Drivers all around the U.S. are getting ready to buckle down for winter driving. As leaves fall from trees and create slick roads or ice builds up on the streets, motorists have to pay extra attention to where they are driving and what is happening around them. Many of these car owners make it a point to upgrade some of the features of their vehicles so they are better suited for the season. 

Popular tire manufacturer Bridgestone is launching a challenge known as "Conquer the Cold," which aims to promote the many benefits of winter tires. These devices are specifically designed to perform in low temperatures and rough conditions. They maintain their elasticity even as the weather grows cold, gripping icy or wet surfaces with ease. 

"Winter tires provide increased traction, braking and handling in wintry conditions, all of which are important for safe driving during the winter season," said Philip Dobbs, chief marketing officer of Bridgestone Americas. "Think about it this way – a snowplow can't clear the cold. If it's cold enough to see your breath, you should consider changing to winter tires." 

Although some drivers may think their regular tires are adequate, using all-season tires means sacrificing maximum performance. This can cause motorists to have to replace tires more frequently or invest in other types of auto repair and maintenance. It may also result in less traction on the roads, which is a major safety concern for many. 

Winter tires are just the beginning of cold-weather preparations. If you want to make sure your vehicle is ready for low temperatures, take it into the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and can address any issues you may have. 

It is a well-known fact that distracted driving is one of the most dangerous practices you can do behind the wheel. Many communities have launched initiatives to spread awareness about the potential impact of these behaviors, especially among teen drivers, and it seems the efforts are paying off. 

According to a study from Bridgestone's Teens Drive Smart, nearly 71 percent of young drivers felt that reading texts or emails when driving was unacceptable, and almost 80 percent thought sending messages was wrong. Despite having proper knowledge of these actions, approximately 45 percent admit to reading messages and another 37 percent continue to send them. 

"The fact [that] these actions are becoming socially unacceptable shows progress in the effort to raise awareness of the risks and consequences of distracted driving, but with this many teens admitting to engaging in the behavior privately, there is still much work to be done," said Angela Patterson, manager of the Teens Drive Smart Program. "We have to continue to reinforce that it's not OK to drive distracted alone or with others. It only takes one time to cause a crash that can injure yourself or someone else." 

One way parents can reinforce good behaviors is by setting an example. A study from the Governors Highway Safety Associations found that teens with parents who set driving rules, monitor activities and use positive driving behaviors are more likely to practice safe actions themselves, Forbes reported. Something as simple as putting a cellphone away and buckling up can make a big difference. 

Parents will undoubtedly want to do everything in their power to keep their teens safe behind the wheel, and that includes invested in a used car that offers all of the best safety features. At NJ State Auto Auction, there are hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that you can choose from, browsing until you find the right option for your family. 

Most drivers know that regular vehicle maintenance is essential for continuing the smooth performance of a car. However, even the best intentions can be thwarted by the use of subpar materials like the wrong motor oil. In fact, this is one area where drivers may be unknowingly shorting their vehicles. 

The American Petroleum Institute recently conducted a study to assess the quality of motor oils used throughout the U.S. After testing more than 1,800 motor oils that were put on the market within the past five years, API found in nearly 20 percent were not up to its standards. Results of the oil examinations were compared to those of licensed oil formations to determine if the oils met the performance level they claimed. 

While some motorists may not think this is a serious issue, in reality the use of low-quality oil could spell disaster for a car. It could also be extremely costly for drivers who are not aware of what they are putting in the engine. API is taking steps to prevent that from happening. 

"API has launched a new phase in its Motor Oil Matters program that will provide the information necessary to consumers to ensure they receive the high-quality motor oils that they expect for their vehicles," said Kevin Ferrick, the manager for API's Engine Oil Licensing and Certification Systems manager.

If your vehicle needs an oil change and you are not sure how to approach the situation, schedule an appointment to bring the automobile to the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and can take care of any issues you may have. Professionals will also have a better grasp on what materials and equipment work best with your car, ensuring you are doing everything possible to extend the life of the vehicle. 

Washing your car does more than keep it looking good. While some drivers may think that a cleansing is purely for aesthetic purposes, it is actually a necessary action that can improve the longevity and function of a vehicle. Of course, that is just part of the reason why motorists should be caring for the exteriors of their cars. 

"Simply cleaning your vehicle not only fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment, but it also protects your valuable vehicle investment," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "It's a task that takes very little money or effort, but has huge returns." 

