Most brand new cars lose about 10% of their value as soon as they are driven out of the dealership and will lose a further 20% before the end of the year. Depreciation is one of the highest costs of car ownership worldwide, costing more than fuel, insurance or servicing.
If you want to make sure that your car retains as much of its resale value as possible, you’ll need to conduct regular car maintenance. Failing to look after your vehicle will naturally result in more wear and tear over time. Even if you have no plans to sell your car right now, the day you look to sell your car will arrive eventually and when it does, you want to be sure that you can get the best price possible for your vehicle.
Let’s take a closer look at some steps you can follow to maintain your car’s resell value so you can get the best return when it’s time to sell.
Protect Your Interior
Regardless of how well you look after your vehicle’s interior, spills, stains and wear and tear are inevitable over time. To keep your interior protected, be sure to buy car seat covers for both the front and back seats of your vehicle. With covers on the seats, you can greatly reduce the chance of your seats looking worn or getting stained. Most seat covers are machine washable so you can keep your interior looking spick and span regardless of where you’re travelling and whoever may be travelling with you.
Clean Regularly
Cleaning both the interior and exterior of your car regularly is crucial in maintaining its value. Dirt can become caked on over time making it more difficult to remove and it can leave a lasting mark on your vehicle. Regular cleaning will help to keep your car’s paintwork in good condition and will help you to identify any scratches, marks or dents that may be needing your attention.
Regularly cleaning your car is also highly recommended for any drivers or families battling allergies. You don’t want dust, animal fur, or other allergens building up in your car, especially if you’re regularly travelling with people who have allergies.
Service And Maintenance
Bringing your car into your mechanic’s for regular servicing is essential if you want your vehicle to run optimally. As your car ages, regular services will also help to protect your engine against potential problems. When you bring your car in for a service, your mechanic will look over the entire vehicle and inspect it for any signs of damage. If they find any problems you will be able to get them taken care of right away so that they don’t affect the running of the vehicle or become bigger issues down the line. In essence, staying on top of your car’s servicing schedule will ensure that your car runs smoother for longer, regardless of what numbers are on your odometer.
Keep Detailed Records
When you are selling your car, it’s always good to have proof of the money that you have invested in its maintenance as well as on any improvements (car modifications) that you may have funded over your period of owning that vehicle. Be sure to keep receipts and invoices for any repairs, parts or maintenance work that you have carried out. Most cars come with a logbook where you can record all of the services that your car has been put through. When potential buyers see how well the vehicle has been looked after, they will always be willing to pay more. Contrastingly, gaps in a car’s service history tend to be a red flag in the eyes of potential buyers.
Ensure That You Get The Best Possible Price For Your Car When You Sell
When you buy a car brand new or second-hand, you’re usually not thinking too much about selling it in the near future. However, it’s important to remember that a day will eventually come where you will want to upgrade your ride. The steps that you take between now and whenever that day will be will determine how much you can put your beloved automobile on the market. Make sure that you put the time and effort into looking after your vehicle so that it maintains its resale value and you get the best possible price when the time comes to sell it on.