How to Maintain the Value of Your Car

28 March 2017

Whether you plan to sell your car in the future, or simply want to keep it in the best condition possible, you should undertake some small tasks to ensure that you maintain its value.

Keep it Clean

Frequently cleaning your car is an easy task which can be undertaken at home and it can help you to maintain your car’s value. Cleaning your vehicle will help you to remove any dirt and debris which could damage your paint if left and it will also give you an opportunity to spot and remedy any scratches or corrosion before it develops. In winter, you should take care to frequently wash your vehicle to remove the grit or salt used to thaw icy roads as this can cause rust damage. You should also clean the interior of your vehicle to avoid any permanent stains to your seats or carpets.

Keep Your Fluids Up

You should regularly check your engine oil and coolant to ensure that they are topped up to the required levels. Engine oil works as a lubricant for your engine, ensuring that all mechanical components do not suffer wear and tear whilst in motion. If your engine oil is too low, your engine has to work harder and is more susceptible to damage, and this could result in expensive engine repairs! If you are not confident checking and topping up engine oil, you can book an Oil & Filter Service at Setyres. Engine coolant is equally important when it comes to keeping your vehicle healthy as it helps to keep your engine cool when it is working, to prevent overheating – which can lead to breakdowns and permanent damage!

Park Carefully

You should take care when parking your vehicle to ensure that you do not cause any damage to the body of your car, for example you could try to avoid parking in tight spaces as you could end up scratching your vehicle. If possible, you should park your car in a garage at home as sunlight can fade the colour of your car. If this is not an option for you, try to at least avoid parking underneath trees as falling debris can cause damage to your vehicle.

Fix Damage

If you do suffer damage such as dents or scratches to the bodywork of your vehicle, rust, or any form of damage to the components of your vehicle you should endeavour to have it fixed as soon as possible. Continuing to drive a damaged car could result in irreversible or serious problems, as well as risking your safety on the road. Avoid attempting to fix damage yourself - always visit a specialist.

Undertake Regular Car Servicing

Regular car servicing will help you to maintain the value of your vehicle as it can help you to keep the mechanical components of your vehicle in good condition. Car servicing will also give you an opportunity to fix any minor problems with your vehicle before they develop in to more serious damage. In addition, if you do decide to sell your car, a full car service history is more attractive to potential buyers. You should undertake a full car service every 12 months, or 12,000 miles – whichever comes first. Book a Full Car Service at your local Setyres branch.

For more information and advice on maintaining the value of your vehicle contact your local Setyres branch where our trained specialists will be happy to provide further guidance.