Summer’s here – the season that poses the perfect opportunity for a road trip. It’s time to pack your bags, throw on your sunglasses and fill up the gas tank en route to the beach. But while you might be trying to leave the worries of life behind, you still need to take precautionary measures before getting on the highway.

It’s common to assume winter is the most dangerous season, due to its harsh weather and poor driving conditions. But it turns out that summer has it beat, and that’s because of its high levels of traffic and congested roadways. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Highway Loss Data Institute, the number of motor vehicle crash deaths that occurred in summer 2014 amounted to 8,796, while the number was only 7,248 in winter.

If you plan to hit the road during the summer driving season, just be sure to follow these safety tips:

1. Check your tires
Do you want to stay safe and save money while you’re on the road? Then The Huffington Post suggested checking your tires before you take off. Tires that are well-maintained can keep you from experiencing a potential breakdown, all while improving your handling and fuel efficiency. Make sure the air pressure levels in your tires always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation – this can actually increase your fuel efficiency by one mile per gallon! Just be cautious and take your car to the auto shop. The maintenance workers can take a look at your tires and let you know if they’re good to go.

Make sure the air pressure levels in your tires match the manufacturer’s suggestion.

2. Pack the car accordingly
You might be inclined to take your entire wardrobe on the trip, but you need to keep your limited space in mind. Your friends and family need some of the cargo room, too! Packing too much could be bad for your car  – exceeding the payload capacity can cause the cabin to drop and ultimately damage your vehicle. If you think you’ve overdone it with the luggage, consider weighing your bags and then check the owner’s manual for information on maximum weight your vehicle can carry.

3. Stay focused on the road
Once you’ve buckled up, put the key in the ignition and set the radio station, make sure you’re staying completely focused on the road. For starters, the California Office of Traffic Safety suggested staying off your phone – even hands free – while you’re driving, both talking and texting. If you need to make an important call or send an urgent message, wait until you reach a rest stop.

If you’re starting to feel tired while driving, ask one of the other passengers to take a shift. This can help you avoid fatigue and reduce your risk of falling asleep at the wheel. Also, make sure you have time set aside to take frequent stops along the route. This gives everyone the chance to get up and stretch while your mind takes a break from focusing on the road.

4. Watch out for road hazards and construction zones
Between potholes created in the winter and construction projects preparing to fix them, you’re bound to run into a few hazards while you’re on the road. Just make certain you’re keeping a watchful eye out for construction zones, and always obey the signs. Almost every state increases fines for speeding or violating other traffic laws while driving through construction zones, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association, so be cautious! After all, who wants to receive a ticket on their way to the beach?

5. Keep motorcyclists in mind
During the summer, you’ll notice more motorcyclists on the road, especially traveling on the highway. Unfortunately, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation reported that over half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle, and the cyclist is almost never at fault. While driving to your vacation destination this summer, be especially cautious around choppers. Check your rearview mirrors carefully when changing lanes, and always be mindful when following a cyclist. Allow more distance behind the motorcycle than you normally would with a car just in case you’re in a situation that leads to slamming on your breaks.

Always leave plenty of space when trailing behind motorcyclists.

6. Keep your children entertained
You might think your smartphone is your biggest distraction on the road, but your children can actually be 12 times more distracting, according to The Travelers Indemnity Company. To stay safe in the car, create entertaining diversions for your kids. Bring snacks, books and portable game consoles to keep them occupied while you drive to your destination.

7. Always buckle up
Sure, your passengers might complain that the seatbelt is uncomfortable during your long trip, but that’s no excuse to stop wearing it. As the driver, it’s crucial to make certain that everyone in the car is always buckled up while the vehicle is in motion – yourself included. Almost every state has at least a secondary law that requires seat belt use, so make sure everyone’s wearing it! It doesn’t only keep you from getting a ticket, it can also save your life.

Does your car need a tune up before you hit the road? Head to NJ Auto Auction, where one of our maintenance workers can give your car the care it deserves.

