As your vehicle ages and the odometer rolls up more and more miles, there's typically two concerns for the typical person. First, how do I keep this car running smoothly for as long as possible? And second, how can I keep the value of this vehicle as high as possible? In this article, we'll discuss the latter. Whether you're the owner of an aging vehicle, or have just driven your new car off the lot, these tips could help you recoup thousands of dollars when it's time to sell. 

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  Interior and Exterior
  

​Unfortunately, keeping what's under the hood in mint condition isn't the primary factor in determining your car's worth. To keep the resale price high, it's important to make the interior and exterior look like new. That starts with regularly washing and waxing your car. This is especially important in the winter when salts and chemicals can end up on your exterior that will quickly cause damage. Wsahing the exterior removes harmful deposits and waxing it helps to protect it. To protect the interior, make a small initial investment on seat covers, and maybe even a steering wheel cover. This will protect them from spills and stains, from the sun, and from most rips and tears. Finally, cigarette smoke quickly kills the quality of the interior. If you're a smoker, the only realistic way to keep from hurting the value of your car is to only smoke outside of it. 

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  Parking
  

​It may sound strange, but one of the best ways to maintain the value of your vehicle is to park smarter. The open space at the mall that's close to the front door may look enticing, but it may not be worth it in the long run. Scratches in the paint, and dents and dings can be difficult to repair. To avoid them, always be wary of where you park your vehicle and what it's parked next to. It's not just other cars you need to watch out for either. Parking under a tree could put you in harms way from birds or falling limbs. Parking near the cart return at the grocery store could result in runaway carts hitting your vehicle. There are a variety of potential issues. Then, there's the sun. While parking under trees can be dangerous, leaving your car baking in the sun will be problematic over time. At home, park in the garage or under a cover. When you're out and about, look for shade anywhere you can find it.

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  Maintenance history
  

​For the value of your vehicle, it's important to both perform regular maintenance and keep detailed records. Your owner's manual will provide you with a schedule for when maintenance should be done and when parts are likely to wear out. Sticking to this schedule will have a great impact on the continuing value of your car. If you're not keeping track of this maintenance, however, it's difficult to convince potential buyers of its authenticity. Keep receipts, and a calendar of what maintenance was performed and when. That doesn't only go for what your mechanic does for you, either. It applies to all oil changes, tune-ups, tire rotations and even car washes. All of this work will help to keep your car looking like new, and will help convince the new owner that it's worth the price you're asking. 

For help keeping your BMW, Mercedes and Hummer H1 in mint condition, come see us at Benzin Motor Works. Our expert technicians will help ensure repairs are done correctly and done before they cause additional problems.