What should I do to maximise the life (and resale value) of my new car (a 3 year old Z4M roadster)? It will be kept outside on a driveway frequented by loose-bowelled birds. What car covers do you recommend that are not too much of a pain to use? As a devotee of your column, I will be careful not to use it for short journeys but I am also keen to interrupt the (over-long) servicing intervals in order to care for what is after all a highly tuned engine. What's the best policy? Finally, are there any potential problems I should look out for (while it's still under warranty)?