Halloween is here, and soon the streets will be crawling with children and families of nearly all ages dressed up in their spookiest, sexiest or most recognizable getups as they trawl the neighborhoods for candy.

But kids and party-goers aren't the only ones who can take advantage of the holiday's tradition of dressing up in wacky or scary costumes. There's no reason your car can't get in on the fun too. In fact, Trunk or Treat has become a rather popular event around the country, with motorists showing off their wheels in a different way than they normally might.

If the idea of cool cars in even cooler costumes – carstumes? – tickles your funny bone, you may want to explore Trunk or Treat options near you.

Wait … Trunk or Treat?
If you aren't familiar with this phenomenon, don't worry. Trunk or Treat is still somewhat little-known, but it's definitely growing in popularity, and the people who take part every year love it. Usually a community-sponsored event, Trunk or Treat involves car-owners decking out their cars – or more specifically, their cars' trunks – with funny, cute, spooky or thematic decorations. The cars all congregate in a nearby parking lot, cul-de-sac or similar area, and then motorists hand out candy to people who come by. Visitors to a Trunk or Treat even don't just come away with a bag of sweets, they also get to enjoy the creative efforts of the car  owners who participate.

The key to successfully Trunk or Treating is choosing the right type of decoration for your car. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Go classic
At the end of the day, it's hard to go wrong with a classic spooky Halloween setup. After all, the holiday is known for ghosts, witches, vampires and skeletons, and a trunk decked out with these classic fixtures is sure to please the seasonal nuts in your group. The best part is that there are no shortage of classic Halloween-themed decorations at local party and costume shops, and you don't have to spend lots of money or time to create a pleasing result.

You can start setting the mood by framing your trunk in fake spider webs (with plastic spiders scattered throughout, of course). From there, the possibilities are nearly endless. You could go for a classic graveyard theme, using cardboard or Styrofoam to make tombstones that you can then spray paint gray and write funny or spooky names on. If you're feeling a bit more fab than drab, swap the graveyard motif for something reminiscent of Dracula's castle, complete with miniature throne and lots of red curtains surrounding it for that royal look.

2. Get familiar
Of course, Halloween isn't all about doling out scares – at least not anymore. In fact, some of the best and most relatable costumes people wear every year focus not on chills, but on mutually recognizable moments from pop culture. Popular TV shows, movies and even comic books all make perfect fodder for a Halloween-themed setup. For example, if you're a big fan of the hit TV series "Mad Men," decorate your trunk to look like a 1960s-era office, complete with (fake) wood and chrome details and maybe even a (fake) bar to go along with it. Just be sure to dress the part yourself.

3. Something for the kids
Because Trunk or Treat events tend to be community-sponsored, chances are a kid-friendly or family-friendly exhibit will go a long way. Once again, there's no shortage of inspiration here. If you have kids yourself, feel free to mine their bookshelves and DVD collections for ideas from popular literature and movies. If your household is a big fan of Maurice Sendak, for example, turn your trunk into a fantasy forestscape ripped right from the pages of the iconic book "Where the Wild Things Are." While we're on the subject of forests, why not carry Trunk or Treaters away to the Hundred Acre Wood by opting for a Winnie-the-Pooh-themed setup? With a little creativity, you can spruce up your car to match just about any imagination-scape you and your kids can come up with.

Trunk or Treat can be enjoyed by any car owner. If you want to get in on the fun, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, where you'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars to choose from.

Owning a car can be as exciting as it is liberating. More than a set of wheels or a means of transportation, your car can easily become an extension of your personality. This is why many drivers personalize their cars, or even name them, to strengthen the bond between car and driver.

But like Robert Frost reminded us, nothing gold can stay, and before long you may find your initial automotive attraction fading. Maybe your vehicle is getting on in years, or perhaps it may not have the features you need for your current lifestyle. If your love has faded with the new-car smell, don't fret – there are ways you can spice up your relationship with your ride without having to head to the dealership.

There is a growing number of gadgets, apps and other aftermarket gizmos specifically designed to improve your relationship with your car. While some may seem superfluous, bordering on silly, there is still a wide array of car gadgets that can genuinely help you get more out of your ride. Here are just a few. 

GPS navigation
Having the freedom afforded by a car doesn't amount to much if you aren't sure of where you're going in the first place. Dashboard-mounted GPS units have become commonplace for many drivers, but there are some that go above and beyond simple turn-by-turn instructions. Take, for instance, the Garmin nuviCam LMTHD navigation system. Retailing for $394, according to Digital Trends, this bad boy is definitely not your grandma's GPS unit. 

