Irrespective of the type of vehicle you own or the age of the automobile, there are several steps you can take to slow down its depreciation and retain its value. Eventually, you will have to sell, trade, or return your vehicle, but if you maintain its care, you can get back a higher value. The vehicle’s total mileage, age, driving, and make will impact how long and how well the car retains its glory, but you can certainly give it a helping hand by doing some or all of the following:
Exterior and Interior
Your vehicle’s worth is determined by the conditions on the exterior and interior. Therefore, a meticulous washing, waxing, and wipe down on a routine basis will help to maintain its quality and value, both externally and internally.
Investing in seat covers is a great way to preserve the quality of your leather or cloth seats. This is usually a one-time investment that you can make for as little as $50.
If you are a smoker or live with smokers, ask them to smoke outside the car. Cigarette smoke tends to permeate into vehicles and is hard to cover up or remove. It will impact the resale value of your vehicle.
Parking
It is important to be weary of where you park your vehicle as well as what it is parked near. This is an old bit of advice, but one that is often overlooked. Take care not to park too closely to the other vehicle. If the other driver or passenger cannot get in, chances are there might be accidental scratches on your vehicle. Some two door cars have long doors and if there isn’t enough room between your car and theirs, then guess what will happen!
Try to park in the shade, as this will prevent fading of your interior. Some cars that have vinyl dashboards have cracks because of sun exposure.
Maintenance History
Ensure that your car is serviced on a regular basis. Keep a record of all maintenance schedules. Try to opt for a thorough car wash at least once a month and a weekly hand car wash at home. Don’t forget to go rust proof your vehicle on an annual basis. Rust is a major reason from depreciating your car’s value.
Keep all receipts from tune-ups, oil changes, tire rotations, and machine work. This will prove how well you have taken care of the vehicle. Being able to provide proof for your vehicle’s maintenance history helps when it comes time to sell the car.
Mileage
The mileage of a vehicle determines its values and also sets insurance premiums. The Department of Transportation of the United States considers 13,500 a yearly average. If you drive more than the average, then it will detract your vehicle’s value.
Whether your goal is to make your car last longer or look great until it is time to resell, get the most for your investment by staying on top of mileage, parking and maintenance, both on the inside and outside.
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