Last year, April and October were designated as Car Care Months, and now that some statistics are in, it paints an ugly picture of how well Americans take care of their rides. The Car Care Council found that 84 percent of vehicles were in need of service or parts, the highest number in five years.

The figure was drawn from an analysis of vehicle inspection forms submitted by a number of volunteers. The most common issue that drivers encountered were problems with oil and fluids, air filters, battery cables, lights and hoses. Additionally about 10 percent of vehicles had their check engine light on, and another 19 percent of cars needed a new air filter.

The larger number of cars that need work could be indicative of changing driver behavior. Motorists may be putting off maintenance as a means to save money in the recovering economy, but experts say that's a bad move.

"What they don't realize is that neglecting routine maintenance can end up costing a lot more in the long run," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "These results demonstrate the importance of consumer education as the lack of proper vehicle maintenance can greatly impact highway safety, air quality, cost operation, and vehicle performance and dependability."

Regular maintenance is also a crucial component of making sure your car is as fuel-efficient as possible, and with rising gas prices that has become especially important. New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center makes staying on top of maintenance easy. With a convenient location in Jersey City, drivers can stop by and get everything from regular upkeep and more significant repairs.