In addition to providing comprehensive directions, it also responds to voice commands for safer operation. It boasts some impressive features, like driver-safety aids that alert you when you're inadvertently crossing over your lane or are in danger of a front-end collision. Best of all, this unit taps into the GoPro generation with its inclusion of an always-on dash cam.

Keyless remote technology is becoming more advanced.

Remote functionality
Autumn is here, which means that before you know it the cold weather will be upon us and drivers across the country will be dreading climbing into their frigid cars every morning. Fortunately, gadgets like remote starters can help assuage that fear by letting you start your car via remote from inside your home, office or school. Some models, like the Viper 5706V two-way security and remote system, go above and beyond by adding additional security features to the conventional remote-start.

For $195, you'll get a two-way remote that can not only start your car, but will also let you enable a car alarm if needed. Even better, because the remote has two-way functionality, you'll also receive a notice if someone tries to start your car when you're not there.

For the smartphone generation, there are app-based remote-start systems that parents are sure to love. Using the GPS functionality of the garden-variety smartphone, the app lets users locate their car, and can send alerts if your kid travels outside a designated "safe zone." For extreme cases, the system can even "lock down" a car – perfect for keeping your grounded teen at home or foiling any attempts at stealing your car.

Driver assistance
Cars are incredibly complicated machines, and so it seems odd that we tend to operate them all on our own. Aside from the mechanics of driving itself, there are a host of more subtle factors that can affect performance, fuel efficiency and even safety.

Thankfully, this no longer has to be a job you take on all by yourself. Take, for example, Automatic's Smart Driving Assistant. This device provides drivers with an incredible amount of information, ranging from engine diagnostics to data on your car's fuel efficiency. It's also great for new drivers, as according to CheatSheet, the system can set driving goals aimed at encouraging responsible driving. If you've ever found yourself cowering in confusion at the indecipherable lexicon of your car, don't worry – the device also translates engine codes into plain English on your smartphone, so you don't have to be a mechanic to understand any issues that may arise with your car. Best of all, the Smart Driving Assistant sells for around $100, and you can bet that you'll be saving much more than that just in improved fuel efficiency alone. 

HUD projectors are helping drivers keep their eyes on the road.

HUDs and media centers
Your smartphone or tablet is great for managing your entertainment needs, so why not apply that same design and sensibility to your car? That's exactly what Apple did with its CarPlay gadget. This system lets you sync your iPhone or iPad's media settings to your car's control console, enabling you to select music, podcasts and e-books with a touch or even a voice command, courtesy of Siri.

If you want even more space-agey gadgets, you may be interested in one of the HUD offerings that are popping up. These combine the diagnostic tools and information-gathering of a smartphone with a projector that displays all your relevant dashboard information up on the windshield so you don't have to take your eyes off the road.

If you're looking for a car to fall in love with and make your own, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. There you'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, as well as a knowledgeable sales staff dedicated to helping pair you with the car of your dreams.

You may have noticed the very first leaves of the season beginning to change, or the fact that the temperatures aren't quite as high as they were a few weeks ago. That means one thing – summer is coming to a close.

For students all across the country, it's back-to-school time yet again, and the cooler weather once more coincides with a rush to stock up on all the necessities needed for academic success. In this day and age, you may also want to bring a car along to campus with you for the added convenience. But with so many choices available, you may suffer from a bit of analysis paralysis. Here are some tips to help you narrow down your decision.

Does your school even allow cars?
Heading off to college for the first time can be a great confidence-builder for those who can't wait to stretch their independence, but before you get too attached to your dreams of freedom thanks to your own set of wheels, you should do some research into your school's policy regarding students and cars.

Some universities don't permit on-campus residents to bring cars to school with them at all, while others restrict the practice to upperclassmen only, whether it be for safety or parking reasons. Your first step before heading to the dealer should thus be to find out if choosing the perfect set of wheels is even practical.

The sticker price of your car is just one factor to take into account when choosing a model.

Economy
If you haven't yet adapted to the frugal penny-pinching student lifestyle, prepare to assimilate it as part of your new identity. There's no denying that over the next four years, saving money will be your No. 1 priority, and it should come into play when choosing your car as well.

