If you've ever driven a classic sports car, you've probably experienced the thrill of driving a little too fast while enjoying the power of the machine as you engage the clutch and shift the gears. You may have instead been exposed to a manual transmission when you tried learning to drive in your grandfather's old car – and failed miserably trying to start up a hill. You never could quite get the clutch right, could you?

But if the latter is the case, it should come as a pleasant surprise that, for the better part of the existence of the combustion engine, car makers and gear-heads alike have been trying to perfect the automatic alternative to the classic manual transmission. In fact, Edmunds reported that only 3.9 percent of all new cars sold in 2013 had manual transmissions, and 67 percent of the 2012 models were only available with automatics.

But despite this industry trend, there are some who will always prefer manual to automatic transmissions for a number of reasons. If you're in the market for a used car, it's likely at some point that you'll have the option of choosing which transmission you would prefer, and there are advantages for both. Understanding the pros and cons of the different transmissions will help you make an informed decision when you're looking for a car. But first, a rundown of the mechanical differences:

What is a transmission?
According to How Stuff Works, all engines have what's known as a "red line," which is the maximum rpm an engine can operate at before it explodes. The transmission changes the gear ratio between the drive wheels and the engine so that the engine continues to operate below the red line as speed increases. Manual transmissions have a set number of gears that the driver shifts between depending on speed and rpm. Automatic transmissions, on the other hand, utilize what's called a planetary gear system that allows one set of gears to provide different ratios, according to the source.

The ideal transmission would allow infinitely flexible ratios, allowing the engine to always operate at its best. The continuously variable transmission is a newer form of automatic transmission that seeks to provide this perfect ratio scenario. Advancements in technology have allowed car manufacturers to start incorporating the automatic CVT in newer cars, and that move may help seal the fate of manual transmissions. 
Automatic transmissions utilize a planetary system to maximize available ratios.

So while this all might sound like a bunch of mechanical jargon, it plays a large part in defining which transmission is actually better. Here are the pros and cons of manual versus automatic transmissions:

Manual pros

• According to Consumer Reports, manual transmissions can increase mileage by up to 5 mpg in some cases.
• Vehicles with manual transmissions are often cheaper than automatics by around $1,000. 
• The New York Daily News reported that manual transmissions are easier to maintain – in general, the clutch is the only part that ever needs to be replaced, and a lot of people would argue that a good driver can make a clutch last a long time. Also, manuals are lubricated with gear oil, which doesn't break down as easily as automatic transmission fluid so it doesn't need to be changed as often, – if at all. 
• Manual transmissions allow for more control over the vehicle – whereas automatics are constantly pushing the car forward when it's in drive, a manual only responds to the driver. 

Manual cons

• Manual transmissions are no longer an option for a lot of cars, and are usually limited to small vehicles and sports cars.
• Driving stick requires more skill than an automatic – it takes practice to learn how to properly use the clutch, and improper use will lead to more wear and tear.
• Using two feet to drive can be uncomfortable for some people, which also depends on how the car is designed. 
• Driving in the city is only fun if you truly enjoy driving a stick shift. Stop-and-go traffic can be a real hassle if you're driving a stick, and that kind of shifting can cause excessive wear on the clutch, according to Consumer Reports. 
• Manuals may be harder to sell down the line, since they are less popular now than ever.

Automatic pros

• An automatic is far easier to drive than a stick – all you do is put it into drive, reverse, park or neutral. While newer automatic transmissions are incorporating more gear choices, there's still little work to be done on the part of the driver. 
• Automatics are great for the city – driving in traffic is considerably easier with an automatic, as there is no need to shift constantly with the ebb and flow of traffic.

• "There are far more options available with automatic transmissions."

  Car Talk pointed out that CVTs are as close as anyone has come to creating the perfect transmission, and their advent is helping automatics exceed manuals in terms of mileage. 

• As the Edmunds statistics indicated, most manufacturers have significantly cut back on having stick shifts available for their models, so there are far more options available with an automatic. This also means there's a wide variety of used cars with an automatic transmission.

