Maybe you’ve heard that your car begins losing value as soon as you drive it off the lot. In some sense, that’s true. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t get good money for it if you ever decide to sell it. Taking good care of your vehicle is best the way to maintain its value so that you get top dollar when it’s time to sell and move on. Here’s what you should be doing.
Refinance Your Auto Loan
This has benefits for you as it can help lower your monthly car payment. With less interest on a car loan, you can save some money and help preserve the value of your vehicle at the same time. This is a fairly easy process and there are quite a few lenders out there who can help you get it done.
Get Regular Tune Ups
Not only does this keep your car in top working order, but it also creates a paper trail that allows you to prove that your is well cared for and worth more than one that isn’t. Follow manufacturer recommendations for how often your car should receive maintenance so you can stay on top of it.
Clean Up Stains on Carpet and Upholstery as Soon as Possible
Part of what makes up the value of your car is what it looks like. That’s why you should be meticulous about keeping the interior of your vehicle clean. Cleaning up spills as soon as possible helps keep stains from setting in and keeps your car looking new and clean, no matter how old it is.
Get the Oil Changed Regularly
This is important for keeping your car’s engine working like it should. Most cars need an oil change every 3 months or 3,000 miles but check the manufacturer guidelines for more precise information for your car. You can change the oil yourself or have a professional do it for you.
Investigate and Repair Any Unusual Engine Noises
It’s never a good idea to let strange sounds go and ignore them. Anytime you hear clunking, ticking, grinding or any other noise coming from under the hood, take it in to be looked at. Fixing minor problems prevents worse ones from cropping up and helps you keep your car at top value.
Use Armor All or Equivalent Product to Protect Vinyl Surfaces
This product is easy to use and goes a long way toward keeping the vinyl inside your car in good shape. Cracked, faded or otherwise damaged vinyl lowers the value of your car, so keeping it clean and maintained is an easy step you can take to counteract that.
Keep Mileage to a Minimum
The lower the mileage on your car, the higher the value is. As much as you can, avoid putting a lot of miles on your car and it will be worth a lot more when and if you ever decide to trade it in or sell it.
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