Tires are one of the most important parts of a vehicle. They play an integral role in the safety and performance of a car, and as such they need to be treated with the same level of care and maintenance as other elements. 

"Your car's tires affect its ride, handling, traction and safety, so this National Tire Safety Week be sure to do your PART and check the Pressure, Alignment, Rotation and Tread," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "… It only takes five minutes to check tire pressure and stay safer on the road." 

The acronym PART explains just how drivers can stay on top of their tire maintenance. Pressure of the tires, which is the first aspect of care, involves monitoring tires to ensure they are not under inflated. When these parts are properly filled, it improves personal safety and the car's performance while also providing you with better mileage. 

Alignment and Rotation comprise the second and third aspects of good tire care. Professionals can check and fix any issues that come up with the alignment, which may cause your car to veer to one side, and rotation, which can lead to uneven wear and tear if not observed. Rotating tires prevents expensive damage while also extending their lifespan. 

Finally, drivers should check the tread on tires. Doing a simple penny test, where you place an upside down coin in the tread, is a good indicator. If you can see any portion of Abraham Lincoln's head, the rubber has worn down significantly and should be replaced. 

Whether you think something's wrong with your tires or your car's ready for a tune-up, you can bring it over to the Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and can help you address any issues your vehicle might have.

One of the most important parts of an automobile is its tires. Despite this fact, many drivers do not know the proper way of maintaining their wheels, which can eventually lead to dangerous situations and inefficient vehicles. 

The Rubber Manufacturers Association recently conducted a survey to see how drivers care for their car tires. It found that the vast majority of motorists are unaware of the best practices for maintaining tires, with only one in six people being considered "tire smart" and knowing enough to check tire pressure on a monthly basis. 

When it comes to being tire smart, factors such as age and gender tend to play a role in knowledge levels. Only about 20 percent of men and 14 percent of women know what they should be doing to care for tires. Younger drivers, in particular, lack the knowledge needed to properly maintain tires – only 8 percent of people ages 18 to 39 know how to check tire pressure and carry out a few other basic maintenance practices. 

While drivers can certainly keep an eye on tire maintenance themselves, occasionally it is best to get a professional to look at the automobile. 

"Have [a service center] check tire condition and pressure, look over the cooling system and go through their checklist," Pam Oakes, a car care expert, told The Chicago Tribune. "Having a professional set of eyes looking at your car will provide an idea of repairs you may or may not need going into spring and summer." 

Drivers who want to have an expert examine their vehicle can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction and its Total Car Care Center. The facility can provide a car tune up and check the quality of your tires, making sure your car is safe and capable of handling anything on the roads. 

Driving around in a hectic parking lot can seem like an accident waiting to happen. In many cases, this is exactly the case, as vehicles often times hit parked cars resulting in damage and much-needed repairs. However, not every driver takes these run-ins seriously, which can occasionally saddle an unsuspecting motorist with a costly bill. 

According to a recent poll from PEMCO Insurance, only about half of drivers in one U.S. city – 53 percent – claim they always leave a note behind after hitting a parked car. That means nearly 47 percent leave the scene of an accident without fulfilling duties required by law. 

"… If you ever are in a car crash, we recommend all drivers follow several important steps to ensure the best outcome for those involved," said Jon Osterberg, spokesman for PEMCO. 

In the event you are involved in an accident with a parked car, there are a few set things you should try to do. After surveying the damage and making sure no one was injured, leave contact and insurance information for the other driver. If there's serious damage or injuries, make sure to call the police and file a report. 

You should also take photos of any and all damage. The PEMCO poll found that only about 25 percent of people complete this step, but pictures of the accident can come in handy if you need support from an insurance company. 

If your car is damaged beyond repair or you're in the market for a used vehicle, check out the offerings at NJ State Auto Auction. The lot has CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that can fill the void in anyone's driveway, regardless of what caused the need in the first place. 

With Memorial Day now behind us, the summer has unofficially begun, which means many people are going to be taking road trips. AAA, a leading roadside assistance company, estimates there will be at least 8 million cars in need of roadside rescue this season. To prevent yourself from being a part of this statistic, it can be wise to get a tune-up before hitting the roads this summer. Key factors to check include the car battery, brakes, windshield wipers and washer fluid, and tire condition and air pressure.

"The best way to avoid a breakdown during a trip is to ensure your car is properly maintained before hitting the road," said John Nielsen, AAA's managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. "But unexpected breakdowns can still occur, so for your safety and security, and that of your passengers, be sure to have access to a roadside assistance provider like AAA."

