Service Your Vehicle for a Better Trade-In Value

If you’re preparing to bring a new vehicle home to Raleigh, part of your preparation might include getting your current car ready to trade-in at the dealership. Your car’s trade-in value can go a long way to make your new vehicle more affordable, so it’s a fair assumption that you want to get the highest trade-in offer possible.

Servicing your vehicle before you trade it in can help you get a better trade-in value, but how do you determine which service items are worth doing? Learn more with Hendrick Buick GMC Cary below. There’s never been a better time to trade in a car, and our finance center wants to help you get the most out of your trade in Cary!

Stay Up-to-Date On Your Vehicle’s Maintenance Schedule

Setting yourself up for a good future trade-in offer starts as soon as you secure the keys to a new vehicle. When you eventually want to sell your vehicle and have it appraised, its maintenance history is one of the biggest factors in how much it’s worth. Staying up-to-date on things like oil changes and other fluid replacements, tune-ups, etc. is one of the best things you can do to maintain your car’s value.

You can find a detailed vehicle maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual, including how often to have each service performed. The items on it may vary between different makes and models, but generally include:

• Oil and oil filter change
• Tire rotation
• Wheel balancing and alignment
• Filter changes — engine air filter, fuel filter, cabin air filter
• Battery checks and replacement
• Brake system checks and maintenance
• Fluid checks and replacement — coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid
• Hose checks and maintenance
• Spark plugs/ignition system checks and maintenance
• Timing belt checks and maintenance

Do I Need to Service My Vehicle Before I Trade It In?

Routine maintenance is required at specific intervals throughout the life of your vehicle, but do you need to service your vehicle immediately before trading it in? Generally, it’s only worth it to carry out minor, low-cost services before you trade in your vehicle. The rule of thumb is that if a required repair is going to cost more than your vehicle is worth, you shouldn’t spend the money on it.

Here are some examples of services you can do before trading in your car to increase its value without spending too much money:

• Change oil and oil filter
• Rotate tires and fill them to the proper tire pressure
• Replace windshield wiper blades
• Replace any burnt out bulbs in headlights and/or tail lights
• Interior and exterior car detailing

Value Your Trade in Cary

At Hendrick Buick GMC Cary, we make it easy to trade-in your vehicle! We’re always looking to expand our used vehicle inventory, so no matter the year, make, or model you’re driving, we would love to learn more about it. We offer competitive, top dollar trade-ins at our dealership near Apex, but you can get started right now when you value your trade online. With any questions or concerns, please contact us and we will be happy to provide more information!