Automatic cons

• The driver has less control over the performance of an automatic transmission because it does the shifting itself. According to Car Talk, automatics that aren't CVTs create a problem with gear slippage as they get up to higher speeds, hurting gas mileage. 
• Despite advances in technology with CVTs and gear sensors, most automatic transmissions generally get lower mileage than their manual counterparts.
• Cars with automatic transmissions are usually more expensive than those with manual transmissions. This is especially true if they are equipped with the latest CVT transmissions which are also the best performing. 
• Automatic transmissions are very complex machines due to the planetary gear system. If they break, it can cost a fortune to have them fixed or replaced.

So if you consider that manual transmissions only get a few more mpg than automatics, and there are far more cars available with an automatic transmission, that's the way to go. Car Talk even went so far as to conclude, "the only good argument for buying a manual transmission these days is 'Because it's fun.'" 

But it's all up to you, the driver, to figure out what you're most comfortable with. Some people just love driving a stick. Whatever the case, pop into New Jersey State Auto Auction and have a look through their used car selection – chances are you'll find what you're looking for. 

New Jersey is home to some of the most amazing beaches on the East Coast, and while New York City is more known for its skyscrapers, it's got some pretty cool beach spots too. So if you're bumming around this summer and you're thinking of taking a road trip somewhere, why not consider these eight beaches in New York and New Jersey. 

1. Cape May
   Rebuilt following a massive fire in 1878, Cape May City is distinct from other New Jersey beach towns because it was reconstructed with colorful and interesting Victorian buildings – what's more, there are no big chain stores or restaurants to be found, according to CapeMay.com. It's technically an island, but it's also the southernmost tip of the Garden State. The fact that it's warded off corporate influence for well over a century has kept Cape May as beautiful and original as it always has been. If you're looking for an adventure on a summer day in New Jersey, take a quick trip to Cape May – spend the afternoon on the beach and hang around for a nice dinner on the water. 

2. "Spring Lake has NJ's longest non-commercial boardwalk."

   Spring Lake
   Sixty miles from downtown Manhattan, Spring Lake features the longest non-commercial boardwalk in New Jersey, according to SpringLakeBoro.org. The Travel Channel characterized the beaches of Spring Lake as some of the most refined in all of Jersey. While this seaside town is a popular spot in the summer with a budding tourist industry, there's only one hotel on the water – so you'd better book early if you plan on staying more than a day. The Breakers Hotel was built in the late 1800s, and while it's been renovated time and again to keep up with the Jones,' its exterior design maintains the hotel's classic charm. So if you fancy a relaxing afternoon on the beach and a quiet town to stroll through, Spring Lake is a good bet for you. 

3. Long Beach Island
   If you're looking for the tourist-y beach spot where you can find, well, everyone else, look no further than Long Beach Island. LBI, as it's referred to by locals, is rich in night life and has 8 miles of beaches, according to the Travel Channel. LBI is the home of the famous original Ron Jon Surf Shop, which was built there in 1961. Since then, it's provided a valuable service to LBI's large surfing community – there are 19 spots that allow surfing along the beaches, the Travel Channel reported. If you're looking for a great time on the beach, LBI is the place to go.
4. Ocean City
   This popular seaside town, which is actually an island, was recently voted the No. 1 beach in New Jersey by NJ.com readers poll. Ocean City was founded in 1879 and remains one of the most popular family hotspots in the country. Originally intended to be used as a Christian beach and camping retreat, the town remains dry to this day – no alcohol is available anywhere on the island to honor this tradition, according to Ocean City's visitor information website. With 14 guarded beaches open all summer and a 2.5-mile boardwalk packed with shops and eateries, Ocean City is the family destination in New Jersey.Boardwalks are a great attraction for beach goers – they are often lined with shops and restaurants, and some even have amusement piers.
5. Wildwood
   The Wildwood area in New Jersey has 5 miles of beaches for tourists and local beach bums alike to sprawl out. Wildwood is home to the 1950s and 1960s doo-wop movement -Chubby Checkers debuted the Twist at the famous Rainbow Club, according to the Travel Channel. Of course, it has a beautiful boardwalk, but it's also home to Morey's Piers – a three-pier amusement park that's the largest of its kind in the world, according to Visit NJ. With plenty for kids to do during the day and lots of nighttime entertainment for adults, Wildwood is a great place for a quick road trip.
6. Staten Island
   Staten Island has more beaches than any other New York City borough, which includes the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach, according to NYC Go. The FDR Boardwalk stretches for 2.5 miles, and if you continue walking, lo and behold – you will find more beaches. Cedar Grove Beach is the newest addition to Staten Island's beaches, and it's only been open to the public for a few years. As such, it's not a very well-known spot, so if you're looking to take a nice day trip somewhere that isn't drawing a huge crowd, this might be the spot for you. 

