There's nothing better than driving around in a freshly washed and detailed car. Unfortunately, sometimes Mother Nature doesn't care that you just spent your time and hard-earned cash giving your car a bath. Instead, she throws mud in your path or even introduces a bird to your windshield. Regardless of the fight you put up with the environment over having a clean car, it's just not practical to give your ride a thorough wash multiple times in the month. For those who still want a shiny, clean car no matter what the circumstances may be, there are plenty of other water-free options.

Here are a few ways to clean your car without washing it.

Clean your windshield
Cleaning your windshield alone can make such a huge difference, especially if it's visibly hazy. Not only is keeping your windshield clear a huge safety factor, but it also makes your car sparkle, which allows you to feel a lot better about its appearance. Taking your car to the gas station to clean your windows is extremely easy, but you can make it even simpler on yourself by keeping glass cleaner in your car. Also, leave a roll of paper towels or a microfiber towel in the trunk for convenience. Edmunds suggested investing in a squeegee for cleaning purposes as well as removing dew from your windshield in the morning.

Consider investing in a squeegee for streak-free windshield washing.

Use a car-cleansing product
If your car's looking spotty but it's not worth giving it a thorough wash, consider trying a car surface cleaner. Bankrate said using a waterless car-wash product is a great way to get your car spotless with minimal time and effort. Liberally spray the cleaner all over your car and use a microfiber towel to wipe away the grime and dirt. Start at the top so the dirt works its way down and falls off the car. Once you have finished the cleanse, wipe the car with a dry towel to get rid of any leftover moisture. Your car will sparkle and shine, casting the illusion that you just came from the car wash.

Clean up your floor mats
It doesn't matter what season it is – dirt, leaves, gravel and everything in between always seem to find a way onto the floors of your car. If you don't have the time to vacuum out the interior of your vehicle, simply shake out the floor mats into the grass. This is an easy and effective way to make a huge difference in your floor's appearance.

Remove all of the trash
When it comes to keeping your car clean, the interior's look makes an impression, too. Empty out the trash you may be hoarding in your car and leave a small bin or bag in the backseat for future use. This can help minimize how much garbage you leave in your car and can help make space for useful precious cargo. After you've de-cluttered the cabin of your car, Edmunds suggested buying a deodorizer to eliminate any odors left over from the trash. This will also help maximize the feeling of cleanliness.

If you're looking for a high-quality used car to keep clean this season, check out NJ State Auto Auction. There, you'll find a lot full of Carfax-certified vehicles to choose from, giving you plenty of options for finding the perfect car for you. 

Unfortunately, owning a car can be pretty pricey. Having insurance, filling it with gas and keeping it in great shape throughout the year all come with an expense and sometimes, the rates aren't exactly reasonable. Although some car maintenance needs the craft and skill of a car mechanic, there are actually quite a few ways to keep your car maintained on your own. Giving your vehicle routine maintenance checks is extremely important, but it shouldn't have to cost you an arm and a leg.

Here are five easy car maintenance services you can handle on your own.

1. Checking the tire pressure
Edmunds said this maintenance routine is usually combined with another service at the mechanic's, but the task alone can cost an estimated $22-$30. You can save yourself 100 percent of that money by taking your car to a gas station and filling your own tires, where air is usually free of charge or only costs a few cents. You only have to worry about checking your tire pressure once a month and it takes about 15 minutes.

2. Replacing the windshield wipers
If you've ever taken your car to the shop and they've offered to put in new windshield wipers with no installation fee, it probably came with the catch of only having one option for wipers – that being the very expensive one. According to Money Crashers, this maintenance service can cost between $10 and $20 if you do it yourself. The set up can vary between different cars, so make sure to follow your owner's manual. Replacing your windshield wipers can be as easy as lifting the old blades, pushing the removal tab and attaching the new blades to the metal arms.

Replacing your own windshield wipers can be a simple, inexpensive task.

3. Replacing your bulbs and fuses
Depending on the make and model of your car, Edmunds said this maintenance service can cost anywhere between $17 and $132 if you go to a mechanic. Save yourself the trouble of stressing out over this high-cost task and head to the nearest automotive parts store and buy them for a fraction of the cost. All you'll need is 30 minutes of your time and a screw driver. Read the electrical chart in your owner's manual to find the correct fuse you're replacing.

