Car production has been facing supply issues for a few years, increasing the demand for used cars.
That’s why the second-hand vehicle market is booming, and the better the car, the higher the price.
So if you’re considering reselling your car in the future, we gathered four things you should stop doing to increase your car’s value.
Keep in mind that you can get a car valuation in Dubai for an accurate estimation of how much your car is worth.
1- Skipping Maintenance
Whether it’s a regular checkup or an incident that requires attention, you should never ignore necessary maintenance or skip regular assessments that inform you of the condition of your car.
Not only does maintenance save you hefty repair costs for problems that accumulate over time, but it also extends your car’s life and ensures your safety.
Routine checks detect potential issues in the engine, brake system, gearbox, and headlights before they actually happen, saving you from possible accidents and inconveniences and raising the value of your vehicle because it’s well-maintained.
It’s even better if you take your car to its manufacturer’s service center, as well-maintained vehicles with a good service history from their original factories appeal more to buyers.
Remember that selling cars in Dubai is easier if the car is in good condition.
2- Using the Wrong Fluids
All the fluids you should use for your car are listed in the car’s manual, whether coolant, brake fluid, or transmission fluid.
Using the correct coolant for your car is essential to prolong its lifespan, while using the wrong one may cause malfunctions in the radiator, water pump, heater core, and pipes.
Also, mixing up your car’s fluids is just as damaging, if not even more.
For example, people usually confuse transmission and brake fluids because the bottles look similar. However, putting one instead of the other in your car causes serious damage.
Transmission fluid swells up in the braking system and causes complete failure, while brake fluid is not a lubricant and will speed up corrosion, causing your gearbox to fail.
If you can’t find the fluids your car needs, get them from the dealer. It may be more expensive, but it will undoubtedly be less costly than a major repair. And remember always to double-check the bottle before you fill up your car’s reservoirs.
3- Keeping Your Hand on the Gear Stick
Many of us develop bad driving habits, and unexpectedly, one of them is resting your hand on the gearstick, which we consider harmless.
However, this can seriously harm the transmission system, as the gear stick is connected to the shift fork, which is very sensitive.
If you rest your hand on the gearshift, you risk applying constant pressure on the selector fork, leading to early wear.
Some car manufacturers state clearly in the manual that you shouldn’t keep your hand on the transmission when you are not shifting gears. Consider checking your vehicle’s manual, as it contains the most reliable info about your car.
4- Never Washing Your Car
Washing your vehicle with a proper car wash is crucial to maintain its appearance. But looks are not the only benefit of washing your car.
If you don’t wash your car regularly and allow the dirt to accumulate, there is a high chance that your car’s color will fade, and the paint layer will wear down from the constant friction with the dirt.
Neglecting car washes will significantly reduce your car’s value in the second-hand market. It also grows the risk of rust forming on the car. Not to mention how accumulated dirt increases drag, raising your car’s fuel consumption.
Over time, these actions mentioned above will wear down your car and reduce its value significantly. If you are someone who changes their car often and considering reselling it in the foreseeable future, you should keep the previous tips in mind.