Once you've looked through the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction and chosen the car you want, you're likely ready to sign off on a loan and get behind the wheel as soon as possible. That's all well and good, but you shouldn't let too much time pass without paying attention to the maintenance the vehicle needs. 

After you drive off with your used car, be sure to focus on a few maintenance tasks that can improve the quality of the vehicle and save you money. 

1. Read the owner's manual 
It's not a specific servicing task, but you should take it upon yourself to look over the owner's manual. Get an idea for how often you should be changing the oil or replacing the brakes. While the manual may not spell out an exact schedule, it can give you a few ideas and guidelines on caring for the used car. 

2. Rotate and replace tires 
Although most aspects of the used car may be up to snuff, you should make sure the tires are ready to handle your brand of driving. People in New York and New Jersey, for example, should consider installing snow tires for the winter months. These wheels can be extremely helpful in inclement weather, and they also prolong the life of standard tires. At the very least, make sure you're rotating and aligning tires as needed, as this can improve fuel efficiency and driving performance. 

3. Maintain the battery
The last thing you want is to turn the key in the ignition and hear nothing. This may not be a common problem, but it can come about if you let battery care fall by the wayside. Make sure you're having the battery maintained as needed. You should also watch how you're using your vehicle's lights and radio when it's running on the battery. These simple tasks may drain the juice and leave you stranded, so be careful and keep an eye on the time. 

4. Clean the car
Any vehicle you drive off a car lot is bound to be clean and shiny, and you should take it upon yourself to keep it that way. Be sure to go through car washes, vacuum the interior and clear out any trash. Leftover debris inside your car can cause distractions and mask odors or sounds that would otherwise warn you of problems. Washing the exterior is even more important, as it protects against rust and corrosion.