Servicing your car is essential if you want it to be reliable - but you need a garage you can trust.

We recommend Nationwide Autocentre. It has more than 200 UK branches and is the UK's only AA-approved garage chain. It offers fixed-price servicing and a simple online booking system.

An annual MOT test is compulsory for all cars over three years old.

If your car is less than three years old at the moment, its first MOT test will be due on its 3rd birthday - three years after the date of registration.

You only appreciate breakdown cover when you need it - too late if you haven't got it.

It's cheap compared to the cost of having your car recovered - and essential if you are regularly away from home late at night.

Tyres can be expensive. You can make them last longer and save money by keeping them correctly inflated, monitoring their condition and understanding what you need when it comes time to have new ones fitted.

We show you how on our Tyres page.

Taking care of your car between services can make the difference between an expensive breakdown and trouble-free motoring.

Our five essential car care tips could save you a fortune in repairs. Best of all, they only take five minutes a week and don't require any mechanical skills.

Car insurance is a legal requirement. It's also one of the biggest annual costs for most car owners.

In our guide, we explain the different types of car insurance and the jargon you will need to know about when comparing car insurance quotes.