4. Changing the air filter
Don't waste your precious hours waiting around at the mechanics to get your air filter replaced. U.S. News said changing the air filter in your car will only cost you about $15 and 10 minutes of your time. Simply pop open the hood and locate the air filter. When removing the old one, make sure nothing fall into the bottom of the filter box. Insert the new filter, close the case, secure the nuts and you'll be all set.

5. Checking the battery connection
You may not think about this maintenance service very often, but making sure your battery connection is operating properly is extremely crucial, especially with the winter months approaching. There's no need to schedule an appointment with a mechanic only to be waiting an hour for him to make sure your battery is maintained. U.S. News said If you do it yourself, it will only cost $5 dollars and will take about 20 minutes to complete. Start by removing the negative cables of your battery first, followed by the positive cables. Next, clean the posts and battery terminals using a $5 wire brush and a mixture of baking soda and water. Rinse the cleaning fluid with water, dry with a rag and re-install the battery terminals by starting with the positive cables.

Taking care of a car doesn't have to be a hassle and neither does purchasing a new car. If you're ready to invest in a high-quality used vehicle, check out NJ State Auto Junction.

Driving through the harsh conditions of the winter can be hazardous and intimidating, especially when there's snow and ice involved. Unfortunately, the treacherous weather can lead to unstable driving, which can put you into a snow bank. Though you may not be able to stop the blizzards from taking over the roads of the cold months, there are still ways to prepare yourself and ensure a safe and stable drive. Strengthen the safety for you and your passengers this winter with some of these helpful driving safety tips.

Give your car a maintenance check
Though you may not feel like spending the money, it's always crucial to give your car a check-up before the first big blizzard rolls in. Car Talk suggested getting your bad hoses, belts, water pumps and spark plug wires replaced before it's too late. Also, make sure your battery, charging system and tire pressure are all in great condition. The source said tire pressure can drop by one pound per ten degrees in temperature, so making sure the pressure is adequate can help your car's handling on the slick roads. Standing roadside for a tow truck during a winter storm doesn't exactly sound like much fun, so spend your money wisely and get the dirty work taken care of early.

Get enough rest before your drive
This rule goes for all driving, but it's especially important to be well-rested before driving in the snow. The American Automobile Association Exchange said to avoid driving while you're fatigued to reduce driving risks in bad weather. Traveling in severe weather takes lots of concentration and patience, so it's important to be of a clear, straight mind while driving. Make sure you get a full night's sleep if you're aware of a blizzard happening during your next commute.

Always prepare yourself for your commute if you know the roads will be slick.

Allow enough time for your commute
Driving through a blizzard isn't nearly as simple as driving on a clear, sunny day. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration suggested planning your route to prepare yourself for your commute during a winter storm. Check the weather in advance to figure out the best time for travel and map out the direction you will be headed. If there is an alternate route that seems safer than your usual one, consider taking the clearer course. Be sure to let others know the route you decided to take and your expected time of arrival to ensure your safety.

Drive slowly and stop as little as you can when possible
When it's time to hit the road, driving slow is important when the roads are slick. AAA said applying the gas slowly when accelerating is the best way to gain traction and avoid skidding on ice. Take your time, because everything takes longer for everyone on the snow-covered roads. This includes all aspects of driving: accelerating, stopping and turning.

When it comes to stopping, avoid it if possible – but certainly not at stop signs or stop lights. The amount of inertia it takes to start moving after stopping can play a big role in how smooth your drive can be, so roll through the traffic patterns as much as you can.

Always keep a full gas tank – or close to one 
Running out of gas during a winter storm can be a huge issue. Not only will it leave you stranded, but it also takes away your source of heat. It's crucial to keep your gas tank as close to full as possible during winter storms to avoid running out of gas. Play it safe this winter and keep an extra gas can in your truck in case of an emergency. Nobody wants to stand roadside waiting for a tow-truck on a harsh, cold winter night. 

Consider keeping a bag of sand in your trunk
If you have a rear wheel drive vehicle, you may want to consider putting a bag of sand in your car behind the rear axle. The weight of the sand bag can help increase the traction of your rear tires, which can be helpful when driving on extremely harsh and snowy roads. Car Talk said the rear axle is located toward the front of the trunk, right between the two rear wheels. 

Check out NJ Auto Junction for a variety of great quality pre-owned car to get you through this winter.

With the cold, bitter months of winter quickly approaching, blizzards will soon be ruling the forecast. That being said, it's time to get your car ready for the slick, snow-covered roads. You may have prepped your vehicle with maintenance checks and oil changes, but have you considered investing in winter tires? Though you may not have thought about buying these winter-driving life savers, they may be worth spending your extra holiday cash on. Winter tires may take a penny or two out of your holiday budget, but they could really save you in the long run. 

