By Cary Lockwood
YourAutoNetwork.comValley families trying to keep more money in their pocketbooks might want to consider ways to keep the value in their cars, especially those who just purchased a new vehicle through the Federal government's cash for clunkers program.
The strain of the economic downturn has many people keeping their cars longer. According to Lang Marketing Research, Inc. the average age of a vehicle on the road today is 10.4 years. A well maintained vehicle can provide you with inexpensive and trouble free use for hundreds of thousands of miles.
While it's common knowledge a car depreciates every year, by how much is up to you. Here are a few ways you can keep the value in your car and make it last, whether it's a new fuel efficient car or the one currently sitting in your driveway.
Maintain a regular service scheduleOver the years, the intervals on maintenance schedules have increased significantly. Your owners manual will have this information, however most cars in Phoenix follow a severe duty schedule because of our driving habits and hot, dusty climate.
Do not exceed this interval! Also, check your oil level every other time you fill up your gas tank.
Keep your service recordsNo matter how minor the work, be sure to keep all your receipts for work in a safe place.
Not only are these are very important for any warranty claim with the vehicle manufacturer, but the receipts are also of great value to a potential buyer when re-selling your car down the road.
Pimping your ride only sounds coolA tricked out vehicle can actually can decrease the value. Obviously some upgrades, like a new set of tires, are ok as long as the purchase improves your cars performance.
A good rule of thumb: the visual upgrades, not the operational upgrades, decrease the vehicle's value.
Keep the car cleanSounds like a no-brainer, but most drivers don't take as good of care of their investment as they should. This TLC starts with making sure to give your car a wash and wax on a regular basis.
Also be sure there is no trash and dirt collecting inside your car or on the floorboard.
Our Arizona dirt is mostly sand, which is made up of tiny shards of glass which wear down your carpet.
Drive safelyBeing accident free is not only important for insurance purposes, but a damage free car is worth more.
Remember to use experienced and professional shops, for everything from oil changes to body work.
These simple steps will mean getting more money out of your investment when you decide to sell your car.
One online report suggests in some cases you could keep up to 15 percent of the purchase price.