It can also be a good idea to stock up on some emergency items. Flashlights, road flares, batteries, bottled water and even a few security blankets are smart items to keep in your car at all times. This way, if you get stuck on the side of the highway, you can feel safe while waiting for a tow.

Before you head out on the road, whether you're traveling across the country or just driving down to the shore, it's a good idea to have an expert take a peek under the hood. Routine maintenance is key to ensuring your safety on the road, and the experts at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center can spot potential problems before they occur. This can help you prevent future issues that would likely be far more costly and dangerous.

Students across the country count down the days to their summer vacations. Once the final bell rings and these young people are have three months of free time, they often hit the roads and add to the already heavy traffic. Teen drivers are no longer constrained by school schedules, allowing them to get behind the wheel to embark on road trips, head to the beach or get a temporary job – all of which means there will be more people contributing to traffic congestion. 

According to information from AAA, the influx of young people driving in the summer months leads to more dangerous situations. In fact, seven of the 10 deadliest days on the roads occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and all drivers must be aware of the problems that may arise when traffic gets heavier. 

"More teen drivers are involved in fatal auto accidents during the summer months than any other time of the year," said Richard Harkness, CEO of ADEPT Driver. "Let's make 2013 the year that we reverse these sad statistics. All drivers, and particularly teen drivers, need to put away smartphones and other distractions when they get behind the wheel." 

While avoiding distracted driving can aid in the safe driving efforts, all motorists should also make sure their car is performing at a high level before getting behind the wheel. Certain features of a vehicle need to be working well to provide adequate support and safety, and getting these checked out can go a long way toward making summer driving accident-free. 

Car owners can get a jump start on safe driving by bringing their vehicle in for a tune up at the Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Getting the safety features and overall performance of an automobile examined is an important step toward keeping you protected on the roads. 

Memorial Day is a major celebration around the country, but few states see as much activity as New Jersey and New York. Tourists and vacationers head to the shore in droves to mark the first holiday of the summer season, which means traffic will be crazy and the risk of crashes and other incidents will skyrocket. To have a safe and happy three-day weekend, you need only abide by safe driving practices and perhaps be a bit more alert than usual when you take to the roads.

Give other drivers breathing room
It can be tempting in stop-and-go traffic to inch close to the car in front of you, especially because leaving any more space than that will inevitably mean an eager car will attempt to squeeze in ahead of you. However, it's important to give yourself some space in case there is an accident and you need to get out of the way quickly. 

Patience is key
Sitting on the highway for hours on end when all you want to do is stick your toes in the sand can be frustrating, but remember that everyone else is in the same boat. Getting heated about the situation will only make it seem longer and can increase the chances you make an irrational decision and get into an accident. So crank some summer tunes, grin and bear it. Eventually you'll be off the roads and starting your vacation.

Plan ahead
Whether you're traveling a couple miles or a few hours to reach your vacation destination, it's important that you pack the necessary supplies. Water, flashlights, batteries and snacks are a some essentials you'll be glad you have on board in the event of a breakdown or a long wait on the exit ramp.

Get a tune-up
Before you hit the road, swing by your local auto shop, such as NJ Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. A mechanic can perform routine maintenance, change your oil or address any other basic fixes to ensure you and your family will stay safe on the roads this weekend.

Memorial Day weekend signifies the start of the summer vacation season for travelers around the nation. Many of these eager vacationers are ready to return to the famous Jersey Shore despite the unknown state of some areas in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. 

A poll from AAA Clubs of New Jersey found the majority of travelers will return to the Jersey Shore, even as rebuilding efforts continue. People from New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania widely consider themselves to be regular visitors to the shore, often taking road trips to spend a day or even weeks at one of the coast's beach homes. 

"We are very happy to announce that 79 percent of shore travelers are saying that Sandy did not alter their travel plans," AAA Mid-Atlantic spokeswoman Tracy Noble told WCBS News. "They are going to be traveling to the Jersey Shore as usual. We found that 71 percent of respondents believe that the Jersey Shore will be open for summer travelers, with 75 percent of those folks believing that the ocean and bay water will be safe for swimming and boating, which is a big relief to the Jersey Shore communities." 

As vacationers pack up their cars to head down the shore, they'll want to make sure their car is ready to handle the rigors of a road trip. The Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction can help drivers address any issues their vehicle may have. If you want your automobile to get a tune up before your summer vacation rolls around, the garage may be just the thing to meet all of your auto needs.