How to Maintain Your Car's Resale Value

 

In recent years people seem to change their cars as often as they change their mattresses and cell phones. Thanks to a range of finance options for car buying, including PCP and leasing, some of these options mean that you hand the car back when you're done driving it, but you can also buy the car and sell it yourself! If you choose that option, you'll want to get the best possible value, so you'll need to take good care of your car even if you don't plan on having it long. If you go with leasing your vehicle, you are expected to hand it back in good condition or pay for the wear and tear. Staying on top of cleaning, waxing, and polishing will undoubtedly pay off when it comes time for a trade-in. Here are a few practical tips you can use to keep your car in top shape.

Wash, Polish, and Wax

Not a lot of drivers can say they keep up with the cleaning and waxing of their car, especially in the harsh winter months. Keeping your car's paintwork in good condition helps its resale value. Over time, the paint on your vehicle can start to fade and discolor if it's not maintained correctly. The effects of paint discoloration are impossible to reverse, so be sure to wash, polish, and wax regularly to keep your cars sheen. We recommend washing your vehicle regularly to limit the corrosion caused by dirt and grime. If you have difficult-to-remove stains, use high-quality car polish to buff away the marks. Aim to wax your car at least twice a year, once before fall and again at the start of spring.

Get Those Wheels Shinned

Potential buyers will find a set of shiny wheels incredibly satisfying! When the wheels look like they have been cared for, it not only makes your car look new, it will say a lot about how it's been driven, and how often it's been washed. Your wheels take a ton of day to day punishment, and that can lead to corrosion, rust, and staining. When possible, rinse your wheels then use an alloy cleaner to get rid of dirt, then finish with a wheel protector to give the wheels a layer of protection from stains and corrosion.

Keep the Lights Clean

Your headlights can get scratched and scuffed which gives them a hazy appearance. Though most drivers include the lights in their overall car cleaning regime, they don't treat them special. There is a range of products out there that are made for restoring car headlights and taillights. If your car's lights look dim even after you've cleaned them, this could mean that your battery or alternator is failing and you need to get this fixed before selling your vehicle.

Clean the Interior

Car interior deteriorates over time, and scrapes, stains, and putrid odors have a significant impact on your car's resale value. Taking care of your interior is as important as washing the exterior and should be a large part of your cleaning regimen. You should vacuum the interior carpets and seats, using the crevice tool to remove dirt and dust from hard to reach areas. If your car mats look bad, consider replacing them before selling. Use a fabric cleaner on upholstery and leather, which will help to lift stains and odor. Take glass cleaner to call all interior glass surfaces, and then use dashboard wipes to restore the look and finish of interior plastics. A big tip for maintaining your value is not to smoke in your car as tobacco smell can be hard to shift.

Fix Small Issues

Dealing with small mechanical issues when they occur will save you the headache of a more extensive repair down the line as well as improve the resale value. It's a good idea to invest in a full service before you sell your vehicle. It shows that you're a careful owner who has invested in the maintenance of the car. Keep in mind that the price of fixing small issues will be much less than the impact that mechanical issues will have on the car's resale value.

Here at Temecula Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM, we want to help you get the best out of your trade! You can get an instant cash offer or see how much your car is worth right on our website. That way, you'll get a solid dollar figure and then take the steps above to get more out of your trade. Be sure to keep your ar maintained and get the most out of your vehicle!