When teens learn to drive, the majority of their lessons will come from their parents, which means Mom and Dad need to take the task seriously. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports motorists between the ages of 16 and 19 are four times more likely to get into accident than older drivers. Parents should instill safe driving habits in their youngsters as they teach the kids how to operate vehicles safely. Not only should they teach their teens about traffic rules and best practices, but they ought to focus on dangerous behaviors such as talking on a cellphone, texting and eating behind the wheel too.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners recently released a few guidelines for parents to follow when talking to their teens about safe driving. The association also included a contract for parents and teen drivers to sign together. It is available online and the rules are completely customizable, so parents can choose to instate rules about driving curfews, punishment for engaging in unsafe practices like texting, and always wearing a seat belt. Another important area of focus is having respect for other drivers as well as pedestrians when operating a car, truck or SUV.

"Respect for driving and common courtesy on the road show you care not only about your life, but also the lives of others," said Tyler Presnell, founder of the Tyler Presnell Foundation, which partnered with the NAIC to create the guidelines. "Individuals behind-the-wheel and passengers owe consideration to those around them."

In addition to learning the safest driving behaviors, youngsters will need reliable cars. Parents can bring their teens to New Jersey State Auto Auction to find the perfect used car. Every model on the lot is backed by a CARFAX report, so parents and new drivers will know they're choosing a ride in good shape.

The Fourth of July is one of the most beloved holidays in the U.S. Every year, millions of families and friends come together to honor Independence Day, celebrating the holiday with barbecues, parties, beach trips and much more. 

A recent survey from AAA found that more than 40.8 million Americans are expected to hit the roads this Fourth of July. While this is quite a large number, it represents a decrease of approximately 0.8 percent from last year. Part of this decrease is due to the fact that the holiday falls on a Thursday, which creates a shorter extended weekend than most travelers would like and gives drivers fewer options for getaways. 

"This year, nearly 41 million Americans plan to celebrate the nation's birthday with a getaway, a slight decline from last year," said Richard L. Darbelnet, president and CEO of AAA. "… Independence Day is typically the busiest holiday of the summer travel season with 6 million more Americans traveling than Memorial Day just two months ago. The Fourth of July benefits from the fact that all schools across the nation are out of session, making it truly a time for family fun." 

Of those setting out on trips, about 84 percent will use a car to reach their destination. This means nearly 35 million people will be on the roads, with the majority departing for their getaways Wednesday, July 3 and returning Sunday, July 7. On average, these motorists will drive more than 600 miles round trip. 

Before setting out on a road trip this summer, drivers should be sure to take their car in for a tune up at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage at the Total Car Care Center can handle any problems you may think are plaguing a vehicle. 

It's no secret that proper maintenance can help keep a car on the road for many years, but it takes extreme dedication to see your car's speedometer surpass the million mile mark. Irv Gordon, a 73-year-old Long Island native, already left that milestone far behind and even holds the Guinness World Record for most miles driven by a non-commercial vehicle. His 1966 Volvo P1800 earned that title when it reached 1.69 million miles, but Gordon did not stop there.

The retired science teacher will soon surpass 3 million miles with his trusted automobile, but he is modest about his accomplishments.

"It's not about getting to the 3 million miles, it's about the trips that got me to the 3 million miles," Gordon explained. "I never had a goal to get to 1 million, to 2 million. I just enjoyed driving and experiencing life through my Volvo."

Gordon is planning a trip to Alaska in September that should take his car past the 3-million-mile mark, and it will be a new experience for this traveler. Alaska is one of two states Gordon has yet to visit, attesting to the love of adventure that has gotten him, and his Volvo, this far.

John Maloney, president and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America, believes that Gordon's respect for his vehicle is the main reason it has lasted so long. Everything from safe driving practices and routine oil changes to addressing issues as they emerged and being vigilant about care and repairs has helped Gordon's Volvo stay in such good shape.

Drivers in the New York/New Jersey area who want to take a page from Gordon's book can start by bringing their rides to New Jersey Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. The experts at this garage, which is open to the public, can help car owners with everything from regular maintenance to major repairs.

New technologies have drastically changed the way people approach driving. You can do everything from customize your music choices to receive video feeds of the space behind your vehicle, making it easier and more enjoyable to get around. Several advancements have also impacted how motorists find their way to destinations, although not all of the effects are positive. 

Recently, Harris Interactive conducted a study for Michelin that found most drivers have been led astray by their GPS device. Whether they use a special device or a smartphone with navigation capabilities, about 63 percent received faulty directions from a system. These mishaps aren't a one-time occurrence, either, as adults say they have gotten thrown off course nearly five separate times. 