Here are a few reasons why you should invest in winter tires this year.

1. They're designed for both icy roads and cold climates
Even if you don't normally experience bad snow storms during the months of winter; it is still smart to equip your car with winter tires. According to Autoblog, these tires do not only have exponential tread pattern designed specifically for extra traction on ice and snow, but they are also designed with a softer rubber to enhance the grip on colder roads. That is why it's important to put on your winter tires even before the first snowfall, because the cold climate has an effect on your driving, too. A good rule of thumb is to change the tires as soon as the temperature drops to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and stays there consistently. Any warmer and your tires will wear out quicker.

2. They help maximize your ride if you have all wheel drive
It's common to assume that if you have 4-wheel or front-wheel drive that you will be safe enough for the winter. Unfortunately, that is not enough while driving in harsh road conditions. The Car Crash Detective said that all wheel drive is helpful when you need to get out of a situation where you may be stuck, but it doesn't help you with stopping or steering. Because of the intense traction in winter tires, your ride along slick and snowy roads can be much safer if you need to stop quickly. While all-wheel drive can help you maneuver out of a snow bank, the winter tires will help you stabilize your drive once you're back on the road.

Winter tires have maximized traction to help keep you stable on the roads.

3. They keep you on the roads, driving the speed limit
Some people may think they don't need winter tires as long as they stay off of the roads during the harsh blizzards. In a perfect world, you'd be able to stay home any time the snow rolls in. Unfortunately, that's not the case. You still have to go to work, the grocery store and to pick up the kids from school while it's snowing outside, so avoiding the snowy roads at all times isn't always possible.

On the other hand, some may say they can get away with not investing in snow tires by simply driving slow on the roads. The Car Crash Detective said there are many road conditions that are just beyond the skill of the driver who doesn't believe he or she needs snow tires. Driving under the speed limit can cause more harm than good, unfortunately. By investing in snow tires, the heavy traction can help you drive the speed limit on the road no matter how slick they may be.

4. They can last long if you take care of them
While investing in winter tires may seem like an extreme investment, they can be worth it in the long run. The only catch: You need to take great care of them. What you get out of these bad boys will be exactly what you put into them. For example, if you leave them on year round, the warmth and UV exposure of the summer months will age your tires. Automobile magazine suggested storing your winter tires properly to maximize the uses you get out of them. This means locking them indoors away from light and heat. This can ensure you'll get at least a few seasons out of them.

If you're searching for a quality pre-owned car to help you drive through the harsh conditions of the winter, check out NJ Auto Auction.

Let’s be honest: Nobody likes pumping hard-earned cash into their gas tank. Unfortunately, avoiding the gas pump isn’t exactly an option. Although you may not be able to save yourself from ridiculous gas prices, there are many ways to make your fuel last. The way you drive and take care of your car has a big effect on the amount of fuel you use, according to the U.S. Union of Concerned Scientists.

Keep yourself from pouring all of your money into your gas tank this month by following these easy tips for maximizing your ride’s fuel economy.

1. Give your car some TLC
The UCS said cars consume less fuel and run best when they are maintained well. This means getting regular oil and filter changes, spark plug replacements and tire rotations. By taking good care of your car, you can prevent future damage and also improve the fuel economy. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to figure out when each maintenance appointment should take place.

2. Drive the speed limit
Slow down – save the fast driving for the race car drivers. The Consumer Energy Center of the California Energy Commission said all vehicles lose fuel economy when driven at speeds above 55 miles per hour. As for highway driving, going 65 mph instead of 75 mph reduces fuel cost by 13 percent. Avoid driving aggressively to save fuel in both the city and on the highway by driving the speed limit.

Drive the speed limit at all times to avoid burning gas too quickly.

3. Take advice from your smartphone
For drivers with an iPhone, Forbes magazine recommended using the Maps App to check traffic before leaving the house. By doing this, you can plan an alternate route and avoid wasting gas from idling during your commute. Also consider using a smartphone app that finds the cheapest gas in your area, such as GasBuddy. Not only will this save you money at the pump, but it will also keep you from wasting your time trying to find the best gas prices in your area.

