Many drivers were able to reap the benefits of lower gas prices in the winter. The season's multitude of storms and freezing temperatures kept demand low, which in turn led to relatively cheaper prices. However, now that warmer weather is finally on the horizon, the cost of fuel is expected to rise. 

"Buying gas in the spring can be a frustrating challenge because prices seem to be higher every time you get in the car," said Avery Ash, a spokesman for AAA. "Yet even as prices inevitably rise, there is a good chance that most people should pay less than recent years to buy gas." 

Much of the increase in price is because refineries are conducting maintenance for the spring, which limits production. However, because costs have been falling in recent months, the baseline remains lower than in past years. While prices in February grew by about 17 cents throughout the month, the national average is still $3.45 per gallon.

In March and April, the cost is expected to grow to anywhere from $3.55 to $3.75 per gallon. This would continue the tradition of gas prices rising in the spring. In 2012, for instance, the national average increased by 56 cents per gallon over a 70-day time span, and while it may not reach those heights again, drivers should expect to pay more than they did in the winter. 

Although gas prices may be outside of your control, you can make some changes to your car that will improve its fuel efficiency. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, for example, the Total Car Care Center can perform an auto tune-up that will have your vehicle performing at maximum efficiency. Whether you need to have the engine checked or the air filter replaced, the garage is capable of handling these issues and getting you back on the road in a timely manner. 

If you've headed out on the highway recently, there's a good chance that you've noticed there has been a heavy amount of traffic. Your eyes aren't deceiving you: There really is more congestion than in years past, at least as stated in the latest report from the INRIX, a provider of traffic information. 

According to INRIX, which recently released its Annual Traffic Scorecard Report, traffic congestion throughout 2013 increased, even after the previous two years saw a decline. Traffic congestion grew 6 percent in 2013 as the U.S. GDP increased 1.9 percent, signifying that economic growth is bringing more people to the roads as they head into work. 

If the economy continues to grow, more traffic could be coming to the roads. That has the potential to be bad news for commuters. Although much of the heaviest traffic could be situated in major hubs like Sao Paolo, Brazil, and Beijing, China, it will also extend to local areas such as New York City, Newark and Philadelphia. 

"If we do nothing we could end up with global gridlock," said Stephen Odell, Ford Motor Company president of EMEA. "The problem will be particularly serious in cities. We must all work together." 

Anyone who anticipates being a part of heavy traffic should be sure their cars are able to handle the stress. A large part of this can be taken care of by scheduling an auto tune up at a garage, such as the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. That facility caters to the public and can address any issue you may have, and the standard preventative maintenance offered may be enough to ensure your car is prepared for any type of traffic.