Maintaining the value of your vehicle is important for several reasons. Whether you want to sell it, trade it, or use your vehicle title for a loan or pawn, it is important to consider the factors that determine your vehicle’s worth. These factors include condition, age, and total mileage. While some of these factors are inevitable, there are several you can control.
Here are a few simple things you can start doing today:
1 – Keep your car in the garage or under a covered area.
Protect your vehicle from the elements by parking it in a covered area. Weather and debris can cause the exterior to age and lose its value.
2 – Have your car serviced regularly.
Having your oil changed regularly can prevent major engine problems. It is a good idea to keep track of your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and save all receipts including car washes, oil changes, tune-ups, tire rotations, etc. Providing a verified history often helps maintain your vehicle’s value.
3 – Don’t smoke in your vehicle.
The smell can linger and decrease the interiors value, especially in cars with cloth seats.
4 – Wash and wax often.
Washing and waxing a few times a year will protect the surface or your vehicle. Although the paint job is only superficial, it’s one of the first things a potential buyer/assessor will notice.
5 – Consider buying seat covers.
This one time investment can pay off big when selling or getting a title loan/pawn. They will help maintain the quality of the interior cloth or leather seats.
6 – Be careful when parking.
Watch where you park and what you park next to. If possible, park in the shade and away from other vehicles.
7 – Keep mileage to a minimum.
Mileage is another big factor when assessing the value of your vehicle, so it’s important to consider your driving habits and how you can alter them. Try consolidating your trips, carpooling when you can, and allocating a few days a month where you go carless. This will add up and help maintain the quality of your engine.
