A flat tire can be one of the most annoying and inconvenient obstacles for a driver to have to overcome. While there's never really a good time for a flat, driving through town or even down the freeway with a punctured tire is one of the most irksome situation to find yourself in. In fact, driving on a flat at cruising speeds on a highway can be especially dangerous if drivers respond poorly. While certainly a major concern, a flat tire doesn't have to be a total car catastrophe. By keeping the following things in mind, you can make the best of an otherwise bad situation. 

Identify a flat
As odd as it sounds, you may not always realize right away that you've got a flat tire. While puncture damage, such as running over a nail, tends to announce itself a bit more aggressively, sometimes a flat can be caused by a slow leak or a damaged valve stem, according to AA1car.com. In such cases, there may not be an immediate telltale.

Your car does a good job of telling you something's wrong, but it helps to know what to look for. If you notice that you're having difficulty accelerating, or feel like you're driving with the parking break on, there's a good chance a tire may be flat. Difficulty maintaining speed can be another sign, as can your car pulling to one side, generally toward the direction of the flat. 

Get off the road
Driving with a flat is not a good idea for you or your car. You may be tempted to finish your trip home or to a gas station and fix the problem then, but if you do, you not only compromise your car's ability to handle and brake, but you also risk dealing more serious damage to the wheel itself. As soon as you notice you have a flat, you should make an effort to get off the road as quickly as you can, but try to do so as calmly and safely as possible. 

Don't slam on the brakes or jerk the wheel – you could lose control of the vehicle. Instead, slowly guide your car toward the breakdown lane or shoulder of the road, easing up on the gas slowly but steadily until you come to a complete stop.

If you experience a flat tire or any other problems with your vehicle, make an appointment with the NJ State Auto Auction Total Car Care Center. The on-site mechanics are available to help diagnose any maintenance issues and keep your car in working order.

At some point, it comes time for every trusty steed to ride off into the sunset, and the same is true of your car. When you're ready to sell, you'll find yourself faced with a few options, namely, if you should head to a dealership to sell or attempt the task yourself. You may be tempted to tackle the challenge of selling your car on your own, perhaps in a desire to maximize your profit. However, especially for neophyte car owners or those who don't know what they're getting into, working with a reputable used car dealer can save you time, headaches and money.

Reliability
Selling anything on your own can be stressful, and this goes double for big-ticket items like your car. With the time and money at stake selling your wheels, chances are you don't have the luxury of waiting for weeks to find the right buyer, then spend time haggling over dollars and cents.

This is one of the main benefits of selling your used car to a dealer instead of trying to take on the responsibility yourself. As CarsDirect reported, dealers make the process relatively painless on your part – sign a minimal amount of paperwork and your car is as good as sold. Moreover, dealers tend to be far less picky than private buyers when it comes to which cars they'll buy, meaning that you've already got a greater chance of selling right off the bat.

Trade-in benefits
Chances are, if you're selling your car, you're going to need another one to take its place. This means that in addition to the headache normally associated with selling your car, you also have to go through the process of shopping for, financing and buying another one immediately after.

Dealers can act as an important bridge to this process. When you sell your to a dealer, you'll more than likely be offered a trade-in value – an amount that you can use directly and immediately toward the purchase of another vehicle on the lot. In fact, CarsDirect indicated that some dealers are willing to offer more in trade-in value than they'd pay in cash, simply as an incentive for you to buy a more expensive car from them.

If you're shopping for a used car, head to NJ State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified vehicles on the lot, and an in-house finance team ready to help you make your purchase affordable.

For many, buying a used car can be a great way to save cash while still driving away with a reliable ride that will get them where they need to go. Of course, there are also those who worry about the longevity and sustainability of used cars from a repair and maintenance perspective, concerned that the additional miles or former owner may have piled a heap of hidden maintenance concerns on the car that will be discovered later. The good news is that buying used doesn't mean that you have to compromise performance. With a little foresight, and the knowledge of some of these maintenance basics, you can keep your car running well into the future.

Tires are important
Your car's tires are one of its most important safety features, and drivers neglect their tires at their own peril. Fortunately, keeping up with your tire maintenance doesn't have to be a pain. The important things you'll want to keep track of are your tire pressure and the state of your treads. Your pressure should be checked at least every month – too high or too low and you run the risk of compromising acceleration and control, which is bad news. Always keep a tire pressure gauge in your glove compartment, and such checks can be performed in a snap.