There's nothing like packing the car with your closest friends and heading out on a road trip. It's an opportunity to travel somewhere new and create memories in the process. But in order to make the most of your travels, you'll want to plan an itinerary that takes you to the best stops along your route. MarketWatch explained that a great scenic pathway consists of breathtaking views of water, mountains and other natural features, so you'll want to plan accordingly.

Here are a few road trip destinations you should consider this summer:

1. Overseas Highway, Florida
Florida is a great summer vacation spot for so many reasons. Besides the gorgeous weather, there's an abundance of blue water you can enjoy for miles and miles. If you take Route 1 from Key Largo to Key West, you'll soon find yourself traveling through Islamorada on a bridge that's surrounded by a beautiful turquoise sea. CNN reported that the Overseas Highway is an entry to incredible secluded islands and historic shipwrecks – making it a great destination for sight-seeing tourists.

2. Pacific Coast Highway
If you'd rather head out West for your road trip, consider the scenic route of the Pacific Coast Highway. From Santa Barbara, California to the Canadian border, the whirlwind of twists and turns along the cliffs will make for an unforgettable experience itself. National Geographic stated that this designated "All-American Road" is among the nation's most scenic routes that you simply can't pass up. Besides the many mountains plunging into the Pacific, you'll pass through villages, meadows and canyons, so you can enjoy plenty of Mother Nature's beautiful offerings. 

3. Route 66
For those who don't know what Route 66 is, you deserve a road trip, because you've obviously been living under a rock. This famous 2,451-mile stretch is one of America's most historic highways, which runs from Chicago, Illinois and ends in Santa Monica, California. A road trip on Route 66 poses so many sight-seeing opportunities as well as pit stop destinations along the drive. The Guardian points out Cadillac Ranch in Texas, just west of Amarillo, which displays incredible artwork made out of graffiti-coated Cadillacs. And you can't forget about the Grand Canyon, which is known for its overwhelming natural scenery that makes it one of the most distinguishable landmarks of the West.

This famous route is one of America's most historic.

4. Mount Washington Auto Road, New Hampshire
If you're looking for a rustic, woodsy route to travel, consider climbing Mount Washington's Auto Road in New Hampshire. Usually, getting to the top of peak requires a back-packing adventure on foot. However, this trip allows you to sit back in the comfort of your car, making quite the unique experience. The constantly changing weather is always altering the famous mountain, which amounts to the rare sights you'll see each time you travel uphill. Mount Washington Auto Road's official site offers its famous "This Car Climbed Mount Washington" bumper sticker, so you can show off your accomplishment well after your adventure.

5. Acadia All American Road, Maine
For winding roads that take you through Maine's North-central coast, consider driving along the Acadia All American Road for your trip. En route, you'll see granite peaks, fishing villages and forests along the coastline, which could potentially inspire you to pull over and hit the trails for a hike. But that's not all you can enjoy – the Travel Channel insists stopping at Galyn's in Bar Harbor for a serving of fresh and local seafood. Besides, what's a trip to Maine without treating yourself to some lobster?

6. Tail of the Dragon – Tennessee/North Carolina
While road trip courses are often chosen for the scenery, this route isn't quite the same. MarketWatch reported that the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap is most famous for its difficulty and excitement. The journey itself is only 11 miles, but it's not boring whatsoever. Most people travel here for the sharp curves and thrills – so if you choose this destination, just be sure you're driving cautiously the entire time – this definitely isn't a laid back, typical road trip by any means.

Before you head out on your summer road trip, you'll have to make sure your car is up-to-date on maintenance services. There's no need to stress about getting the job done on your own, just head to NJ Auto Auction and we'll take care of it for you! Our maintenance guys will make sure your car is in top shape to drive along whichever route you choose.