Used cars need a bit of attention. Regular washing and polishing can prevent the buildup of harmful chemicals, such as the salt that is used to coat roadways in the winter. Getting rid of these and other potentially dangerous materials can extend the life of your car and its paint job, ensuring you'll be driving around in a vehicle that looks as good as it functions. 

Grime that accumulates on the surface of a car can chip away at paint, exposing the metal frame underneath to the elements. Drivers who make it a point to clear off this buildup should be sure to use specific cleaners that are designed for automobiles. Dish soaps or similar detergents are too abrasive and can destroy the exterior you are trying to protect, whereas compounds made specifically for vehicles offer better protection. 

To find the perfect used car that you can take care of, start looking at the options at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that could be the ideal investment for any type of buyer. 

Most drivers rely on the quality of their car's performance to clue them in on what is going on under the hood. However, motorists can use their sense of smell to figure out when their automobile needs a little extra attention. 

"Unusual smells can be the sign of serious, and potentially costly, trouble for your vehicle," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "By acting quickly and making necessary repairs, you'll be able to breathe easy knowing there is no harmful damage to your car. … When you smell any peculiar odor, you should not ignore it. Instead, bring your vehicle to a professional service technician that you trust to get an informed opinion on the nature of the odor." 

The Car Care Council recommends drivers remain on the lookout for several odorous signs. For example, smelling burnt rubber could indicate that hoses or belts in an engine have become misplaced and are not functioning properly. Similarly, burning carpet could alert you to issues with brakes, which is a major safety hazard that needs to be addressed in a timely manner. 

Another potentially harmful odor drivers should be aware of is rotten eggs. While this smell may be difficult to diagnose, those who do get a whiff of it should be prepared to take their vehicle directly to a professional. The odor could be a sign of problems with the engine or the catalytic converter – both series issues that may interrupt your driving. 

When your nose tells you something may be off with your vehicle, consider taking the car in to the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and can address many issues you may have. 

Having a car that starts up smoothly and runs without any obvious problems may be enough to convince drivers that they are taking care of their ride. However, motorists need to invest in preventative maintenance to ensure they are doing everything they can to be safe on the roads. 

"Learning how to handle common maintenance issues is beneficial to anyone who gets behind the wheel," said John Nielsen, managing director of a division of AAA. "Proper maintenance can extend the life of your vehicle and help prevent costly repairs." 

Not only can maintenance improve the functioning of a vehicle, but it also helps drivers stay safe – and keep others on the road out of harm's way as well. For example, having working wipers can improve visibility so motorists can accurately see what is in front of them, while frequently examining tire tread allows car owners to know when they need to upgrade their wheels to maintain proper grip on slick roads. 

AAA recommends drivers also find a repair shop or maintenance workers they can trust. This strong relationship evolves over time, but it is helpful for everyone involved. Motorists can feel secure in their decision to get maintenance done, and a professional develops a working knowledge of a vehicle that can pay dividends in the long run. The worker may be able to zero in on issues or spend less time examining an automobile, allowing drivers to get back on the road faster. 

When you need a car tune up or maintenance check, bring your vehicle to the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and is able to handle whatever issues you may have, and should your automobile need any extreme repairs, you can instead browse through the hundreds of CARFAX-certified used cars for sale on the lot. 

From Oct. 18 to 26, teens around the country will be taking part in National Teen Driver Safety Week. The goal of the week-long campaign is to raise awareness of the dangers that young drivers face on the road, alerting both teens and their parents to the steps they can take to ensure a safer experience. 

One of the biggest supporters of National Teen Driver Safety Week is State Farm. The insurance company aims to bring together teens, parents and other involved parties in an effort to have everyone working together to encourage safer practices on the roads. By getting everyone on the same page and fostering an open environment, State Farm hopes to keep all young motorists secure. 

More than 3,000 high schools are participating in the week-long campaign, but that is just the beginning for many drivers. 

"Research has shown it will take the involvement of entire communities to keep teens safer on the road; there's not a one-step solution to reducing teen vehicle crashes," said Chris Mullen, director of technology research at State Farm. "Everyone needs to play a role – parents need to monitor their teens' driving practices more closely, teens must obey driving laws and be considerate passengers, and all states must enact and enforce strong graduated licensing laws for new drivers." 

When your teen is ready to get behind the wheel, you're going to want to make sure you provide them with a used car that is high-performing and offers top-notch safety features. To search through hundreds of viable options, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot is home to many CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that can be a great choice for young motorists.