4. Avoid idling for more than a minute
Unfortunately, your engine uses a little bit of gasoline at its initial start-up. According to the UCS, letting your engine idle for more than a minute can burn more gas than turning off your engine and restarting it. Avoid idling by checking traffic in advance, or considering purchasing a car with “stop-start” technology that automatically turns off the engine when you brake.

5. Carpool when you can
If you have a friend whose business is close to your office, consider carpooling with them to get to work. The Consumer Energy Center said sharing a ride to work with friends is an effective way to double your fuel economy. Alternate every other week for driving with your pals to save the both of you money on gas.

6. Park in the shade
The UCS recommended parking in the shade during the summer. Not only does this keep your car cooler during warm temperatures but it also minimizes fuel evaporation. Park in a garage or under an awning during the summer if possible. This is an easy way to save you money at the gas pump.

If you’re looking for an affordable, fuel efficient car, check out NJ Auto Auction. There, you’ll find a wide variety of Carfax-certified cars, leaving many options to help find the perfect car that suits your need for a fuel-efficient vehicle. 

With the season of winter quickly approaching, it's time to prepare for the change in weather that everyone's been waiting for – snow. Whether you love or hate the cold stuff that falls from the sky and immediately accumulates on the ground, your car has never been a fan. In order to make sure your car functions properly throughout the harsh, frigid months of winter, it's important to give it some TLC before the snow rolls in. Here are a few simple ways to prepare your car for winter and ensure a safe and easy commute for you and your passengers.

Pack an emergency kit
For starters, you should always have an emergency kit in your car. If you don't already, make sure to get one before the first big winter blizzard. Unfortunately, you never know what could happen during a snow storm, so it's important to take immediate safety precautions before winter arrives.

Besides having a spare tire and the tools to change it out ready, The Department of Motor Vehicles suggested packing this list of things in your car:

• Snow brush and ice scraper
• Blankets and gloves
• An extra pair of boots
• A radio
• Engine oil
• Windshield washer fluid
• Coolant
• Flares
• A flash light.

Make sure to put a snow brush and ice scraper in your car before the first snow.

Test the battery and charging system
According to Autoblog, the cold weather can be extremely detrimental to your car's battery and electrical system. Simply test your battery by turning on the headlights before starting the engine. If you notice that the lights are brighter after starting the engine, Autoblog recommended taking your car to a mechanic for a thorough test.

Check your heaters, defrosters and wipers
The Car Care Council suggested checking your heaters, defrosters and wipers to make sure they are in proper working condition for safe driving vision. Consider using cold weather washer fluid and replacing your windshield wipers to ensure maximum safety while driving through harsh blizzards.

Check your car's coolant
Some might think you don't need to worry about your car's cooling system until the summer, but that's just not the case. Autoblog said if your car's coolant is not mixed properly, the chance of it freezing is higher, which can lead to severely damaging your engine or radiator. Though it's best to check your car's manual, it's typically recommended to have a 50/50 mixture of water and anti-freeze for year-round driving.

Check your breaks
The Car Care Council said the braking system is the most important safety item in your vehicle. It's extremely important to get your breaks inspected before the winter season. The National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence recommends getting your brakes checked periodically to prevent further damage and repairs that might come from neglect. By examining your brake system, you can reduce the chance of accidents from happening and ensure a secure drive for you and your passengers.

Examine your tires, replace them if necessary
ASE recommends checking your tires for remaining tread line, uneven wearing as well as cuts and nicks. Worn tires can be extremely dangerous in winter weather, so it's critical to keep them in tip-top shape. Be sure to check your tire pressure once a month and rotate as often as your car's manual recommends. Poorly aligned wheels make your engine work harder, which causes your car to use more gasoline than necessary. Consider taking your car to the mechanic for new tires or a rotation to make sure they are ready for the slippery roads.

We get it: Life can be hard sometimes. Despite your best intentions, you may end up with a bit of debt here, some unpaid credit cards over there, and before you know it, your credit score has plummeted.

While this isn't an ideal situation to be in, it's also not the economic death sentence you might think it is. A low credit score can affect you, but it doesn't have to limit your purchasing power, especially when it comes to buying a car. If you're currently sporting a sub-prime credit score – a score below 640 – here are six things you can do to help dig yourself out of that debt cycle.

1. Pay your bills
It may seem like a no-brainer, but paying down your credit card bills on time is perhaps the most effective way to revive your credit score. What's more, not paying your bills – or paying them late – can wreak absolute havoc on your credit score, perhaps faster than any other factor.