Tread is what helps your tires grip the road, and as you can imagine, is equally important as the air pressure. Go ahead and stick a penny into your tread, and if you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time for new tires. As a tip, keeping up with regular tire rotation can help your tread wear more evenly, preserving your tires' lifespan.

Eliminate gasoline guesswork
It may have been drilled into us from a young age that the more expensive something is, the better it is, but this isn't true when it comes to gasoline. You may be tempted to shell out the extra pennies per gallon for a higher-octane fuel blend, but chances are, you're not doing your car any favors, and may even be doing harm. 

According to MSN Autos, you'll want to check what octane level your engine is rated for, and stick to that at the pump. Bumping up to a higher rating isn't going to turbo-charge your engine, since your car isn't capable of burning the fuel that efficiently, but it will dip into your wallet.

If your used car needs maintenance, make an appointment with the NJ State Auto Auction Total Car Care Center. The knowledgeable mechanics are on hand to help diagnose problems and keep your car on the road for as long as possible.

The threat of bankruptcy looms like a bogeyman hiding in the closet over many adults struggling to keep up in the wake of the recession of 2008. While bankruptcy is treated like something of a four-letter word for many, the truth is it doesn't have to spell the end of your hopes to own a car. Even if your financial history is less than stellar or you're a bankruptcy survivor, it's still possible to make good on your dreams of owning a car, if you follow the right steps. 

Think used
When it comes time to finance a car after going through bankruptcy, you're bound to have far better success in the used market than if you were shopping for new cars. According to BankRate, used cars are a much better option, as the lower price point is appealing to lenders being asked to finance a bankruptcy survivor, and you'll be more likely to find solid, reliable transportation at those price levels in a used car than in a new one.

Know your limits
In general, you'll likely find that lenders are more willing to offer you a car loan after bankruptcy than you might expect. Of course, that doesn't mean that the sky's the limit when it comes time to choose your model. While you aren't necessarily expected to go lemon picking, you also should be realistic with your expectations and your decision making. As BankRate noted, the $10,000 to $15,000 range is where you should be focusing your efforts, as it represents the best balance between affordability and reliability so you won't find yourself running into trouble later.

Prepare to spend a bit more up front
According to CarsDirect, lenders will be assessing your eligibility for a loan based largely on your prior payment history, specifically on your most recent car. If you're just coming out of bankruptcy, chances are this isn't stellar, so anything you can do to ease the minds of your lenders will help you get approved for a loan. If you offer up a higher down payment, you may find yourself spending more out of pocket right away, but it's a good way to indicate your seriousness to your lender, and could help your chances of getting approved.

When you're looking for a used car, head to  NJ State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and an in-house finance team to help you afford the used vehicle of your choice.

A favorite rite of passage for many teens is the day they get the keys to their first car of their very own. The freedom and responsibility that comes with having their own wheels is unmatched by many other things they'll experience in their adolescence. 

But keeping teens safe on the road is just as important as keeping them happy, if not more so. Knowing what's important when it comes to teen safety is a major guiding factor when it's time to head to the dealer and pick out their first car. 

Safety first
It's a no-brainer, but younger, more inexperienced drivers can benefit greatly from cars that put an emphasis on safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recommended looking for vehicles that have attained a four- or five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and performed well in the IIHS moderate overlap and side collision tests. 

This also means that you should pay special attention to the car itself before purchasing. Cars that have been in major collisions or have had extensive bodywork may have suffered significant damage that could compromise safety, so be sure to check the vehicle's maintenance history.

Size matters
Despite what you may have heard elsewhere, bigger can mean better when it comes to teen safety, the IIHS reported. When you're on the lot, steer clear of compact cars or minis, gravitating instead toward the smaller SUVs or larger midsize cars. The heavier weight and larger size offer more protection in the event of a collision, and can also provide better handling in adverse driving conditions like snow or rain. Of course, if your teen learned to drive a smaller sedan, make sure they take time to adjust to the difference in size before they hit the road. 

Rein it in
It's easy to understand how teens could be attracted to the allure of fast cars with loud engines, dreaming of hitting the highway with the wind in their hair. Sadly for them, the IIHS recommended against sitting new drivers behind the wheel with too many horses in front of them. Put simply, the faster the car can go, the more tempted they'll be to brush up against that upper limit, which could encourage unsafe driving.

When it's time to shop for a used car, head to NJ State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and an in-house finance team ready to help make the used car, truck or van of your teen's choice affordable.

