Key Takeaways:
- Maintaining your vehicle & keeping it in good condition will prevent expensive repairs down the road.
- Most dealerships require you to have up-to-date car service records before considering your vehicle for trade-in or resale.
- Too many speeding tickets or other violations will reduce your car’s value.
- Practicing safe driving habits may have an impact on your car’s value as well as your safety in the long run.
When you buy a brand-new car, you don’t think about keeping it looking and running like new. However, if you want to retain the value of your car for as long as possible, you need to take care of it from day one. In this driver knowledge session, we will review some tips on taking care of your car & keeping it in good condition.
Read: 15 Tips for Maintaining Your Car’s Value
Do Not Neglect Routine Car Service
It’s convenient to skip an oil change or tire rotation here & there, but this can cost you more in the long run. Regular service & maintenance helps to keep your car running smoothly and prevents bigger, more expensive problems down the road. Plus, most dealerships require you to have up-to-date car service records before considering your vehicle for trade-in or resale.
Routine maintenance includes basic procedures like oil changes every 3,000 miles (or as per your owner’s manual), checking the tires checked for pressure and baldness, having the brakes and spark plugs checked, etc.
Do Not Put Off Repairs
Putting off needed repairs will only cost you more money in the long run but driving a car that needs repairs can also be dangerous. If something breaks, get it fixed as soon as possible. You should replace the wiper blades every year or so to ensure clear driving visibility.
Watch the Mileage
You may love driving your car, but every mile driven is another mile closer to the end of its usable life. Cars with high mileage are often worth less than those with low mileage. Limit your mileage; instead, carpool or use public transportation when possible. You’ll also save some bucks on gas if you try to keep your car’s mileage as low as possible to maintain its value.
Drive Carefully
Of course, you should always practice safe driving habits, but it’s especially important if you’re trying to preserve your car’s value. Accidents, even minor fender benders, can cause significant damage and lower your automobile’s price. Likewise, too many speeding tickets or other violations will also make your car less attractive to potential buyers.
Keep It Clean
A well-maintained car is a happy car – and a clean car is often worth more than a dirty one. Take some time on the weekends to give your car a good wash inside and out. This will help keep your car looking its best & prevent damage that can occur when dirt and grime build-up. Spend a little bit of money on polishing the paint, deep cleaning the interior, and ensuring all the features are in good working order.
Fight Rust
If you live in an area with a lot of snow and salt on the roads, your car is at a higher risk for rust. Rust looks bad and weakens your vehicle’s structure, making it prone to accidents. To prevent rust, wash your car regularly (at least every week or two) and get underneath it to remove any salt buildup. You can also buy a rust-resistant paint treatment to help keep rust at bay.
Don’t Modify Your Car
Modifying your car to suit your unique taste might be tempting, but it’s best to avoid making any major changes. These modifications can reduce your car’s value, as they may not be to the taste of future buyers. If you must make changes to your vehicle, keep all the original parts so you can easily revert to the factory settings.
Use Floor Mats
Another easy way to keep your car’s interior looking like new is to use floor mats. Floor mats protect your car’s carpets from dirt, stains, and wear and can be easily removed and replaced when they get too dirty. Be sure to choose mats designed for your car model to ensure the best fit.
Be Realistic
When it comes time to sell or trade it in, you need to be realistic about your car’s value. Just because you’ve taken good care of it and made some modifications doesn’t mean it’s worth more than it is. Do your research and know what similar cars are selling for before you list yours.
Do Not Eat, Drink or Smoke in Your Car
Eating, drinking, and smoking in your car not only make it dirty but can also cause permanent damage. Spills and stains can ruin upholstery and carpets, while burns can destroy seats and other surfaces. If you must eat or drink in your car, use a spill-proof container and never light a cigarette while driving.
Planning to sell your car soon? Here’s How To Prepare To Trade In Your Car To Make The Most Bucks.
Conclusion
By following these simple tips, you will easily retain your car’s value and get the most out of your investment when you decide to sell. Contact your local mechanic for more tips on maintaining your vehicle.
If you’re a resident of Waipahu, HI, there’s no need to go through the hassle of finding a mechanic!
Cutter Buick GMC serving Waipahu, HI, is your one-stop-shop for all things automotive! Our dealership is staffed by experts who are factory-trained and certified. They know the intricate ins & outs of most Buick and GMC models, so they can provide you with quality car service to keep it looking its best and performing like you just drove it out of the showroom.
When you visit our car service center, you’ll have the best possible experience. We offer you a complimentary shuttle service, loaner vehicles, and more. Our team of professional mechanics can help you get back on the road in no time!
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