5 Ways to Protect Your New or Used Car Investment
Everyone knows you have to be careful not only about what car you buy, but who you buy it from. Once you’ve found your perfect car, there are a few things you’ll want to do to keep it in tip-top condition.
- Keep it clean. A clean vehicle not only looks sharp, it also protects the long term value of your car. Cosmetic maintenance is as important as service maintenance when determining the value at trade-in time. Regular washings remove dirt, dust, and grime that can dull your paint and make it look lackluster. Buff on a coat of wax after every few washings to keep your paint finish shiny and water repellant. Wiping down the interior preserves surface areas exposed to harsh sunlight, wet umbrellas, or family pets. Be sure to always wipe up spills right away and give your car a good vacuuming every so often to keep it smelling and looking fresh.
- Fix scrapes and dents when they happen. If your beloved car gets a scratch, ding, or dent, it’s important to take it to an auto repair shop to get it repaired right away. Minor scratches can easily become rust patches if left untreated and dents often compromise your car’s protective sealant, which can also lead to rust and corrosion. Small abrasions can sometimes be buffed out with products commonly sold at auto supply stores but most blemishes are better left to the care of paintless dent removal professionals with professional-grade tools to get the job done right. However, you can also visit some helpful sites if you are looking for the perfect paint supply.
- Be proactive. It’s very difficult to maintain a car’s showroom condition for the entire lifetime of the vehicle but there are some steps you can take to delay the effects of time, weather, and age. If possible, always park your car in an enclosed garage and make sure the garage door is functioning properly to protect your vehicle from theft. If your need a residential garage door repair or a new residential garage door installation, then call garage door repair experts near you for a quick fix. You may also hire garage builders like the Midwest garage builders that has the expertise needed to ensure your garage is built fast and professionally. If that’s not an option, consider a covered car port or fabric car protector. Avoid parking underneath trees to protect your paint job from tree sap, pollen, and overhead birds. Place an extendable sunshield across your interior windshield during the day to keep the sun’s harsh rays off your dashboard and lower the interior temperature of your car. Consider equipping your vehicle with theft deterrent equipment like an alarm, steering wheel locking device, or satellite monitoring service. Always secure your car keys and if you get locked out of your car, you’ll need to find a trusted car locksmith.
- Give your car a monthly inspection to spot little problems before they become big issues. A comprehensive inspection should include:
- Tire tread and pressure
- Mirrors
- Front and back windshield integrity through windshield calibration
- Registration stickers and tags
- Head, tail, and running lights
- Fluid levels
If you see any chips on your windshield, you should get them repaired by an auto glass professional before they become cracks which would be more costly to repair.
- Regular professional maintenance. No matter how well you take care of your car, there’s no substitute for regular professional maintenance from a trusted service and auto repair center. Contact VW Auto services, we can help you create the perfect maintenance schedule for your new or used car, and your budget.