When it comes to investing in a car, there are a number of details you need to keep in mind. If the price seems out of your range, then you should look elsewhere. Because although you want the quality of a brand new car, sometimes, putting all of your eggs in one basket isn’t the best idea. You have to consider all of the other costs of owning a car – gas, maintenance, insurance, etc. If you want to save a good amount of money when investing, buying a used car is your best option. Here are a few reasons why:

1. It’s a reliable choice
According to Consume Reports, used cars are more reliable now than ever. After analyzing annual subscriber surveys from past years, CR found while rust and exhaust problems used to be common in five-year-old vehicles, it’s no longer an issue. Major engine and transmission problems have also decreased, proving used cars are at less of a risk for standing as an unreliable choice. It is said that most cars today should be able to pass 100,000 miles – some even reaching 200,000 – as long as proper routine maintenance is performed.

Most cars can pass 100,000 miles nowadays.

2. The overall cost is less
Not only is the payment you’re putting down on the used car going to be less than a new one, but other costs will be lower, too. Typically, financing a used car comes with a lower monthly payment, and insurance costs are usually decreased as well. And according to Bankrate, registration fees are also lower for used cars. Overall, by choosing to purchase a used car instead of a brand new one, you and your wallet are going to be happy.

3. If you shop smart, you won’t get ripped off
For some, buying a used car seems like risky business. How do truly you know what the car went through in the past? You could trust the seller to be honest with you, but what happens if he isn’t and you find yourself on the side of the road after a week of owning the car? Thankfully, nowadays most used cars can be checked with Carfax, a company that produces a full report to provide valuable information about the vehicle’s history. Before buying, ask the seller to show you a history report. If he neglects to provide the information, take that as a red flag and search elsewhere.

After deciding to buy used, head over to NJ Auto Auction, where you’ll find a lot full of Carfax-certified vehicles to choose from.

Whether you're ready to move on to bigger and better things or you just want to say goodbye to the clunker in general, selling your car can be a gratifying feeling. However, it's not as simple as parking it out front, throwing a "for sale" sign on the windshield and calling it a day. You're going to have to prepare the car for its new home. By getting your car in shape for top sale, you can help your customers get more bang for their buck, all while receiving a pretty penny to put on a down payment for your new ride.

Don't neglect your car before handing the keys over to a new owner. Instead, follow these tips for getting your car in top shape for sale.

1. Polish and detail
Before you take care of any maintenance issues, it's important to start by giving the looks some love. Forbes talked to a number of car experts and they all agreed that cleaning and detailing the car is the first step you should take to get it ready for point of sale. Ebay Motors Senior Manager Clayton Stanfield told Forbes it's a crucial yet easy task for prepping your car for a new owner.

"Thoroughly cleaning your vehicle is absolutely crucial – it's one of the simplest things you can do," he said. "You want to make sure that your potential buyers are seeing your vehicle at its best."

Invest in a thorough shampoo and vacuum job – it'll be well worth it in the long run.

2. Do your research
After giving your ride the clean and polish it deserves, it's time to analyze the car's current performance.  Your next step in preparing your car for sale is to do your research. Find out your vehicle's value and check local listings to see what else is out on the market. Also, search sale history of similar vehicles in your area – this can give you a better idea of what to expect when selling your car in regard to profit and timeliness.

Also, if you've been good about taking care of your car, make sure to gather proof to share with the buyers. About.com's Keith Griffin told Forbes that this is a critical part of the research process.

"Service records are immensely important in a private sale to show prospective buyers that things have been taken care of at the right intervals," he said.

Taking care of your car all of those years can really reward you in the end if you've saved documentation.

3. Invest in last-minute repairs
Sure, you're ready to get rid of this car, but you're not going to sell it if you have outstanding damage that needs repairs. Whether it's noticeable scratches and chipped paint or the check engine light is on, the buyer is going to hesitate when it's time to make a deal. Carsguide suggested investing your time and dollars into making these repairs. Depending on the damage of the car, it might not even cost you much. Just take the car to the shop, get an estimate for the repairs and ask if it's worth it – a maintenance worker can give you great advice about your ride.

