Gas prices can make or break a car budget. With all of the money you're already spending on insurance payments, loans and general upkeep, you're probably feeling the crunch of the bottom line. The last thing you need is the high cost of fuel adding even more strain on your wallet. 

Drivers don't need to give up the open road to save money, however. There are a few strategies and recent trends car owners can take advantage of to keep more money in their pockets. 

Gas prices falling 
There's good news for drivers: Gas prices are currently hitting a 44-month low point. AAA reported that the national average dropped to $3.10 per gallon, which is the lowest it has been since early 2011. If the downward trend continues, prices across the nation could fall below $3 for the first time in several years – in fact, 17 states already posted average costs below this mark. 

According to the AAA report, prices have decreased by about 10 percent in the weeks since Labor Day. Gas costs continue to fall in every state and Washington, D.C., meaning there's plenty of opportunities to save for all American drivers. 

Save even more with maintenance
While the average price of a gallon of gas is dropping across the U.S., motorists don't have to rely on the costs dropping to save money. They can also cut expenses by getting preventative maintenance, which allows a car to perform at the highest possible level and increases its fuel efficiency. That means less gas is needed to operate the vehicle and more money is saved. 

"Gas prices are expected to fall below $3 per gallon on average, and that means motorists can count on significant savings at the pump," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "A small investment in simple and inexpensive auto care will add up to better fuel economy and even more savings."

Are you ready to focus on your car's maintenance? If the answer is yes, you shouldn't hesitate to schedule an appointment at the Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have.