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.