Don't just look for a car with a low sticker price. While it may seem more appealing to take on a smaller loan, you may be setting yourself up to actually spend more money down the road due to reliability and fuel efficiency issues. In addition to its sticker price, a car also has a total cost of ownership. This is a value that estimates how much money you can expect to pay in things like gas, repairs and other incidental costs over the period you own it. In many cases, this is where the real money is lost or saved, so ensure that your research includes a reputable source such as Kelley Blue Book that can fill you in on this important information. 

Size
Bigger isn't always better, especially when it comes to student cars. As tempting as it may be to buy a large vehicle and turn it into an on-campus party bus, there are several reasons you should resist this urge. 

For starters, larger cars tend to cost more to own. Smaller vehicles typically have smaller, more fuel-efficient engines, meaning you'll spend less at the pump filling up your compact car than you would an SUV. Additionally, the more seats your car has, the more people you may be tempted to put in it. Not only is this not great for a budding student's academic career, but being "the one with the car" on campus is also a surefire way to rack up a high gas bill.

 When you're ready to shop for your very own back-to-school wheels, head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and a knowledgeable and supportive sales staff willing to help you through every step of the process.

When you're shopping for a high-quality used car, there are several factors that you must take into consideration. Obviously matters such as price, reliability and gas mileage will come into play, but it's important to also do your best to root out "hidden costs" before purchasing or leasing a car to ensure you don't end up paying more than you were planning on later.

One such hidden cost is insurance. Your monthly premium is likely not going to be brought up at the dealership – after all, dealers have very little to do with insurance. Still, while premiums are frequently determined by things like driving history, age and other factors, don't overlook the car itself.

As far as insurance goes, not all cars are created equal. Some cars are an insurance company's dream, while others are certain to be little more than a nightmare when it comes time to shop for a plan. Here are some of the best and worst cars in terms of insurance rates.

The high
Lots of things can influence a car's average insurance rate, and many of these factors have little to nothing to do with you as a driver. If you're shopping for a used car, you'll need to accept the reality that you're already likely to pay a bit more for insurance, since older cars tend to add money on to your monthly premium. But aside from age, any number of factors such as reliability, the frequency with which a given model is stolen and even the color of a car can affect your premium.

That's right – you can pay more to insure a red car than you would a car of the same model that comes in a different hue. This is due to the same reason sports cars cost much more on average to insure than sedans – people tend to drive them faster and can statistically be more accident prone.

According to Business Insider, the most expensive car to insure in 2015 is the Nissan GT-R NISMO. This sporty ride may feel great to drive, but it comes at a price. The news source indicated that owners of this particular model can expect to shell out an average of $3,574 every year just on insurance.

How popular a car is with auto thieves can also impact how much you end up paying in insurance. Kelley Blue Book compiled a list of the 10 most- and least-stolen cars. Topping the list was the Cadillac Escalade, the Ford F250 and the Dodge Charger. At least car thieves like to buy American, right?

If your car is attractive to thieves, that will likely reflect on your insurance premium.

The low
If minimizing your monthly insurance payments is a priority, then you'll want to consider a whole separate set of criteria when shopping for your car. Granted these premium-friendly rides aren't necessarily going to take anyone's breath away, but when it comes to practical, reliable cars with reasonable premiums, this list is a good place to start.

Starting from the assumption that sports cars cost more to insure, shifting your sights to sedans is a good starting point. As an added bonus, sedans tend to carry much lower sticker prices than their sportier counterparts as well.

AutoBytel reported that the Buick Lucerne topped the list for used car model with the lowest insurance premium, and it's not difficult to see why. The car's relatively high reliability rating, the broader availability of parts and its average performance make it a perfect middle-of-the-road car that's excellent for those drivers who aren't looking for flash, but are trying to save cash.

When you're ready to shop for a used car, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and a knowledgeable sales and finance team to assist you through every step of the process.

Shopping for a car can be a stressful experience. There are so many factors to take into consideration, like your budgetary circumstances, the needs of your lifestyle and even plain old luck.

First-time buyers may be particularly nervous, spiraling into a black hole of comparison charts and online consumer reviews in the quest to find "the perfect car." While every model, individual car and driver is different, in general, there are a few guidelines to help you feel confident. That way, you can drive home from the dealership comfortable in the knowledge that you've made a smart choice.

Here are a few suggestions based on what the most important factor is for you when choosing a car.

