Maintain Your Car’s Value: It’s Worth It

You probably don’t need to be told that cars are expensive. Even older quality used vehicles are holding their value. One day soon maybe, you too will consider moving your trusty vehicle on to another owner and when you do, you’ll want to get the maximum value out of the sale. After all, the next car has to be paid for.

Of course, it also goes without saying that, when buying a new or pre-loved vehicle it pays to shop around for the best deal. It helps if you don’t concern yourself too much with options and built-in accessories. Thus, when the time eventually comes to sell that vehicle, you are maximising financial benefit. But buying and selling efficiently isn’t the whole story. No matter how low the mileage, a car will only sell quickly if it’s in tip-top condition for its age and also has a full, documented service history, fully stamped by a professional car servicing garage.

How To Keep Your Car tip-Top

The Service

In terms of longevity, there is no better policy than ensuring regular servicing. Do it yourself by all means but with today’s complicated cars it’s probably a better policy to book in to a professional garage for the annual service. Add an interim service to the schedule if high mileage is recorded.

Your service should include at least an oil change, including the filter. This will prolong the life of engine and other moving parts. 10,000 miles is the usual recommendation but more frequently is better, if possible. It's a good idea to check the oil level on a weekly basis. While under the bonnet, check that the water level in the expansion tank is on the mark; do this with a cold engine by the way. Also check brake and clutch fluid levels. If in doubt, ask your local professional technician.

A car's brake pads (some cars will have older type ‘shoes’ on the rear brakes but it’s the same principle) will need to be replaced several times over the vehicle's life. Some pads may need to be replaced after just 25,000 miles, others can last for up to 70,000 miles, if you’re lucky and are not brake happy. It is essential however not to let them wear down too much as the rivets that hold them together can score the brake discs themselves, meaning more expense. If your car’s braking capacity is reduced at all or there are strange noises under braking, visit your local garage to have it checked out.

Warning Lights

They are there for a reason. Dashboard warning lights come on when the vehicle is started and should go out immediately. Any light that stays on indicates a problem. The lights are in the form of pictographs, indicating their function. If in doubt, it’s in the handbook. An illuminated dashboard warning light does indeed mean there is a problem with your car and any delay to repairs could result in a more serious problem; one that could cost you dearly in the long run. When it comes to selling the car, any unresolved mechanical issues will mean a lower price. Buyers will walk away if they see warning lights!

Other Suggestions

Try driving less. Yes, most drivers are aware of the campaigns to get motorists out of their cars, but being sensible about when the car is used is, well, sensible. The lower the mileage on the clock, the more your car will attract buyers. Ask yourself if the journey (especially short trips to the shops) is really necessary; but on your own terms obviously. 

 

Maintain the car all the time. Stone chips are a menace but need attending to as tiny rust spots will put off interested parties. Most folk know stone chips are a fact of life. If they see that they have been dealt with properly, it will be fine. It’s not difficult; a few inexpensive items from your local motor factor and the job’s done. Dents and scratches are more of an issue, but leaving them will definitely reduce value, as it indicates an uncared for vehicle.

 

Don’t forget to wash and wax regularly. Car washes are good but it’s much more satisfying to do it yourself. Choose car washes with care, damage is possible, if unlikely for the most part, but they do give the car body and trim a serious workout. Try to wash your car twice a month using dedicated products and maybe wax it twice a year.

Park with care. For many of us, that’s not always possible but when you can choose a parking location that does not leave your car vulnerable to vandalism or the dreaded supermarket car park door-bangers. Park away from other vehicles avoiding areas where other vehicle turn or pass. If you have a garage, use it! Parking in a shady spot to keep the sun off (when available!) makes sense as strong colours can fade; red is especially prone to this.

The Last Word

It really is best to seek out your local experienced, trustworthy car servicing technician; one who doesn't inflate repair costs or suggest unnecessary work. Servicing and maintenance are part and parcel of the cost of motoring; unnecessary repair bills are not and will add significant sums to overall running costs. In addition, a good mechanic will spot any problems quickly before they become more serious or hurt the vehicle’s resale value. Care for your car and get the best return on it when it’s time for a change.