The best way to keep your car in good shape is to stay on top of regular maintenance. You should be monitoring your car in between regular tune-ups to spot problems early. The sooner you catch an issue, the easier, and cheaper, it will be to fix. There are some things you can do at home, but for more complicated procedures, you may want to visit a mechanic, such as one of the experts at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. Here are a few steps you can take to keep your car running well between tune-ups.

There are a few things you can do yourself that can extend the life of your vehicle and help improve fuel economy.

First, check your air pressure. This only takes a few minutes and can usually be done for free, or with a few quarters when you visit the gas station. Keep in mind the psi (pounds per square inch) printed on the tires is the maximum amount they can handle. The proper amount of air pressure can be found in the owner's manual and on a sticker usually located inside the door frame. You should check the tire pressure at least once a week or so, as the correct pressure will help improve your car's fuel efficiency.

Keep an eye on the fluid levels as well. If you notice the oil or coolant is getting low, be sure to top it off. You'll want to take a peek again in a few days to ensure the levels haven't dropped drastically. If they have, you might be dealing with a leak somewhere in the system. In this case, it is best to bring your car to an auto shop and have an expert take a look. NJ Auto Auction's mechanics can address these and other issues, and the Total Car Care Center is open to the public.

Come back soon to learn more at-home car maintenance tips.