Selling your old car is a great way to put cash in your pocket. But there are a few things you should fix before doing so. For example, it’s worth investing in new ones if your brakes are squeaky or worn down. Getting an oil change and refilling all the fluids can also be cheap fixes that show buyers you’ve taken care of your vehicle.
Brakes
The brakes are one of the most important parts of keeping your vehicle safe. Faulty brakes decrease the control you have over your car, which could result in a crash that causes severe injury or death. Therefore, repairing the brakes is an important car fix before selling your vehicle. During a routine inspection, the auto mechanic will look at your brake pads for any signs of wear and tear. If the brake pads appear thin or have rough spots, they should be replaced immediately. The brake discs are another part of the braking system that should be in good condition. They should be shiny and have minor lines on them from everyday use. The rotors and calipers are also important parts of the brake system. If they appear warped, the auto repair shop will recommend resurfacing them. It is a quick and inexpensive car fix that will help improve your vehicle’s performance.
Windshield
Many drivers don’t think their windshields must be repaired before selling a car, but even a single chip or crack can lower the resale value. It is especially true if the vehicle has advanced features like ADAS (advanced driver assist systems), which require a windshield that meets specific optical clarity and distortion standards. Windshields are more than just pretty pieces of glass that protect drivers and passengers from debris that could fly off other vehicles or from Mother Nature. They’re also crucial to the car’s safe operation, particularly when changing lanes on the highway or parallel parking. Compared to the cost of a windshield replacement, it’s much more affordable for most car owners to repair their windshields before selling them. Even if you plan to drive the vehicle for another few years, getting this important car fix done is worth it. You’ll be glad you did when it comes time to sell. It is what I did before deciding to sell my Huntsville car online.
Tires
A vehicle’s tires are its only point of contact with the road, so it’s no wonder that even the brawniest engine and strongest brakes can be tripped up by a worn-out set. Luckily, replacing the tires is cheap and easy. But there are other tire-related things you should do. For instance, you’ll want to ensure the rear and front tires are the same size. Different sizes can cause handling problems. Also, be sure that you’ve gotten an oil change recently. Keep the receipts to show future buyers that your car has been well-serviced and maintained.
Another important thing to do is to rotate the tires. It will help the tread wear evenly and make your tires look more new. It’s a small detail that will make a big difference in how your car looks and drives. It may also encourage a buyer to negotiate a higher price for your car.
Lights
One of the most important car fixes is ensuring your lights work properly. Having headlights and taillights that are in good condition will give buyers peace of mind and score you extra points in their evaluation process. A new battery is another inexpensive and quick car fix to ensure your car starts up and runs correctly. A vehicle with a new battery will be more reliable and may have a higher resale value. Some unscrupulous dealerships will tamper with the Check Engine light (CEL) to avoid making repairs, but this is illegal. Consumers can protect themselves by having the CEL scanned at an auto parts store or by having their independent mechanic check the car’s computer to confirm that the codes no longer display. Lastly, giving your car a thorough detail cleaning is a cheap and easy way to make it look like it has been well-maintained. Clean windows and a sparkling dashboard will make it more appealing to potential buyers.
