AutoTrader.com Offers Safe Driving Tips for Parents of Teen Drivers

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.

For $35 Million, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Becomes Most Expensive Car in the World

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 Announces Details of 2013 F-150

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.

Eric Clapton Gets Custom Ferrari

Eric Clapton is one of the most iconic guitarists in music history, and Ferrari recently honored the rock legend with an impressive one-off car that will be the envy of all other musicians. The custom made car is dubbed the SP12 EC and was created especially for the "Layla" singer, The Telegraph reports.

The vehicle was designed by Centro Stile Ferrari along with engineers in Maranello and drew heavy inspiration from the famous 512 BB model. The 512 BB is one of Clapton's favorite cars – he has owned three of them over the last several year. Yet, while the 512 BB was an influence, the custom car features a much more modern spin. And although the body is similar to that of the 512 BB, it includes the powerful 4499cc V8 engine of the 458 Italia, according to the newspaper.

Clapton officially showed off his new Ferrari in, where else, the Ferrari Magazine, where the beautiful car is featured in a number of photos.

Clapton played an integral role in the development of the new car, and although he has been in bands including Cream, Derrick and the Dominoes and the Yardbirds, creating the SP12 EC was unlike anything he's ever accomplished. He said the process was "an incredible experience, one of the most satisfying things I’ve ever done."

While nobody else can get behind the wheel of the SP12 EC, that does not mean your car doesn't deserve the same attention and care as Clapton's. Taking a trip to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center will ensure your ride stays in working condition, whether you need a repair or a simple tune up.

Prepare Your Car for Emergencies This Hurricane Season

June 1 marks the start of hurricane season for the Atlantic Coast, and people who live along the ocean are urged to begin preparing for the worst. While it is impossible to predict just how many storms will hit the coast this year, it is wise to be prepared, even if you don't live in the southern U.S.

New Jersey has been hit with many hurricanes over the years – some more severe than others – so residents should be ready. This includes everything from keeping emergency supplies in the home to making sure your car is running well in case there is a mandatory evacuation. You can bring your car to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center in Jersey City to get a tuneup and ensure there are no major issues that could leave you stranded in a tropical storm.

Aside from taking care of your vehicle, you might want to keep some supplies in the trunk just in case. Road flares, emergency blankets, ponchos, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit and water are all useful items to keep in your car during hurricane season and all year long.

You should also familiarize yourself with emergency evacuation routes whether you live along the shore or further inland. There are typically signs posted on major roads that guide you away from the ocean, but if you're evacuating the area during heavy rain, you may not be able to see these markers easily. The New Jersey Office of emergency Management provides maps of all evacuation routes online. You can learn them ahead of time or print out a map to keep in the glove compartment.

Tuneup Before You Head to the Beach This Summer

Memorial Day celebrations marked the unofficial start to summer, and many families are gearing up for weekend trips to the beach. Any seasoned beachgoer knows southbound traffic on the Garden State Parkway is slow-moving at best on the weekends, so the last thing you want is to have your car breakdown along the journey. Before you pack your kids, coolers and beach chairs into the family car, it's a good idea to get a tuneup and make sure your vehicle is ready for a trip to the Jersey Shore.

There are a few things you can do in your own driveway, but for messier and more skilled work, you can bring your car to the experts at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center in Jersey City. They can change the oil and other fluids and inspect the car for any potential issues that could ruin a weekend getaway. Be sure to have them check the brakes and replace worn pads before you hit the road, and you'll appreciate the work when you're sitting in stop-and-go traffic.

When it comes to at-home maintenance, you should check the tire pressure and fluid levels. Top off the coolant and oil to reduce the risk of possibly overheating. If you suspect the coolant may be leaking, you might want to get a bottle of pre-mixed coolant to keep in the car. This way, you'll be able to add more along the way to your destination if need be. In extreme emergencies you can add just water, but this should be a last-ditch effort as undistilled water can damage the cooling system.

It is also important to check windshield washer fluid levels and the wipers themselves, replacing damaged wipers if necessary. This will ensure you have the best visibility possible along your journey.

Most Seniors Don’t Know When It’s Time to Stop Driving

As people age, there comes a point when it is no longer safe for them to get behind the wheel of a car. It becomes increasingly difficult for older adults to see at night, and AAA reports a 60-year-old needs three times as much light to see as clearly as a 20-year-old. Hearing loss and slowed reaction times can be contributing factors as well.

While it is necessary for seniors to give up driving eventually, many are unable to tell when their time has come. A recent survey conducted by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) found most older adults (85 percent) think they are "excellent" or "good" drivers. However, 25 percent of this same group of drivers ages 65 to 91 also reported being involved in motor vehicle crashes in the past year.

"A large debate in driving research is whether or not at-risk drivers can self-regulate, and thus possibly reduce their crash risk," said study author Dr. Lesley Ross, an assistant professor in UAB's psychology department. "This research indicates that, at least for this sample, a previous history of four adverse driving outcomes has no relationship with the self-reported driving ability, thus possibly indicating a lack of awareness in regards to driving abilities. The majority of older adults can continue to drive safely well into old age. However, there is a group of older drivers who are at greater risk for crashing."

