Once you take the leap and decide to buy a used car of your own, you're going to want to take care of it. It's important to take the right steps at all times of the year, but it can be especially imperative to conduct maintenance in winter. As the end of the calendar year approaches, make sure you are doing all you can to protect your car from common dangers. 

Protect it from the elements
The first thing you have to do is get your car prepped for extreme weather. Instead of just winging it this winter, take a few precautions. Start by having a stocked emergency kit and spare tire ready to go in case of emergency. You should also have the vehicle washed and waxed. The right wax can act as a sealant, keeping harmful moisture and debris away from your car's paint and body. Even if you have this barrier, you should invest in regular washes. Road salt can easily get on the body of your ride and speed up the rusting process. Washing the layers of grime away will remove the particles before they do any damage. 

Protect it from others
Unfortunately, there are some unsavory people out there who may want to get their hands on your ride. To prevent these criminals from making you a target, be sure you are taking advantage of a few practices that can deter car thieves. Start by always parking in well-lit areas. Avoid pulling your car in next to dumpsters, greenery or large trucks as well, as these can obstruct your view of the vehicle and provide cover for criminals. It's also a good idea to hide any valuables, whether they're navigation devices, recent purchases or holiday gifts, so you don't unwittingly make yourself a target. 

Protect it from yourself
Your own actions play a major role in how your car performs and ages. Instead of leaving the fate of your ride up to chance, schedule an appointment at NJ State Auto's Total Car Care Center. The experts there can address any issues you may have and make sure your car is running at an optimum level. If you ignore the necessary maintenance, however, you could be putting your vehicle at serious risk for costly problems in the near future.