You enjoy driving your new vehicle now around Southern Ohio. But someday, you'll want to either trade it in or sell it to buy a new ride at the Glockner Family of Dealerships. If you want to get the best price for your offering, check out these tips to retain your car's value.
Bring it in for scheduled maintenance.
Arguably the best thing you can do to retain your car's value is to bring it in for regularly scheduled maintenance. The automotive technicians at the Glockner family of dealerships are factory certified and specialize in your brand. Aside from keeping your vehicle in top shape, they can locate minor problems and address them before they become major costly repairs. But they can only spot these problems if you bring your car in.
Be sure to keep all the records of any servicing done on your car. Buyers will pay extra for a used vehicle if they know that it's been well taken care of.
Don't do it yourself.
We understand that you want to save money by doing repairs yourself whenever possible. The only problem is that anybody can spot an amateur repair job. Buyers will then begin to wonder what else has not been done by an amateur to your vehicle and either offer less or walk away from any deal.
Beyond such basics as adding oil or replacing wiper blades, avoid do-it-yourself repairs to your car. Instead, if a problem arises, bring it in for servicing, so that the job will be done professionally and efficiently by trained technicians.
Watch where you park.
Parking outdoors saddles you with many potential issues. Trees can drop leaves, seeds, and sap on the surface of your vehicle to damage the finish. Harsh sunlight can discolor interior upholstery and make it brittle. Careless drivers who park next to you can ding your doors while opening theirs.
Be careful where you decide to leave your vehicle, particularly if you have to do it overnight. Park away from trees and in isolated areas that don't get much sunlight. One easy way to avoid many problems wherever you park is to buy a cover for your car, which you'll find at auto centers and many online stores.
Keep it clean.
Over time, your vehicle will accumulate dirt on the exterior from the environment and weather as well as inside the cabin as you and your kids track in mud, carry dirty tools, or put well-worn shopping bags on the seats. Aside from looking unsightly, caked-on grime will chip away at the finish on the exterior and wear into the fabric and leather of the interior.
Clean your car regularly either on your own or by taking it to a car wash. Be sure to address the interior as well as the exterior. If you put a hand vacuum inside your car, you can quickly address any dirt as soon as it appears.
Don't smoke, eat, or drink inside.
When you live a busy life, it's natural to want to save time by eating, drinking, or smoking in your vehicle. These activities increase the amount of debris that accumulates in the cabin and accumulate weird smells on the upholstery and carpet. In addition, food and drink that spills onto the seats or floor can permanently damage materials unless they are quickly cleaned up.
If you avoid eating, drinking, or smoking inside your car, you'll keep the interior cleaner and avoid stains that may be difficult to remove.
Minimize the mileage.
A major factor in determining the value of a used vehicle is the number of miles it has accumulated. More miles mean less value because it increases wear and tear. The average mileage on a car is 12,000 to 15,000 a year. More than 20,000 a year indicates heavy use. A vehicle with more than 100,000 goes down in value by a lot.
Avoid using your car for driving across states or the country. If you must travel long distances in a private vehicle, consider a rental instead. Switch to walking or biking if your destination is close by. You'll not only minimize the miles but cut down on pollution and improve your health.