Whether or not you are an auto enthusiast, adding value to your car is crucial if you are planning to sell it later on. There are a number of improvements you can follow to that end. You just need to know where to get started.
Not all improvements can have a significant impact on the value of your vehicle. Knowing which ones to consider will help you get a better price. Here are a few value-adding tips you can apply to your car:
1. Do a bit of detailing
Detailing is more thorough than a regular car wash, so make sure you have the right materials at hand for the task. Work your way from the interior to the exterior. Scrub the upholstery clean and wash the floor mats. Spray the exterior clean with a pressure washer, and scrub the paint job with a car shampoo that is effective against contaminants and dirt. After that, add a layer of ceramic coating to give the body extra protection.
2. Avoid adding mods
Modifications are great if you want your vehicle to reflect your personality, but not all mods are appealing to buyers. If your car has custom lighting and stereo systems, you would be lucky to find a buyer who has a preference for such mods. Otherwise, you are better off not adding mods at all. Your money is better invested somewhere else, so if you are not planning to sell your car anytime soon, keep it in its original state.
3. Never skimp on maintenance
Regular maintenance can be tedious at times, but keeping your car in good condition helps reduce wear and tear and, of course, add value. Make sure you follow your vehicle's routine maintenance plan. Perform an oil change every 3,000 miles or depending on how long you drive. You should also change the filters and replace the engine coolant every 30,000 miles. Lastly, you need to check your spark plugs every 30,000 miles as well.
4. Maintain your tires
Making sure your tires are kept in excellent condition can add to your vehicle's resale value. Proper inflation is crucial to avoiding wear and tear. You can also clean your tires with a pressure washer, scrub them with a quality cleaner, and add a layer of tire dressing. In case your tires are already worn out, consider a replacement set.
5. Replace your headlights and windscreen
Most drivers prefer vehicles that are ideal for driving under difficult weather. In many cases, they look at the quality of the windshield and the headlights. To make sure your vehicle gets sold at the right price, check your windscreen for any chips or cracks that could pull your car's resale value down. For the headlights, make sure they are working and properly cleaned. You can also swap them with halogen or LED bulbs.
Your car is an investment. To get the best return, you need to grow your vehicle’s value. Using the tips above should be a good start.
