If you intend to sell your car at some point down the road, maintaining its value is a process that encompasses its lifetime. Even if you think you’ll drive your car until it’s ready for the scrap heap, keeping it well maintained and preserving its value could keep it running a few extra years. Also, if you keep it in good enough condition, you still may be able to sell it instead of scrapping it for a few hundred bucks. Here are some expert tips to maintain your car’s value.
-
Stay on Top of Oil Changes
This point has been driven into the ground, but for good reason. One of the most expensive components in your car is the engine, so keeping it running smoothly will save you the most money at the mechanic shop and prevent any sharp dips in your car’s value.
Oil works by coating the moving parts of your engine, preventing damage from friction and heating. Over time, the oil gets dirty, and the dirt is expelled through the oil filter. However, after about 3,000-5,000 miles, the filter and oil have just about had enough, and it’s time for a change. The closer you change your oil to the 3,000-mile mark, the less work the new oil has to do cleaning up residual grime.
-
Don’t Smoke in Your Car
Once you’ve smoked in your car for a while, even a pricey detailing might not get the residual smell out. Over time, smoking in your car can also cause coloration issues in some of the interior pieces. Remember that roughly 78 percent of the population doesn’t smoke, so you could be limiting your potential buyers significantly if you have smoked in your car heavily.
-
Keep the Car Clean
Keeping the upholstery and interior clean on a regular basis will prevent any spills or stains from setting in. It’s OK to have some drive-thru fast food in your car but make sure you clean up any spills or messes after doing so.
-
Repair Minor Damage, Preferably Before Winter
Cars are exposed to some intense conditions through their lifetimes. Driving through the rain at 60 mph, having leaves or pine needles and small twigs falling on them, and dealing with a constant barrage of sand and salt from snow-covered roads all take their tolls. Over time, you’re bound to get a few scratches or dings in the paint.
The important thing is to have them fixed before a more intensive paint job is needed, and if you live in a state that gets snow, before winter rolls in. Those scratches and dings are cracks in your car’s armor, paving the way for rust to set in.
Taking care of your car’s engine and overall appearance will do more than save you some money in mechanical labor. It will also help you maintain the value of your vehicle when trading it in or selling it.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.