Now that the calendar has finally turned to March, it's time to think ahead to spring. While you may be looking forward to baseball season, March Madness and perhaps even a much-needed spring cleaning, you shouldn't neglect your car. 

"Your car has been through a long winter, working overtime in harsh conditions, but factors such as extreme cold, potholes and road salt have taken a toll," said Rich White, the executive director of the Car Care Council. "Most Americans rely on their vehicles nearly every day to get to work, school and everywhere in between, so taking the time for car care now can save headaches and money in the long run."

Do you think your car needs some TLC to start the spring? Follow these tips to make sure you're staying safe and saving money behind the wheel. 

Stick to a maintenance schedule
During the transition from winter to spring, you'll need to invest in some preventative maintenance for your car and perhaps even a bit of auto repair stemming from problems caused by the colder months. A quick tune-up can ensure your brakes, battery and tires are in good shape after handling lots inclement weather. You'll also want to double-check the windshield wipers and fluid levels to guarantee you're ready for spring conditions.  

Keep it clean
One of the most important things you can do as a car owner is keep your vehicle clean. Use springtime as a reminder to care for the interior and exterior of your car. It should start with a thorough washing and waxing. This will remove any road salt or similar corrosive debris from the outside and undercarriage of the vehicle, which can prevent rusting and other damage. Waxing will also protect the outside from the heavy rains that often take place during spring. 

Upgrade when necessary
Maybe this winter was harsh on your current ride and hindered its performance. If that's the case, it may be time to upgrade to a high-quality used car. Head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction to browse through hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars and select the one that's right for you. You can take advantage of low prices, the driver-friendly auction process and the in-house financing department to find a vehicle and repayment plan that are easy on your wallet.