The maintenance your car needs changes with the seasons, and as things heat up it's good to make sure your ride is ready for the summer months. All sorts of things, from longer days to hotter roads, can affect your vehicle this summer. It's good to keep up with maintenance to not only ensure your vehicle will be able to get you to the beach all summer but to prevent major problems that will come with hefty repair bills. Let's take a look at some of the maintenance you can do at home to keep your car running smoothly and safely all summer long and well into fall.

Fluids, fluids, fluids
You already know it's important to drink lots of water and stay hydrated under the summer sun, but you might not give the same consideration to your car. It's important to check levels of your windshield washer fluid, oil, transmission fluid, coolant and brake fluid regularly. If the levels are low or if the fluids appear discolored or grainy, it's probably a good idea to schedule a routine check-up with your mechanic. Low levels and particles in fluids could indicate leaks.

What color should my fluids be?
It's good to familiarize yourself with the different types of fluids under the hood of your used car. This way, you'll be able to identify the problem faster if you spot a leak.

• Windshield washer fluid: Typically bright blue
• Transmission fluid: Bright red to darker, rusty red
• Coolant (Antifreeze): Most often bright green, but can also be pink or orange
• Brake fluid: Pale yellow or clear
• Oil: Anywhere from golden brown to black, depending on its age

Popular Mechanics also indicated that it's better to use thicker oil, like 10W-30, during the warmer months, as thinner oil like the standard 5W-20 may not provide enough lubrication in the summer heat. Getting an oil change is something you should be doing every few thousand miles anyway, so what better time than in the summer?

Tires
While typical summer heat won't melt the rubber in your car tires while you're lounging on the beach, that doesn't mean you can ignore your tires until winter. Check the air pressure regularly, adding air when necessary. You can look in your car's user manual to find the correct PSI range you should aim for. Having too little air can decrease your fuel efficiency, and too much air increases the risk of popping a tire and getting into an accident.

It's also good to visually inspect the tires. You will want to take a look at each one. If you notice cracks, tears or uneven wear, you may need to replace or at least rotate your tires. Check the tread to determine the level of wear. You can do this easily with a penny. Simply slip it into one of the treads with Abraham Lincoln's head facing you. If you're able to see more than half of his head, your tires may be a bit too worn down. Worn tires have a harder time gripping the road's surface, especially in inclement weather, so speak to an expert if you're worried about your tires.

Car wash
Washing your car will provide a few benefits, the most prominent of which is that your ride will look great when you cruise along the ocean. A good wax can also help protect your car's exterior from things like UV rays, bugs, sand and debris that can chip and scratch the finish. In addition to cleaning the exterior, you should take the time to clear out any trash or accumulated items from the interior. Use a vacuum to suck up all the sand, and tackle the seats with a shop vac to get the smell of salt water out of your car.

You should also clean the surfaces, such as the dashboard, center console and control display. A car that looks and feels clean will be much nicer to drive and make the trip more enjoyable for you and your passengers. Don't forget to give the windows a good wipe-down as well. This final step will make it easier for you to see the road, as there will hopefully be fewer streaks that can crate glares and reduce visibility.

If your car needs a lot of work beyond basic maintenance and minor repairs, however, it could be a good time to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction and start shopping for your next used car. The public auto auction has loads of pre-owned makes and models. Whether you're in the market for a sensible sedan like a Ford Focus or a Toyota Camry, or you'd rather find a luxury car in your budget, NJ Auto Auction is sure to have what you need. The best part is that there are new cars every week, so you're bound to find the model of your dreams.