Key Takeaways:
1. You should avoid doing several things to retain your car's value.
2. Skipping regular maintenance tasks like oil changes, replacing air filters, and checking tire pressure can adversely affect your car's value.
3. Going overboard with modification is not recommended. These include changing the engine, suspension, or body of the car.
4. Steer clear of reckless driving at all costs. This includes speeding, harsh braking, and tailgating.
Do you recall the day you drove your brand-new car off the lot? You felt on top of the world until you realized how much depreciation car dealers get away with. Suddenly, that new car feeling dissipates and is replaced by worry – will my car be worth anything when I sell it? Don't worry; we're here to help!
In this post, we'll outline some things you should avoid doing if you want to retain your car's value.
1. Do not skip regular maintenance
2. Don’t go overboard with modifications
3. Don’t be careless while driving
Don’t Skip Regular Maintenance
The ideal way to make sure you don't lose money on your car is to keep it in good condition with regular maintenance. Unfortunately, many people neglect this important task and pay more for repairs down the road. By taking care of your car now, you'll save yourself a lot of hassle and money in the long run.
Here's a basic maintenance checklist!
1. Check the Tire Pressure
Tires can lose pressure for various reasons, including leaks and temperature changes. Under-inflated tires can lead to a heightened risk of a blowout and damage to the alloy wheel. Decreased fuel efficiency & increased wear & tear on the tires are additional inconveniences that mar the driving experience.
2. Check the Oil Level
Another important, regular maintenance task is checking your car's oil level. Oil helps to lubricate the engine & keep it running smoothly. If the oil level is low, it can cause increased wear and tear on the engine, which impacts your car's value.
3. Replace the Air Filter
The air filter in your car helps to remove dust and other particles from the air before it enters the engine. Over time, the air filter can become clogged with dirt and debris, reducing airflow and leading to engine problems.
4. Clean the Battery Terminals
The battery terminals in your car can become corroded over time, preventing electrical current from flowing properly. This can lead to starting problems and decreased battery life. To prevent this, it is important to clean the battery terminals regularly with a solution of baking soda and water.
5. Inspect the Brakes
Brake pads typically must be replaced every 20,000 miles, but this will vary depending on driving habits and vehicle type. Replacing brake pads is inexpensive and can help prevent more costly repairs.
Related: How fast does my new car lose value?
Don’t Go Overboard with Modifications
Modifying your car may be tempting, but it's best to resist the urge if you want to maintain its value. Making major modifications, such as installing a new engine or swapping out the transmission, can devalue your car.
1. Aftermarket Modifications
Aftermarket parts are components not made by the car's original manufacturer, and they can range from simple items like new wheels to more complex systems like turbochargers. While aftermarket parts can often improve the performance or appearance of a car, they can also decrease its resale value. This is because many potential buyers will be turned off by car modifications and may also be concerned about warranty issues.
2. Custom Paint Jobs
Another popular way to customize a car is to give it a custom paint job. This can involve a simple color change to a complete makeover with graphics and other embellishments. While a custom paint job can make a car stand out from the crowd, it can also make it harder to sell later on down the road. This is because potential buyers may not like the color or design.
3. Interior Modifications
Some people also choose to modify the interior of their cars, which can include anything from changing the upholstery to installing aftermarket audio or navigation systems. While these modifications can often improve the look and feel of the car, they can also make it harder to sell later. That is because potential buyers may not want to deal with making changes to the interior of the car.
4. Engine Modifications
Another type of modification that can decrease the resale value of a car is engine modification. This can involve anything from installing a larger engine to changing the fuel system. While these types of modifications can often improve a car's performance, they can also make it less desirable to potential buyers. This is because many people do not want to deal with the increased maintenance that you may require and may also be concerned about voiding their warranty by making changes to the engine.
5. Suspension Modifications
Suspension modifications are another type of modification that can decrease the resale value of a car. This can involve anything from installing lowering springs to changing the shocks or struts. While these modifications can often improve a car's handling and ride quality, they can also make it less desirable to potential buyers. This is because many people do not want to make changes to the suspension or may be concerned about voiding their warranty by making changes to the suspension system.
Not Driving with Care
Numerous things can happen to your car when you do not drive with care. The more accidents your car is in, the lower its value. But even if you avoid accidents, other things can happen to your car that can decrease its value.
1. Excessive Speeding
One of the things that will make your car lose its value is excessive speeding. This is because speeding can cause wear and tear on your car's engine, tires, and brakes. Additionally, speeding tickets can also add up, which will not only increase your insurance rates but can also lead to points on your license.
2. Harsh Braking
Harsh braking can also cause wear and tear on your car and decrease fuel efficiency. Additionally, it can be dangerous to you and other road drivers.
3. Tailgating
Tailgating is another dangerous driving habit that can cause accidents. Additionally, it can lead to tickets and points on your license.
Conclusion
Following the above tips can help retain your car's value and keep it running smoothly for years to come. Just remember to drive safely and within the speed limit and to take care of your car by regularly maintaining it.
Honda South, serving Fayetteville, GA, is the go-to service and repair shop for drivers in Georgia.
Our team of certified professionals can care for any issue with your car – big or small. We know Hondas inside and out, so you can rest assured that your vehicle is in good hands.
In addition to quality maintenance & repairs, we also offer a variety of parts and accessories for sale in our parts department.
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