Of course, paying your bills on time is often easier said than done. Fortunately, there are ways to ensure that you're paying on time. Many companies can send you email or text message alerts when a bill is due. If you still don't trust yourself to make timely payments, you may need to set up an automatic payment on a set date every month.

2. Reduce the amount you owe
Owing a lot of money to creditors also negatively impacts your credit score. The more outstanding debt you have, the larger the effect on your credit score. This is true for debt use as well – a term indicating how much of your available credit you're using. NerdWallet noted that you should try and keep this below 30 percent for the most optimal effect on your credit score.

Having multiple credit cards open at once can drop your credit score.

3. Don't take out more credit cards
If you find yourself swimming in debt, you may be tempted to take out another credit card to help ease the burden in the short term. Resist this urge. For starters, the number of active credit accounts you have open impacts your credit score, so you aren't doing yourself any favors by taking on a new financial responsibility. More importantly, opening a new credit account to pay down an existing card will just put you on the fast track to a debt cycle. Instead of paying off debt that you owe, you're just shuffling it from one account to another, and maybe accumulating more along the way.

4. Don't raise your credit limit
Whether you're short on cash for the month or are worried about your credit usage rate, raising your credit limit is an option many people consider. It may help by giving you immediate access to additional funds, but it's also not great for your credit score. Asking to raise your credit limit flags you as a debt risk, which may reflect on your credit report.

5. Consolidate balances
Go through your wallet and take a look at all the credit cards in there. Do you know what the balance is on each of them? You may think that putting $20 on this card and $50 on that card can help by keeping your respective credit usage rates low, but this isn't the case. In fact, your credit score takes into account how many accounts you have that are carrying balances. It's better to pay down the nickel-and-dime amounts on your cards and keep your credit spending to just one.

6. Develop a history of "good debt"
It's not that creditors want you to have no debt to your name, they just want to make sure that you're capable of paying it back. Having outstanding debt on your credit report can actually be a good thing if you can demonstrate that you consistently make your payments on time. In fact, if you're worried about your poor credit score hampering your ability to buy a car, don't fret. You can likely still get financed for a loan with poor credit, and making regular, on-time payments toward your car will do quite a bit to bring your score back up.

For more information on how finding the perfect used vehicle can help you recover your credit score and to find the car that's right for you, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction.

Buying a car isn't like purchasing a new pair of pants. It's a significantly larger investment that will hopefully stay with you for years, so you want to make the best choice before driving away in your fresh set of wheels.

Another difference between cars and pants? Cars are exponentially more complicated. While you only need to think about size, price and durability when considering which new pair of trousers to bring home, there are many other factors that can influence your choice of car. Knowing what to look for – and what to look out for – can be the difference between the car of your dreams and a lemon. Every car and, by extension, shopping experience, will be different, but here are four factors that tend to be more important when choosing a vehicle. 

If you want to minimize your car payments, you'll need either a sizable down payment or a decent credit history.

1. Cost
This is the big one. In fact, chances are price is the most important factor you're considering when you shop around for a vehicle. But you should understand what exactly cost means within the context of buying a car. 

Sticker price is a big part of a car's cost, but what's more significant is the financing. Of course it stands to reason that a higher sticker price means that you'll likely need to either make a larger down payment or borrow more money from the bank, both of which can have their own challenges. Credit.com noted that it's generally better to make as large a down payment as possible, as this will not only reduce the amount of money you'll need to borrow to cover the difference, but will also help keep your interest rate lower. 

If you can't afford the up-front cost of a larger down payment, you'll need a decent credit score to procure a loan at a reasonable interest rate. If your credit leaves something to be desired, or if you have no credit history at all, you still aren't sunk. It's possible to procure a loan from a dealer with no credit, but that likely means you'll need to provide more up front. If all else fails, you can consider having a relative with good credit cosign your loan documents as a guarantor. 

2. Fuel economy
Once you've sorted out your down payment and your loan, you better hope you've got some money leftover – you'll need it for gas. Fuel costs are an inevitable part of car ownership, but if you're smart when you're shopping you can reduce them. 

Fortunately, fuel economy has achieved buzzword status in the automotive industry, and a growing number of fuel-efficient cars are hitting the market every year. Many newer models boast better gas mileage, but if you're shopping for a used car you still need to pay attention. There are resources available online to make this decision easier. Fueleconomy.gov is a government-sponsored site that not only offers useful information on hybrid cars and fuel efficiency in general, but also allows users to compare cars side-by-side to see which offers more bang for your gas station buck.

