Four fist-size contact patches between your tires and the asphalt are the only things keeping your used car in New York connected to the road, so people who make the right choice in rubber may find they pay less in fuel costs.

Several companies have introduced more efficient tires, including Cooper’s GFE model which is designed to reduce rolling resistance because of more flexible compounds within the rubber.

“With the recent volatility in gasoline prices, customers are looking for ways to improve their vehicle fuel economy,” said Chuck Yurkovich, Cooper vice president of global technology. “Tire rolling resistance has a significant impact on vehicle fuel economy, so Cooper responded with a new tire specifically designed for fuel-efficient vehicles.”

Drivers may not need to replace the tires on their used cars in New York, but they can still improve the performance of the ones they have with good maintenance.

The Department of Energy says that drivers could save the equivalent of 7 cents on every gallon of gas by ensuring that under-inflated tires are at the proper air pressure recommended by the car manufacturer, generally 30-32 PSI.

As the summer sun heats up the road, drivers of used cars in New Jersey may want to keep the windows rolled down to keep their vehicles cooler.

The Help Eliminate Auto Thefts Task Force says motorists should be wary, however, because warmer months mean thieves are more likely to take advantage of such behaviors.

July is National Auto Theft Prevention Month, and owners of used cars in New Jersey can take some extra precautions to ensure that their investment is less likely to be taken.

Items like iPods, cell phones and GPS devices may help drivers navigate the roads more easily, but they could also be tempting to thieves who may break into a vehicle if they see them. HEAT director Terri Miller says to keep valuables and electronics in glove compartments or the center console to keep from enticing felons.

“While warm weather brings fun outdoor activities with friends and family, it also brings out thieves looking to steal vehicles and exposed property while you are preoccupied,” she added. “Keep belongings out of sight and never leave your keys in the car, even if you are running a quick errand.”

Rates to insure used cars in New York are still cheaper than they were in October, according to an industry forecast, but consumers should still consider researching quotes over the next several months to find the best deal before premiums could increase.

“It’s unlikely rates will change significantly in the second half of the year,” said Sam Belden, Insurance.com vice president. “Before rates start to climb, consumers should invest 30 to 60 minutes comparing car insurance quotes.”

The company found that there was a slight uptick in insurance rates in June, although prices were still lower than they were in late 2008.

Students who may be considering used cars in New York because of price concerns (as a cheaper alternative?) can also benefit from researching insurance options that can lessen the high premiums imposed by insurance companies on younger drivers.

Teenage motorists can reduce their rates by maintaining good grades in school, and they could also save by enrolling in driver’s education courses as well.

They may also find that premiums are lower if they drive used cars because insurance companies may think that there could be lower repair costs if a car is damaged in an accident.

Families looking to take trips with used cars in New York could make their travel safer with some tips about preventive maintenance.

Starting from the front of the car, make sure that both sets of headlights operate properly, as well as the coolant levels that can keep engines running more effectively in the summer heat.

A penny can also be an effective tool for checking on tires, says Bryan Gregory, Advanced Auto Parts director of consumer education, by putting it between tire treads and making sure you can’t see Abraham Lincoln.

“With the summer season, come the extremes of heat combined with stop and go traffic and longer trips,” said Gregory. “Just as you would apply sunscreen at the beach, you should also make sure your vehicle is prepared for the conditions that you will be traveling in.”

Finally, on the off chance that families driving used cars in New York to vacation destinations suffer a breakdown, a well-stocked emergency kit with food, water and some repair tools can get them back on the road.

Buyers looking at used cars in New York who have internet access on their phone could take advantage of an updated service that allows them to monitor traffic bottlenecks on the Triborough bridge and throughout New York City.

Navteq says that its website for mobile phones offers motorists the ability to check for updates on their planned route, including average speeds on various roads, delay information and accident reports that can be customized based on their normal commutes.

“As people become more reliant on having access to real-time traffic [information], drivers want convenient access when they’re on the go,” said Alex Wiegand, Navteq vice president. “NAVTEQ real-time traffic content is highly localized [to help motorists] plan their day.”

Those looking to access the service in used cars in New York on trips to the Garden State should use the services before they start their trip, as New Jersey legislators have banned texting while driving, and both states have laws against talking on a cell phone while operating a vehicle.