Many car owners worry about the value of their vehicle when it comes time to sell it. However, unless they are involved in an accident, automobiles do not lose their value immediately. Over time, the value of your car can be preserved or lost. Indeed, the way you take care of your car determines the price you will get for it when you sell it or trade it in for a new one. To preserve the value of your automobile, here are eight practices to follow:
Park the car in your garage
In many homes, the garage serves as a secondary basement, especially in homes without a basement. This can be beneficial for your home’s storage needs, but it can hurt the resale value of your vehicle. Cars parked in a garage are protected from the weather. Sometimes the temperatures drop, and there are other conditions like wind, hail, rain and snowstorms.
Also, your car is exposed to branches and other debris falling from nearby trees. This will save you thousands of dollars in damage to your vehicle in the event of a severe storm.
Reduce mileage
The value of your car is largely influenced by its mileage. The value of a car decreases as the number of kilometers driven increases. Therefore, you should reduce your mileage as much as possible. By consolidating your trips, carpooling, and setting aside a few car-free days a month, you can improve your vehicle’s engine and fuel efficiency.
If you change your driving style to reduce the number of trips, your car will be more valuable in the long run. Likewise, you can change the tires when necessary to avoid the depreciation of your car.
Avoid smoking in the car
If you smoke in your car, be aware that cigarette smoke can make interior surfaces dull or even yellowish. Since only 22% of the adult population smokes cigarettes, you can be sure that the smell of cigarettes in your car will be bothersome to at least 78% of the non-smoker population. Therefore, the value of your car will be significantly reduced.
Remove all stains from carpets and upholstery
By design, car interiors are generally designed to be stain resistant. However, this resistance is optimal when you eliminate stains as soon as they occur. If you let the spills sit on carpets or upholstery for an extended period of time, they may turn into permanent stains.
Children who like red drinks may find this especially challenging. It is imperative to clean your car quickly if anything comes in contact with its material surfaces. Stains on your car, even if they seem minimal, can be a hindrance if you decide to sell it in the future. To remove these stains, consider washing your car thoroughly once in a while.
Check and Fix Strange Engine Noises
Noises coming from your car’s engine can be a sign of bigger problems ahead. You can save a lot of money on repairs if you discover these problems in time. However, if you let them get worse, they can become major expenses.
As soon as you detect any strange noises or check engine lights, the thing to do is to have your vehicle serviced. The sound of a quiet, steady engine is a good indicator that the vehicle is running smoothly. Even minor engine noises, like knocking, can indicate larger issues. If you’ve had the automobile for a long time, you may be able to ignore the odd noises, but a buyer won’t.
Change the oil regularly
When it comes to car maintenance, periodic oil changes are arguably the most cost effective. In addition to being affordable, they can help prevent major engine damage. You can always hire an expert to help you with your oil change and routine car maintenance. Likewise, your auto mechanic can help you repair and maintain your car if necessary.
Protect vinyl surfaces
Over time, a car’s vinyl surfaces can discolor and crack, especially in an area with high sun exposure. Although damaged vinyl surfaces do not indicate mechanical problems, they can make a vehicle look poorly maintained. Fortunately, there are affordable products that can keep your vinyl surfaces looking new and clean. It’s important to apply these products to your car at least twice a year to keep it looking like new to potential buyers.
Perform regular tune-ups
The nature of automotive mechanical problems is usually gradual. Therefore, small problems can turn into major problems. Even if you don’t know when you’ll need to sell your car, frequent servicing or maintenance will help you avoid the kinds of problems that can significantly reduce the value of your vehicle. Note that car buyers notice the smoother and quieter ride that a well-maintained car provides. Use the wine decoder if you are not sure what problems in the car need repair in the near future. This will allow you to avoid large expenses when the damage affects the cost of the vehicle.
There it’s done ! Here are some habits to preserve the value of your car. By keeping your vehicle in top condition, you can improve its performance, avoid constant breakdowns, extend its life and increase its resale value. By following the habits and sound advice provided above, you can maintain and even increase the value of your car.
