7 Easy Ways to Help Your Car Keep Its Value for Longer

First Impressions Count

If your car looks poorly maintained on the surface, it's not going to command a good price when it's time to sell. It's much easier to keep a car looking good throughout its life than it is to fix years of neglect.

Wash your car regularly at Speedwash Car Wash to keep it free of dirt, grime, and even rainwater that has dried on the vehicle’s finish. This will greatly help to reduce the chances of corrosion and wear on the exterior of your car. Don’t forget to use our free vacuums, mat and glass cleaner in the vacuum bay areas. Consider a professional detailing job every six months or so to keep the inside looking showroom-fresh. Deal with any spills as soon as you can to keep the damage to a minimum, and think twice before allowing dirty pets onto the passenger seats.

Avoid Cigarettes

If you smoke, don't do it inside your car. And politely discourage passengers from smoking too. Even with the windows open, the odor and smoke stains will start to stick after a while. This will be an instant turn-off to most buyers – particularly those who don't smoke.

Protect It From The Weather

If possible, keep your car in a garage or under cover to protect it from the elements. If you can't do this, consider investing in a quality tarp to ward off the worst of the weather and sun exposure.

Park in Shade

Try and park in the shade whenever possible. Not only will this make it more comfortable for you when you return to your vehicle, but it will reduce the heat-wear on the plastic and vinyl parts of the interior.

Regular Maintenance

It may cost a little cash to have a mechanic regularly check over your car, but it'll save you plenty in the long run. You'll pay less for repairs if you catch problems early, and a good service history will bump up the price you can ask for when you sell.

Make sure oil changes are included in the maintenance, and that other important fluids such as brake and transmission are checked. Keep receipts for all the work you have done so that you can show proof to a future buyer.

Fluid Levels

Between mechanical services, keep a close eye on oil, coolant, and other fluid levels. Double-check by looking underneath your vehicle for spots and stains, and if you find anything, take action as soon as possible.

Checking fluid levels will also get you into the habit of looking under the hood, helping you spot other signs of wear and tear before they run out of control.

Minimize Wear

Lastly, try and drive as smoothly as possible, without hard acceleration, braking, and steering. The less stress you put your vehicle through, the longer it will remain in good condition.

Rotate and replace the tires as often as the manufacturer recommends. Always remember to keep them inflated at the right pressure.

Looking after your car properly may mean spending a little more time, effort, and money throughout the year, but will pay off in the long run and you'll enjoy driving a clean, comfortable car more in the meantime!