Your vehicle is an investment. In fact, after homeownership, a car is typically the second-most important investment the majority of adults ever make.
The better shape your car is in when you are ready to sell, the more money you will get back.
Routine auto maintenance – both inside and out – is the key (pun intended) to getting top dollar when you are ready to sell one car and buy another.
The following tips are only general. Your trusty mechanic can tell you more specifically which maintenance tips are most important for your particular make and model.
5 Auto Maintenance and Service Tips to Get Top Dollar Back on Your Second-Most Important Investment
1. Observe routine maintenance schedules
Your automobile manufacturer will include a list of recommended and required car maintenance and service actions in the owner’s manual.
Your mechanic can fill in the blanks if you bought a used vehicle and the service manual is no longer in the glove box.
Getting your car to your mechanic on a regular basis ensures all maintenance requirements are performed in a timely manner and also lets them know when something isn’t quite right so it can be repaired now rather than later, when things tend to be more costly.
2. Change that oil
Are you sick of that mantra, or what? However, you wouldn’t believe how many people call us in tears (or close to it) because their engine has seized as the result of neglecting their oil changes.
Knowing you need to change your oil is one thing, actually doing it requires action. Today’s cars can go upwards of 10,000 km or more if they use synthetic oil.
Otherwise, regular oil changes are recommended every 5000 to 9000 km. Even so, make it a point to check your oil level every single month. An undetected leak can get you – and your engine – in trouble.
3. Check the coolant
In order to make cars smaller and more fuel efficient, the engines tend to run a little hotter than previous models.
Keep your coolant levels topped off so your engine doesn’t overheat, leading to other more costly mechanical failures and repairs.
4. Keep up on tire air pressure and brake needs
Check your tire pressure at least once a month. Low tire pressure leads to poor vehicle performance and can also affect safety.
Your brakes are another essential part of your vehicle’s function and they’re a vital safety mechanism. Replace them with high-quality brake models and make sure your brake fluid is maintained at optimal levels. A car accident definitely diminishes your vehicle’s worth.
Websites like Carfax and Carproof are well-known and future buyers are going to check your vehicle’s VIN. Any reported accident history can greatly affect your vehicles future sales value.
5. Be mileage savvy
The total mileage on your vehicle can alter its value by thousands of dollars.
If your desire to be eco-friendly and fossil-fuel conscious isn’t a driving force, let the dollar difference inspire you and only drive your car when absolutely necessary.
Are you ready to sell your car? Bring it in to the experts at Peter’s Auto Centre and we’ll be happy to give it a once-over. A few repairs, essential car maintenance items or updates here and there can help you get even more dollars from your car’s soon-to-be future buyer.
The Centre for All Your Car Needs
Peter’s Auto is the centre for all your car needs with over 20 years of experience in repairing a variety of cars along with up to date mechanics and equipment. Our knowledgeable and helpful staff will take care of all your auto service and repair needs.
Our shop is located in Kitchener, ON. We proudly serve the following areas: Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph.
Click Here to Schedule an Appointment for your next service or repair today! You can also contact us by phone at (519) 578-4533 or email: [email protected]
