How to make sure your car retains its value

A car is likely to be the second-most-expensive thing you’ll ever purchase (if you’re lucky enough to also own a house), or even number one.

We think a lot about that big initial investment, but many of us are guilty of not thinking about protecting it as best we can. Sure, most cars lose value over time (the dreaded d-word: depreciation), but being mindful of a few key things can help retain car value as much as possible.

How to retain car value is especially relevant for used vehicles, where every example of the same model out there is different because of the varied lives they lead: a better cared-for and maintained example will really stand out and command more money when it comes time to sell. The things that help in retaining car value will also help you enjoy your car more while you own it. It’s win-win.

Keep it clean and fix minor issues

Lots of people love washing their cars every week; others regard it as a real chore. But a proper wash as often as you can contemplate (even once per month) will really help maintain the exterior finish by getting rid of dirt and particles that can eat into the paint over time.

It’s important to clean wheels, especially if they are alloy, because brake dust and road grime that builds up over time can be corrosive and damage the finish. And clean wheels look nice!

Regular cleaning will also help you find those little scrapes and dings that can sometimes happen without you knowing. Fixing them doesn’t have to be expensive (a tiny pot of touch-up paint only costs a few dollars), but it may prevent further damage happening.

Treat the interior like home

Cars are to be used and yes, we sometimes even feel like we’re living in them during lengthy commutes. So think of your car interior like your lounge at home: it’s bound to get messy at times, but a regular tidy-up and clean will keep it looking good and make it inviting.

Car interiors are designed to be durable, so even spills and stains that look serious can usually be cleaned up pretty well. Top tip: baby wipes you get from the supermarket are really good at removing stains from seat fabric.

The bad news about car interiors is that they are full of crevices that attract dust and crumbs. Carpet can also get pretty shabby, pretty quickly. But a bit of attention to those hard-to-get-to areas is worth it and when it comes to the carpet, make sure you have mats to protect what’s underneath.

A word of warning about pets: they can have a drastic effect on the condition of your car’s interior. Yes, of course we want to take our furry friends with us, but consider seat-protection or some of the many pet-transportation solutions out there. Air out the car regularly, as pet smells can be very hard to get rid of when they build up.

Basic Servicing

Is a car service important? It’s fair to say car service is a grudge purchase for many, because you pay your money and then get your car back looking pretty the same as it was (unless the garage is kind enough to give it a clean!).

But basic servicing is probably the most important thing you can do to extend the life of your vehicle and help retain its value.

Why service a car? It’s a complicated piece of machinery with thousands of moving parts, which will of course wear out over time. Replacing oil and other lubricants protects the precious and probably-most-expensive parts of your car. Having a mechanic take a detailed look at your car will also help identify any looming issues and get them rectified before they cost far more to fix or cause a breakdown.

Rotating tyres (moving them around to different positions on the car at service time) will help even out wear, which saves you money and keeps you safe. It also gives a mechanic a chance to have a good look at the round black rubber things that are keeping you on the road. 

Even if you’re not necessarily following the car manufacturer’s service schedule, get a proper service from a garage you trust at least once per year. 

Keep WOF and Registration up to Date

This might sound obvious, but it’s so easy to let these things lapse. Yes, you can always renew, but keeping up-to-date with the Warrant of Fitness in particular will help keep on top of any upcoming maintenance issues.

If you’re worried about how to get the best price when selling a car, it’s not a good look to see a record of a vehicle dipping in and out of WoF and registration.

Be careful about modifications

It natural to want to personalise your vehicle and make it unique. However, be careful about what you do: what appeals to you might not to the next buyer when selling a car, and it’s generally agreed that unmodified examples of a particular vehicle are more sought-after and valuable than those with extras that have been added-on after purchase.

Mind the paperwork

Whatever you spend on maintaining your vehicle, keep the receipts and records. When it comes to how to sell a car, it’s valuable to be able to prove to a prospective buyer that you’re looked after the vehicle.

And as a bonus, nothing says “careful car owner” like a folder full of receipts. Buyers will like that.

If you're thinking of selling at some stage soon, check out The Best Way To Sell Your Car or click below to get a free valuation of your vehicle for sale.

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