Learning to drive was once a much-anticipated milestone in every teen's life. Now it seems that getting behind the wheel has lost some of its allure, and many young people are putting off earning their license indefinitely. 

According to a recent study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, only 44 percent of teens get their license within 12 months of their eligibility. By the time these young people turn 18, only 54 percent are licensed drivers. These numbers are significantly lower than in the 1980s, when 46 percent of 16-year-olds and 87 percent of 19-year-olds were licensed, NBC News reports. A large portion of young people are pushing back their driving because they don't have a vehicle and believe it would be too expensive to own and operate one. 

There are some safety concerns associated with teens waiting to drive. Those individuals over the age of 18 don't have to participate in the graduated license program most states have implemented, which requires teens to work up to independent driving with permits and regulations. 

"With one in three adults waiting to get their license until they turn 18, there's a segment of this generation missing opportunities to learn under the safeguards that GDL provides," said Peter Kissinger, the president of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. "For most, it's about not having a car or having alternatives for getting around that are the top reasons cited for delaying what has traditionally been considered to be a rite of passage." 

Young drivers who are ready to make the leap to the roads but want to invest in an affordable car should head to places like NJ State Auto Auction. The auction lot boasts plenty of CARFAX-certified models, ranging from sedans to trucks. Many of the options are low cost and high quality, allowing drivers to get some bang for their buck. 

When some motorists encounter a problem with their car, they simply check out what's going on under the hood to see what requires their attention. While these drivers once knew what was wrong with a quick look, nowadays most are clueless when it comes to basic car maintenance and repairs. According to a recent study from Warranty Direct, do-it-yourself fixes are decreasing in popularity as cars become more technologically advanced and complex. 

Even the standard, preventative maintenance that is expected on most models takes a significant chunk of time. Not only do motorists have to perform the task themselves, but they often have to spend time acclimating themselves to the machine and its idiosyncrasies and technology, which is rapidly becoming too difficult for normal drivers to understand. 

Car owners don't want to spend their time fiddling with auto parts and are hesitant about potentially causing more damage. Instead, many are turning to professionals for maintenance, but the cost of these repair shop visits can add up. 

"The days of changing oil, filters and replacing light bulbs on the driveway are fast becoming a thing of the past – in some cases, they already are," said Duncan McClure Fisher, managing director of Warranty Direct. "New, more complicated technologies on cars are placing even more pressure on already strained household budgets." 

Not every driver may be able to handle basic vehicle maintenance, but luckily, there are public repair shops that can help out in a pinch. The Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction is one of these garages. It caters to motorists who may need a little extra guidance with their car repair or maintenance, and it can help with any automobile issues that may come up. 

A major concern facing drivers today is fuel efficiency. With gas prices remaining at a high level, especially during the summer months, the cost of filling up a tank can make a significant dent in your wallet. To combat this potentially expensive aspect of car ownership, many motorists are looking for ways they can improve their car's mileage and get the most out of their investment. 

Some drivers may turn their attention to little ways they can boost their vehicle's fuel economy. Areas like properly managing tires and altering your driving habits to avoid wasteful practices can be useful, and many motorists have ideas on other ways they can improve their car's mileage, such as not using their HVAC system. 

The idea that air conditioning hurts fuel economy has some truth to it, but it is likely not as significant as you might think. According to Consumer Reports, while using the air conditioner does put additional stress on your engine, it only has a slight effect on fuel economy. Ultimately, being more comfortable behind the wheel – and as a result more alert and focused on the road – is more beneficial than saving a few cents and suffering in the heat. 

One way to stay ahead of these concerns is to take your vehicle in for a car tune up. This kind of preventative maintenance can go a long way in staving off costly repairs, so consider bringing your automobile to a public garage like the Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction. There, professionals can diagnose any issues you may have and help you take care of problems in a timely and cost-effective manner. 

Summer heat waves can cause a lot of discomfort for individuals, but few stop to think about how the high temperatures are affecting their cars. That doesn't make the heat any less damaging, as it can cause severe problems for both drivers and their vehicles. 

"Prolonged exposure to high temperatures is not only a threat to passengers, but a vehicle concern as well," said John Nielsen, AAA's managing director of automotive engineering and repair. "Knowing the dangers and preparing your vehicle for extreme heat can help keep your vehicle running smoothly during the hot summer months." 

Those who don't provide an adequate level of care to their automobiles in the middle of scorching weather may find themselves mired with issues down the line, so it is important to keep an eye on a few specific areas of vehicle maintenance when stuck with soaring temperatures. For example, drivers should be on the lookout for signs of an overheating engine. To prevent this problem before it happens, make sure there is enough coolant in the motor and the cooling system is working effectively. 

You also need to pay attention to a car's tires. High temperatures can cause the air pressure to go wild, impacting a vehicle's safety and driving performance. The likelihood of a tire blowing out is also increased in the midst of hot weather, especially if the road gets just as warm as the air around it, so get in the habit of checking tires consistently. 

If you think the most recent heat wave has done some damage to your vehicle or want to make sure temperature-related problems don't crop up in the future, the first thing you should do is take your car to a professional garage. The Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction is one spot that can examine your ride and handle any issues that the automobile may have. 

There are a number of reasons why drivers may find themselves drawn to used cars. Liking the style, color or design of an automobile is certainly a valid reason for considering a given ride, but a few other benefits may help to convince motorists to invest in a pre-owned car. 

Lower prices
One of the major benefits of purchasing a used car is the affordable prices that you can take advantage of. Drivers on a budget are often able to find high-quality, pre-owned vehicles at a lower cost than new models, which makes used cars a great option for the budget-conscious. 

Buying used also allows you to avoid fees commonly associated with dealerships, such as a pre-delivery inspection. Splurging for enhanced packages or getting talked into extra features can also drive up the sticker price, leaving a bigger dent in your wallet than you may have originally planned. 

Proven vehicles 
Another advantage to buying pre-owned cars is that you can carefully select proven models. If a certain vehicle has been on the market for several years, there's a good chance that any kinks or issues have been recognized. That means you can rest easy as you get behind the wheel and will likely only have to focus on repairs that pop up later down the line. Driving a new car means you run the risk of encountering first-time problems, recalls and other potentially dangerous issues that could be costly. 

Motorists ready to shop around for their next vehicle can look to NJ State Auto Auction for a wide selection of potential rides. The auction lot has plenty of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans to choose from, and any one of these vehicles could serve as the right investment for your needs.