Chances are, many of us barely notice them, yet our tires are one of the most important components of our cars. Good tire health is a part not just of the proper functioning of your car, but of the safety of you and your passengers as well. Staying on top of your tire maintenance can save you time and money in maintenance headaches. There are a few things to look for before heading out on the road.

Under pressure
One area that you'll find yourself monitoring often is your tires' air pressure, which can fluctuate frequently. Perhaps the part of your tire maintenance plan that will see the most fluctuation, which is why it's recommended that you check the air pressure in your tires every month or so, and a pressure gauge is definitely a good thing to keep in your glove compartment. Improper tire pressure, whether too high or too low, can reduce the handling or braking ability of your car, which is a serious safety risk, so keeping your tire pressure at the right levels is essential.

According to Car Talk, tire pressure can change even without a leak – assume a loss of 1 pound per square inch for every 10-degree drop in temperature, so remaining vigilant in the winter months is particularly important. 

Rotation relation
Having your tires rotated is key to good tire health. Over time, your tires can develop wear, and rotating their positions on your car can help to keep this even, adding to your tires' life. Especially if you have a front-wheel-drive car, regular tire rotation will help to space out the rate at which your tread wears down. Typically, cars will have tire rotation schedules outlined in the owner's manual, but expect to have this done around every 6,000 miles.

Tread lightly
Your tire's tread is, simply put, the most important part of the whole shebang. This contoured surface is what makes contact with the road, gripping it firmly, providing traction and keeping your car under control. Over time, your tire's tread will wear down naturally, so make sure you keep an eye on it.

As AOL Autos reported, many tires have wear indicator bars built into them, but in general, if you stick a penny into your tread and can see the top of Abe's head, it's time for replacements.

When shopping for a used car, head to NJ State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot and an in-house finance team ready to help you afford the used car of your choice.

A wash, wax and fresh coat of paint can go a long way, but the truth is when you're shopping for a used car you'll need to look beyond exterior appearances to really do your homework. Not all used cars are created equal, and despite a dealer's or seller's best intentions, sometimes a car's history can make it a less-than-ideal option. Knowing what to look for when you're in the market can help you uncover details that can inform your decision and save you money and headaches down the road.

Study your history
No, not your wars and presidents and important dates, though they're probably important to. The history you want to concern yourself with while car shopping is that of the vehicle in question. Specifically, you'll want to know its service history. Most dealers can provide Carfax reports detailing any major repairs that have been performed, giving you an idea of the sort of damage the car has taken.

Paint yourself a picture
It may sound strange, but your car's paint job can tell you lots about some of its repair history. Especially in instances where there's no service history for you to reference, you'll need to break out your magnifying glass and detective hat as part of your evaluation. MSN Autos recommended looking for what's called overspray – excess paint spatter you may notice on the car's trim, tires or wheel​ wells. This can be a red flag pointing to recent or hastily conducted repairs, and should be taken into account.

Telltale tires
Pay attention to the tires when you're inspecting a used car. A car's tires can also point to other potential problems over and above poor air pressure. Uneven tread can be indicative of improper alignment or suspension. Similarly, if you notice a car's tires are mismatched, this should give you pause – according to MSN Autos it can be a key indicator that tires have been replaced after the car received collision-related bodywork.

Respectable inspectables
Here's a riddle: Would you rather pay a handful of cash now, or dish out a lot later on? You may be tempted to write a mechanical inspection off as an unnecessary additional expense, but think of it as buying peace of mind against future maintenance headaches.

When it's time to shop for a used car, head to NJ State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and an in-house finance team ready to help you afford the used car of your choice.

Summer is in full swing, and there are few things many east-coasters like more than a day trip to the beach on a hot sunny day. Whether you're planning a full-fledged vacation to the shore or simply want to take a day trip to a nearby beach, your car will undoubtedly play an important part in your oceanside escape. If you're in the market for a new ride to take you to the beach, or even if you just want to give your current car a beachy upgrade, there are a few things to keep in mind before hitting the dunes. 

Don't get stuck with sand in your trunks
This piece of advice is important whether you're talking about your swim trunks or the trunk of your car. Sand at a beach is as inevitable as hot dogs at a baseball game, but that doesn't mean it has to follow you home in your car. Anyone who's tried to clean the stuff out of car upholstery or floor mats can attest to how maddeningly undesirable it is. Fortunately, some auto manufacturers have begun taking this into account. The Honda Element, for example, is well-known for its urethane floors and water-resistant seating, meaning you can spend as much time as you want building sand​ castles and not have to sweat a big cleanup when you get home.

