Having extensive car repairs done to your ride can be a pain, even if you find a great garage to take care of your needs. For example, while New Jersey State Auto Auction offers the Total Car Care Center for the public, it would be much easier to simply organize regular appointments with the crew there rather than rushing in with extensive damage. 

To avoid costly damage to your vehicle, dedicate yourself to maintaining the car throughout your time as owner. By paying attention to these three areas, at the very minimum, you can decrease the odds that you have to empty your wallet to fix a problem later on. 

Fixing windshield cracks
There may come a time when a small pebble or stray object gets flung at your windshield, causing a tiny crack. At first, this may seem more like an inconvenience than anything, especially if the mark is outside of your normal field of vision. However, a seemingly miniscule scratch could quickly expand, obstructing your view and branching off into more cracks. Instead of letting it spread and having to replace the entire windshield, get it patched up for much less. 

Rotating tires 
Your tires require a lot of care. It's not just about checking the tread and air pressure, or replacing them as necessary. You also need to be regularly rotating and aligning them. Proper rotation ensures that all tires are wearing at an even pace, which in turn avoids poor driving performance. For example, you could find that the car begins to drag or pull to one side while on the road, which could be a sign of poor alignment or uneven wear. Although this could be a simply annoyance in the beginning, it could lead to more problems or expensive repairs down the line.  

Replacing the oxygen sensor
According to a report from CarMD, the No. 1 reason a car's check engine light turns on is due to a problem with the oxygen sensor. It could be an easy fix, but if left unattended, it may lead to a 40 percent drop in fuel efficiency – adding even more money to the cost of repairs and gas. To prevent this money pit from opening, take your car into a shop soon after the alert comes up and spring for a sensor replacement if necessary.