Many people have their own car, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t care for yours. Depreciation is inevitable when it comes to vehicles; however, you may be able to limit the overall value drop by caring for and properly maintaining your car. Whether you have a small sedan or a large truck, you should know the common practices that decrease your car’s value so you can maintain the highest worth possible.
Smoking in the Car
If you smoke in your car, it will continue to smell like smoke. Although you may think this isn’t a big deal, the smell is just the start. Believe it or not, the contaminants in cigarettes can stick to fabrics and other materials, making the odor and discoloration impossible to erase. With that said, smoking in your car decreases its value and may also make it difficult to sell. Consider some of the following options to avoid smoking in the vehicle:
- Nicotine patches, gum, candy, etc.
- E-cigarettes or a disposable vape pen
- Pull over to smoke outside, or wait to get to your destination
Covering It in Stickers
Although it may be tempting to cover your car with stickers and decals, you should avoid doing so. Stickers are an excellent way to decorate other objects, but they can wreak havoc on your car’s exterior. Despite how great the rest of your vehicle looks and drives, an abundance of bumper sticks can cause permanent damage when you try to remove them. This could prevent a potential buyer from showing interest in your car.
Pro Tip
If you want to have one or two stickers on your car, consider putting them on the edges of your back window. You’ll still be able to see, and stickers come off windows easier than off the paint.
Ignoring the Exterior
While you may think the interior is more important than the exterior of your car, you shouldn’t ignore the outside. You should keep the exterior clean and prevent dirt from building up and damaging your paint. In fact, knowing why you should protect your paint job is the first step in ensuring your car’s paint looks fresh, clean, and untouched for the longest period possible.
Putting Off Regular Maintenance
Regardless of how new your vehicle is, it still requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Whether it’s a routine oil change, new tires, or brakes, you should keep up with your car to ensure it holds its value. Otherwise, you could have a fairly new car that doesn’t run smoothly because it needs new parts.
Now that you know a few of the most common practices that decrease your car’s value, you can do everything in your power to keep your ride tidy and maintained. Cars are one of the most expensive belongings; therefore, you should try to make yours last as long as possible, whether you’re a long-term owner or not.
