National Car Care Month is the perfect time for vehicle owners to get their maintenance on track. Life can get pretty busy, and if you can't remember the last time you brought your used car, truck or SUV in for a tune-up, it might be time to call your mechanic. The Car Care Council recently conducted a study of vehicle inspections at community events around the U.S. during last year's April and October car care months, and the results show that most car owners are not up-to-date on their maintenance. A whopping 77 percent of vehicles were found to be in need of servicing or replacement parts.

Some maintenance issues stood out from the pack, as motor oil, brake systems and engine cooling systems were ranked as the top three common problems. Issues with fluids were glaring in the study results, as low or dirty oil, leaking or dirty antifreeze, and low brake fluid levels were all major issues.

The appropriate service interval varies for every individual car, as the age, amount of wear and other issues will all influence how often your car needs a tune-up. The Car Care Council offers a helpful guide to give you a general idea of how often to visit the mechanic.

"Neglected vehicle care almost always means much higher costs down the line in the form of extensive repairs or lost resale value," said the Car Care Council's executive director, Rich White. "Following a routine maintenance program like the Car Care Council's free, personalized schedule and email reminder service can help you drive smart, save money and make informed decisions."

If you live in the New York/New Jersey area, you can head to Jersey City to visit the experts at NJ Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. They can help you address any needed maintenance or repairs to keep your car running better, longer.