16 Things You Shouldn’t Do To Retain Your Car Value

Key Takeaways:

• Regularly cleaning and vacuuming your car can help maintain its value.
• Avoid smoking in the car to prevent yellowing and odors.
• Don’t neglect the exterior appearance of your car. Wash and fix any damage as needed.​
• Protect your car from the weather by using a garage or car cover.
• Avoid making modifications to your car unless you have the knowledge and skills to do so properly.​
• Consider checking out resources that can inform you about what may decrease your car’s resale value.​ ​​​​​​​​​​
• Auffenburg Buick GMC of Carbondale offers car maintenance and repair services to customers in Pittsburg, IL, and the surrounding areas.

Who doesn’t want to keep their car’s value as high as possible? Nobody wants to spend a fortune on a car only to see its value plummet the moment they drive it off the lot. Auffenburg Buick GMC of Carbondale will discuss 16 things you should never do to maintain your car’s resale value.

16 Things You Shouldn’t Do to Retain Your Car Value

​​Remember, keeping your car in good condition will help retain its value when reselling or trading it. Stay informed and make intelligent decisions for the best outcome!​ By avoiding the following mistakes, you can be sure your vehicle will retain its worth for years!

1. Don’t Neglect Regular Maintenance

The best way to keep your car’s value high is to take care of it. It means keeping up with regular maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and engine tune-ups. By doing this, you’ll be able to keep your car running smoothly and avoid any major issues down the road.

2. Don’t Skip Repairs

If your car malfunctions, get it repaired as soon as possible. Ignoring a problem will only worsen and ultimately decrease your car’s value.

Also, read our blog on troubling car sounds you should never ignore to identify potential defects in your car before they aggravate further.

3. Don’t Let the Interior Get Too Dirty

While it’s not necessary to keep the inside of your car spotless at all times, letting it get too dirty can impact its resale value. Be sure to vacuum the car’s interior regularly and clean up any spills or stains as soon as they happen.

4. Don’t Smoke In the Car

If you’re a smoker, it’s best to avoid smoking in your car altogether. The nicotine from cigarettes can cause yellowing of the upholstery and a lingering smell that can be tough to eliminate.

5. Don’t Forget About Curb Appeal

How your car looks externally is just as important as how it looks on the inside when it comes to retaining its value. Be sure to wash and wax regularly, and fix any dents or scratches as soon as possible.

6. Don’t Neglect Tires and Wheels

Tires and wheels are essential to any car; neglecting them can hurt performance and resale value. Be sure to check the tread on your tires regularly and invest in new tires when necessary. Additionally, keep an eye out for any defects to your wheels and have them repaired or replaced as needed.

7. Don’t Overload the Vehicle

Putting too much strain on your car by carrying extra weight can decrease its value over time. When loading your vehicle, do not exceed its recommended weight limit.

8. Don’t Let the Gas in the Tank Get Too Low

Allowing your gas tank to get too low can damage the fuel system, leading to decreased performance and value. Be sure to fill up before you hit empty, and you’ll help keep your car running at its best.

9. Don’t Drive Too Much or Too Little

Cars driven too frequently can show wear and tear more quickly, decreasing resale value. On the other hand, vehicles driven infrequently can also lose their value due to deterioration. Balance how often you go, and you’ll help keep your car’s value high.

10. Don’t Let Pets Ride without a Carrier

If you have pets, it’s crucial that you never let them ride in your car without a carrier. Pets can damage the interior of a car very quickly, and even if they don’t cause any physical damage, their hair and fur can be complicated to remove. So unless you want your car’s resale value to take a hit, keep your furry friends restrained while riding in the car.

11. Don’t Eat or Drink In the Car

Eating and drinking in your car may be convenient, but it can also lead to some serious problems down the road. Spills and stains are tough to clean up, and they can leave permanent damage that will lower the value of your car. If you must eat or drink in your vehicle, use a spill-proof container and be extra careful not to make any messes.

12. Don’t Forget About Safety Features

Safety features are becoming increasingly important in today’s market, so if your car is lacking in this area, it could negatively impact its resale value.

13. Don’t Neglect Tire Care

Tires are one of the most critical parts of a car, so it’s essential to take good care of them. Regularly check the air pressure in your tires and replace them when they show wear and tear.

14. Don’t Drive Recklessly

Driving recklessly – speeding or tailgating can lead to accidents, tickets, and other moving violations. These can all hurt your car’s value.

15. Don’t Park In Bad Weather without Protection

Be sure to protect your car from extreme weather conditions when you park it. It means using a garage or carport and a cover or tarp when not. Parking your car in bad weather without protection can cause damage that will decrease its resale value.

16. Don’t Modify Your Car without Knowing What You’re Doing

Modifying your car without knowing what you’re doing can decrease its value rather than increase it. Unless you’re confident in your mechanical abilities, stick to cosmetic modifications that won’t impact how the engine runs.

Click here to find surprising things that can hurt your car’s value.

Need Car Maintenance or Repair Services in Pittsburg, IL? No Problem!

Whether you need a routine oil change or something more serious, the team at Auffenburg Buick GMC of Carbondale, serving Pittsburg, IL, is here to help. We have 20 years of experience servicing and repairing all makes and models of cars, so no matter what you drive, we can take care of it. Our convenient online scheduling system allows you to schedule your service appointment without picking up the phone. So don’t put off car maintenance any longer – contact us today and let us show you why we’re the best in Carbondale!