Repairing dents and scratches before putting it on the market could determine it's likeliness of selling.

4. Top off the fluids
According to Car Talk, it's in your best interest to top of all fluids before putting your car on the market. That means getting the oil changed and filling the brake and windshield fluids. This shows the buyer that you've been taking care of the car. It also suggests that you care about the buyer – who wants to see the oil light come on over the dashboard only days after buying a car?

If you've successfully sold your car and you're ready to start your search for a new vehicle, head to NJ Auto Auction. There, you'll find a lot full of inexpensive Carfax-certified used cars to choose from.

Lemons seem to be on everyone's mind since Beyonce released her latest album album. However, in the car world, lemons are not as fierce as Queen B makes them out to be. In fact, buyers should be wary of dealers who try to sell them "lemons." Lemon cars are vehicles "that have a substantial defect covered by the warranty that occurred within a certain period of time or number of miles after you bought the car, and can not be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts," according to NOLO.com. The source reported that about one percent of all the vehicles sold in the United States each year qualify as lemons. Though lemon cars aren't as big of a concern for buyers as they once were, people should still know how to spot them.

Do a thorough inspection 
Most people will be able to spot a questionable car immediately, but some damage is harder to catch. If you're buying a used car, do an inspection of the interior and exterior.

Interior – You should be wary of cars that smell of mold or mildew. This can be a sign of faulty window seals or past flooding. You should also check the dashboard system to ensure all the gauges work correctly. Frayed seatbelts and worn pedals are also signs of high mileage. 

Exterior – The paint job is a good indication that work has been done to the body of the car. If you notice mismatching or slightly varying paint, it can be a signal to you that the car required maintenance. Checking the tires, suspension and engine for signs of visible damage is also a smart idea.

By inspecting the car thoroughly and using your best judgment, you can lower your risk of getting stuck with a lemon.

Conduct a car history report 
Even if your dealer isn't being honest with you, a car history report will be. Either request this from the seller or find one yourself online. These reports will inform you if your car has ever been involved in an accident or recall, undergone heavy maintenance or been repossessed. It will include information that a dealer may neglect to tell you if you don't ask outright. CarFax and Lemon Checks are two great websites for accessing vehicle history reports. 

Only buy from a reputable dealer 
The surest way to avoid purchasing a lemon is to work with a dealer that has an excellent service record. Take the time to carefully research different car sellers online. You can read customer reviews and compare competitors. The more research you do, the more comfortable you will feel knowing that you're working with someone trustworthy. 

No one wants to purchase a vehicle they love only to find out that they've been duped. Knowing how to spot lemon cars could prevent buyers from getting stuck with a useless ride. If for some reason you do end up with a lemon, the DMV has a full list of the Lemon Laws in every state.

Even if you've found a used car that fits within your budget, there are a number of separate expenses you need to consider. Between licensing, registration, maintenance and fuel, you're going to be putting a lot of hard-earned cash into driving. Insurance is another cost you need to keep in mind, and it's one that varies by hundreds of dollars, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

While you can't avoid paying for insurance by any means, there are a number of ways you can lower the costs and save yourself some money. 

1. Do your research and shop around
Because each company provides a different price for car insurance, it's in your best interest to shop around. Taking the time to do research online, asking for referrals or even calling the company to discuss straight-forward prices can really cut back the expenses. Gather quotes from multiple companies and sit down and compare before making any decisions. You can also call your state insurance department for information – they might even be able to recall customer complaints for certain companies. Overall, doing your research before settling with an insurance company can really save you money – and headache – in the long-run.

2. Establish good credit
Maintaining a good credit score has a number of benefits – it lowers interest rates on loans, approves you for higher limits on credit cards and it even gets you better insurance rates, according to the Huffington Post. Many auto insurance companies use credit information as a platform to price auto insurance. Make it a point to establish and maintain a good credit score, and frequently check up on it to make sure there are no flaws in the information.