Price
Cost is one of the most significant factors for nearly everyone when shopping for a set of wheels. After all, there are few other elements that can have so immediate an impact on what decision you ultimately end up making. Of course, everyone has heard the old adage that you get what you pay for, so while a lower sticker price certainly holds some appeal for your wallet, you want to make sure that you aren't ending up with a lemon.

According to Kelley Blue Book, if you're on a shoestring budget, you'd be hard-pressed to find better value for your dollar than a Honda Civic. This popular and reliable sedan topped the publication's list of the 10 Best Used Cars under $8,000 for 2014, epitomizing a perfect mix of affordability and function. KBB highlighted the 2007 model in particular, which boasts an average 36 miles per gallon on the highway, making it an incredibly fuel-efficient buy. This efficiency, combined with the Japanese manufacturer's legendary reliability, make it a good choice for cash-strapped buyers.

Purchasing the right model can help keep your car out of the shop.

Reliability
A common concern when shopping for used cars in particular is reliability. Not only are pre-owned vehicles older, but they can sometimes have histories and pasts that could affect their performance. Once again, it's important to note that every car is different, but there are some brands that have established reputations for being notably reliable.

In particular, many of the big U.S. manufacturers tend to top many mechanics' lists of reliable rides. If you're less concerned about initial investment and more worried about keeping your cost of ownership low down the road, consider a Chevrolet Cavalier or Ford Escort, Popular Mechanics suggested. What these tried-and-true models lack in luxury and luster they make up for with reliability and, importantly, cheap and readily available parts. You likely won't have to take these cars into the shop often, but when you do, you can count on not spending a fortune on replacement components. 

Fuel efficiency
With gas prices fluctuating wildly, driving to the pump can be a car-owner's worst nightmare. Fortunately, the past several years have seen tremendous strides made in fuel efficiency, and used-car enthusiasts will be happy to hear that these pump​-side savings can accompany cars at just about every price level. 

According to Consumer Reports, if you want the best bang for your gasoline buck, you're going to be hard-pressed to find a better deal than a Toyota Prius. The 2004-2007 models averaged an impressive 44 overall mpg, making it the publication's top choice for gas-sipping cars under $10,000.

The outliers
These suggestions can be helpful, but it's important to note that they're just that – suggestions. Just like any rule, there are plenty of exceptions, and when it comes to used cars, the truth is that specific make and model may not be the most reliable final indicator of performance.

In fact, a car's previous owner and his or her driving and maintenance habits can have an enormous impact on a vehicle's overall performance. Years of poor treatment can turn even the nicest model into a clunker. For this reason, it's crucial that whatever car you ultimately end up choosing, you get it inspected thoroughly before signing on the dotted line. If possible, try and narrow your search to certified pre-owned cars. These carry an additional warranty from the manufacturer, and receive in-depth inspections before hitting the sales floor, so you can feel better about your choice.

If you think a used car may be in your future, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified vehicles on the lot, and the helpful sales staff are on hand to make your experience as pleasant as possible. 

Believe it or not, driving with too little air in your tires can be risky for more than just your well-being. It can jeopardize other parts of your car and even wreak havoc on your budget without compromising any of your hardware.

Luckily, inflating your tires is quick and simple with a tire gauge, an air pump and a little time. Make sure you’re consulting your owner’s manual to find the exact pressure. By keeping the amount of air at this level, you’ll be dodging a lot of these road troubles.

1. Reduced fuel economy
As soon as you take to the road on underinflated tires, you’ll be feeling some pocketbook pain at the pump. According to Cars.com, a drop of 6 psi can make a sedan’s fuel economy drop by 5 percent. That can mean sacrificing a couple miles per gallon, which will add up quickly during any commute.

Underinflated tires will immediately affect your gas mileage.

2. Easier tire blowouts
You won’t be kicking yourself at the pump if you get a flat before filling up again, though. Popular Mechanics noted that underinflating your tires is the easiest way to kill them. The inner pieces of the tire don’t function well without the correct air pressure. This can spell immediate trouble if you’re normally hauling heavy cargo, too. If the tires are severely underinflated – any pressure 20 psi under the suggested amount – you may experience a blowout sooner rather than later.

Blowouts mean paying more to get the tires replaced, or getting into an even more dangerous situation. After all, it’s not the easiest to control a vehicle that suffers a popped tire at highway speeds.

