Service Your Vehicle for a Better Trade-In Value

Trading in a car is a great way to make your next new vehicle more affordable, so you want to be sure you’re getting the highest trade-in value possible. While there are several factors that go into determining a car’s trade-in value, one of the most important is its mechanical condition. Routine service and vehicle maintenance will preserve your vehicle’s condition, thereby earning you a higher trade-in offer whenever you decide to sell it. 

Want to learn more about the importance of servicing your car for a better trade-in value? Read on with the Hendrick Dodge Cary finance team! We’re here to help Apex drivers get the most from their trade.

Stay Up-to-Date On Vehicle Maintenance

Securing a good trade-in value for your car requires some preemptive thinking. When you secure the keys to a new vehicle, you must commit to staying up-to-date on vehicle maintenance throughout your time owning it. A strong maintenance record coupled with good overall condition will definitely increase the value of your car at Carrboro-area dealerships. Keeping up with things like oil changes and other fluid replacements, tune-ups, etc. is one of the best things you can do to maintain your car’s value. 

Check your owner’s manual to learn what vehicle maintenance entails for your particular model, and how often different tasks are required. Service requirements may vary a bit between different makes and models, but routine vehicle maintenance typically includes:

• Oil and oil filter change 
• Tire rotation
• Wheel balancing and alignment
• Filter changes — engine air filter, fuel filter, cabin air filter
• Battery checks and replacement
• Brake system checks and maintenance
• Fluid checks and replacement — coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid
• Hose checks and maintenance
• Spark plugs/ignition system checks and maintenance
• Timing belt checks and maintenance 

Do I Need to Service My Vehicle Before I Trade It In? 

Is a solid maintenance record alone good enough to get you a good trade-in value? It definitely helps, but it doesn’t hurt to get your car up to speed on any upcoming vehicle maintenance a couple of weeks before you trade it in. For example, an oil change and new wiper blades don’t cost too much — you can even do the labor at home — and can add instant value to your car. A good rule of thumb is that if a required service or repair is going to cost more than your vehicle is worth, you shouldn’t spend the money on it. 

Here are some examples of services you can do before trading in your car to increase its value without spending too much money: 

• Change oil and oil filter
• Rotate tires and fill them to the proper tire pressure 
• Replace windshield wiper blades 
• Replace any burnt out bulbs in headlights and/or tail lights 
• Interior and exterior car detailing 

Value Your Trade in Cary 

Ready to discover the trade-in value for your car? We make it easy to value your trade online. When you’re ready to finalize the offer, head out from Chapel Hill with your vehicle, and we’ll start the inspection process. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to contact us with any additional questions about the trade-in process, as our team is always happy to help!