Used cars offer plenty of perks for the drivers smart enough to invest in them. Many of the models on the market boast advanced technology, great handling and impressive fuel efficiency. However, there's always more you can do as an owner to make the mileage a bit better – and as a result, keep money in your wallet. 

"Gas prices are lower than they have been for nearly six years and that means big savings for motorists," said Rich White, the executive director of the Car Care Council. "Add to that a proactive auto care plan and you will not only save more now, but as gas prices start to rise again, you'll save later. All because you invested in your vehicle to make sure it runs efficiently."

Here are three areas of car maintenance that need to receive attention if you want to boost fuel efficiency. Don't be afraid to ask a facility like NJ State Auto about these parts or check them out yourself before buying a used car. 

1. Tires 
When your tires are inflated to the right level, your fuel efficiency is optimized. In fact, the Car Care Council reported that this one move could improve mileage by up to 3.3 percent. Check out your owner's manual to see what the manufacturer recommends for each season. You may need to adjust based on the current weather, but simply monitoring the tire pressure throughout the year could result in big savings. 

2. Air filters 
If you're not sure about all of the goings on under the hood, caring for air filters may slip your mind. That would be unfortunate, as this one part plays a big role in fuel efficiency and even acceleration. Make sure you're cleaning and replacing these parts regularly. Not only will this make your fuel tank last longer, but it could also improve the overall driving performance of any car. 

3. Motor oil 
Oil changes need to happen regularly. Most vehicles need an oil change every few thousand miles, but it should also occur before winter and summer, as the seasons typically require a special blend of oil to be the most effective. According to the Car Care Council, using the grade recommended by the automaker also makes a big difference, improving fuel efficiency by about 2 percent.