How to Maintain Your Car’s Resale Value
How to Maintain your Car’s Resale Value
Learn More from CMA’s CDJR of Martinsburg!
As unfortunate as it may be, vehicles lose a percentage of their original value each year. Although the depreciation of a car may be unavoidable, owners can take steps to maintain the value of their vehicle while they own it. Here at CMA’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Martinsburg, we want to help our customers get the most from their cars. That’s why we’d like to offer you a few tips to help maintain your car’s value so you can get top dollar for your trade-in. Continue reading below to learn more!
Get routine maintenance
The number one most surefire way to ensure your car’s value is to keep up with a routine maintenance schedule. Regular maintenance includes frequent oil changes and tire rotations. Additionally, the transmission and differential fluids should be exchanged periodically as well as the coolant and brake fluid. The intervals that all maintenance services should be performed for your vehicle are in the owner’s manual. Or you can speak with one of the knowledgeable service advisors in our service department. After each service appointment, be sure to keep a copy of the completed work order in a folder with others. Having service records in hand when you sell the car instills confidence for potential buyers. The service department here at CMA’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Martinsburg is ready to help keep your vehicle in excellent condition as long as you own it.
Where you park matters
It may seem insignificant, but where you park your car most frequently can impact your resale value. For example, if you park in the sun, the UV rays can damage the interior. Therefore, it’s important to park in the shade as often as possible. If this isn’t possible where you park most often, sunshades you put in your windshield will help protect your interior from sun damage. Additionally, when you park your car, try to find a spot where it is less likely to be hit by other vehicles or runaway shopping carts
Keep it clean
While it may seem obvious, we would be remiss to mention that keeping your car clean is another surefire way to keep its resale value. The cosmetic appearance of your vehicle is the first thing potential buyers will notice. As lovely as the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” is, it simply is not true when it comes to shopping for a car. Keeping the exterior clean involves getting routine car washes. To preserve the paint’s clear coat, you should apply wax at least every three months. You should avoid smoking inside your car at all costs if you’re a smoker, as smoke is difficult to remove or cover up. Lastly, getting seat covers is an excellent way to protect your seat’s upholstery.
Avoid aftermarket parts
While it’s tempting to use aftermarket parts to make your vehicle exactly the way you want it, aftermarket parts will decrease your car’s resale value. However, if you own a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram vehicle, using genuine Mopar parts and accessories will help personalize your car to your specific needs and taste while providing an exact fit to maintain its value. Here at CMA’s CDJR of Martinsburg, we only stock authentic Mopar parts and accessories. If you decide to use aftermarket parts, be sure to keep the original parts to re-install them before you sell.
Allow CMA’s CDJR of Martinsburg to maintain your vehicle
We here at CMA’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Martinsburg want to help keep your car running its best as long as you own it. When you bring your vehicle to our service center, you get the confidence of knowing it’s only being worked on by service experts with years of experience and training. Schedule your next service appointment by filling out our schedule service form right here on our website. We look forward to serving you!