OF YOUR CAR

HOW TO

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 it’s

time to sell. It will also increase

overall satisfaction and pride while

it’s yours. There are several things

you can do to slow depreciation and

maintain value.

MAKE A

CONSISTENT EFFORT

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.

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.

REGULAR TUNE -UPS AND OIL CHANGES

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.

INVEST IGATE ENGINE NOISE

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..

CLEAN CARPET

AND UPHOLSTERY

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.

CARE FOR

V INYL SURFACES

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 you’re unable

to regularly park under a structure.

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.

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/