You might have heard before that most cars lose value as soon as you drive them off the showroom floor. And they’ll continue to depreciate for as long as you own them. By just how much depends on a few factors. The type of vehicle, the age, mileage, location and, of course, how well you look after it. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), a medium sedan that’s driven 10,000 miles per year will depreciate by around $4,680 a year.
With that in mind, it’s probably in your best interest to keep your vehicle in a good condition. So that you get as much as possible back when/if you decide to sell or trade it in one day. It goes without saying that you should not take a leaf out of the book of anyone featured on this list.
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to look after your vehicle is to keep it clean. Whether you choose to take it for a professional wash or you do it yourself, a little sparkle goes a long way. But once every few months, you should book your car in for a wax as well, to preserve the paintwork and prevent corrosion.
If you’re doing the wash yourself, remember that washing your car under direct sunlight isn’t the greatest option. The heat will cause the water to evaporate faster than you can wipe it off, and this could leave annoying watermarks. You might also experience unwanted spots from soap foam that dried before you could rinse it off. You’ll also want to be super careful about the sponges or cloths you use, so you don’t end up scratching your vehicle.
Another very important tip is to take your car in for its service as and when required. For most cars, this is around every 5,000 miles or every six months. Whichever comes first. Those oil changes and inspections are super important, and the mechanic will let you know if there’s anything else that needs to be seen to. It is possible to do the oil changes yourself if the vehicle is just due for a minor service. But make sure you know what you're doing, and you use the right oil!
For some services, you’ll need to call in the professionals. Do not attempt to figure things out as you go along, or you could find yourself featured on a list just like this one. Nothing lasts forever, and at some point, certain parts on your vehicle will need replacing. By a professional. These include things like spark plugs, oil filters, fuel filters, PCV valves, belts and hoses. While some of the major services can cost a pretty penny, it’ll cost you way more if your car packs up altogether due to cutting costs.
The last thing you need is for your brakes to fail in an emergency. So get them checked regularly. And if you notice anything unusual when braking, take your car in just to be safe. You may or may not be aware that a car has various fluids that keep it going smoothly. It’s not just a matter of fuel and oil.
You should aim to check the engine oil, coolant, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid levels at least every month. You’ll also want to have your brake fluid checked every few months.
Don’t be like this person. Tire tread is important. As Bankrate notes, “low tread on your tires puts you at risk of losing control of your vehicle, particularly when you’re driving in the rain, sleet or snow.” You don’t have to take your car to a professional to have this checked. You can buy a gadget that treads the depth, or you can use a penny.
“If you choose the latter, insert the penny upside down into the tread with Abraham Lincoln’s face looking outward,” reads the Bankrate site. “If Lincoln’s head is fully visible, you probably need new tires. Take the car to a tire dealer to confirm.” And if you are advised to get new tires, it goes without saying that you should take the advice.
