A guide to maximising your car’s value in 2024

In the fast-evolving landscape of motoring technology, one thing remains constant: the value of a well-maintained vehicle. Whether you drive a brand-new model or an older car, preserving its value is essential. This guide will delve into the best practices to maintain your car's worth in 2024 and beyond.

Regular car servicing stands as the cornerstone of vehicle longevity and performance. Beyond mere upkeep, regular servicing makes it easier to identify potential issues, ensuring your car operates at its best. Scheduled servicing includes more than just oil changes; it involves a comprehensive check-up, and inspecting items like brakes, fluids, filters, and engine health. This meticulous attention not only enhances safety on the road but also safeguards against major, costly repairs down the line. Most warranty agreements are only valid as long as the car is serviced on time. Regular servicing also maintains resale value and provides peace of mind knowing your car is in top-notch condition.

Ultimately, the investment in routine servicing far outweighs the inconveniences of unexpected breakdowns or avoidable wear and tear.

• Why a service plan? A vehicle Service Plan pays for recommended scheduled services that are completed by approved dealers. Your Service Plan may cover the costs of vehicle repair, including parts and labour after the manufacturer’s Service Plan expires. A Service Plan through MotorHappy also includes perks such as roadside assistance, towing, and even a fuel run. Click here to find out more.

A Service Plan is a contract designed to keep you covered so you don’t have to pay for your car service and repairs out of pocket. It’s a handy way to manage expenses in 2024.

Consistent upkeep helps identify and address minor issues before they escalate, preventing costly repairs in the future. It ensures safety on the road by keeping important parts like brakes, tyres, and lights in top condition, reducing the risk of accidents. Routine maintenance also enhances fuel efficiency, saving money on gas and reducing environmental impact. Additionally, it upholds the vehicle's resale value, and a well-maintained car typically fetches a higher price. 

Below are some of the essential maintenance tasks:

• Fluid checks and changes: Routine oil changes ensure that the engine remains properly lubricated, enhancing its efficiency and longevity. Oil serves as the lifeblood of an engine, reducing friction and preventing wear on crucial components. Brake fluid, often overlooked, is vital for safe braking performance. Regular checks and changes of brake fluid prevent corrosion, maintain proper pressure, and ultimately uphold the braking system's reliability. Similarly, transmission fluid acts as a lubricant, coolant, and hydraulic fluid within the transmission system, ensuring smooth gear shifts and preventing overheating or damage to transmission components. Consistent maintenance of these fluids not only ensures that your car runs smoothly but also extends the lifespan of key vehicle systems.

• Tyre Maintenance: Maintaining proper tyre care through regular rotations, inflation checks, and monitoring tread depth is critical for both safety and preserving your vehicle's value. Tyre rotations ensure even wear, extending tire life and enhancing overall vehicle performance. Proper inflation not only maximises fuel efficiency but also promotes even tread wear, improving traction and handling. 

• Brake Inspection: A vehicle's brake system maintenance is important for both safety and maintaining value. We already spoke about the importance of checking brake fluids above, but it’s also important to schedule in periodic inspections and timely replacements of brake pads. When your brakes aren’t functioning properly, your wheel bearings and suspension can also be affected. Prioritising brake system maintenance isn't just about safety but also an investment in the vehicle's long-term value.
• Why a car Maintenance Plan? A car maintenance plan takes care of any services your car needs and also covers wear-and-tear items, unscheduled repairs, and parts and labour that aren’t included in a less comprehensive car service plan. Click here to find out more about a Maintenance Plan through MotorHappy.

An extended warranty is important if you’re driving an older car that is no longer covered by its original warranty, particularly if it has a history of repair issues. This type of warranty will help protect you from costly and unexpected repair costs.  

With an Extended Warranty through MotorHappy, you will be protected against unexpected repair costs, especially for high-tech or costly components prone to failure. Your Extended Warranty through MotorHappy includes roadside assistance, easing the burden of unexpected breakdowns. 

Importantly, an extended warranty can enhance a vehicle's resale value, because it can be transferred to the new owners. 

• Keep records: Maintaining comprehensive service records is key for vehicle owners. These records show your car's care history and provide transparency and confidence to prospective buyers. Your records will let them know it’s a well-cared-for car, ensuring peace of mind for both the seller and the buyer.

• Exterior and interior care: Regular vehicle cleaning, waxing, and interior protection maintain your car's visual appeal and long-term value. Exterior care shields the paint from environmental elements, preventing rust and preserving the vehicle's shine, crucial for resale value. Interior maintenance safeguards against wear and tear, maintaining comfort and aesthetics. 

A Scratch & Plan will help protect your car from minor interior and exterior damage. This MotorHappy product will help maintain your vehicle’s value. Click here to find out more. 

• Protective measures: Park your car in shaded areas or in a garage to protect the paint from sun damage. Try to avoid parking too close to other cars in parking lots, to minimise the risk of someone carelessly banging their door against your car.

• Watch the mileage: Try to keep your mileage low. Lower mileage often translates to higher resale value.

• Quality repairs and parts: Choose quality parts and work with certified mechanics. 

• Drive responsibly: Avoid aggressive driving behaviours to prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the engine, brakes and other parts of the car.

Staying proactive in maintenance significantly boosts a vehicle's resale value, regardless of its age. A well-documented history of regular servicing and sorting out minor repairs quickly shows responsible ownership. When potential buyers see that you’re a proactive car owner, they feel more assured that your car is a dependable investment.