Visibility is important on the road, but side-view and rearview mirrors only offer limited fields of vision. While engineers have developed safety technology such as blind spot warning systems, this is not the only solution to give drivers more awareness of their surroundings. Dr. R. Andrew Hicks, a mathematics professor at Drexel University, set out to develop a side-view mirror that would provide a wider scope and his quest was successful.

A traditional side-view mirror is a flat surface that provides about a 15 to 17 degree view behind the side of the car. Hicks found a way to create a distorted surface that reflects a field of vision roughly 45 degrees using a mathematical algorithm. Regular distorted mirrors can offer a wider view, but they warp the image and alter the perceived distance, but Hicks' design all but eliminates this issue.

"Imagine that the mirror's surface is made of many smaller mirrors turned to different angles, like a disco ball." Hicks explained. "The algorithm is a set of calculations to manipulate the direction of each face of the metaphorical disco ball so that each ray of light bouncing off the mirror shows the driver a wide, but not too distorted, picture of the scene behind him."

The mirror is not constructed like a disco ball, but has a "smooth, nonuniform curve." Hicks recently got approval for a patent on his design, and while regulations in the U.S. will prohibit the mirrors from being factory installed in cars, drivers may soon be able to purchase and install these mirrors themselves. This means drivers looking to buy used cars in NJ can take action against those pesky blind spots.

Whether motorists want to install aftermarket products or just get their current cars tuned up, they can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center for all their automotive needs.

Gas prices have been falling across the nation for the past few weeks. AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report reports the average cost of a gallon of gas in the U.S. is about $3.56, but some areas are in better shape than others. While states like California and New York are still seeing prices closer to $4, other states – including New Jersey – are being treated to prices that fall below the $3.50 mark. New Jersey's daily average on Thursday, June 7, was $3.46.

The Associated Press reports this week the average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded is down 4 cents over last week to $3.53, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic reports. This is a week-over-week improvement most Jersey drivers are happy about, and also vastly better compared to what people were paying at the pump this time last year in the Garden State – $3.77. Drivers in New Jersey have been treated to dropping gas prices for the past eight weeks, and the news source indicates the improving conditions for motorists stem from a decline in the cost of crude oil as well as an easing of tensions in the Middle East.

While gas prices are falling, drivers may still want to find fuel efficient used cars in New Jersey when it comes time to trade in their current model. There are plenty of vehicles available that don't guzzle gasoline, and New Jersey State Auto Auction carries a variety of such models. Plus, every car at NJ Auto is CARFAX certified, so car shoppers know they'll be driving away in a reliable ride.

Anybody looking to get behind the wheel of a used car this summer may want to hold off on the purchase for a few months. Industry experts are predicting this fall will be a great time to buy a used car in New Jersey or elsewhere as the spike in prices that occurred earlier this year will start to reverse course.

Used car prices are already on the way down. Analysts from the National Automobile Dealers Association say the cost of small and midsize used cars may drop by as much as 5 percent during June, with another 2 to 3 percent drop expected for July, according to CBS MoneyWatch. By the time August and September roll around, consumers may be able to pick up a pretty good deal on a pre-owned vehicle.

There are a few reasons why used car prices are starting to decline after a spike earlier this year. Perhaps most significantly, gas prices are on the way down, so the demand for fuel-efficient used vehicles has begun to wind down. Additionally, because people were holding on to their cars longer the stock of used cars was low. Now that new car sales are on the rise, more people are turning their old models in.

According to MoneyWatch, there are certain cars that may be especially affordable in the coming months. The cost of a used 2009 Toyota Prius had risen sharply due to increased demand, but analysts expect it to drop considerably by fall, providing an excellent fuel-efficient option.

If you can't wait until the fall and still want to find a used car that won't break the bank, New Jersey State Auto Auction is the place to go. With a wide variety of makes and models, all at affordable prices, you'll be sure to leave the lot happy.

Maintenance and repairs are as much as part of car ownership costs as insurance and gasoline, but many drivers can lose money when it comes to mechanical work on their cars. AutoMD.com, an online repair resource, recently published a list of the top 10 costly mistakes drivers make when it comes to car repairs and maintenance.

First was putting off tuneups and minor repairs. Preventative maintenance can improve the overall performance of the car to reduce the risk of repairs and improve fuel economy, which can save drivers money in the long run. This includes everything from keeping an eye on tire pressure to changing the oil and filters or getting an alignment.

Ignoring minor fixes likely won't affect your ability to drive the car – not at first, anyway. When you don't address a small issue, it will likely worsen and turn into a major repair that could wind up costing more than just getting the original problem fixed.

