Service Your Vehicle for a Better Trade-In Value

Have your sights set on a new Cadillac? Whether you plan to lease or buy your next vehicle, trading in your current ride can help you make a larger deposit, thereby lowering the total amount you owe. Like most Morrisville drivers, getting the best possible trade-in offer for your car is probably a top priority right now. 

One of the most surefire ways to increase the value of your trade-in car is to have it serviced before it’s appraised. How do you determine which service items are worth doing? Join the Hendrick Cadillac Cary finance center below to learn more! 

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

A poorly maintained vehicle will be valued lower than a vehicle with an excellent maintenance record. This means that Apex drivers need to remain diligent about vehicle maintenance from the moment they secure the keys and up until they’re ready to trade in their car, whether that’s five or ten years down the road. 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. 

Your owner’s manual will have a detailed vehicle maintenance schedule for you to follow, so it’s easy to see what services need to be performed and how often. Service requirements may vary a bit between different makes and models, but routine vehicle maintenance typically includes:

• 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? 

If you’ve been attentive about vehicle maintenance throughout your time owning your vehicle, you may wonder: Is a good maintenance record enough, or do I need to service my vehicle again before I trade it in? When you’re getting ready to trade in your car, it doesn’t hurt to get it up to speed on minor maintenance. Anything you can do for the car that will save the dealership money has the potential to put more cash back in your pocket. The rule of thumb is that if a required service or 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 

Wondering how much your vehicle is worth? Value your trade online to get started with Hendrick Cadillac Cary! Our dealership isn’t far from Durham when you’re ready to finalize your trade-in offer. Then, check out our current offers to save even more on your next vehicle! If you have any questions or concerns about the trade-in process, contact us at your convenience and we’ll be happy to provide more details.