Check your credit score frequently to make sure your maintaining a good standing.

3. Drive safely
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but it's a simple way to lower your insurance, according to Kelley Blue Book. People with clean driving records can often qualify for discounts, while those who drive recklessly and have been in more accidents see spikes in their insurance rates.

If you want to lessen the likelihood of an accident occurring, the source recommended driving less in general. Low mileage discounts are offered by most insurance companies, so consider carpooling with a family member or friend to work. This can save both of you miles and money.

4. Increase your deductible
By raising your deductible, you'll have to pay more out of pocket if an accident occurs. However, you could save anywhere between 15 and 40 percent in collision coverage costs if you increase your deductible by a few hundred dollars. It might seem like a large expense to begin with, but it's an excellent decision to make for long-term costs.

5. Combine policies
If you already have homeowners insurance with a certain company, it's in your best interest to go through the same company for your auto insurance, according to Bankrate. If you go through a different one for each policy, you're bound to be paying higher expenses than you should. Insurance agent Art Scott told the source that companies are more likely to work with you to save money if you choose to combine policies with them.

"The more lines (of insurance that insurance companies) can get, the more they're willing to give discounts for it," he said.

6. Ask about discounts
There are so many different ways for drivers to get insurance discounts, according to III. Some companies offer lowered rates for drivers who have not been in accidents during a certain period of time. Others even offer discounted rates for drivers who have take a defensive driving course. If you've committed to a certain insurance company, dig deep to find out how you can save money with them as a policyholder.

Whether you're interested in buying a new used vehicle or you're searching for a car for a loved one, head to NJ Auto Auction, where you'll find a lot full of Carfax-certified rides to choose from.

First off, congratulations! You've decided to invest in your first car, and you're making a smart decision choosing a used vehicle that falls within your budget. While you've done extensive research to reach that conclusion, you shouldn't stop there. In fact, once you've made it to the dealership to look through the lot, a whole new analysis should begin before making any concrete decisions.

Don't make up your mind early because of that low price tag – there might be a reason or two that it's so inexpensive in the first place. Give this potential car a full exam before handing over a down payment:

Exterior
Your first move should be to inspect the condition of the body of the car, according to Consumer Reports. Check for scratches, dents and rust from top to bottom. Then, make sure that the paint color is the same throughout the body. Once you've taken a good look at the cosmetics of the car, examine the glass. Are there any large cracks or pocketed areas? If you notice a small chip in the windshield, you should consider bargaining for a lowered price – the crack is bound to worsen and will likely end up costing a lot to repair.

The car's tires can make you think twice about the price if the wear and tear is tremendous. If the car has over 25,000 miles on it and it looks like the tires haven't been changed, you should negotiate. Kelley Blue Book reported that the average tire life lies between 25,000 and 50,000 miles, but it varies for each car. Who wants to buy a car and then take it to the shop a week later for new tires?

Interior
Once you've walked around the car, step into the driver's seat and take a look around. The Department of Motor Vehicles suggested checking out the seats before anything – are they damaged in any way? Do they all have functioning seat belts? Then make sure that every door – including the trunk – opens and closes without struggle. Your next test is simple – are any dashboard warning lights flashing? This could be a total deal breaker if the car salesman doesn't have an explanation.

If you notice the car has a very strong scent as soon as you open the door, it could mean two things: The car salesman was being extremely courteous or he was trying to cover up a bad scent. If the scent alarms you, you may want to ask about it – sure, he might have just been trying to spruce up the car to maximize your experience, but what if that's not the case? The last thing you want to do is buy a car that comes with a permanent funk.

The car's scent could be signify that the salesman was trying to cover something up.

