Simple tips to help your car hold its value
- Written by News Company
Owning an asset is not just something to be proud of, it is also a big responsibility. An asset is something that is valuable, but it will rapidly lose its value if it is not properly maintained and looked after. This applies to any asset, but it is particularly true of major things like houses (which actually have the ability to appreciate in value if properly looked after), and motor cars. Cars tend to depreciate over time, but that is not to say that they are not worth owning. They have a great utility value in terms of what they allow you to do, but they can also hold their value well if looked after and cared for. With this in mind, here are a few simple tips to help you ensure that your car holds its value well.
Regular visits to the mechanic
For a car to function optimally it needs to visit the mechanic on a regular basis. Many people think that a car only needs to be looked at if there is something wrong – and granted, it does need to be looked at if there is a problem. But the truth is that preventative treatment is a whole lot cheaper. So, plan ahead and identify a good mechanic. A simple Google search for something like ‘car service Perth’ will point you in the right direction. Make an appointment and get the car seen to. In an ideal world, you will still have the vehicles’ service history book. You can continue to have this filled in and when it comes time to sell it will ensure that the new buyer knows exactly what they are getting.
Plenty to the wheels
A car’s wheels are not just what keeps it connected to the ground. They need to be looked after in many different ways. Firstly, you need to check the alignment. You also need to make sure that they are balanced. Typically, these procedures can be done at the same time and a tyre centre. You should probably have it done annually. Make sure that there is tread on the tyres as well as this will greatly enhance your safety. And finally, check the tyre pressure regularly to ensure that you are not driving on under-inflated tyres. If you are it places unnecessary stress on a range of different components, and it is less fuel-efficient. If your tyres squeal when you go around a corner at a lowish speed, you are almost certainly driving on soft tyres.
Park smart
There is so much to be said about where you park your car. Wherever possible try to stay out of the sun for long periods. The harsh sun will fade the paint and damage the upholstery. A ceramic coating applied to protect the paint of your new car could be a good idea. If you do need to leave the car in the sun for a long time, then do your best to put a sunscreen up in the front and back windows. It will go a long way to sparing the interior of the car.
General maintenance
Wash the outside often and vacuum the interior often as well. This might seem like a silly thing to say, but dirt and bird mess can tarnish the paintwork while grit and grime in the car only do bad things to the carpets and seats. It is much easier to keep an auto clean than to bring it back from being a tip.
