As the temperatures around many parts the U.S. continue to drop, more drivers are preparing themselves for getting behind the wheel in the winter. While much of this involves taking a car in for a tune up or investing in gear like snow tires, drivers will be looking for safe vehicles and brushing up on ways to stay safe on the roads. 

Michelin recently unveiled its Winter Driving Academy, an interactive, online information source that provides tips for safely operating a vehicle in colder weather. The guide explains that drivers should make the switch to winter tires when temperatures dip below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and car owners also need to check tire pressure consistently to ensure the wheels can grip slick surfaces. 

Motorists are advised to spread out on the roads, leaving plenty of space between their car and others. That way, should a driver have to make a sudden stop, he or she has enough time to react appropriately – without coming too close to other vehicles. They should also make sure gas tanks are kept at least half full to avoid a frozen gas line. 

"Drivers need to understand and respect winter conditions," said Carl Nadeau, a professional race car driver and an expert at the Michelin Winter Driving Academy. "It's important to adapt driving to existing conditions, especially when facing winter hazards such as black ice and slush." 

If drivers are looking for a safe vehicle that can handle the rigors of winter, they may want to check out the selection of used cars for sale at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that could prove to be the right choice for motorists in search of a pre-owned vehicle.