While GPS devices can be a major help, many individuals choose to use old fashioned paper maps as they attempt to get around a new place. Nearly 40 percent of U.S. drivers say these physical maps are their top choice when it comes to directions, and about 46 percent of motorists at least keep a paper map in their vehicle in case of an emergency. 

"Technology is great, but a printed map is one of the most important tools a traveler in an unfamiliar setting can have – the battery doesn't die, it is easy to use and it allows you to make decisions on route changes if necessary," said Michelin's editorial director Cynthia Ochterbeck. 

Still, some drivers want to look for used cars that have top-of-the-line navigation systems installed – or at the very least, pre-owned vehicles that are reliable in the event you find yourself in some unknown territory. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, you can browse through a large selection of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, any one of which could be your next ride. 

Narrowing down your search for a vehicle can be difficult, but keeping up with the maintenance is even more time consuming. Drivers who are constantly monitoring their car's performance can stay ahead of the curve and take preventative measures that will extend the life of their automobile – and potentially cut down on costs as well.

There are a few key areas these motorists should be focusing on when it comes to their vehicle maintenance, including the tires and fluid levels, which can make a major difference in a car. Changes in temperature can wreak havoc on tire pressure, so you should constantly be checking tires. Spot checks and quick examinations may be all you need to stay on top of tire maintenance, but if you notice the wheels are underinflated or overinflated, take the proper steps to repair the problem. 

Heat-related breakdowns are quite common in the summer months. To prevent these hiccups from disrupting your driving, be sure to pay close attention to your HVAC system and coolant levels. If you notice the air conditioning isn't up to par, it may be time to bring the vehicle in for a tune up or for minor repairs. Additionally, coolants keep the temperature of the engine down, and drivers can fill their car's liquid coolant reservoir to the proper level so it continues to do its job. 

If you think there's something wrong with your vehicle or you're just ready to get your car a tune-up, you can bring it over to the Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and can help you address any issues relating to your automobile. 

It's never easy for teens to learn how to drive. They usually rely on their parents to provide some insight into how to act behind the wheel, but that doesn't mean there aren't some discrepancies between how each group behaves when in control of a car. 

According to a recent survey commissioned by Ford, there are distinct differences between adult and teen drivers. For example, about 76 percent of teens and 83 percent of parents believe that distracted driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving, but the adults are 40 percent more likely to check phones when in control of a car than their teenage children. Additionally, despite about half of all young motorists admitting to being distracted by something in their car, only 26 percent of parents use devices aimed at enforcing the rules of the road or limiting cell phone use for their child when they use the car. 

Luckily, there are a few methods parents and teens can turn to if they're looking to improve driving techniques. Several companies are implementing things like safe driving programs, Do Not Disturb phone options and other strategies to keep the attention focused on the roads. 

"Ford has a long record as a safety leader and continues to work through many channels to help address the risk factors associated with inexperienced drivers," said Steve Kenner, global director of Ford's Automotive Safety Office. "Features such as MyKey and programs such as Ford Driving Skills for Life help parents and teens as they develop the skills needed to control a vehicle, detect hazards and assess driving situations." 

When you're ready to invest in a used car for an adult or younger driver, check out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot has plenty of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that could be the perfect option for your next vehicle purchase. 

Automotive-related gifts are sure to be a hit this Father's Day, especially for dads who treat their cars as a member of the family. You can play it safe with a gift certificate to a local auto parts and accessories store or you can be more adventurous and wash the vehicle or take it in to the shop for a tune-up. Here are a few fun ideas for the gearhead patriarch in your family.

Put Together a Gift Basket
If you're not sure what to get your father, why not gather up a bunch of small items and create a clever car-oriented gift basket? You can include items like air fresheners, cleaning products, a tire pressure gauge and a gift certificate for a local car wash. Other fun additions like automotive magazines, a car figurine for Dad's office or a classic dad gift with a twist – a tie with cars on it – are sure to rev any father's engine.

Clean Dad's Car
Unless your father is very particular about how his car is cleaned, you can surprise him by getting out the hose and soap bucket and giving his ride a wash. This is also a great way for young children to show dad they care. It can also be a fun activity for the kids to bond with their father if they do it together on Dad's special Sunday.

Get a Tune-Up
Another great idea for those who have access to dad's car keys, can be to take the car in for maintenance. Getting the oil changed and having a skilled mechanic perform a diagnostic test can bring a smile to your father's face. It'll show that you care about the quality of his ride as much as you care about him. You may also want to offer this service in the form of a gift certificate, whether the auto shop offers them or you create one of your own.

If you opt to take the car to the shop, you may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center.