3. Greater stopping distance
The reason owner’s manuals suggest such precise tire pressures is because the equipment is made to have the highest contact with the pavement and greatest efficiency at that level. Underinflated tires cause performance issues, the most dangerous of which is increased stopping distance. On underinflated tires, you may roll a few extra feet after slamming on the brakes. In an emergency, every inch matters, and those extra feet could mean nicking a bumper or getting into a worse accident.

4. Increased tire wear and tear
Even if your tires don’t blow out, having too little air in them will cause them to break down quicker. Cars.com explained that underinflation will cause greater wear on the treads toward the sides of the tire. In the case of a Honda Accord the source used as an example, a drop in 6 psi would cause the tires to degrade roughly 25 percent faster.

Keep your tires inflated at appropriate levels to lengthen the lifespan of your equipment and keep some extra cash in your pocket.

Don’t let deflated tires stand between you and a care-free road trip. Especially with used cars, maintenance and extra care is critical for safe, cost-effective driving. For all your budget friendly, secure driving needs, visit New Jersey State Auto Used Cars.

Shopping for a used car has gotten a bad reputation over the years. Images of unreliable cars and questionable loan practices may be enough to put squeamish first-time buyers off from heading to the dealership altogether. 

The reality is that choosing a pre-owned vehicle to buy doesn't have to be a major source of stress. There are plenty of tools available today for savvy shoppers to do their research so they can head to the lot with plenty of knowledge, ensuring they drive away with the best deal. 

Of course, preparedness is an important part of shopping for any major purchase, and a used car is no exception. As the old saying goes, "Let the buyer beware," but with these helpful car-shopping tips, you'll have little to fear when you start making your decision.

Go certified
In general, if you're shopping for a used car, there's no reason to not go the certified pre-owned route. These are vehicles that must meet a certain performance criterion by the manufacturer before they can be sold, which means that they receive thorough multi-point inspections before you drive off in one. Certified pre-owned vehicles often have extended manufacturer's warranties in addition to the dealer guarantee, giving you additional peace of mind.

The amount of extra money you tend to pay for a certified pre-owned vehicle is negligible compared to the potential headaches you'll save down the road. Just be wary of dealers that claim to sell certified pre-owned cars but actually don't. Remember that only a licensed manufacturer franchise can sell certified pre-owned vehicles. In other words, if you aren't on a franchised Volkswagen lot, for example, that certified pre-owned Jetta you're ey​eing probably isn't. 

Certified pre-owned vehicles give you extra peace of mind when you make a purchase.

Keep your eye on the news
Recalls are a common enough occurrence in the automotive world that they aren't cause for any particular alarm bells when you hear of them in the news. But if you're shopping for a car, you should start paying attention to recall reports so you can compare them against the vehicles on offer at the dealership.

For example, ABC News reported that auto giant General Motors is currently on the receiving end of a U.S. Federal Trade Commission investigation. The company was accused of certifying pre-owned vehicles for sale on used car lots that were subject to factory recall. 

The news source went on to state that while selling a new car with an unfixed recall is illegal, there is currently no legislation similarly banning the sale of used cars with unaddressed issues. But just because this circumstance is legally defensible doesn't mean it's a situation you want to encounter when shopping for your car.

Location, location, location
Believe it or not, the part of the country you live in may affect how you go about shopping for used cars. Specifically, any major regional weather events can have implications on the quality of car you're getting. 

One example from a local Texas ABC News affiliate cited the region's recent extreme rainfall and flooding as a concern for car buyers. The National Insurance Crime Bureau noted that around 10,000 cars had been water-damaged by flooding, and that some of those cars may potentially end up on used car lots. As a consumer, it falls to you to do your research into whatever vehicle stands out to you. Be sure to ask the dealer for any car's Carfax report and recent work history, as this will let you know if you're dealing with a car that may have had a run-in with the elements. 

When you're ready to purchase a high-quality used car, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and a helpful staff to ensure you end up in the vehicle of your dreams. 

Summer is in full swing, and if you haven't planned your seasonal getaway yet, it's high time to start. Fortunately, the Northeastern U.S. doesn't suffer from a shortage of destinations that are scenic, invigorating and exciting.

Whether you're a nature-lover looking for a new camping haunt, a foodie on the prowl for some of the best and most well-hidden summer eats or just a traveler with some extra time on your hands and miles on your odometer, you can find what you're looking for in the northeast. If you're suffering from analysis paralysis in terms of choosing your next destination, consider some of these popular choices.

