Written by Menswear Style in Cars on the 21st March 2023

Every motorist should know how to maintain the value of their automobile. Vehicle depreciation is a major issue because a new car can lose over 50% of its value after just three years, but there are things that you can do to preserve its value. In addition to saving you money when the time comes to sell, many of these tips will also keep the car in the best condition and give you the best ownership experience.

Follow the Service Schedule 

Perhaps the single best thing to do to maintain your car’s value is to stick to the service schedule. This will ensure that your car is kept in the best condition and show to a future buyer that it has been well looked after. If any problems with the car arise, you should get these taken care of immediately - the sooner that they are taken care of, the less likely they are to become a bigger and more expensive problem.

Keep the Car Clean 

It is a simple step but one that can make a big difference - you should keep your car clean inside and out throughout the year. Regular washing and waxing of the exterior can prevent rust and help the vehicle to maintain its appearance, which can make a big difference when it comes to resale value. Similarly, keeping the interior clean and fresh can make it feel less lived in and could help to preserve the value as well as make it easier to sell. If you were buying a used Toyota or something similar, you would not want to buy a car with a worn and damaged interior. 

Keep Records & Documents 

You certainly need to look after the vehicle to maintain its value, but you must al-so keep hold of all of the relevant records and documents. The V5C, owner’s manual, MOT and receipts for any work carried out should all be kept together and organized. These are key documents that any potential buyer will want to see and will allow you to command a higher price as it reduces risk for the buyer and al-lows you to demonstrate that the vehicle has been well looked after over the years.

Invest in Quality Replacement Parts 

Even automobiles that are carefully looked after will have issues over the years. When it comes to replacement parts and accessories, make sure that you are in-vesting in quality. It is also a good idea to make a few replacements prior to put-ting the car on the market, such as new wiper blades and floor mats. 

It is important to keep your vehicle in good condition over the years so that you can maintain as much of the value as possible. In addition to saving you money, you will find that this is also important in terms of increasing the longevity of the vehicle and giving you fewer issues to deal with as an owner.

Follow the Service Schedule, Keep the Car Clean, Keep Records & Documents, and Invest in Quality Replacement Parts.