AAA provides an online assessment test that older drivers can take to determine if they fall into this at-risk category. They should also heed warnings offered by friends, family and physicians when they are told it may be time to hand over their keys. Those who don't have to give up this pastime can head over the New Jersey State Auto Auction to pick out their next ride. The dealer has a variety of makes and models at affordable prices.

US DOT Study Finds Most Drivers Approve Vehicle-to-Vehicle Technology

Most drivers are enthusiastic about advancements in automotive technology that can be used to improve vehicular safety. The U.S. Department of Transportation recently released the results of six pilot programs that were conducted across the country. These driver clinics, which are the first portion of the Connected Vehicle Safety Pilot Program, gave 688 drivers the chance to test out vehicle-to-vehicle technology. The majority (82 percent) said they wanted the technology in their own vehicles, and a whopping 90 percent believed introducing vehicle communication technology to cars would greatly improve road safety.

"Safety is our top priority, and we are always looking for ways that innovative technology can be harnessed to improve driver safety," said NHTSA's secretary of transportation Ray LaHood. "Connected vehicle technology offers tremendous promise – for improving safety, reducing traffic jams and increasing fuel efficiency. It's encouraging to see that most drivers agree and want this technology in their cars"

The next phase of the ongoing study will take place in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where roughly 3,000 cars and light trucks equipped with the connectivity technology will be driven for one year. These cars, much like those used in the pilot programs, will be able to alert drivers when there are potential oncoming collisions, when cars stop short in front of them and even when it is not safe to pass on the highway. The technology may still be in the research stages, but many vehicles are equipped with similar safety aids, such as blind-spot warnings and lane departure alerts.

Drivers who want to purchase used cars in New Jersey aren't entirely out of the loop when it comes to the latest safety technology as many devices are available as aftermarket additions. Plus, the cars at New Jersey State Auto Auction are all CARFAX certified, so drivers know they'll be starting out with safe, reliable rides.

Ford Announces Summer Test Drive Events for New Focus ST

Ford recently announced that performance fans will soon get the chance to get behind the wheel of one of the automaker's newest compact sports cars – the 2013 Ford Focus ST. This summer, the car company will host events in New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., San Francisco and Los Angeles where driving enthusiasts can test out the upcoming car. Each event will feature two separate driving courses sure to make anyone with a need for speed a bit weak in the knees.

The first course will be all about performance training and the second is a timed autocross. Those who sign up for the event, which must be done ahead of time, can learn how to better handle the sporty model and then put their new knowledge to the test.

"Our fans have expressed extremely high interest in this car, but we know the proof is in the pudding," said Lisa Schoder, Ford Focus ST marketing manager. "We want ST fans, as well as drivers of competitive vehicles, to be able to taste this car firsthand. What better way to do it than to bring the car to the people with the help of professional driver instruction on closed courses."

The Ford Focus ST hit showroom floors across the nation in May. It offers 252 horsepower and 270 lb-ft. of torque from a 2.0-liter Ecoboost engine. It was designed to work wonders as an everyday driver and still allow the motorist to unleash power on the track. The new car starts around $24,500, so not everyone will be able to afford this sporty new compact.

However, those looking for powerful used cars in New Jersey can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The used car dealer has a wide variety of makes and models, from traditional sports cars to the unexpected powerhouse. Drivers can always opt for something a bit more modest and tack on aftermarket accessories to enhance the vehicle's performance.

Alfa Romeo Steals Show at Concorso d’Eleganza in Italy

Italy's Lake Como recently hosted the 2012 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, an annual event that celebrates and votes on the world's highest quality cars and motorcycles, much like the Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach, California. At the end of the weekend-long car show, officials choose the best vehicles and shower them with awards and praise, and this year Alfa Romeo came out on top.

The Italian automaker took home four awards for a few of its vehicles including the Coppa d'Oro (Gold Cup) and the Best of Show award, which both went to the 1933 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS sports car.

"We experienced a high-caliber event with a unique field of competitors," said Karl Baumer, president of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este and director of BMW Group Classic. "We are particularly delighted at the splendid turnout of almost 6,000 visitors on Sunday. We witnessed a Concorso that is second to none in terms of sheer class and quality."

The Alfa Romeo 4C drove away with the Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes because the concept embodies all the attributes the brand strives for – Italian styling, performance and technical excellence. This model is a two-seater sports car that features an engine that gets more than 200 horsepower, and technology borrowed from the automaker's 8C line. The 4C concept is soon to be a reality, and one that may reach American shores by 2013, marking the return of the Italian automaker to the U.S. market, according to AutoBlog.

While most people are not likely going to be driving Concorso-caliber vehicles, that doesn't mean their cars cannot run just as well. The professionals at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center can perform routine maintenance and address necessary repairs to help keep vehicles running smoothly.