Winter can be a difficult time for your car. Between the fluctuating temperatures, inclement weather and the high probability of season-related accidents, there is a good chance that some kind of damage will be inflicted on a vehicle. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to know when an automobile needs work unless there is obvious physical damage. So how can you stay ahead of the problems? 

You can be alerted to the need for repairs or preventative maintenance through the updates on the dashboard. Because the instrument panel will provide you with real-time notifications about the functions of your vehicle with elements such as the check engine light, that is the first line of defense. This panel is usually programmed to follow automaker recommendations, so you should also pay attention to alerts regarding oil changes, brake pads and the like. 

Although this will provide maintenance updates, you should still read through a vehicle's owner's manual to get an idea of what the general repair schedule should be. Keep track of things like mileage in between service appointments and the dates of your maintenance visits, as this can allow you to stay on top of the preventative measures needed to extend the life of your car and ensure all features are operating at a high level.

Drivers who think their vehicles may be in need of maintenance should schedule an appointment at the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing a number of issues that you may have, regardless of what initially caused you to think about what's going on under the hood.