"At AutoMD.com we are always looking for ways to help car owners save precious dollars while keeping their vehicles running safely," said Brian Hafer, the website's vice president of marketing. "This is why our experts have put together a list of simple tips to help pre-empt costly auto repair mistakes. By following this advice, car owners can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on auto repairs."

When you have work done on your vehicle and the mechanic tells you a part needs to be replaced, you should be sure to get the original part back. This will ensure you're not being charged for work that was never done if you're unlucky enough to bring your car to an untrustworthy mechanic. The automotive experts at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center will diagnose your vehicle and make necessary repairs without trying to pull the wool over your eyes.

School is ending, and teenage drivers have a lot more time to spend behind the wheel. This means more chances for dangerous situations, so it is important for teens to remember to stay safe behind the wheel. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states teen drivers are four times more likely to get into accidents than older motorists.

AutoTrader.com recently offered parents a few tips for helping their teen drivers stay safe on the road this summer, including discouraging distracted driving and stressing the importance of seatbelt use.

"Most safe driving tips are packed full of ideas that seem obvious to most people. However, what seems obvious to an adult with even a few years of driving experience, may not be obvious to a teen driver," said Brian Moody, automotive expert for AutoTrader.com. "At AutoTrader.com, we review and test-drive nearly every car on the market, and safety is always a top feature we look for. It is imperative for parents to equip their teens with the right tools, technology and education on how to be a safe driver."

The specific vehicle being driven by a newly-licensed teen can play a role in how safe they are on the road. For instance, you probably wouldn't want your teen driving an 18-wheeler. While that is most likely not a possibility, the size of the vehicle does make a difference for many new drivers. It can be more difficult to maneuver an SUV or a truck than a smaller car, which may increase the risk of crashing.  To find the perfect used car in NJ for your teen driver, you can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer has a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices.

Last week, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO was sold for $35 million to American collector Craig McCaw. Bloomberg reports this transaction makes the GTO the most expensive vehicle in the world. The car, which was sold through a private transaction, is one of 39 GTOs produced between 1962 and 1964. It was built specifically for British race car driver Sir Sterling Moss, who won 212 races in his career.

The car beat out the previous record held by Peter Mullin. Mullin, who owns and operates the Mullin Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, bought a 1936 Bugatti Atlantic Type 57SC for between $30 and $34 million in 2010, according to Fox News. The Ferrari's seller, Eric Heerema, paid $8.5 million to purchase the GTO from a collector in Japan.

This particular model was driven in the 1962 Le Mans 24-Hour race as well as many other notable competitions in its heyday, and it was listed among the greatest Ferraris of all time by Motor Trend, according to Bloomberg. The 250 GTO cars are highly sought after for their stylish design as well as their powerful V12 engines. The $35 million car has not been the only GTO to change hands in the past few days. Another model sold for between $25 and $30 million, and the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa that helped Phil Hill win the 1958 Le Mans 24-Hour race went for $25 million, the news source reports.

While not everyone is able to collect classic cars like 1950s and '60s Ferraris, those looking to purchase used cars in NJ can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer has a wide variety of makes and models, including sports cars, that won't cost shoppers millions. Plus, all the vehicles are CARFAX certified, so buyers know they'll be driving away in something reliable.

Ford's F-150 is one of the best-selling pickup trucks in United States, and the American automaker recently announced details for the latest model. The 2013 F-150 got a bit of a makeover, with a new front fascia that gives the appearance of a Ford Super Duty truck, but this year's model will not overwhelm drivers with a slew of major changes.

The head of Ford truck marketing, Doug Scott, explained to AutoBlog that this is because the automaker doesn't hold onto new technology and reinvent its vehicles every few years. Rather, they include new features and make adjustments when they become available. For instance, last year, the F-150 was given two new V6 engine options.

"Like our hardworking customers, Ford is committed to getting the job done right with our industry-leading trucks," said Mark Fields, Ford president of the Americas. "The 2013 F-150 demonstrates our commitment to continuously improving our trucks with new features and capabilities, allowing F-Series owners to be increasingly productive."

The new truck will also feature the MyFord Touch system, which allows drivers to control certain elements of their vehicles like the radio with voice commands. This can help reduce the risk of distracted driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports if you take your eyes off the road for as little as 4.6 seconds, you drive about 100 yards – the length of a football field – without ever looking at the road.

Drivers who are looking to get behind the wheel of a used Ford F-150 can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer has a wide variety of makes and models for shoppers to choose from, and all vehicles are CARFAX certified, so you know you'll be driving away in a reliable vehicle.