How Jersey Drivers can Prepare for Winter Weather Driving

It may only be early autumn, but all New Jersey drivers know that fall turns quickly into winter in this state. While our region has somewhat mild winters compared to more northern states, we're no stranger to snow, ice, and fog. That's why it's never too soon to start preparing for what's to come, especially when it comes to driving. More than 6 million automobile accidents take place each year, and of those, about 24% are weather-related. Don't make yourself part of that statistic – be prepared!

Pre-Season Checkup

• Whether you drive a fuel-efficient coupe or a Rocky Ridge Truck, driving on icy or snowy roads is no easy feat. To make sure your car is ready, complete the following checklist:
•  Check and tune up your ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses, and fan belts
• Adjust and, if necessary, replace any faulty spark plugs
• Change your filters
• Check your battery
• Check your tire treads and get new winter weather tires if your car is due for a replacement
•  Make sure tires are filled with air
• Check antifreeze levels and freeze line
• Replace windshield wipers 

 Not only will you get better gas mileage from these small tune-ups, you'll also avoid mishaps such as trouble starting your car due to cold temperatures. Most importantly, you'll ensure better traction for your vehicle when driving and passing on slippery roads.

Know your Conditions

Download an app for your phone, such as the WeatherBug app, that alerts you when driving conditions are not ideal, and plan accordingly. This might mean calling out of work or leaving early so you can drive more slowly. Also, be aware that any temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit can affect the roads.

Keep Equipment On-Hand

You never know when driving in snow or even very cold rain could cause an issue. For that reason, always make sure your trunk is equipped with a spare tire, wheel wrench, and jack. Jumper cables, tow chains, and tire chains are also a must. It never hurts to keep a shovel and a bag of salt in your vehicle as well, in case you ever get stuck in a snowdrift.

On top of that, if you want to drive safely, keep a brush and ice scraper in your vehicle. Never begin driving until your car is completely cleaned off, as snow and ice could come off your car as you're driving, creating dangerous conditions for both you and other drivers on the road. Apply a moisture-wicking solution such as Rain-x on your windshield to maintain clear vision when driving in rain and snow.

Know Good Driving Practices

When driving in winter weather, never drive tired or any form of intoxicated. Always warm up your vehicle prior to driving, but avoid doing so in enclosed spaces, such as garages. Keep your gas tank at least halfway full at all times so that your gas line doesn't freeze. When on the road, make only slow and calculated accelerations and decelerations. When coming to a stop, always start slowing down at a farther-than-normal distance – increase your distance, in all situations, doubly. Finally, don't try to accelerate quickly when going up a hill; rely more heavily on inertia than the gas pedal.

End of Summer / Early Fall: Best Time for New Car Buyers in NJ

Used cars are a commodity. There is not usually a consistent time per year during which is the best time to try to buy a pre-owned vehicle; instead, they depend heavily on supply and demand, which depends heavily on any number of other factors. We discussed recently how in our state, New Jersey being one of the slowest states to recover from the recession has had a positive effect on the used car market. For new cars, though, it's a different story.

It's the end of the model year, and this is a big time of year for new car dealerships. They know that some consumers want the newest, most highly-anticipated models as soon as they're released, and in order to give those customers what they want, they've got to make room on their lots they do this by – you guessed it! – cutting huge deals on the brand new, but soon-to-be last year's model, vehicles they already have.

The interesting things about all of this is that for some models, the 2014 version isn't going to be much different than the 2013 version. Therefore, if you're a savvy shopper, you should go for the ones already on the lot; you'll be getting a brand new, modern vehicle for a discount price. End-of-the-year discounts often include substantial rebates, low financing rates, and even sign and drive lease deals in NJ. It's the only time of year you'll be able to find even the best-selling makes and models in the state with clearance price tags.

Supply certainly isn't lacking – according to the senior market analyst of Kelley Blue Book, Alec Gutierrez, "With a little digging, you should be able to find the color, trim level and features you want." He adds that whether you're looking to buy or lease a brand new vehicle, now is the time to do it.

Whether you're treating yourself to a back-to-school gift, want to swap out your gas guzzler for a hybrid, or need to do more driving now that you're home from your summer getaway at the shore, if you've been thinking about buying a brand new car, taking advantage of early fall deals is the smart way to do it.