As drivers of used cars in New Jersey travel among the scenic highways like Route 29 and the Palisades Interstate Parkway, which have received federal designations for their natural beauty, they may find that their own work is part of the view.

Local car insurance company Palisades is inviting residents to submit their own artwork to be placed on billboards throughout the state as part of its Drive with a Smile campaign.

Judging will begin on July 14 on the submitted works of art, which may take any form as long as they can be sent electronically, and the final decisions will be made by August 7.

“Our goal is to provide local artists a public venue for their work, and give New Jersey drivers an uplifting driving experience,” said Ed Fernandez, Palisades president and CEO. “By showcasing New Jersey’s beautiful landscapes on spaces once only reserved for commercial advertising, the Palisades Highway Art Gallery will create nicer New Jersey driving moments and smiles all around.”

There are 12 sites where winners will be able to see their pieces displayed, with two initial works already visible on I-80 and I-295 for those driving used cars in New Jersey.

Allstate Insurance has a vested interest in knowing where drivers are more likely to be in a crash, but drivers looking to be safe in used cars in New York should be warned – collisions occur in New York about 25 percent more than the national average.

The research conducted by the insurance company found that drivers in cities of more than 1 million residents generally have more to worry about in navigating local roads, which could also explain why nearby Philadelphia is one of the worst cities to avoid a traffic collision, with drivers there (were?) nearly 60 percent more likely to have a crash than the national average.

Drivers of used cars in New York looking to minimize their risk and maintain the value of their vehicles could take advantage of some tips proffered by the company, however.

Changing road conditions caused by ice, wind and other weather-related causes can reduce the ability for cars to perform well, so being more mindful of driving conditions can limit the risk for an incident.

In addition, limiting distractions from such as cell phones or other electronic devices could also help drivers to remain focused on the road and not on other in-car amenities.

For those with the aptitude to figure out both a wrench and an engine bay, working on one’s own used car in New Jersey could save money.

But consumers are increasingly looking online for information about car repairs, and the results haven’t always been as promising as many owners had wanted, reported the Associated Press.

The problem is that even used cars are increasingly complex vehicles and controlled by computers, making it difficult for handy people who think, “Hey, I can fix this, I can fix that,” to accurately determine what ails their cars, mechanic Craig Douglas told the news provider.

While regular maintenance is a given for automobiles, buyers who consider a used Chevrolet Equinox in New Jersey may have less to worry about than other owners, according to Edmunds.com.

A 2005 model of the SUV was ranked as the best in the compact class in terms of reliability, and buyers may find it selling for less than other SUVs in its class because of its “out-of-the-spotlight status,” the website’s editors added.

Four fist-size contact patches between your tires and the asphalt are the only things keeping your used car in New York connected to the road, so people who make the right choice in rubber may find they pay less in fuel costs.

Several companies have introduced more efficient tires, including Cooper’s GFE model which is designed to reduce rolling resistance because of more flexible compounds within the rubber.

“With the recent volatility in gasoline prices, customers are looking for ways to improve their vehicle fuel economy,” said Chuck Yurkovich, Cooper vice president of global technology. “Tire rolling resistance has a significant impact on vehicle fuel economy, so Cooper responded with a new tire specifically designed for fuel-efficient vehicles.”

Drivers may not need to replace the tires on their used cars in New York, but they can still improve the performance of the ones they have with good maintenance.

The Department of Energy says that drivers could save the equivalent of 7 cents on every gallon of gas by ensuring that under-inflated tires are at the proper air pressure recommended by the car manufacturer, generally 30-32 PSI.

As the summer sun heats up the road, drivers of used cars in New Jersey may want to keep the windows rolled down to keep their vehicles cooler.

The Help Eliminate Auto Thefts Task Force says motorists should be wary, however, because warmer months mean thieves are more likely to take advantage of such behaviors.

July is National Auto Theft Prevention Month, and owners of used cars in New Jersey can take some extra precautions to ensure that their investment is less likely to be taken.

Items like iPods, cell phones and GPS devices may help drivers navigate the roads more easily, but they could also be tempting to thieves who may break into a vehicle if they see them. HEAT director Terri Miller says to keep valuables and electronics in glove compartments or the center console to keep from enticing felons.

“While warm weather brings fun outdoor activities with friends and family, it also brings out thieves looking to steal vehicles and exposed property while you are preoccupied,” she added. “Keep belongings out of sight and never leave your keys in the car, even if you are running a quick errand.”