7. "Rockaway Beach is home to NYC's only two surfing spots."

   Coney Island
   Its name and reputation might say it all, but this world-famous spot in Brooklyn is home to 3 miles of beach. Not to mention, Coney Island still has a healthy supply of new and classic amusement rides that give the Coney skyline its classic appearance. Check it out if you're looking for an interesting spot that has more than just a beach to draw you in. 

8. Rockaway Beach
   Whether or not you're a fan of The Ramones, you might have heard their song about this real-life beach in New York City. The legendary Queens beachfront is the largest urban beach in the U.S., according to NYC Go. It's also home to the only surfing beach in New York City, making it a stand-out attraction for serious beach-goers. There's plenty else to do in this area, with a cluster of shops and restaurants nearby and of course, a boardwalk. 

Distracted driving has been an issue with motorists since the dawn of the age of the automobile. Early traffic enforcement agencies were concerned with drivers reading their mail, and when windshield wipers came out, people were worried the regular motion would put drivers to sleep or hypnotize them, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Even car radios were expected to create trouble – when car makers began installing them in the 1930s, legislators made moves to ban them for fear that they would cause crashes.

Not surprisingly, as the technological age has provided people with mobile devices that never leave their hands and onboard computers that offer a range of services inside the vehicle, distracted driving has remained a huge problem, especially for young drivers. 

Distracted driving in the modern age
Studies in the 1970s concluded that distracted driving was the cause of 15 percent of all crashes, and that number has remained relatively consistent – 16 percent of all auto crashes in 2012 were attributed to distracted driving, the IIHS reported. While current campaigns are focusing on cellphone usage as the No. 1 distraction for drivers, a number of other factors can distract drivers as well. Of all the distraction-related deaths in 2012, 88 percent were attributed to something other than a cellphone. 

The Erie Insurance company partnered with the IIHS to conduct an analysis of data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System to look closer at driver distractions other than cellphone usage. The researchers found that 62 percent of distracted drivers between 2010 and 2011 reported being generally distracted or lost in thought. Cellphone usage was the next leading cause at 12 percent, followed by rubbernecking – or starting at something outside the vehicle – at 7 percent and distraction by passengers in the vehicle at 5 percent.

But because the numbers are based on police opinions filed in reports from crash scenes and drivers that may have been dishonest about their true distractions, there's a chance many of the "generally distracted" drivers were focusing on something other than their daydreams. While that points to a wide range of potential distracters, statistics presented by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration seem to indicate cellphone usage as the likely culprit in many distracted driving accidents, even if it isn't always reported as such.

Distracted driving has caused far more accidents than it should.

Texting and driving causes accidents
According to the NHTSA, people in the U.S. and all its territories were sending an average of 153.3 billion text messages per month as of December 2013. That same year, 3,154 people were killed, and an additional 424,000 were injured, in accidents caused by distracted driving. An average of 660,000 U.S. drivers can be caught using their cellphones while driving at any given moment during the day. Cellphones, more often than not, have become the center of our attention, and this is particularly a huge problem among teenagers who drive.

The NHTSA reported that traffic crashes are the leading cause of teenage deaths, and 10 percent of traffic fatalities in people under 20 years old were the result of distracted driving. While the NHTSA cites numerous reasons for teenage distractions – such as grooming, eating, using navigation systems and even watching videos – texting is by far the worst distraction for anyone. It requires one hand to do the typing, the eyes to guide the hand and read messages, and the brain to focus on the conversation. The average time spent looking at a text conversation while driving is about five seconds, and at 55 mph, that's the equivalent of driving the entire length of a football field blindfolded, the NHTSA reported. The result is a staggering amount of unnecessary deaths and injuries, which prompted a huge campaign by lawmakers and transportation safety groups to try and stop cellphone-related accidents.  

