Winter is here, and many drivers have been warned to keep up with car maintenance in an effort to prepare for the frosty temperatures. However, it seems as though Mother Nature is putting some people in quite a predicament.

Reno news affiliate KOLO8 reports that some motorists are finding themselves stranded due to the cold weather. The news provider indicates that the Nevada Highway Patrol has experienced an influx of calls from drivers who were stranded on the road due to the chilly temperatures.

“In these bitterly cold mornings, it doesn’t take long for a motorist sitting in a vehicle that’s stranded – no heat no ability to stay warm-it doesn’t take long for that person to get cold,” Trooper Chuck Allen told the news provider.

Allen continued that it’s important people take their care in for regularmaintenance to lessen their chances of being stuck on the road. Some of the tips he suggested include making sure tires are properly inflated and examining the tire’s tread.

There are other ways that drivers can make sure they are prepared for the cold weather. Weather.com reports you’ll want to check your brakes, ignition and fan belts. You should also have a pair of jumper cables and tire chains stored in your vehiclein the event of a winter emergency.

Being prepared on the winter roads is key, but some people may not feel safe in their vehicles. Luckily, New Jersey State Auto Auction has a number of used cars available for people to choose from. This way, individuals who are in need of a new set of wheels will not be forced to break the bank, and they can feel better prepared to battle the winter roads in a reliable ride.

Many newer cars come equipped with built-in navigation systems, and drivers of older models often keep a third-party GPS navigation system handy to help them get from place to place. A recent J.D. Power and Associates study found that more and more drivers are relying on their smartphones over the other options to provide them with directions. Approximately 46 percent of surveyed drivers indicated they would prefer an interface that integrates their phone navigation system with a centrally located screen in their vehicle.

"Manufacturers of navigation systems face a serious challenge, as smartphone navigation usage continues to rise and gains preference among vehicle owners," said Mike VanNieuwkuyk, executive director of global automotive for J.D. Power and Associates. "Free apps, up-to-date maps and a familiar interface allow for quicker routing and improved interaction, including better voice recognition."

Drivers who would prefer to use their smartphones may think they can only buy newer used cars that have connectivity options already built in, but they could soon have more options.

Technology company Delphi recently unveiled its new Connected Car devices at the 2013 CES convention in Las Vegas, according to AutoBlog. The device plugs into the on-board diagnostic system (OBDII) port in any car, integrates with the on-board computer and then gives the driver a few new options. After downloading the accompanying app, the driver's phone can act as a key fob, providing remote start, locking control and a panic button. This is the first step to giving drivers similar technology in older cars to that which is included in new models.

Shoppers in the market for used cars can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of makes and models. Every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified, so even if a car doesn't have a built-in infotainment system, drivers will know they're getting a reliable ride.

When you're looking to buy a used car, you probably already know that it's not going to be in perfect condition. However, what you might not consider is that there's a pretty good chance the used car has been in an accident. A recent CarGurus report found that about one in six used car listings (16 percent) in the U.S. had an accident on their vehicle history reports. This includes about 8 percent of newer models that were made between 2009 and 2011. An accident history can reduce the value of a car between 3 and 12 percent, so a lower price than you expect could be a red flag.

"There is great savings potential in buying a used car, but there's also the potential to get burned if you don't do your homework," said Langley Steinert, founder and CEO of CarGurus. "A minor accident or prior fleet ownership does not have to be a deal breaker, but it is information you absolutely need to know as you consider the purchase and the price."

You don't have to worry about buying a car with a mysterious background when you shop at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Every model on the lot comes with a CARFAX vehicle history report, so you will know right away if the auto you want has been in accidents in the past.

For added assurance, it can be a good idea to have an independent mechanic inspect the car you want before you buy. This typically costs between $75 and $150, and the expert may be able to spot an issue that you might overlook, such as a worn part that will soon need to be replaced. This can help you make a more informed decision, and it might even give you leverage when negotiating prices with the dealer.

Getting behind the wheel when you are feeling a bit sleepy may not seem like a major risk factor for car accidents, but drowsy driving is in fact a very dangerous behavior. According to AAA, operating a vehicle while feeling sleepy can have similar effects as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It can slow your reaction time, and negatively impact your judgment and awareness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently surveyed more than 147,000 motorists about drowsy driving. The results revealed a few factors that could be connected with this risky issue.

First of all, 4.2 percent of the participants admitted they had fallen asleep while driving in the past month. This was found to be more prevalent among men than women, but there were other circumstances that contributed to drowsy driving as well. Self-reported snoring and getting less than six hours of sleep at night were both linked to dozing off while driving.

"Drowsy driving is a serious risk to personal health and public safety, and snoring is an important warning sign that should not be ignored," said Dr. Sam Fleishman, president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, according to SleepEducation.com. "Loud and frequent snoring is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep illness that causes excessive daytime sleepiness."

It is important for drivers to take precautions to avoid drowsy driving. ZZZ recommends getting at least six hours of sleep before a long drive, scheduling breaks every two hours or 100 miles and stopping the car if you begin to feel tired.

In order to stay even safer on the road, drivers should look for vehicles that have plenty of safety features, including lane departure warnings and brake assist. Many newer used cars have these technological devices, so car shoppers may be able to find safe cars at New Jersey Auto Auction.

Fuel efficiency has been a major factor for the majority of drivers in recent years, and the integration of hybrid and electric vehicles has made it easier for car shoppers to find models that suit their needs. However, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming, especially for those looking to buy used cars. Many automakers have been striving to deliver fuel-efficient vehicles in the past few years, which means there are a number of previously-owned options that drivers may find on used car lots.

2011 Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper is a fun subcompact car that is built especially for city driving, since its small stature makes it easy to snag that barely-big-enough parking space. It was also chosen as one of the top 10 most fuel efficient small cars of 2011 by Popular Mechanics. The British car gets an impressive 37 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway, and 29 MPH in the city, so you can zip around for days on end without having to fill up your tank. The unique, retro design of the Mini Cooper doesn't hurt its appeal either.

2012 Volkswagen Passat
The Daily Green chose the 2012 Volkswagen Passat as one of if its most fuel-efficient models, as this vehicle runs on clean diesel. It is important to note that while diesel does cost more per gallon, this is made up for by the Passat's combined 35 MPG.

Chevrolet Volt
Chevrolet introduced the Volt in December 2012, and it quickly became the most popular plug-in electric car among American drivers. Green Car Reports indicates that more than 23,000 Volts were sold in 2012, and shoppers may be able to find previously owned models on used car lots.

Other popular options for cars with good fuel economy include the Toyota Prius and Ford Escape hybrids, Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic hybrid and Ford Fiesta. Drivers can check out these and other options at New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has a wide selection of makes and models to choose from.