Buying a new car is a significant investment and will likely be one of the more expensive purchases you make in your life, alongside a mortgage or starting a business. So, it makes sense that you will want to protect your auto as much as possible and help it preserve its lifespan and value as much as possible.
Everyone knows cars depreciate massively as soon as they are driven off the forecourt; however, after around 3 years, this rate reduces, and autos will tend to hold value more after this time and depreciate at a slower rate.
However, it isn’t only the market that impacts how quickly a car loses its value. Your vehicle can be worth much less than expected if you don’t care for it as needed or how you should be.
The tips in this article can go a long way in helping you to make sure your car is in good condition at all times, and should the time come for you to sell and buy a new one, you can get a decent price back from it.
Keep It In A Garage
If you’re lucky enough to have a garage on your property, storing your car in it when it’s not in use will help you protect it from the damage it might occur if it was otherwise sitting on the street and from the elements. Not only is a garage an excellent safety feature, but it can help you preserve bodywork, too. If you don’t have a garage, consider looking at Carports For Sale to add to your property to store your car in so it’s still protected from the elements and provides some shelter from the environment.
Clean It
A dirty car will cause damage over time, and not vacuuming or cleaning the interior and exterior will result in you hiding many sins and causing them, too.
Ensure you regularly clean garbage from your vehicle, detailing the interiors and cleaning the upholstery. This way, you can avoid any excess damage and lingering smells that might persist from not cleaning it. Keep your car organized and tidy as much as possible to prevent excess damage, and regularly clean the bodywork so you can protect the paintwork and look for any signs of rust, scratches, and dents that might appear. You can use products designed to protect paintwork to help keep its shine and ensure it looks good at all times.
Rotate Tyres and Check Air Pressure
Driving with under or even over-inflated tires is incredibly dangerous. Tires filled with too much or too little air can reduce your handling on the road and leave you open to accidents and damage to your wheels and car. Always know exactly what tire pressure your vehicle needs for different journeys and loads, and check them regularly to ensure they are topped up when required.
Rotating tires can help you avoid uneven wear and give you an idea of the condition of your tires, as you can be confident they are roadworthy. Driving with uneven or bald tires, where the tread is below the legal minimum, can increase the risk of accidents and put you at risk of a fine if pulled over.
Rotate your tires on a regular basis to ensure even wear and safety when on the road.
Check The Oil and Fluids
Your car needs oil and fluids to help it run properly. Both are essential factors in lubricating the engines and keeping them cool. For these reasons, knowing your fluid levels is vital, and knowing how to check for low oil and fluid and top them is something you should understand and be doing regularly.
Fluids you need to be checking on a regular basis include;
- Oil
- Coolant
- Brake fluid
- Transmission fluid
- Window washer fluid
You can do this yourself or ask a service center or local mechanic to do it for you so you know that the right products are being used to top up and that your levels are correct.
Check Engine Filters
Engine air filters are what stop dirt and debris from entering your engine. Over time, these will get clogged up, reducing your engine efficiency. It is recommended that filters are replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or once per year; however, referring to your car handbook will give you an idea of how frequently the manufacturer recommended this is done.
Again, like with the fluids, you can do this yourself, or you can book your car in for the filters to be changed or have them done as part of your annual service.
You can care for your car in many ways to ensure that it is well looked after, drives efficiently, and holds its value for as long as possible.
