How to maintain your car value

Maintaining your car's value requires consistent care and attention, ensuring it remains attractive to future buyers and retains its resale appeal. Regular servicing, addressing wear and tear, and protecting against depreciation are all essential steps. Whether it's preserving the condition of your vehicle's exterior, focusing on service history or staying informed about market trends, every effort you make can pay off when it’s time to sell.

Read on to learn about Gates Ford’s practical tips, designed to enhance your car’s worth – and be sure to click on our valuation link at the end of this article.

Regular maintenance and servicing

Consistent servicing is the cornerstone of preserving your car’s value. Ensure that all maintenance tasks, including oil changes and brake checks, are completed on schedule. Also, a full service history will reassure potential buyers and support a strong resale valuation.

Address wear and tear promptly

Minor scratches, dents and interior wear can significantly impact your car’s perceived value. Correcting these issues before they escalate keeps your vehicle in top condition, making it attractive to buyers. A clean, well-maintained appearance also enhances first impressions.

Protect against depreciation

Ever pondered, “What is car depreciation?” or “What is the depreciation rate for cars?” Such questions are key to mitigating the effects of depreciation. The slowest depreciating cars tend to hold their value better over time. Regular upkeep and choosing durable materials can also minimise depreciation.

Preserve your vehicle's aesthetics

Regular cleaning, waxing and protecting against rust help maintain your car’s exterior. For electric cars, focusing on battery health is essential, as electric vehicle depreciation is largely influenced by battery performance and warranty coverage.

Manage your ownership details

When selling your car, documents like service records and ownership history play a critical role. If you’re selling your car but want to keep your private number plate, learn how to put a number plate on retention beforehand to streamline the process.

Stay informed

Researching resale trends ensures you understand your car’s market position. Knowledge about high-demand models or features can help you better position your vehicle in the market.

Maintaining your car’s value is a long-term commitment that pays off when it’s time to sell. Check out our car valuation free guide for more tips – and get an accurate valuation from Gates Ford today.