For many, buying a used car can be a great way to save cash while still driving away with a reliable ride that will get them where they need to go. Of course, there are also those who worry about the longevity and sustainability of used cars from a repair and maintenance perspective, concerned that the additional miles or former owner may have piled a heap of hidden maintenance concerns on the car that will be discovered later. The good news is that buying used doesn't mean that you have to compromise performance. With a little foresight, and the knowledge of some of these maintenance basics, you can keep your car running well into the future.

Tires are important
Your car's tires are one of its most important safety features, and drivers neglect their tires at their own peril. Fortunately, keeping up with your tire maintenance doesn't have to be a pain. The important things you'll want to keep track of are your tire pressure and the state of your treads. Your pressure should be checked at least every month – too high or too low and you run the risk of compromising acceleration and control, which is bad news. Always keep a tire pressure gauge in your glove compartment, and such checks can be performed in a snap.

Tread is what helps your tires grip the road, and as you can imagine, is equally important as the air pressure. Go ahead and stick a penny into your tread, and if you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time for new tires. As a tip, keeping up with regular tire rotation can help your tread wear more evenly, preserving your tires' lifespan.

Eliminate gasoline guesswork
It may have been drilled into us from a young age that the more expensive something is, the better it is, but this isn't true when it comes to gasoline. You may be tempted to shell out the extra pennies per gallon for a higher-octane fuel blend, but chances are, you're not doing your car any favors, and may even be doing harm. 

According to MSN Autos, you'll want to check what octane level your engine is rated for, and stick to that at the pump. Bumping up to a higher rating isn't going to turbo-charge your engine, since your car isn't capable of burning the fuel that efficiently, but it will dip into your wallet.

If your used car needs maintenance, make an appointment with the NJ State Auto Auction Total Car Care Center. The knowledgeable mechanics are on hand to help diagnose problems and keep your car on the road for as long as possible.