How to stop it
Many legislators have sought to hinder distracted driving by passing laws banning all cellphone use. Forty-five states in the U.S. have banned texting while driving altogether, and 40 of those consider it a primary law – which means officers don't need any other reason to pull drivers over if they are using a cellphone, according to the NHTSA. 

But the IIHS reported that while cellphone bans while driving have dropped the percentage of observed drivers on their cellphones, the number of crashes has not decreased as expected. This may be because drivers who switch to hands-free calling are still too distracted by their conversations, or perhaps bans just encourage people to be more discreet while using their phones behind the wheel. Whatever the case, the automobile industry is taking preventative measures of their own.

Automakers are trying to help fight distracted driving through the use of front crash prevention technology. The IIHS reported that as many as 1.9 million crashes could be prevented in the future if all vehicles were equipped with high-performance prevention systems. But it may take up to 30 years for the auto industry to fully adopt such features as standard on all vehicles – at the rate of distracted driving deaths in 2013, just under 95,000 lives that may be lost in that time. That's a long time to wait for an entire industry to help prevent people from getting into accidents because they weren't paying attention.

The bottom line is that awareness and education will be the best ways to prevent driver distractions, and that falls on people taking responsibility for themselves. The NHTSA and other government agencies are calling on parents and teachers to educate their kids on driver safety. That also means adults need to lead by example, and show teenagers that it is not OK to text and drive or engage in other distracting behaviors while operating a vehicle. 

The National Safety Council has declared April as Districted Driving Awareness Month, and there are plenty of ways to help spread awareness. Check out their website for more information, and remember – the stakes are far too high to get that last message in five minutes before arriving at home – it may cost a life.

And don't forget that avoiding distractions is only one piece of the driving safety puzzle. You can find a great used car loaded with safety features at New Jersey State Auto Auction to help keep your family safe.

It's graduation season, and that probably means a lot of things for you and your family. If you're a parent, watching your child cross the stage and exit into the world as a young adult is a proud and emotional moment. You might even feel so inclined as to reward your offspring for his academic achievements – handsomely. If you're the graduate, you're probably thinking you deserve the same thing. As it so often happens on graduation days, this mutual feeling of accomplishment between parent and graduate may materialize itself in the form of a car. If Junior hasn't asked for a set of wheels yet, he probably will, so you might as well be prepared. 

That said, and as much as you may want to reward your graduate, you don't need to empty your savings account to buy him a brand new sports car. Instead, consider shopping for a used vehicle – one with decent mileage, safety features and style that will still keep your graduate safe while he rides in style. To help you out, we've compiled a list of our 10 favorite used cars under $10,000 – some that maximize safety features and gas mileage, others that Junior will just love.

1. 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
The VW Rabbit is the German automaker's replacement for the Golf. Sporty in style and feel with a great interior, this hatchback is a versatile and appealing option for college-bound high school grads. It was in Consumer Reports' top three list of small cars in this price range, and we're placing it at the top of our list. Yes, it's a compact car, but it holds the 2009 Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Not to mention it gets 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. 

2. 2005 BMW 
It almost goes without saying that this would be a great gift for your grad – it's a Beemer. Every teenager dreams of driving a BMW someday, so maybe you can make that dream a reality on graduation day without breaking the bank. This model has a quick V-6 engine and a luxurious interior. It gets 25 mpg on the highway and has electronic stability control to help keep Junior on the road. Did we mention you can pick this BMW up for less than $10,000?

3. 2005 Acura TL
Luxury and sport combine to offer you this affordable sedan. It comes with curtain airbags and carries a 4.6-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Loaded with a V-6, it gets 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Fuel-efficient and stylish, this one's a no-brainer. 

