How to Maintain the Value of Your Car

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of Your Car
How to
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Make a Consistent Effort

• Most car owners are only concerned with value
  once it is time to sell, but the upkeep required
  to retain value requires consistent effort
  throughout the time of ownership. The care you
  put into a vehicle will directly impact the price
  you can command when its time to sell. It will
  also increase overall satisfaction and pride
  while its yours. There are several things you
  can do to slow depreciation and maintain value.

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Covered Parking
Park your car in the garage while at home and in
a covered structure whenever possible while out
running errands. While under a structure your car
is protected from the elements, such as cold,
heat, sunshine, wind, hail, rain, snowstorms, and
branches or debris that may fall from a tree.
Each of these elements can have lasting effects
on the paint, including oxidation or fading. They
can also affect the headlights and rubberized
trim.   
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Regular Tune-Ups and Oil Changes
Regular tune-ups and oil changes are a
preventative measure to keep a car in safe
running condition. If you let the little issues
go unattended, they will eventually culminate
into large and costly issues. Regular tune-ups
also help a car run better and quieter over the
long term. Always save receipts from oil changes,
tune-ups, tire rotations, and other services for
proof of consistent vehicle care.
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Investigate Engine Noise
Engine noise is a sign of significant problems.
Knocking, clanking, or intermittent sounds are
obvious indicators of issues, but they often go
ignored. A smooth running engine is quiet so it
is important to carefully listen for any unusual
noise and have it looked at immediately.   
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Clean Carpet and Upholstery
Car interiors are generally resistant to stains,
but spills should be cleaned right after they
occur. Regular vacuuming keeps soils from
grinding into the carpet and affecting the soft
and smooth look of the carpet. Avoid smoking
because the smell persists even after thorough
cleaning, and it dulls interior surfaces by
turning them yellowish-brown..
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Care for Vinyl Surfaces
Vinyl surfaces can dull or crack over time. This
is made worse if your car is frequently exposed
to heat and direct sunshine. Using a product that
treats and conditions vinyl several times per
year will keep surfaces fresh. 
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Wash and Wax
Dirt can build up on a car and act like sandpaper
to wear down and weaken the paint. Other
environmental soils, like sap or bird droppings,
ruin paint even faster. Washing your car
regularly prevents this type of damage.   Even
more critical than a regular washing is a wax
routine several times per year. Wax protects your
paint because dirt, sap, and bird droppings hit
the wax rather than your paint. It also protects
your car from the elements in case youre unable
to regularly park under a structure.
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Keep Mileage Low and Drive Easy
The lower the mileage on your car, the greater
the value it can maintain. Whenever possible,
consolidate trips, carpool, and set aside a few
days each month to not use your car. Every mile
adds up over time.   All miles you do put on your
car should be done with care. Avoid rapid
acceleration, sudden stops, and hard turns. Hard
driving means accelerated wear and can
permanently impair certain car parts.  
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Desert Sun Auto Group is a leader in
automotive services in the New Mexico
area. Offering a wide selection of
vehicles, Desert Sun Auto Group makes a
priority of customer service and aims to make the
car buying process quick and hassle-free.
Financing options are available and many credit
levels are accepted. Additionally, Desert Sun
Auto Group has an experienced and reliable
service department.   Website
http//www.desertsunmotors.com/