Investing in vehicle maintenance may cost you a little bit of money in the short-term, but it's essential for keeping auto spending down throughout the life of a car. In fact, according to CarMD, most technicians say that postponing maintenance when it's needed is the No. 1 mistake drivers can make. To ensure you're not falling into this costly trap, pay attention to a few areas of auto repair to keep your automobile is up to snuff. 

First, drivers should do their best to get oil changes in a timely manner. Fox Business reports that when you actually need an oil change will vary by car, but it can be anywhere from 3,000 to 10,000 miles. To keep things simple, check wipers and fluid levels when you receive an oil change. A car needs these tools to run in top condition and remain safe. Coolant, brake, transmission and wiper fluid should all also be evaluated, so don't be afraid to pop the hood and see what's going on around the engine. 

Another area you should be looking at is the tire pressure. Proper inflation and rotation is essential to getting the best mileage out of your vehicle, and it can also help you keep safe on the roads, so be sure to check the tires periodically. Twice a year is probably the absolute minimum, but there's no harm in keeping an eye out for subpar performance, leaking tires and other issues that may crop up because of roads or weather, MSN Autos reports. 

If you think your car is in need of some good maintenance or just a tune-up, take it in to the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and can help you resolve any issues you may have.