Detailing tips for retaining your cars value.

Searching the internet as car nuts do, I came across this little article on one of the better car detailing websites (Autopia.org). It's written with Americans in mind but if one was to substitute Las Vegas for Roto-Vegas it could apply just as easily to Kiwi's.


By: Sarah G

Depressed about the down economy and even more your car’s depreciating value every day?
Yes each car has it’s own reasons for depreciating. Let’s briefly discuss, what is depreciation? When you buy a new car and drive off of the dealer’s lot your car loses it’s value which is more than what a car loses throughout the year which is anywhere from 15 percent to 20% of its value.
With the exception of vintage, rare, and collectible cars, it is important to mention what factors that affect car depreciation. The model, brand, condition of the car including scratches, dents, dings, maintenance, production quantity, mileage, and many other factors are what can impact a car’s value. The more something is used, looks worn, or old it’s bound to have a lower value and is less desirable.
Take two cars- same model, same year. Car A has a lot of scratches, water spots, swirl marks, carpet stains, leather marks. Car B, on the other hand, looks like a brand new car, newly detailed, clean carpets, no water spots, scratches, velvety soft leather. Car B definitely looks better and would be worth more.

Here’s what you can do to retain the value of your car.
1. Keep a routine maintenance schedule of your car. Most cars come with a schedule where the oil needs to be changed, tires need to be rotated, and the transmission needs servicing. If you have excessive wear and carry on driving without any maintenance you might blow your transmission or break your engine, which are costly to fix.
2. Regularly clean the inside of your car. Keep your carpets clean from any scuffmarks, dirt from extreme weather conditions, or other spills using a carpet spot remover. Maintain leather and vinyl by cleaning it and using a leather and vinyl protectant, it is important to pay attention to this in locations that have higher heat. As upholstery is like a sponge, absorbing anything that comes near it, you must pay extra attention to keep it clean and free of any odor and spills. Try not to smoke in your car as this will cause for a much lower resale value since it is a tough smell to get rid of. But if you do consider using an odor eliminator and improve the scent with an air freshener. Also, avoid eating and drinking in your car to avoid spilling on to the surfaces which may very likely cause stains; in addition, it’s not safe to do anything when driving, other than driving,
3. Wax and detail the outside of your car. Most all cars get scratched and attract foreign particles through regular use, it’s inevitable. Every time you open your doors and your fingernails come in contact with the paint, put a grocery bag on top of the trunk to find your keys, lean onto your car, and driving on the road through dust, dirt or other road fallout your car’s paint job will scratch and absorb any small particles especially during warmer weather, since the paint softens, the dirt sticks, and when the temperature gets cooler it will re-harden with these particles.
All cars can rust if you do not wax, detail, and wash your car regularly. How can a car rust, you ask? Living near the ocean causes a lot of salt to be immersed in the air, which will eat away the exterior paint, causing corrosion and chipping. Each time a car breaks, the break pads cause metal shavings that fall on to the road, and when you drive through the road and the weather is hot it will stick and harden with the paint later. As time goes on this is why some people wonder, “Why is my white car are yellow?” This is due to the metal particles from the road have rusted on the paint’s surface. Therefore, remember to wash and wax your car regularly to protect the appearance of your car, remove scratches, and swirl marks. Always remember to use a car sealant to protect the paint to prolong your efforts, otherwise your efforts will go to waste.
4. Protect your car in an enclosed area or away from the sun. This will prevent your car’s paint and interior panels from fading, which significantly diminishes the look and value of the car.
5. Add even more value to your car by adding accessories and features. While it costs more to install navigation, a DVD player, high-end stereo system, rims, or custom paint job it will ultimately increase the resale value of your vehicle as your car will be unique and have a cutting edge in the market.
6. Minimize excessive and unnecessary use of your car. A car with lower mileage will have less wear and tear; therefore, drive it as little as possible, if the weekend calls for a spontaneous trip to Las Vegas, consider renting a car. Why? Less miles equals higher value.

Maintaining the value of your car is not easy, it takes time, but you will reap the benefits in the long time. Just a simple wash, wax and detailing can maintain your car’s value. And remember our other tips to enhance a car’s value.

To link to the original article http://www.autopia.org/forum/content/122-detailing-tips-retain-your-car-s-value.html