For those with more traditional interiors, a well-placed layer of plastic sheeting on days you head to the beach can drastically simplify post-seaside cleanup.

Carefully consider your cargo
Especially for the day​-trippers and beach campers, making sure you have everything on hand that you'll need is essential. There are few things that are worse than getting to the beach and realizing you forgot an essential piece of equipment. From umbrellas to coolers to boogie boards, a day at the beach requires careful planning and organization, and you'll want your car to be able to accommodate everything you'll need.

If your car doesn't boast a particularly cavernous trunk, you may be able to use your back seat for additional storage. Many models, especially minivans and sport utility vehicles, feature seats that can be folded back or removed outright so you can tote along everything that you'll need.

When you're looking for a high-quality used car, head to NJ State Auto Auction. You'll find a wide variety of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and an in-house finance team to help you drive away with the used car of your choice.

Summertime is a favorite time of year for teenagers, freed from the shackles of schoolwork and ready to face countless adventures as the open road stretches out before them. Whether striking out on road trips or simply commuting to and from summer jobs, the warmer months are a busy time for teen drivers. Of course, more teens driving more frequently also means that this time of year also sees a rise in accidents and dangerous driving habits from teens as well. Young drivers should be aware of the risks, and know how to avoid bad behavior behind the wheel so everyone stays safe. 

Summertime is danger time
As teens take to the road in the summer, the potential for accident and injury shoots up as well. As Edmunds reported, 27 percent of the almost 3,000 teen traffic fatalities that took place in 2012 occurred between June and August. Not surprisingly, the greater number of teens on the road means that the potential for injury is higher, especially considering that summer driving tends to be more casual and less regimented than does driving during the school year, Edmunds indicated. Youngsters are also far more likely to be out at night during the summer, meaning that the conditions under which they drive can be more dangerous than they would be on their trek to school in the morning.

Staying safe
Of course, none of this need put a damper on your summer road trip plans. By nipping a few problem behaviors in the bud you can preemptively help ensure a much safer summer season. 

One of the main culprits when it comes to dangers behind the wheel is distracted driving. Teens and cellphones go together like macaroni and cheese, but drivers will need to make a habit of pocketing their phones while behind the wheel for safety's sake. Even hands-free car extensions can cause divided attention, which is just as dangerous.

It's not just what teens do that puts them at risk, but what they don't do – namely, buckling up. In fact, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed that half of 2011's teen traffic casualties were not buckled up. Even more alarming, if teen drivers don't buckle in, their passengers are less likely to do so as well.

If you're looking for a used car, head to NJ State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and a helpful in-house finance team dedicated to helping you afford the used vehicle that's right for you.

Cars are convenient, essential parts of daily life that enable us to get to work, buy our groceries and pick our kids up from soccer practice. But we're so used to driving our cars that we can often forget that they can be dangerous too. Safe driving is a habit that should be instilled in every single driver, especially the younger ones. Fortunately, it's just a matter of practicing a few basic habits to make sure that your next road trip is as safe as it is fun.

Staying aware
This may sound like a no-brainer, but the most important thing you can do to encourage safe driving is keep your awareness tuned to your car and what's going on around you in the road. If this sounds redundant, it's because it hasn't entirely sunk in for many drivers – a government survey from the U.S. Department of Transportation found that over 3,000 driver deaths and over 400,000 driver injuries in 2012 were caused by driver distractions. 

The most common culprit when it comes to distracting drivers? You guessed it – cellphones. Of course, drivers without phones aren't immune from distraction. Before you go to change your radio station or use your electric shaver on your way to the office, stop and think about whether or not you should wait until you're stopped – the answer is almost always yes.

The right tools
A big part of safety behind the wheel is making sure that everything is in properly maintained and in working order, and that people make use of a car's safety features. Buckling up is a habit that gets force-fed to every single driver from childhood, and it's for good reason. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared that seatbelts can reduce accident-related injury and death by up to 50 percent. 

Also make sure to keep your eye on a few key systems of your car, namely your tires and your fuel gauge. Blown-out or underinflated tires can create a serious hazard in the form of poor traction and loss of control, while driving on fumes does your car no favors either. Not only do you risk getting stranded, but the dregs of your gas tank are swimming with impurities from your gasoline that get pumped right into your engine when it's empty, which can seriously impact performance.

If your car is in need of a checkup, make an appointment with NJ State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. The skilled mechanics on staff will help identify and fix any problems that may be holding your car back.