The winter may not be over, but for many drivers across the U.S., it can hardly get worse. Frequent snowstorms, frigid temperatures and heavy winds have wreaked havoc on traffic across the country, making it incredibly difficult to complete a daily commute or head out on an extended road trip. Even the most cautious drivers may have found themselves stuck with some kind of damage due to the extreme winter weather, and they should be especially careful when surveying their vehicles and filing claims. 

Check the policy
One of the first things drivers should do is double-check their auto insurance policy. Does the coverage extend to falling objects, such as icicles, and collisions? These factors could be important depending on the type of accident motorists were involved in, and understanding the limitations of insurance plans could go a long way toward making the entire situation easier to digest. 

Compare costs
After the insurance policy has been analyzed, drivers should do a comparison of what it would cost to file an insurance claim versus having the repair done separately. Some claims can drive up monthly payments on a car, causing the total expenses to skyrocket. If the problem is a minor one, paying out of pocket for the maintenance may save time, money and frustration in the long run. 

Some problems that normally plague drivers in the winter can be avoided with the right car. If you think it's time to shop for a used car that can meet your needs all year long, check out the wide array of choices at New Jersey State Auto Auction. There you can browse through hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans that cover a range of styles and budgets. 

Taking a car in for a tune up or quick repair job is fairly common. In fact, many motorists encounter these minor problems several times a year, sending them to a garage to get all of the proper work done. AutoMD.com recently compiled a list of the Top 10 Auto Repair Jobs for 2013 to see just what was plaguing used cars.

The list tracked what types of maintenance work drivers were searching for on the website, as well what kind of vehicles needed to have repairs done. Brake pad replacement claimed the top spot, edging out alternator and water pump replacements. Drivers frequently had to replace spark plugs, fuel pumps, radiators and brake rotors as well. 

While certain aspects of an automobile were the most common areas of need, the complete list also showed that many motorists are looking to fix up used cars rather than purchase a costly new one. Additionally, the cars themselves seem to be performing well, as the repairs were typically for parts that have a relatively short life expectancy. 

“This top 10 list is continuing evidence that consumers are holding and repairing their vehicles, and that the vehicles they are driving are lasting and serving their owners well,” said Brian Hafer, vice president of marketing for AutoMD.com. “The most researched repair estimates are for parts that have a shorter life span than most of today's vehicles, and certainly than the average age of the top 10 most repaired vehicles, which was 11 years.” 

Maintenance and repair matters can pop up when drivers least expect them. To remedy any problems, consider taking the vehicle in question to the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have. 

Chances are you're familiar with the sight of salt on the roads during the winter. Whenever icy streets are a problem, salt is used to create some level of traction, and it's not uncommon to see giant trucks sprinkling the substance in cities across the U.S. However, the cold and snowy weather in recent weeks may have forced cities to use more than they predicted, causing a salt shortage throughout the country. 

"After two mild winters, the severe weather has caught a lot of people off guard," Lori Roman, president of the trade group the Salt Institute, told The Associated Press. 

A few areas are getting inventive to save money and capitalize on resources. In some areas, salt is only being spread on the most heavily trafficked areas, while others are mixing salt with sand to extend its life. While there is a limited amount of road salt available, the prices have jumped, and many areas don't have the budget to pay for the extra salt as well as the manpower and equipment needed to distribute it each time there is a storm. 

Government officials and drivers have reasons to be wary of future weather. The coming weeks may give way to slightly warmer temperatures during the day, but that might only ensure that freezing rain or melting snow is turned back into ice as night falls. That could make functioning 4×4 vehicles, or at the very least rugged SUVs, more valuable to drivers. 

Need a car that can handle driving in any kind of weather? You may want to check out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, allowing you to shop around until you find just the right style for your budget. 

Winter is a popular time for families to pile in a car and head out to snow-capped mountains, cozy ski lodges and other seasonal destinations. While this can be a stellar way to bond with loved ones, it often requires groups to travel great distances on unfamiliar icy roads. To ensure that every member of the family reaches the vacation spot safely, drivers should make sure they follow a few simple tips for a better overall experience.

“Driving in the snow can be a challenging and potentially dangerous activity, and drivers must be fully prepared for all scenarios,” said Tom Kelley, the vice president of Thrifty International. “Therefore we decided to share some helpful safe driving advice to anyone who plans to get behind the wheel for business or pleasure over the next month.”

Most motorists are familiar with the basics of safe winter driving. Driving slowly is always important, as accelerating, braking and turning all take more time in rough conditions. Because of this, you should also be increasing following distance between your car and others on the road.

Good visibility is essential, so make sure you are cleaning all snow and ice off the windows, lights and mirrors. However, it is important only to use proper tools like ice scrapers to complete this task. Pouring hot water over the surfaces could lead to costly damage.

If you do find yourself stuck in the snow, try shifting your vehicle into high gear. Then, keeping the wheels straight, try gently moving the car back and forth until you can free it from the snow.

It may be a smart move to take your car in for a tune up before setting off on a family adventure. The Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction can provide the maintenance you need, as the garage caters to the public and is familiar with addressing a wide variety of issues.