Did you know that you can control your car’s depreciation in value? Contrary to what you may think, it all comes down to maintenance. If you can manage to keep that car looking brand new one or two years after you bought it, you can sell it for an amount closer to the initial buying price. Here are a few tips on how to do that:
Protect the Paint
The first thing that people notice when they see your car is the paint job. If you want to maintain that paint and prevent it from fading, you have to be careful about where you park your car. Most of the time, it’s advisable if you park your car under a shade away from direct sunlight and bird droppings. The reason why you should also protect your car from bird droppings is because they can be quite hard to remove. As a result, the droppings leave stains on the paint.
Don’t Let Stains Remain Any Longer on Your Car
You could be driving and a bird’s droppings fall on your car. Alternatively, you could spill some liquid on it by accident. Once you do that, use a fiber cloth to wipe the car clean. You can run some water over the surface as you try to wipe off the stain. If the water doesn’t do the trick, use a car friendly detergent to wipe off the stain.
Wash Your Car
If you use your car often, it’s bound to get dirty. Even if you don’t see the dirt, just know that it’s there. There’s probably some dust and tiny debris that has built up on the surface. As a result, it’s advisable that you wash your car at least once every week. You can take it to the car wash or do it yourself if you want to save that extra cash.
Make sure that you use mild detergent since some soaps can destroy the paint. Furthermore, rinse the car properly by carefully washing away all the detergent. If any remains, it could destroy the paint. You should also clean the interior. You can have some bulk car air fresheners in the trunk. That way, you can easily replace the freshener after it finishes and always make your car smell nice.
Protect Your Paint with the Right Products
Sometimes you may be too busy to clean your car every week. An alternative method that you can use is coating the car with a paint protector. The product will guard the paint and protect it from debris and dust. If you want to get a good deal when buying this product, go to a professional detailer. They can advise you on where to find the best products at a good cost.
When you use the above car maintenance tips, your vehicle will retain its original appearance and value. That way, you can sell it for a good price when you want to upgrade to the latest model.
