Running a car well takes a lot more than filling it with petrol each week. It doesn't have to be difficult but without the know-how, it can seem that way.

With the Whatcar? guide to running a car, you have access to tips and advice which will make looking after your car easier than ever.

Find out if we can also help by saving you money on your car insurance with our quick and simple online quotes.

The majority of new car owners dutifully return to the franchised dealer to have their car serviced, usually paying over the odds for the pleasure. In the past, owners of cars still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty were tied to the franchised network for servicing – but not any more. Follow our steps to good value servicing.

• Shop around – costs even vary between franchised dealers, so don’t just return to the one where you bought your car.
• You can now get your car serviced at a non-franchised garage without invalidating your warranty, so call local workshops for prices too.
• If you do go to an independent garage, ensure it is VAT-registered and make sure the parts and fluids used are genuine manufacturer products. Get receipts and part serial numbers to prove this.
• Always stick to your car’s servicing schedule and ensure that the servicing book is stamped.
• Always read your warranty document thoroughly before booking your car in for servicing.
• If your car needs a repair or some warranty work carried out, however, this must be done at a franchised dealer in order to keep your warranty intact.
• In between services, you can keep your car in tip-top condition by keeping fluids topped up and by carrying out regular checks. Find out what simple DIY jobs you can do.