How to Maintain the Value of Your Car
Whether you eventually sell your car or trade it in, there are certain factors, aside from the manufacturer, model and age of the car, that will influence its value. These include how often you service the car, how you drive it, where you store it and how you clean it.
Take care of your car, inside and out, to retain as much of its original value as possible.
Servicing your car
It’s important to get your car serviced regularly so you can show a record of its maintenance history to future buyers. Also, cars that receive regular tune-ups tend to run better and more quietly – something that will count in your favour when selling a vehicle.
You might think you’re saving money by not taking your car in to have a minor problem repaired. However, mechanical car problems tend to be progressive. In other words, they get worse, and more expensive to fix, the longer you leave them.
Ideally, have a vehicle checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice any changes to its functioning.
Its also a good idea to get the oil changed regularly, and always to keep tabs on your car’s oil and other fluid levels. Without enough oil, the metal-on-metal friction in the engine creates heat, which can weld surfaces together.
Driving your car
Hard driving, such as accelerating too rapidly, doing hard turns or breaking too hard, can significantly increase the wear and tear your vehicle shows over time.
Of course, the mileage on your car also has a direct effect on its value. The fewer kilometres your car has on the clock, the higher its value.
Storing your car
If you have a garage, use it to store your car. Parking inside will protect your vehicle from direct sunlight, wind, hail and extreme temperatures, as well as from falling branches and other debris that could damage the car body.
If you’re putting your car into storage for a month or more, there are a few steps that you should take to keep it in its current condition. First, have the car washed before storing it to remove traces of water, bird droppings or other substances that could damage the paint over time.
Change the oil before storing the car, to remove contaminants that could damage the engine. Also fill up the petrol tank to avoid moisture build-up and prevent the seals from drying out.
To keep the battery charged, jump-start the car every two weeks, remove it from storage and drive it around for at least 15 minutes. If you can’t do this or get someone else to do it for you, disconnect the negative battery cable and hope that the battery holds its charge.
Parking your car
Park your car away from other vehicles whenever possible, to prevent the car doors from getting dinged. Always park in the shade to protect your upholstery and vinyl dashboards from sun exposure, which can cause dulling and cracking.
Caring for your car
The interior condition of your car will affect its resale value, so try to keep the interior as clean as possible.
It’s best to not eat or drink in your car, but if spills do occur, clean them up before they soak into the upholstery or carpeting. If you have leather seats, it’s a good idea to invest in fabric seat covers to protect them.
It’s also advisable not to smoke in your car. Non-smoking buyers may be put off by any lingering odours.
To maintain the value of the body of your car, get it washed and waxed regularly. This will protect the surface and help maintain the body’s colour and sheen for longer.
If the car exterior has sustained any damage, you should have it fixed as soon as possible – neglected scratches and chips to the paint can rust quickly.
An alternative to selling
At Pawn My Car, we offer quick, discrete, hassle-free loans against paid-up vehicles.
If you’re interested in securing a loan using your car, contact us for more information on 0861 112 866 or simply complete and submit our online application form.
