, which is why it is important for parents to ensure their kids are properly restrained.

A major problem with child safety in vehicles is simply a lack of awareness, and a recent study published in Pediatric Emergency Care found that less than half of the physicians who responded to the study believed parents of children under 2 would be provided with information about car safety after being treated for car crash-related injuries.

"Unfortunately, our research showed that many emergency physicians are not aware of community resources for child passenger safety," said lead author of the study Dr. Michelle Macy of the University of Michigan's C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. "We know the visit to the emergency department is a crucial opportunity to prevent future injuries. Families are frequently discharged following a car crash without referrals to local resources where parents can obtain additional information about child safety seats."

Not only is it important for kids to use car seats and booster seats, but they must use these safety devices properly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a study that revealed 72 percent of almost 3,500 car and booster seats were misused in such a way that they could cause injury to the child during a crash.

In addition to educating themselves on proper car seat usage, parents should also be sure to buy vehicles that offer the highest safety value. There are plenty of options to choose from for families looking to purchase used cars at New Jersey State Auto Auction.

Owning a car is growing less important to younger drivers, and a new report by Zipcar found that cars are taking a backseat to other technologies, such as smartphones and laptops, for the Millennial generation. The survey of those between the ages of 18 and 34 found that almost two-thirds are more concerned about losing either their phones or computers than they are about losing their vehicles. Millennial drivers who live in urban areas take advantage of car-sharing programs like Zipcar, Relay Rides and Wheelz to access vehicles when they need them instead of taking on the responsibility of car ownership. Many of these peer-to-peer car sharing companies further connect with this generation of drivers by allowing them to reserve vehicles directly from apps on their smartphones.

"We're living through the most important shift in transportation in generations – the creation of a new mobility society. Soon we'll live in major metropolitan areas that include networks of ubiquitous, mobile-app powered on-demand mobility services," said Zipcar chairman and CEO Scott Griffith. "These mobility networks will enable connected consumers to pick the best mode of transportation for each trip, in real-time. Millennials are leading the charge for this highly efficient new model that is revolutionizing how people get around."

These findings help to explain a recent report by Pew Research, which found fewer people under 35 own cars. This study found the recent recession to be a major factor in lower ownership rates, but it could be a combination of both factors, especially because many younger adults tend to live in urban areas where they can rely on public transportation for much of their travel needs.

Those who live in suburban and rural areas where car-sharing programs, buses and trains may not be as accessible may still need to own cars, but they don't need to break the bank to have a set of wheels. There are plenty of affordable and reliable used cars, and those in the New York/New Jersey area can find a wide selection of them at NJ State Auto Auction.

It may not surprise many to know that most people with median incomes can't afford to buy expensive luxury vehicles. Recent research conducted by Interest.com looked at the median income for those living in 25 major U.S. metropolises, including New York City, and found the affordable vehicle purchase price for city dwellers typically did not cross the $30,000 threshold. Washington, D.C., was the exception, with an average affordable price of $31,940. Those living in NYC can afford, on average, to spend $21,464 on a car. However, the average amount people spent on new cars in 2012 was closer to $31,000.

"What this research indicates, more than anything, is that a lot of Americans are spending too much money on their cars," said Mike Sante, managing editor of Interest.com. "Car costs are one of the most controllable parts of a household's budget. "For example, if you live in New York City or San Francisco, you're probably going to have to pay a lot for housing, but you don't have to pay a lot for a car. You're better off driving something more affordable and saving or investing the difference."

Drivers in the New York/New Jersey area who want to save some money on their next purchase can head to NJ State Auto Auction. The dealer carries a wide selection of used cars, trucks and SUVs, ensuring that car shoppers will have plenty of options to choose from that don't break the budget. Plus those who need help financing their purchase can take advantage of NJ Auto's many partnerships with major lenders like Capital One and Citibank. 