Connecticut
Nestled right underneath Massachusetts, this coastal state offers a seaside flair to shop-goers and trendy boutiquers. If you're looking for a road trip that will also let you experience some of the best shopping in the region, head to Greenwich. Here you'll find no shortage of upscale boutiques and eateries. Visitors can find all kinds of epicurean delights along "The Ave," from handcrafted cocktails to specialty teas – perfect for when you need a break from all that shopping. As an added bonus, Greenwich is just a short one-hour drive from New York City, making it a perfect day trip detour while you're visiting the big city.

Maine is a Mecca for lobster lovers everywhere.

Maine
The largest state in New England, Maine is where you should head if you're in the mood for some high-quality, locally sourced eats. The Pine Tree state is famous for its offering of lobster, but even non-seafood lovers will find something to appease their palettes. Fathom Away noted that Rockland is the town to go to if you're interested in farm-fresh food at a much more reasonable price than you'd find in nearby metropolitan areas like New York. Also consider heading down the coast for a beautiful scenic drive through breathtaking farmland.

New York
The Big Apple may be the biggest city in the U.S., but don't let that trick you into thinking that that's all there is to New York. Of course, the New York City arts and entertainment scene is legendary and is sure to appeal to young travelers looking for a big city adventure. Take in a Broadway show and then hit up some of Manhattan's many upscale bars to rub elbows with the upper crust. If city living isn't your thing, head up to the Thousand Islands. This swath of nature in between upstate New York and Canada offers visitors the opportunity to experience nature among the region's eponymous islands. The New York Times reported that travelers can even rent antique wooden boats to explore the islands. The area also hosts its annual boat show every August 1-3, so if you're trying to decide on a time to take your trip, that may influence you.

Massachusetts
Called the Bay State for good reason, Massachusetts offers a mix of history and easy living. Travelers can walk the streets of downtown Boston, even taking part in one of the "Freedom Walks," hosted by tour guides in period costume, before heading to trendy Newbury St. for some upscale shopping. If kicking back and relaxing is more your thing, one of the state's many capes – including Cape Cod and Provincetown – will be just your ticket.

If your road trip plans are being put on hold because you don't have the right vehicle, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. There you'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and a helpful sales and finance staff dedicated to helping you drive away with the pre-owned car of your dreams. 

Cars help us bring the kids to school, get us to work, allow us to explore the world around us and generally make life easier – but they're also dangerous. As such, it's important to ensure that you and your children are safe in and around them. Whether you're behind the wheel or the car is parked in the driveway, your vehicle can present a threat to your youngsters if you're not careful. Thankfully, staying safe is easy when you know what to look for and what to teach your kids.

For parents
There are plenty of steps you can take to keep your children safe around your car. Start by getting into these habits:

Make sure car seats are being used appropriately: It's common knowledge that infants and toddlers should always be secured in car seats, but it can be harder to remember the rule for when kids are old and big enough to graduate to the next restraint system. The NHTSA's SaferCar.gov has a handy tool that helps you determine which type of car seat, if any, your child needs based on age, weight and height. 

No matter which restraint system your child is using, it's also imperative to make sure you're buckling him or her in correctly. The NHTSA's National Child Restraint Use Study released this year revealed some of the common errors people make when using car seats. These included loose installation, lap belts positioned incorrectly, unused tether anchors on forward-facing seats and incorrect recline angle on rear-facing seats.

Proper car seat etiquette is a must for your child's well-being.

Never leave children unattended in a vehicle: This is a smart rule to follow all the time, as countless things could go wrong in this situation. On a hot summer day, a car's interior can reach threatening temperatures in minutes, even if you leave the windows open. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that a car's interior temperature can climb from 80 to 109 degrees in just 10 to 15 minutes. This can cause heat stroke in youngsters, as well as pets and the elderly, who are less able to regular their body temperatures than adults. Always check the backseat before you lock the car.

Keep the car locked at all times: For added safety, make sure your car is always locked so your kids can't get inside it when you're not around. To make sure they can't ever access your vehicle without adult supervision, keep your keys in a place they can't get to, whether it's on a wall hook out of reach, in your pocket or in a drawer they can't get to.

For kids
You should teach your kids all about car safety too. Find a time to sit down with them and explain these important lessons.

Talk to your kids about how they can stay safe around cars.

