Cars are investments that can depreciate quickly, especially if you’re not careful. But there are ways to keep your car in top condition so it holds its value and keeps more money in your pocket at sell or trade-in time.
Use the following proven approaches to retain your car’s resale value.
1. Avoid Customizations
One way to damage your car’s resale value quickly is to customize it in any way. This includes adding spoilers, rims, or other accessories, changing the car color, adding custom paint, installing aftermarket parts, or installing aftermarket audio equipment. It also means not changing the engine — a common mistake that can significantly reduce your car’s resale value.
You can easily avoid these pitfalls by keeping your car in its original state. If you want small upgrades like tinted windows or new tires, ensure they’re subtle enough that future buyers won’t notice them at first glance.
2. Keep the Interior Clean
You can clean the interior by using a vacuum and cloth to remove dust from your vehicle’s dashboard, seats, floor mats, and other areas. Use a damp cloth or sponge with warm water to wipe down any surfaces that get dirty regularly, such as around door handles or where kids play in the back seats.
Steer clear of cleaning products not specifically designed for car interiors. Such products can ruin your upholstery and reduce its resale value when you decide to sell it to used car dealers Calgary Alberta.
3. Maintain Low Mileage
The car’s mileage is a good indicator of how well it is maintained. If you use your vehicle for long trips, you will have more miles on your car than if you drive only short local trips. The more miles a car has, the more repairs it will need to keep it running smoothly and efficiently.
To avoid high maintenance costs, keep the miles down and maintain an oil change schedule. Don’t add unnecessary mileage to your car if accessible and reliable public transit is available. This will help reduce wear on parts and diminish the need for costly repairs later in life.
4. Take Good Care of the Exterior
You can keep your car’s exterior looking good for years by taking care of it. Here are a few simple steps to help you avoid damaging the paint and keep it looking shiny and new.
- Wash the car regularly, but don’t wash in hot or cold weather as it wears away the wax coating.
- Don’t park in direct sunlight or under trees. Trees drop sap on your vehicle, which can damage the paint job over time.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals on the paint as they will damage its finish over time.
5. Keep a Complete Paper Trail of Repairs and Maintenance
You should keep copies of all receipts, repair orders, and invoices about your vehicle. This includes anything from oil changes, tire rotations, and alignment checks to major services such as brake replacements, transmission repairs, and engine overhauls.
Any documentation that would support the work that has been done on your car will help you establish its value if you decide to trade in or sell to used car dealers Calgary in the future.
As you can see, many factors contribute to the value of your car. By taking care of these things during ownership, you’ll be able to fetch top dollar when you finally decide to sell your vehicle.
