Everyone wants to sell their car for the best price, but not everyone is willing to put in the work to make it happen. Sometimes a few simple repairs – and a bit of elbow grease – can go a long way to upping your vehicle’s resale value (at little monetary cost to you). A well-maintained car (with a solid service record) is not only more appealing to potential buyers but also gives assurance that the vehicle is reliable and worth the asking price.

This is not a blog for advanced car DIY enthusiasts, but rather a set of helpful tips for any car owner (with a tiny bit of basic vehicle know-how) to get their vehicle in tip-top shape before trying to sell.

Remember to keep a detailed log of all maintenance and repairs on the vehicle for as long as you own it, since documentation is the key proof any new buyer needs to put their mind at ease.

Here are 7 simple steps to up your car’s resale value:

#1 Regularly clean & detail your car

First impressions really do matter, especially when it comes to selling a car. There’s no use rocking up at a dealership and expecting to receive a decent quote for your vehicle when there’s grease, dirt and rust clouding the assessor’s judgement.

Keeping your car clean is a long-term investment since it prevents the build-up of grime, dirt and rust which can lower the vehicle’s overall value.

A spotless, fresh-smelling interior with a recently-dusted dashboard and vacuumed seats does wonders for creating a strong, positive impression with potential buyers. 

#2 Maintain the engine & fluids

A functional engine is crucial for the car’s optimal performance and resale value. A simple DIY check (and, if necessary, change) of the oil, coolant, transmission fluid and brake fluid can do wonders for the car’s longevity, functionality and potential market value. 

Not sure whether you’re looking in the right place? Just ask the attendant at your local petrol station to do a quick check of the engine and fluids every time you fill up your car. 

#3 Replace worn-out belts

These are not so easy for a rookie to detect, but broken or poorly maintained belts can lead to a serious issue with overall vehicle performance and even result in a breakdown (so keep these hacks handy): 

• Check the belts for visible signs of wear such as cracks, fraying or missing chunks in the belt’s surface
• Check if the belt is glazed by running your fingers over the belt surface to detect if it is smooth or shiny. If you suspect that it is glazed, take your car to a trusted mechanic for inspection and possible belt replacement. Excessive glazing affects the belt’s grip and can lead to slipping and affect components including the alternator and water pump
• Is the car making a high pitched squealing noise when it starts or if you accelerate? This could be a sign of a worn-out belt
• Is the belt misaligned to its pulleys? If the belt is off-centre it could lead to uneven wear and premature failure
• Inspect the pulleys that the belt rests on for signs of wear including rough or damaged surfaces
• Check the maintenance schedule. Manufacturers recommend certain intervals for belt replacements. Check if you are due an upgrade. 

If you are uncertain of any of the above, take your car to a local mechanic for a proper inspection. 

#4 Check the brakes

Brakes are another vital cog in the overall functioning and safety of your vehicle. Regularly inspect the brake pads, rotors and brake fluid levels. If you hear any squeaking or grinding noises when you brake, it could indicate that your brakes need attention.

#5 Upgrade/fix your own lights

Faulty or dimming headlights, tail lights or indicators give the immediate impression that a vehicle has been poorly maintained. 

Give your lights a regular inspection to determine their functionality. Replacing these on your own can save a great expense in comparison to getting them repaired at the dealership where you bought the car new. Find out if the lights sold at a car accessories store are fully compatible with your vehicle before undertaking the fix yourself. 

#6 Handle the small interior repairs

Addressing minor interior issues such as torn leather seats, loose knobs or malfunctioning switches go a long way to proving that your vehicle has been kept in tip-top condition.

Get a few quotes before commencing with repairs in order to avoid unnecessarily hefty bills. 

#7 Check your tyres 

Tyre condition plays a major role in overall vehicle safety and resale value. Follow these tips to keep your vehicle in check:

• Rotate and balance your tyres regularly
• Ensure your tyres have sufficient tread. If not, get them replaced by a professional. 

(Having a poor tyre tread will not only land you up in an unfortunate predicament with your insurer in the case of an accident, but lower your vehicle’s resale value when it comes to selling your car).

#8 Sell your car for more

Getting a fair price for your car requires one more step to give you assurance that you are getting the best deal. 

Be sure that you are achieving the top price for your used vehicle by selecting an online car-selling platform that ticks all of the following boxes:

• Offers you multiple competitive offers, so you can select the best deal
• Has a 10/10 trust index rating on Hellopeter
• Boasts a safe, quick and easy online process
• Gives you friendly, professional service and expert advice in the car selling process.

These simple checks and maintenance tips could be the difference between extra cash in your pocket or having to accept a lowball offer.