Cars are not toys or playgrounds: Children have wild imaginations and can find a way to make almost anything a toy, including a car. Even though cars may seem like the perfect hiding spot or a great pretend pirate ship, they need to be treated with respect and should not be used for playing, especially when there are no adults around. This includes the interior of the vehicle as well as the space around it. If children need to get a ball from underneath a car or they left a toy in the backseat, they should ask an adult for help.

Car seats and seat belts are not so bad: Finding new ways to get your kids into their car seats and seat belts can help avoid countless arguments and tantrums when you're trying to load the family in the car. Telling them why it's important might not work very well, but turning it into a game or a contest could be just what you need. For instance, whoever is strapped in safely first gets to pick the music or play with Mom's smartphone. A reward system might work too. Go with what works best for your family.

Don't walk and text: Smartphones, handheld games, tablets and other devices are pretty much glued to people's hands these days. But when you're reading a text or checking on your virtual pet while walking down the street, you're not watching for cars. Remind your kids to tear their eyes away from the screen while walking near roads, especially when they're crossing streets.

Keeping these safety tips in mind, and teaching them to your kids, will help your whole family have a safe, fun summer.

If your family is getting ready to trade in your current car, you should check out New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has hundreds of used cars available. New inventory is added regularly, so pack up the family and head down to the lot to check out the selection yourselves. Just remember to stay safe!

No matter how stylish, sporty or expensive a car looks on the outside, if it's not safe, reliable or a quality ride, it's not worth any amount of money. A car, new or used, is a significant investment, so you don't want to dedicate a big chunk of change to a vehicle that's going to need loads of maintenance and repairs or one that can't protect you in a crash. If you're going to spend the money, it's essential that you find a vehicle that meets certain industry standards as well as your own requirements.

All makes and models are rigorously tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but a car's worth goes beyond safety. When you're shopping for a used car, you have an advantage over new-car buyers, because the models you're considering have been tested in the real world and you can glean a lot more information about their long-term quality.

In addition to finding a safe used car, you'll also want one that is comfortable to sit in and operate. Something that's too cramped or offers low visibility will drive you crazy by the time you can afford to trade it in for a better model. 

To begin filtering the weak links from your options, avoid these three models:

2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV 
Electric cars hold a lot of promise and many are doing rather well in the market, but this Mitsubishi fell rather short of that mark. Consumer Reports ranked it among the worst cars of 2014 due to its seven-hour recharge time, shorter-than-average range of 62 miles and unimpressive handling. Despite the automaker touting the i-MiEV's interior features that include a leather steering wheel and heated front seats, the reviewer indicated the design fell far short of impressive and even threw around the words "cheap" and "antiquated" to describe the interior. The model also came in at the bottom of National Auto Dealer's Association's list for value retention, with an average trade-in value of just over $8,000, nearly $6,000 lower than the second worst model, according to Green Car Reports.

The unique design may be the only appealing thing about the i-MiEV.

2011 Nissan Versa
Among 2011 model year vehicles, the Versa was at the bottom of the list in terms of safety. Forbes reported that this compact car had the worst scores in the NHTSA's tests that year, with an overall score of two out of a possible five stars. It is possible that, due to changes in the testing qualifications that took effect in 2010, the Versa's score may not accurately depict its safety in the real world, but why take chances if there are countless other, much higher-rated options out there? It's also a good model to avoid if you want to carry more than two passengers. Kelley Blue Book pointed out that the interior is anything but roomy, something to be expected of smaller car styles, but certainly worth noting if cabin size is important to you.

2011 Cadillac STS
​Cadillac is often thought to be synonymous with quality and luxury, but the STS doesn't fit this mold. This is the final model year for the discontinued vehicle, and though it sold well when it was released, a few details may make you want to think twice about test driving a pre-owned model. The IIHS tests resulted in the lowest rating for head restraint and seat safety. In fact, the model has gotten a "poor" score consistently since 2005 in this category. The side impact score was only moderately better with an "acceptable rating." According to Forbes, the price tag of the car when it was new was much higher than the quality it offered drivers.

While these cars, among others, may not be the most ideal choices for your next ride, there are still hundreds of models on the used car market that will meet and exceed your expectations. So long as you know what qualifications you want a vehicle to meet and you research your options carefully, you'll be prepared to step onto the lot and find the perfect car. New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty of different pre-owned models to choose from, and the selection changes weekly.