Mother's Day is fast approaching, and if you're looking to break the mold of flowers and breakfast in bed, why not perform some basic maintenance on her car? There are plenty of things you can do to improve her ride regardless of your skill level. Here are a few ideas for how to really surprise Mom this year:

Maintenance ideas
Perform a basic check-up, looking for things like low fluid levels and worn or damaged hoses and belts. Change the oil if you have the know-how to do so, or take the car to a professional if it's time to flush out the fluids. A professional can help spot any issues, such as worn brake pads or minor leaks that can prevent more expensive damage in the future. Mom will surely be pleased when she finds out you caught a problem early, and her wallet will thank you as well.

Easy alternatives for the whole family
You don't have to learn how to change the oil or visit the mechanic to make Mom's ride stand out. Washing the car is a surefire way to earn mom's appreciation, so gather some supplies and start scrubbing. You'll need mild soap, fresh water, buckets and clean sponges and rags. Make sure to rinse the car off before you begin to remove any loose dirt and grime. Wipe down the car once it's clean to avoid water spots drying on the surface, and if you have time, you might want to give the car a good polish to really make it shine.

If the car is in need up a professional tune-up or repair, you can bring it to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The experts at the dealer's Total Car Care Center can address any issue the car may have.