How to improve the value of your car?

Like most of the other assets cars do not appreciate in worth as they age or gets older. According to a survey, the moment a new car is driven off the lot it loses as much as 20% of its value. But you can hold on to your beloved vehicle for longer and preserve more of its worth by maintaining its condition and by spending wisely on extras. car valuations online

Here we have given the best ways to keep your car in good condition and improve its value: 

Allocate the expenditures wisely

Buying and adding expensive accessories and equipment’s to your vehicle is not necessarily going to increase its worth when it comes to selling it. However, some people are enticed by the expensive navigation or stereo equipment. While some of the folks also prefer to use security equipment or an expensive spoiler with a sporty look. But before installing any extras you like, you should consider if the prospective buyer will like it or not.

As most of the auto owners prefer to install the after-market products thinking that they will be able to recoup their cost at the time of resale. But they are only disappointed when a prospective buyer is not interested to shell out money for the used accessories.

You should consider investing in practical products like iPod connectors. Likewise, you can invest in a bed liner, if you are a truck owner. As it helps in protecting the bed against scratches, dings and dents, which can help to improve the auto’s value. car valuations online

Always have the records in place

Make sure to have all the repairs and maintenance records with receipts in place. It is best to arrange them in a special folder. So, when the prospective buyer visits to view your vehicle at the time of its sale, you can use these documents to show that you have maintained your vehicle properly.

Keep a check on its Mileage

Mileage of a vehicle is a crucial determinant of its value. Even insurance companies take into consideration the mileage of a vehicle when deciding the premiums. A yearly mileage of about 13,500 per year is considered as average. Thus, if you drive your vehicle more than the average it will minimize from it’s worth. Conversely, if you drive less than it, your automobile’s value will gradually start to depreciate.

Looks are always enticing

A vehicle that is ill-kept or ugly looking obviously don’t reflect well about its owner. According to experts you can add a hundred of dollars to your vehicle’s worth by just keeping it clean and well-maintained. This doesn’t mean that you have to put invest your efforts and time in cleaning, scrubbing and waxing it every day. You can just clean it at regular intervals. If you are a busy person, you can use an auto wash.  car valuations online 

Keep your car clean

Make sure to keep your automobile clean even if you wash, wax and detail it periodically. When you are on short or long trips, avoid eating and drinking inside your vehicle. Never smoke and don’t allow any other person to smoke inside it. This is because cigarette smoke, spills and stains can destroy the appearance of your auto’s interior and reduce its resale value.

Regular Maintenance and Checkups are important

Regular maintenance of a vehicle is recommended by every auto manufacturer. You can schedule its check-ups based on the driving patterns and conditions. Auto manufacturers also suggest to change your oil after every 3,000 miles, which has been increased to five to ten thousand miles by some of the experts, depending on driving conditions.

Always make sure to use the oil recommended by the manufacturer. Some auto manufacturers suggest better-grade oils like 5W-20 rather than the 5W-30. Regular and timely maintenance of your vehicle will help you to maintain its state and preserve its value over the long run. car valuations online

Tire pressure is another important thing you should check at regular intervals. If ignored, low tyre pressure can lower the tyre performance and reduce the security when you are on the road. Tyres that are inflated properly can improve the gas mileage by about 3%.

Changing the air filters is another regular servicing suggestion by auto manufacturers. You should change the air filters around every five to ten thousands miles.

Check your vehicle identification number (VIN) report

The VIN report of an automobile is like the report which contains its credit history. It is the most important and first document a potential buyer often ask for before even viewing the vehicle. This report usually contains the full history of a car and includes changes of possession, servicing and accident history, etc. When an automobile is services, most of the dealers update this report automatically. When testing the report you will also know whether it shows all the correct activities or not. If any incorrect detail has been added, you can tell the insurance agency that reported the info incorrectly to rectify the error.

Be prompt to repair any small problem

As long an automobile runs properly, most of the drivers tend to neglect the small problems. But, unfortunately these are often signs of warning for a very serious problem. Whether it is a mechanical or cosmetic problem, it is essential to take care of any small problems on time. This can often save you money and help you to avoid frustration. For instance, if you live in a region with cold climate or harsh winters, make sure to wash your wheels frequently to remove the salt deposits that can gradually cause it to rust.

Handle your vehicle with respect and care

Avoid extreme start and stop driving your vehicle at a high speed in regions with poor road condition and over-towing to prevent extreme wear and tear in your automobile. Even if it’s a minor accident, it can negatively impact your auto’s worth and obstruct the personal safety.

Preserve its appearance

It is always wise to park your vehicle in a shaded area because even the dull color of an automobile can impact its resale worth. If you live in a region that is highly cold or warm, make sure that you have an option to store your auto inside. Parking your vehicle in excessive sunlight can fade the paint color on its outer surfaces, trim and mouldings. While extremely cold conditions can weaken the internal engine parts of your automobile.

If your car’s paint is not in an ideal condition, consider to have it painted before its resale time. It is important to check that the dents and other types of damage on your automobile are not highly visible, as it will influence the resale value.

Follow these tips to keep your vehicle tidy and increase the chances to get the decent return value in future, read more, how does cash for cars work in Melbourne.