Your car's running costs are often a big drain on your resources. However, looking after your car's regular maintenance yourself is not all that complex. Learn a few basic skills and you'll save real money while running the family car. Ready to start? Let's go.

There are 3 main areas you can help in reducing its running costs. Some of these are:

• Every day running costs

• Decreasing the servicing costs

• Minimizing the car's depreciation as it gets older

Let's concentrate on each of these in turn.

Every Day Running Costs.

a) Go easy on the brake and throttle pedals. Anticipate the traffic ahead and road conditions and you can save fuel and brake pad wear. Take your time, go easy on the car controls.

b) Keep the tire pressures correct. If the tires seem to be wearing too quickly or unevenly or are scrubbing, take your car to a tire service center. Ensure you get a wheel alignment done at least once a year.

c) Always buy fuel at the best price. Always use the discount dockets or coupons.

d) Don't accept any old quote for replacement tires. Ask "What is your best price?" Compare prices and brands and tire types. Get to know the best tire for your driving needs and car type. Compare one tire outlet against another. This applies for brake pads as well. Don't just accept any quote.

Decreasing the Servicing Costs.

a) Learn to do your own oil and oil filter changes. This is not a very tough job. I actually enjoy the time under the car. It only takes about half an hour, yet this one task can save you big dollars. Just be sure doing this does not void your warranty. Changing the air filter can save you even more money.

b) Learn to understand the cars normal running noises. If these change, try to work out where the new noise is coming from. If you are able to do this you may be able to reduce the time taken by the mechanic to diagnose the problem.

c) Check for any loss of fluids. This is often a factor in large maintenance costs if fluid loss is not fixed right away. Check these regularly: the radiator water level, engine oil level, brake fluid level, automatic gearbox oil level, power steering oil and/or clutch fluid levels are all close to, or at, the "full" mark. Also check rubber hoses for fluid leaks.

d) Are there new oil or water puddles on the floor lately? Did they come from the back or the front of the car? Get oil and water leaks checked right away.

e) If you choose to do your oil changes, purchase the oil and the filters at the best available price.

f) If your car requires some work by a mechanic, get competing quotes. Get the best price by comparing prices and service.

Minimizing the Car's Depreciation as it Gets Older.

a) Always keep the car clean, inside and out.

b) Polish the car once or twice a year - twice is better. Use a good brand of polish.

c) Protect the car carpets with good mats. Keep them clean. Keep the mats and carpets vacuumed regularly.

d) Every time you purchase parts or have work done on the car keep a record of it in a log book. Include the date, cost, mileage/kilometers. File the receipts. This will give you best chance of getting good money from prospective buyers when they can see you looked after the car well.

e) Apply good quality leather/vinyl on your dash, seats and door trims to save them from cracking and discoloration and getting hard, as they grow older.

f) Rust can kill a good car. Look for it around the windscreen, under the doors, in the door sills and other parts of the body. Treat it with a good quality rust killer. If you can't do it, get a specialist to fix it right away.

g) Try to maintain the car in as close to its original condition as you can if you want to maximize its value at sale time.

Your hard-earned money can be better used in your pocket that in the pocket of the local mechanic for easy maintenance tasks. Agreed? Then take note of these suggestions and save real money when running the family car.