3. Cost of ownership
Wait a minute – we already talked about cost earlier, right? Not quite. A car's cost of ownership, also referred to as its total cost to own, focuses not on how much a car costs to buy, but rather how much money you can expect to spend while you own it. 

This isn't quite an exact science, as cost of ownership comprises many factors. It can take into account things like insurance premiums, fuel efficiency and repair estimates based on the reliability of your given make and model. The good news is there are sites that have demystified the process with online cost of ownership calculators, which you should definitely experiment with before making your decision.

If the car you're looking at has been in an accident in the past, you'll want to know.

4. Repair history
When shopping for a used car, it's good to keep in mind that you aren't the first person to own it. Additionally, you don't know anything about the previous owner's driving habits, accident history or any number of other factors that can have significant effects on how well your car runs. You should always ask to see the Carfax report when considering a used car, as it will list any major repairs the car has received. However, this is a useful tool, but it's not foolproof – only repairs that get officially logged by a mechanic or dealer make it into the report, so there's no guarantee that you're seeing the whole picture. That said, it's a good place to start. 

While there's really no way to circumvent this problem completely, there are steps you can take to minimize risk as much as possible. One of the best ways to squeeze out some extra peace of mind is by limiting your search to manufacturer-certified pre-owned vehicles. These are cars that have been been backed by the manufacturer for quality, which means they have received an extensive inspection before being placed on the lot. Many certified pre-owned cars also come with extended manufacturer's warranty.

Of course, even certified cars can have mechanical issues, so you'll still want to have your car inspected by a third party before purchasing it. Remember: Just because a car looks good on the outside doesn't mean it's in top condition. Only a multi-point inspection can reveal that information.

When you're ready to begin shopping for a high-quality used car, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. Your dream car is likely waiting for you among the hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot.

Hurricane Joaquin recently created some seriously wet conditions for drivers along the east cost of the U.S., from gale-force winds right down to severe thunderstorms and flash floods. You may never be more thankful for your car than when you're driving to work in a downpour, but don't let the convenience of having your own wheels distract you from the safety issues that stem from driving in the rain.

Whether it's a drizzle or a downpour, rain instantly adds extra considerations to your regular driving habits. Here are some tips for staying safe on the road while it's raining.

1. Slow down
You may have already guessed the biggest and most important tip for staying safe in the rain: slowing down. It's a simple concept – the faster you're driving, the less time you'll have to react in a potential emergency situation, such as a car spinning out of control or having a pedestrian step in front of you. What's more, driving faster can reduce the control you have over your car. In wet conditions, when roads are more slippery than usual, anything that reduces traction and your control is dangerous.

2. Check your tires
If you keep hearing about  proper tire maintenance, there's a good reason for it. Tires are one of your car's most important safety features, as they facilitate the connection between the road and your car, so it's important to make sure they stay equipped to do that essential job. If the tread on your tires is worn down, it can drastically reduce traction and control even in the best conditions, let alone sub-optimal ones like heavy rain.

Even worse, the addition of water to the road can cause you to hydroplane. This is what happens when a layer of water wedges its way in between your tires and the road, and it can reduce your control to virtually nothing. Check your tires regularly, both to ensure the tread is in good shape and the air pressure is where it should be. You can determine this by checking your car's owner manual. 

3. Turn on your headlights…
Traction issues aside, rain can also reduce visibility drastically, even in the daytime. Clouds and heavy rainfall can obscure your vision, which can compromise your safety behind the wheel. 

This is why you should turn on your headlights when it starts raining. It's not so much to illuminate the road as it is to increase other drivers' visibility of you and your car. Most newer-model cars are equipped with standard daytime running lights that switch on automatically with the ignition, but if you're driving an older vehicle you may need to turn on the lights manually.

4. …And turn off your cruise control
It may not seem like it, but driving can be tiring, especially if you're doing it for a long period of time. Advances like the now-ubiquitous cruise control are designed to alleviate that stress. But you should note that cruise control is a convenience feature meant to make your life easier, not a crutch you should use indiscriminately – especially in the rain. 

According to AAA, cruise control doesn't allow you to slow down by removing your foot from the accelerator, but only by stepping on the brake. In the rain when the roads are wet, this can contribute to you losing traction and possibly even spinning out of control.

Driving in the rain can be perfectly safe with the right knowledge and a high-quality car, like the ones you'll find at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot are great for drivers of all ages and experience levels looking to drive away in the vehicle of their dreams.