While your car may not be an investment in the strictest sense, since most cars don’t increase or even maintain value over time, it can be considered an investment in your quality of life.B y allowing you more freedom in terms of where you can go and what you can do, a car can significantly increase your ability to live well. This is why you need to take care of your car.
While you don’t need to splurge on unnecessary vanity enhancements like spoilers or lift kits that add no value to your ride (and may actually take a dramatic bite out of it’s value) there are some parts and services you should consider a purchase. These are the things that will help preserve more of your car’s worth by prolonging its life.
Here’s what we’re talking about.
- Oil Changes
Oil changes often fall by the wayside of regular engine maintenance — but they’re incredibly important. Regularly changing you oil promotes engine lubrication, removes particles and sludge that will wear your engine down, keeps the engine cool to avoid overheating and improves fuel mileage. All of these perks will keep your car running smoother for longer. Don’t put it off: change your oil every 3 months, or 3,000 miles. That’s the general rule of thumb. Read your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Car Seat Covers
One of the most overlooked ways you can preserve more of the resale value of your car is by using quality custom car seat covers. Spills, stains, wear and tear and the elements can really take a toll on your upholstery, and worn and damaged upholstery will significantly reduce your ability to get a good price for your vehicle should you choose to resell. Buying car seat covers that are custom made for your exact make and model of car is a great way to get sleek, stylish and perfectly fitting coverage that will protect your seats and more of your car’s value.
When selecting the right covers, consider your lifestyle. For example, if your lifestyle or career takes you outdoors — or if you have kids or pets that are constantly spilling liquids in your car — consider waterproof car seat covers from My Custom Car. These will ensure your upholstery gets the best protection possible.
- Professional Detailing
There is only so much most of us can do to clean our cars. Sure, we can vacuum, clean windows, polish leather and vinyl and wash and wax, but most of us lack the equipment, skill and time to get a really thorough clean — the kind of clean that will make your car look, feel and smell like new. Professional detailers can get rid of really stubborn stains — including salt stains — from upholstery and flooring. They can even use chemical steam cleaning to get rid of black mould caused by moisture that can accumulate in the nooks and crannies of your car and cause respiratory issues.
You don’t have to have your car detailed every month, but two or three times a year can do wonders to keep your ride in tip-top shape.
- Wheels
Never, ever cheap out on wheels. Buying good quality and season appropriate wheels for your car will help improve gas mileage, while also keeping you car literally on the road longer — and not in a ditch. How often you need to change your wheels depends on a lot of factors, like road conditions around where you live/work, how hard you drive your car and how often you drive it. However, generally, you want to change your wheels every 25,000 to 50,000 miles.
- Insurance
OK, insurance is an obvious expense you need for you car, but one that many people don’t realise the value of until they need it. Get the best insurance you can, being sure to understand exactly what you’re getting for you money, and exactly what you may need. Don’t opt for the most basic option just because it is the least expensive. If you are on the road a lot, you are more likely to be in an accident or get a dent in a parking lot: get the best for your driving habits.