4. 2008 Mazda 3
Consumer Reports said "this car has everything most shoppers want in a small car," and we tend to agree. Comfortable seats, sleek interior design and a choice between a hatchback and sedan make this a perfect car for a recent grad. It gets 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, and Kelley Blue Book reported that the sport-model Mazda 3s from 2008 were all equipped with side-impact and side-curtain airbags, making them safer than previous versions. 

5. 2008 Pontiac Vibe
This spacious and stylish wagon has a 115-volt outlet on the console and plenty of cargo space, making it a perfect fit for active and adventurous youth. It's great on gas at 33 mpg on the highway and carries a five-star overall driver and passenger front impact safety rating from the NHTSA.

The mutual feeling of accomplishment between parent and grad may materialize itself in the form of a car.

6. 2005 Honda Pilot
Yahoo! Autos called the Pilot the best combination of a "wagon, SUV and minivan." The Pilot is enormous – it's capable of seating eight people and the seats are adjustable to make room for plenty of cargo. With a powerful V-6 engine and four-wheel drive, the Pilot will take your graduate just about anywhere he wants to go – all with an average 27 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg in the city. The NHTSA gave the 2005 Pilot a five-star crash rating and four stars for the rollover test. 

7. 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander is a sporty SUV with a third seat option for optimal seating and a 30 gigabyte hard drive for on-board navigation and other technologies. Your grad can store up to 6 GB of music on this bad boy, and with a five-star crash rating from the NHTSA it might be one of the best options if you're looking for an SUV. Not to mention, it gets 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

8. 2008 Hyundai Sonata
Humble yet sharp in style, this midsize sedan is considered a large car by the Environmental Protection Agency because there's so much room in the interior, according to KBB. One of the Sonata's selling points is that it comes with a slew of great safety features, including active front head restraints, electronic stability control and an air purification system that self-activates when it senses too many air pollutants, such as diesel fumes. It has a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and the V-6 engine gets up to 30 mpg on the highway.

9. 2007 Honda Fit
A very compact car with adjustable seats, the Fit might be a perfect option for a grad with his own style. It has an interesting look that took Americans by surprise when it made its debut in 2006, but has since become a popular model among small cars. Don't let the size fool you – with adjustable seats, the Fit can hold up to 41.9 cubic feet of cargo if you really know to pack it in there. That might even be room enough for everything your grad needs to take to college. With five-star front and rear impact ratings from the NHTSA and an average of 38 mpg on the highway – the best mileage on this list – you can't go wrong. 

10. 2006 Mini Cooper S
People didn't know what to make of the Mini Cooper when it first showed up on American streets. Thanks to movies like The Italian Job, the compact British car has earned its place in the hearts of auto fanatics and Sunday drivers alike. It has a style all of its own that's sure to attract attention for your grad as he cruises around campus. With a four-star overall safety rating form the NHTSA and up to 33 mpg on the highway, this is a great option for a grad that just wants something different. 

People shopping for used cars may have bigger things on their mind than the type of tires loaded on the vehicle. But these wheels can have a major impact on how satisfied you are with the ride, so it's important to take the tires into account as you're looking around. 

Customers strive for happiness with their tires
A recent study from J.D. Power showed that certain tires may be the downfall of customer satisfaction. According to the report, drivers of vehicles with run-flat tires are more likely to be unhappy with the car's driving performance. These wheels are designed to keep functioning for hours after a puncture, allowing owners to get their cars to a repair shop without needing a tow. It also eliminates the need for a spare tires, which reduces the total weight of the vehicle and makes things a bit easier on shoppers. 

While this is nice in theory, the overall performance of cars with run-flat tires leaves much to be desired. Drivers reported being underwhelmed with the ride and wear of the wheels, and they often had to replace the equipment more frequently than the traditional tires. 

Finding the right tires is key to driver satisfaction.

"The use of run-flat tires is likely to increase as automakers continue to view them as a viable option for improving fuel efficiency by eliminating the need for a spare tire, thereby reducing the weight," said Brent Gruber, the director of the global automotive division at J.D. Power. "It's vital that auto and tire manufacturers address the ride and wear issues, which are still not meeting customer expectations. Customers expect that run-flat tires won't compromise tread life or the ability to provide a quiet and comfortable ride."

