Having a car that starts up smoothly and runs without any obvious problems may be enough to convince drivers that they are taking care of their ride. However, motorists need to invest in preventative maintenance to ensure they are doing everything they can to be safe on the roads. 

"Learning how to handle common maintenance issues is beneficial to anyone who gets behind the wheel," said John Nielsen, managing director of a division of AAA. "Proper maintenance can extend the life of your vehicle and help prevent costly repairs." 

Not only can maintenance improve the functioning of a vehicle, but it also helps drivers stay safe – and keep others on the road out of harm's way as well. For example, having working wipers can improve visibility so motorists can accurately see what is in front of them, while frequently examining tire tread allows car owners to know when they need to upgrade their wheels to maintain proper grip on slick roads. 

AAA recommends drivers also find a repair shop or maintenance workers they can trust. This strong relationship evolves over time, but it is helpful for everyone involved. Motorists can feel secure in their decision to get maintenance done, and a professional develops a working knowledge of a vehicle that can pay dividends in the long run. The worker may be able to zero in on issues or spend less time examining an automobile, allowing drivers to get back on the road faster. 

When you need a car tune up or maintenance check, bring your vehicle to the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and is able to handle whatever issues you may have, and should your automobile need any extreme repairs, you can instead browse through the hundreds of CARFAX-certified used cars for sale on the lot.