NADAguides.com Offers Tips You 'Auto Know' to Maintain Your Car's Value
COSTA MESA, Calif., Sept. 18 -- Due to the recent steep slump in the housing and financial markets, consumers are growing increasingly economically-minded, looking to cut costs and pinch pennies in many facets of their lives. Along these lines, the experts at NADAguides.com -- a leading vehicle pricing and information website -- today released important advice to help car owners maintain the value of their vehicle during the lifetime of ownership in an effort to net bigger dollars at resale or trade-in time.
Following are just some of those tips. 1. Less is more.
It seems obvious, but a vehicle with less mileage usually always has a higher resale value than one with excessive mileage. "At resale or trade-in time, excessive mileage can negatively impact a vehicle's value," said Don Christy Jr., President and CEO, NADAguides.com. Christy suggests owners keep their mileage in check by renting a car for long trips, taking turns carpooling to and from work with colleagues or planning their day carefully so all trips about town are handled in one shot versus unnecessary back-and-forth driving. "Lower mileage means the potential for a higher resale or trade-in value, so try to avoid driving excessive miles as much as you possibly can."
2. Service with a smile -- and a receipt.
According to NADAguides.com, having your vehicle serviced on a regular basis -- and keeping detailed records of the maintenance or repairs your vehicle receives during the time you own your car -- helps to maintain a vehicle's value at resale or trade-in time. "Not only does regular service help you avoid costly or unnecessary repairs, it demonstrates to a potential buyer that your vehicle has been properly and regularly maintained -- a factor that could end up netting you more money from a buyer at resale time or from a dealer at trade-in time."
3. Beware of wear and tear.
NADAguides.com says that when it comes to owning a vehicle, people should avoid excessive wear and tear. Things like driving off-road or on rough road conditions or driving at excessive speeds should be avoided, in addition to 'riding' the clutch or the brakes (depressing the pedals longer than required). Over-towing (or towing more-than-recommended weight) as well as over-hauling (or hauling more-than-recommended weight) is not only dangerous, it can wreak havoc on a vehicle's engine, transmission and braking system and should be avoided whenever possible. "During the time you own your vehicle, treat it with respect. It will pay off in the long run," says Christy.
4. Keep it clean.
Keep your car clean, according to NADAguides.com, if you want to maintain its value over the long haul. Be sure to detail it on a regular basis, inside and out. Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in your car. NADAguides.com suggests investing in a regular detailing program -- either by doing it yourself or by soliciting the help of a qualified auto detailing company -- to keep it properly maintained. "Regular detailing helps you stay ahead of the elements," says Christy. "Waxing the exterior and using protectants on the trim and upholstery helps to prevent damage from things like the sun, road salt and stains from food and dirt."
5. Keep it covered.
NADAguides.com suggests keeping your vehicle stored in a garage or under cover whenever possible to avoid aesthetic or mechanical damage. "Not only does the sun fade paint, it fades upholstery and trim too," says Christy. "Extremely cold weather can wreak havoc on mechanical components, along with exterior damage caused by sleet and ice." According to Christy, the ideal situation is a climate-controlled or enclosed garage or storage area. If that's not possible, he suggests parking your vehicle under a carport or under a vehicle cover -- at the very least -- to protect it from the elements.
For the complete list of the NADAguides.com vehicle maintenance tips, as well as more new car and used car information such as this, visit the Tips & Advice section of the company's website, http://www.nadaguides.com/, and click on the Ownership and Maintenance link in the New Car and Used Car Advice sections.
About NADAguides.com
N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides (NADAguides.com) is the world's largest publisher of vehicle pricing and specification information for new and used cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs, as well as van conversions, limousines, classic and collectible cars, boats, RVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, personal watercraft and manufactured housing. The company's consumer website, NADAguides.com (http://www.nadaguides.com/), offers a variety of new and used vehicle services in addition to valuation information. Throughout its 74-year history, N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides has earned the reputation as the recognized authority for vehicle valuations. Its website, NADAguides.com, is the most comprehensive vehicle information resource on the Internet today.