Used cars may the answer

There is good news for drivers: Many high-quality used cars still offer top-notch tires that put driving performance first. Run-flat tires may be the choice for many new models, but slightly older vehicles often have traditional wheels to go along with more modern technology and features. This gives drivers the best of both worlds. 

The next time you're browsing through the wide selection at New Jersey Auto Auction, make sure you're taking a good long look at the wheels on each model. A thorough test drive can reveal a lot about each option, but it doesn't hurt to ask questions or research peer reviews as well. 

New York traffic has a reputation for being the stuff of nightmares. Road rage, reckless drivers, countless roadblocks, slow-moving tourists – you name it, the region deals with it on a daily basis. As it turns out, this reputation may be well-earned. Several new studies have shed light on the extremes of traffic in the New York area, and some of the truths may be tough for regular drivers to stomach. 

Regional commutes aren't easy
TomTom recently released its fifth annual Traffic Index, and the results confirm what we already know: New York traffic is bad. According to the report, the Big Apple is the fourth-most congested city in the U.S., ranking only behind Los Angeles, San Francisco and Honolulu. And the area's congestion is only getting worse. New York saw its traffic increase in the past year, pushing it from sixth to fourth on TomTom's list. 

All of this traffic only adds to the work week for most regional drivers. The study noted that the average rush hour congestion increases a commute by about 46 percent compared to times when there's no traffic. However, New Yorkers may have it a bit worse, as their commutes add up to extend the work week. NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer released a report stating that the typical commute for a worker in the city averages six hours and 18 minutes per week. That's the highest in the nation, according to the New York Post, and it gives people a total work week of about 49.1 hours. 

New York traffic is some of the worst in the nation.

It doesn't have to be work
Just because your commute is counted as part of your work day doesn't mean it can't be enjoyable. All you need is the right environment. That starts with riding in a car you like – and one that can handle the stress of your commute. Your vehicle should be comfortable and efficient on the roads in any type of traffic, and that kind of service shouldn't be costly. 

You can find just the right ride at NJ State Auto Auction. Our lot is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans that are available at competitive prices. As if that's not enough, the in-house financing team is ready and able to secure credit approval and get you a loan that works. You'll get behind the wheel quickly and painlessly, all the while ensuring your used car is one that will meet all your needs on the way to work. 

Not all used car dealerships are honest. While the team at New Jersey State Auto Auction may be dedicated to getting you behind the wheel of a car you can trust, other sellers are more interested in your cash. It’s these less-than-reputable dealers who may try to employ scams or tricks to convince you to invest in a low-quality car. 

But you aren’t without power. All you have to do is arm yourself with a bit of knowledge and you’ll be poised to spot the schemes before they get you. Here are three tests you can conduct as you’re browsing a used car selection to make sure a vehicle is in good shape. While these examinations won’t catch everything, they do act as a way to spot some of the most common cover-ups in the industry. 

1. The Magnet Test
You can determine if a car has had any shoddy repairs with the help of the magnet test. Consumer Reports recommended prospective buyers complete the simple process to make sure the frame of a vehicle is safe, and it’s pretty easy to do. Take a magnet and run it across a vehicle’s doors and fenders. In most cases, the magnet should be attracted to these spots. If it doesn’t stick, it could be a sign of body filler or some other subpar patch. 

2. The Sniff Test 
Odors can signify a lot of things going on with a car. While most drivers would love to inhale that new car smell every time they sit behind the wheel, the reality is they may sniff something that indicates damage. Check the interior and the trunk for any out-of-place aromas. It’s a good idea to brush up on some of the most common smells before hitting the lot to easily identify problems. For example, a musty or damp odor is often a warning sign of water damage, whereas the stench of rotten eggs might indicate problems with the engine. 

A quick sniff in a car’s interior could identify a potential problem.

3. The Tailpipe Test 
Take a look at the car’s tailpipe. Most people might not give this a second thought, but you should set aside a few seconds to scope out the gear. All you have to do is take a peek at the tailpipe and determine how dirty it is. Should there be any type of build up present, such as black gunk or grease, it’s a sign that the engine is burning oil. That’s not how a car should run, and although there may not be any major damage, it’s still a repair that needs to be taken care of as soon as possible. 

