Many car owners don’t think about their vehicle’s resale value until it’s time to sell. When the time comes, they have no choice but to accept a ridiculously low price. Fortunately, retaining your car’s resale value over time is neither complicated nor too expensive.
Let’s break down five measures you can take to get your money’s worth in the future.
Invest in Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is the easiest way to keep your car running in good condition for a long time. Here’s a brief maintenance checklist:
- Regularly change engine oil. Clean oil will lubricate all the moving parts and reduce friction.
- Change the engine oil filter every time you change the oil. If your engine is heating up or there are dirty exhaust fumes coming out, change the filter early.
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated and rotated to ensure even wear.
- Inspect the brakes. Watch out for grinding or squeaking, which are clear signs of worn-out brakes.
- Top off all the standard fluids, such as coolant, suspension brake fluid, and transmission fluid.
Fix minor issues before they turn into safety hazards or deteriorate the performance of your car.
Invest in High Quality Repairs
Despite regular maintenance, your vehicle is going to need spare parts at one point or another. Cutting corners and buying cheap parts can be detrimental to your car’s performance.
You can choose between OEM and used car parts depending on your vehicle’s needs and budget. Always buy European car parts from a reliable supplier that offers:
- An expansive product catalogue
- Warranties on all parts
- Fast delivery service
- Good customer service
- Positive reviews
Keep the Vehicle Interior Clean
This is a no-brainer! The interior of your car directly impacts your vehicle’s performance and your health. A clean interior prevents dust buildup, bacterial growth, and foul odors. Adopt the following tips:
- Avoid eating inside the car.
- Don’t let pets ride without a carrier.
- Regularly vacuum the carpets and floor mats. This will remove any food crumbs or dirt.
- Use seat covers to prevent accidental spills from damaging the original components.
- Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down surfaces, such as the dashboard, door handles, and center console.
- Keep a couple of trash bags in the glove compartment to prevent clutter.
Upgrade to Better Technology
One of the best ways to increase the resale value of your car is to upgrade to better technologies. A backup camera, advanced navigation system, and Bluetooth features can appeal to modern buyers.
You can also upgrade the car’s infotainment system for a more comfortable ride.
Avoid Unnecessary Aftermarket Modifications
Personalizing your vehicle is quite tempting. Custom paint jobs, body kits, spoilers, window tinting, custom seats — there are endless options. But can they increase the resale value of your car? No!
Buyers prefer cars that are in their original, unaltered condition. If you want to get your money’s worth, stay clear of aftermarket modifications. Above all, such modifications can reduce the structural integrity of your vehicle and negatively impact safety features, such as brakes and handles.
