Buying a new car is expensive, and vehicles start to lose their value very quickly. No one likes the idea of losing money, and luckily there are things you can do to avoid this. To help you out, here are five ways to retain value on your car.
1 . Keep up with your repairs
One of the easiest ways to retain value on your car is to keep up with your repairs. You should have your car serviced regularly, to deal with any underlying issues. A car service includes many different checks, a few of which include:
- Inspecting the steering, brakes, and tires.
- Filter replacement or changing the engine oil
- Checking the coolant and hydraulic fluid.
- Tuning the engine to optimize the performance.
- Testing the battery.
- Assessing the steering alignment.
- Inspecting the suspension.
In between your yearly service checks you may need one-off repairs. Whether you’re searching for wheel repair near me or tire replacement ensure that you conduct research, to find the right auto repair shop. If you’re the DIY type and have the necessary technical knowledge, you can also do some of these yourself. Ideally, it’s best for an expert look at your car, but it won’t hurt to do your own checks and repairs once in a while. Plus, it can save you a bit of time and money. Just make sure to take the necessary safety precautions and suit up. Tinkering with cars can get messy, so throw on some disposable nitrile gloves and trusty overalls before you get to work.
2. Protect your paintwork
Cosmetic damages such as scratches or chips can affect the value of your car. To protect the paintwork you can try a Paint protection film or a ceramic coating. But what’s the difference between these options? A PPF is made from a clear polyurethane film, it’s applied on top of the paintwork as a protective layer.
A ceramic coating is made from a chemical polymer, it’s used to stop the paint from becoming damaged. Both options provide the same protection, yet the materials which are used are different. Paint protection film is considered to offer better protection from the elements, compared to ceramic coating.
3. Choose wisely
When you’re choosing a new car, think carefully about your decision. All cars lose value over time, but some vehicles retain their value better than others. Some of the slowest depreciating cars right now include the Tesla Model 3, the Land Rover Defender, and the Porsche Machan.
4. Keep a record
Perhaps you’re planning on selling your car in the future? If so, you’ll want to keep a record of the car’s history, including any fixes and repair work. Prospective buyers will want to know all the important details about the car. Unless you provide the right evidence, buyers might worry about how trustworthy the car is. Apps like Simply Auto or Car Minder can help you to keep track of your services and keep a record of your vehicle history.
5. Consider driving times
Keeping the mileage down is another great way to retain value, you won’t be able to avoid driving altogether, but you can look at reducing your driving times. You might look at options like riding a bike or carpooling? Some insurers offer low-mileage discounts, which is another great incentive.
There are so many ways that you can help your car to retain value. When you take good care of your car you’ll be able to save yourself a bit of money.