Of course, a great way to avoid used car scams is to bring your business to a reputable facility. NJ State Auto is one such auction lot. You can browse through hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans to find one that’s a perfect fit. 

Winter may not be the most fun season, especially when you consider how the weather wreaks havoc on your car. Snow and ice increases the risk of accidents, road salt rusts the exterior, and freezing temperatures may cause damage to other parts of the car. All of that makes driving in spring particularly precarious, especially when the rains come, the ice melts and roads get slick. 

Rebounding from the winter
Many drivers decide to celebrate the return of spring with a road trip to warmer climes. That's a great way to get back into the swing of good weather, but it can place a lot of stress on your car. Odds are your vehicle needs a little care before racking up the miles, which makes a tune-up or professional check a priority. 

"Spring break time is finally here. While jumping in the car and heading to a warmer climate may sound like a great idea, don't forget to make sure your car is road ready before you go," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "A pre-trip vehicle check will give you peace of mind because you can take steps to have any needed repairs performed before you go."

Make sure your car can handle the road before heading on a springtime trip.

How to avoid breakdowns
Preventing breakdowns doesn't have to be difficult. Most problems can be avoided with a few simple repairs or updates. The Car Care Council recommended drivers take a look at the brakes to ensure they are operating at a high level. You'll need these gears to be working so you can come to full stops on wet spring roads and respond quickly to wild animals or other road obstacles. 

Next, be sure to check under the hood to guarantee all belts, hoses and tubes are intact. Cold temperatures can make some of these materials brittle and could lead to tears or fraying. If one of these breaks completely, it could leave you stranded, but it's easily avoided with a little forethought and a fast replacement. While you're at it, examine the gas cap and fluid levels in the automobile. Refilling any liquids and checking for leaks is a quick task that can prevent major issues later on, according to the Car Care Council. 

Don't be stuck with a broken-down car this season.

Get a fresh start this spring
Even the most vigilant car maintenance won't help if your ride is too far past its prime. If you've had it with costly repairs, aggravating breakdowns and subpar driving performances, it's probably time to embrace a new beginning and get behind the wheel of a used car. 

New Jersey State Auto boasts a wide selection of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, any of which could be perfect for you. Purchasing one of these high-quality vehicles doesn't have to break the bank either. Our facility has an in-house financing department that can help you secure an auto loan or credit approval quickly and easily.

Used cars are a valuable commodity. Not only do they provide a way for people to get where they need to be, but the vehicles are often a smart financial investment. Before you take the leap, however, you need to be sure you're purchasing the right car. This starts with lots of preliminary research. Below are five areas you should look into prior to signing off on a purchase. 

1. The seller's website
The first place you should go to conduct research is the seller's official website. For NJ State Auto Auction, for example, you can go online and browse through the full collection of used cars for sale. Look over the hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans to find a few options that pique your interest. Then you can plan for test drives and get a head start on financing, as the site allows you to begin the registration and bidding process. 

2. Technical service bulletins 
According to the Traverse City Record-Eagle, checking out technical service bulletins could be a smart move for many shoppers. These documents are released by manufacturers to inform drivers of any problems. They aren't as serious as official recalls, but they often involve important issues you should know about. 

3. The official website
Although the car you're considering may be used, you should still head to the manufacturer's website to check out the initial specs. This will give you a better idea of the technology and features available. It can also make it easier to compare the original version with the one you're thinking about buying, allowing you to scope out any areas where care may have lapsed over the past few years. 

4. Consumer reviews
You should also take a moment to research reviews from other drivers. This feedback provides insight as to what you can expect with regard to future maintenance and repairs. It could also let you know what to look for when taking test drives. 

5. Official vehicle history reports 
Once you've researched what people think of the model in general, you should do a little more digging into the background of the specific car you're considering. Carfax and similar organizations can provide a look at any past accidents or major repairs. While the right servicing may have made some of these events a non-issue, it's best to know what you're dealing with before you buy.