Test drive
Before you go in on buying a used car, it's crucial to take it for a test drive. This is especially important if your salesman doesn't suggest it – that could signify there's an issue that he doesn't want you to find before buying. Bankrate explained that while you'll want to focus on the way the car accelerates, parks, breaks and steers, it's especially important to make sure the used car doesn't make any strange sounds or vibrations as you drive. The best way to check for these issues is to take it on the highway and see how it drives above 60 miles per hour. Does the front end or steering wheel shake or vibrate? Can you hear any strange noises coming as you accelerate? How about the transmission – is it shifting smoothly? These are all valid questions that must be answered before making the big decision to buy.

Looking for a place with a variety of used cars to choose from? Head to NJ Auto Auction, where you'll find plenty of Carfax-certified cars that are ready to roll out after the test drive. The days of searching for a dealership with quality used vehicles are over – you've found the perfect place.

You know that taking proper care of your body keeps you healthy. That means fueling it with the right foods, spending enough time dedicated to fitness and dropping all of the bad habits that keep you from maximizing your overall health. Taking care of your car is quite similar – if you don't show it enough attention, it's bound it leave you stranded in the breakdown lane.

According to a 2015 survey conducted by the Car Care Council, about 84 percent of vehicles failed at least one inspection component, which shows drivers often neglect to take proper care of their ride.

Nobody wants to wait around for a tow truck to haul their car for an unexpected and expensive emergency operation. To keep small problems from turning into larger ones, it's important to put your car through routine maintenance services.

Don't let your car fall apart. Instead, follow this maintenance timeline so that you'll never fall behind in taking proper care of your vehicle.

Windshield wipers – 6 to 12 months
Driving with a clear line of vision is important, especially during a harsh downpour. That's why you need to make certain you're changing your windshield wipers when necessary. Real Simple magazine reported you need to do this every 6 to 12 months and it'll only cost you about $10 to $20.

Battery – every five years
Did you forget to turn off your lights when you went into the grocery store? No worries – you can just ask someone to give you a jump for a quick fix. However, that's not always going to be good enough. Make sure to replace your battery every five years.

Getting someone to jump your battery is a quick fix, but not a permanent one.

Oil – every 7,500 miles or more
You may have been told you need your oil changed every 3,000 miles – or every three months – but according to Cars.com, that's simply not the case. Because of the advances in engine materials and improved quality of oil, manufactures recommend you change your oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Check your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer of your vehicle for more information.

Brake pads – every 50,000 miles
As long as you're using your brakes properly – this means not riding them or slamming on them – Real Simple magazine noted that you only have to change your brake pads every 50,000 miles. The cost of this service generally ranges from $50 to $100 dollars depending on the wear.

Tires – between 25,000 and 50,000 miles
According to Kelley Blue Book, the life of your tires depends on a number of different factors. This includes the type of car you have, how often you drive it and how well you take care of your tires. All tires are designed with tread, which is the pattern of grooves and ridges that increase car's traction on the road. Over time, the tread wears down, which ultimately results in needing to replace the tires. The source said the average life of most tires is between 25,000 and 50,000 miles, but it all depends on the type of wear they go through.

Engine air filter – varies
Every time you take your car in for a service checkup, ask the mechanic to check the air filter. He'll be able to help you determine if it needs to be replaced, because this is a service that varies from vehicle to vehicle. Cars.com said some manufacturer's recommend the filter gets replaced every 45,000 miles, and others say 30,000 and 15,000. Ultimately, the maintenance worker will be able to tell if your filter needs changed by the amount of black residue trapped in it.

Check these elements on a frequent basis
There are a number of elements you should be checking on a frequent basis, according to the Car Care Council. Those include:

• Dashboard lights – Never ignore these! If an indicator is lit, take your car to the auto shop
• Lights – Keep an eye out for bulbs that need replaced
• Windshield washer fluid – Keep the stuff in your trunk for easy refills
• Tire Condition – Most cars will notify the driver if tire air pressure is low

Could your vehicle use a little TLC? Head over to NJ Auto Junction, where the mechanics will take great care of your car and make sure every service is up to date.