Top 10 Ways To Retain The Value Of Your Vehicle

Key Takeaways:

• Retain the value of your vehicle by keeping it clean and free of damage.
• Resale value is important, so take care of your car and keep it in good condition.
• Be mindful of how you drive and where you park to avoid accidents or scratches that could affect your car’s value.
• Get your car regularly serviced to keep it running well and looking its best.
• Choose the right model and features for your needs to get the most value out of your vehicle.

No one wants readily to spend a fortune on their car, but unfortunately, sometimes that’s unavoidable. Depreciation can happen even when we take the best care of our vehicles and stick to scheduled maintenance.

An average car loses around 60% of its value in the first four years. That’s a lot of money to lose! However, there are ways to help retain your car’s value and minimize costly repairs. Here are some tips by Eastern Shore Hyundai to start with!

Way 01: Keep It in A Garage

A car that is parked in a garage can be protected from the elements, such as direct sunlight that may fade the paintwork, hail that can cause dents, and other debris, such as tree branches or stones, that can be thrown up by passing cars or kicked up by storms.

Along with providing additional protection against thieves, parking your automobile in a garage protects it against corrosive substances like tree sap and bird droppings that might damage the paint.

Way 02: Avoid Accidents and Traffic Violations

Accidents and traffic violations not only damage your car but also lower its resale value.

The easiest approach to keep your automobile in top condition is to prevent collisions. Still, even a fender bender can result in significant damage.

Likewise, getting tickets for speeding or other traffic violations can also make your car less desirable to potential buyers. A clear driving record is one of the best ways to retain the value of your vehicle.

Way 03: Regularly Clean Your Car

Your automobile has to be clean both inside and out. Cleaning the interior will make it look its best, while washing and waxing the outside will help maintain the paint and prevent corrosion. If you smoke, it’s critical to maintain your car’s cleanliness since nicotine stains can dramatically reduce a car’s worth.

Even if you can clean your car in certain ways at home, some other tools and methods should only be used by experts, including powerful and effective steam car wash equipment.

Way 04: Make Some Minor Upgrades

You may also raise the resale value of your automobile by making some simple improvements. For instance, you could spend money on brand-new floor mats, seat coverings, and a GPS or other aftermarket device. Even simple improvements may significantly impact resale value, so these upgrades don’t have to be expensive.

Way 05: Keep Your Paintwork Safe

Your car’s paint job is frequently the first thing potential buyers would notice and is frequently utilized as a sign of the vehicle’s general condition.

Regularly waxing your automobile or covering it with a ceramic coating can preserve the paintwork from corrosive chemicals and minor scratches. Additionally, a wax or ceramic coating can simplify cleaning your car and help stop road grime and debris from scratching the paint job.

Way 06: Regularly Service Your Vehicle

Regular maintenance helps to identify minor mechanical problems before they develop into larger ones, saving you money and preventing needless harm to the automobile. Try to get your automobile serviced at least once a year, preferably more frequently if you drive many miles.

Try taking your car to the main dealer to help it retain even more value.

Way 07: Keep All Maintenance and Repair Records

When you sell or trade in your vehicle, you’ll likely be asked for records related to its maintenance and repair history. Providing these records will show that you have kept up with regular maintenance, which can add value to the sale. This can also help you negotiate a higher price for your vehicle.

Way 08: Keep Your Mileage Low

If your primary goal is to keep its worth, try to maintain your car’s mileage as low as possible by only using it when required. Potential buyers sometimes dislike a greater mileage since it suggests a high usage level; a lower mileage means less stress has been put on the engine, and the vehicle should be in better condition.

Try ride-sharing or carpooling to cut down on the number of trips you need to make, and think about taking the train, renting a vehicle, or using another mode of public transportation rather than driving to a distant location. Small adjustments to your driving style over time may save you a lot of gas and raise the value of your vehicle.

Way 09: Maintain the Oils and Tires

Two of the most important fluids for your car are oil and coolant. These should be checked regularly and replaced to keep your engine in good condition. Get help from your owner’s handbook to determine how frequently these fluids need to be changed. Tires should also be inspected regularly and rotated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Properly inflated tires will last longer and help improve your gas mileage.

Way 10: Avoid Extensive Modifications

While some aftermarket add-ons can increase the resale value of your car, others may make it harder to find buyers willing to pay top dollar. Major modifications, especially those not easily reversed, could reduce the vehicle’s value or make selling it more difficult. Before making any modifications to your vehicle, think about how much you would be prepared to spend for a car that has been considerably altered.

Ending Note:

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your car retains its value and is ready to sell when it comes. Taking good care of your vehicle now will pay off in the future.

Eastern Shore Hyundai, serving Spanish Fort, AL, can help!

Car maintenance ought to be easy. We guarantee your auto service experience is low anxiety and high satisfaction. An unequaled mix of thorough and convenient auto maintenance from our certified Hyundai dealer and premium authentic Hyundai components keeps your car in top condition.

Schedule your service today!