They say the most expensive drive you’ll ever take in your car is the one from the dealership to your house, as it instantly depreciates by 10 percent. Even after that, your vehicle’s value will continue to drop throughout its lifetime because of wear and tear but also due to new technologies found on more recent cars. That doesn’t mean you can’t delay that depreciation as much as possible, though. These tips will keep your car valuable until the moment you’re ready to sell it.
1. Get Regular Check-Ups
A vehicle’s mechanical problems usually tend to start from a minor issue which develops over time and spreads to other components. For that reason, getting regular checkups is a simple and relatively inexpensive way of keeping your car in top shape for years. When done in due time, simple repairs and regular oil changes add many years to a car’s life. Also, it’s quite possible that a potential buyer knows all this, so keeping records of all the checkups will increase the car’s potential price, as you’ll have proof it’s been properly taken care of.
2. Regularly Clean and Wax your Car
The first thing a new buyer sees is the car’s exterior, so regularly washing and waxing it will keep it looking shiny and new. Waxing your car a few times every year will keep it protected from small scratches and against the paint losing its color, while washing the dirt will prevent any accumulation of mud that may lead to rust, especially around the wheels. You can do both of these yourself, but for a much better job, it would be best to leave it to professionals, as it’s not very expensive.
The car’s interior is at least as important as the exterior and needs to be kept clean. Unlike the exterior, the main factor in interior deterioration is actually you and the way you treat your vehicle’s cabin. Avoid smoking and eating in the car, because in the long run a spill or small burns in the upholstery are pretty much inevitable. It’s best to have your car professionally detailed once or twice every year to keep it looking and smelling great.
3. Drive your Car Properly
You can have regular checkups and wash your car every day, but none of these will mean much if your style of driving puts more strain on the car than it should. Any vehicle is engineered to sustain occasional moments of aggressive use, such as a hard brake or a fast corner once in a while, but if your style of driving resembles what goes on at a racetrack more than a public road, your car will definitely suffer. You’ll also be more exposed to dents and scratches, as well as increasing the risk of a serious accident. Maintaining your vehicle’s value is not something that’s hard to do, but it implies frequent care and maintenance. However, when the time comes for you to sell it, all the time and care you have invested in it will pay off.
Image via Pixabay.com
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