Purchasing a car is not like buying a pair of jeans – you can't just walk into the dealership and pick out the one that looks the best. It takes a considerable amount of planning and research to ensure you find the perfect model to suit your needs and desires. Remember, you'll likely be driving this car for at least a few years, so you'll want to make sure it is safe, reliable and comfortable, and that you like the way it drives. Here are a few things that you should research before heading to the dealership.

Safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) each put all new cars through rigorous testing to evaluate how safe they are. The results can be found on their respective websites, and you can search through the archives to find older models if you're looking to buy a used car.

Cost of ownership
In addition to the purchase price, you'll also be faced with maintenance and repair costs, insurance payments and fuel costs. It can be a good idea to speak with your insurance provider to get a rough estimate of your monthly payments for the car you want. You can also go online and search customer reviews to determine if the model you like has a tendency to break down or is expensive to repair.

Pricing
It's a good idea to head to the dealer armed with knowledge about the price typically paid for the used car you're considering. You can visit industry websites like Kelley Blue Book and find out what others have paid for the same model. If the dealer's asking price is set too high, you can try to talk the salesperson down to an acceptable amount. A price that is too low should raise suspicions, as this could indicate the car has serious damage or other problems.

When you're ready to buy, you can head to NJ State Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of used vehicles.

The National Safety Council (NSC) recently reported that the number of traffic fatalities and serious injuries increased in 2012. The news is especially alarming, as the rate of traffic accidents resulting in death or injuries that require medical treatment has trended downward in recent years – this is the first time the rate has increased since 2004 to 2005.

According to the NSC report, there were roughly 36,200 crash-related deaths in 2012, which is 5 percent higher than in 2011. The agency suggested that the increase could be linked to both distracted driving and the fact that people across the country are traveling more.

"NSC is greatly concerned with the upswing in traffic fatalities on our nation's roads," said Janet Froetscher, president and CEO of the agency. "Although we have improved safety features in vehicles today, we also have new challenges, especially as it relates to teen and distracted driving, that need to be addressed on a national scale. We must work together now to reverse this latest trend to prevent needless tragedy."

Drivers can take many steps to stay safer on the road, including traveling at the speed limit, keeping their vehicles in good condition, and avoiding dangerous behavior like texting or adjusting the radio. A car that runs well is less likely to break down and cause an accident.

Many vehicles that have come out in recent years are also loaded with safety features like brake assist, rearview backup cameras and lane departure warnings. Those thinking about purchasing used cars can head to NJ State Auto Auction to find vehicles that offer these and other safety technologies. The dealer carries a wide selection of makes and models from subcompact cars to large SUVs.

It seems as though there are more and more technological advancements in the automotive industry every day, but used car shoppers don't have to miss out on the latest features. According to Kelley Blue Book, a number of models have been overhauled in recent years, giving buyers more options to choose from in both the new and used markets.

"Since the 2011 model year, nearly every vehicle in each major selling category has undergone a significant redesign that has upped expectations of consumers by a sizeable margin," said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst of automotive insights for KBB. "Shoppers considering one of the latest and greatest can count on significant improvements in fuel economy, performance, build quality, amenities and style from the generation being replaced, and all for only a modest bump in its manufacturer's suggested retail price."

While KBB may have been looking at 2013 models, the same applies to slightly older vehicles. Drivers hoping to find 1- to 3-year old previously owned cars can check out models like the 2011 Hyundai Elantra GLS, which was priced at $19,475 when new. Newsday.com named this car one of the best for under $20,000 that year. Now, car shoppers may be able to find these vehicles for under $15,000 at dealerships like New Jersey State Auto Auction.

There are many different models that were affordable when they first rolled off the production line in 2011, making them easier on the wallet now. CNET points to vehicles like the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent and Scion iQ as models that offer technological features and fuel economy without breaking the budget. 

Vehicle shoppers can check out their options at NJ Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of makes and models. The dealership also offers full vehicle history reports from CARFAX, so drivers know they're getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride with whatever they choose.