How To Prepare Your Car For Trade-In?
Do you dread the time when you have to turn over your vehicle? It’s one thing having to say goodbye to a good car while keeping its resale value up. But it’s another thing when you have to start lathering your car down with soap and hosing its dirty panels. We’re here to explain how the car trade-in process works.
Clean Up Your Car
Cleaning up your car is a great way to improve its trade-in value. If you’re planning on trading in your vehicle with a car trade-in Steinbach dealer, here are some basic things to do:
- Clean out your glove compartment and cup holders – this is where many people stash old receipts, napkins, and other junk that just makes it look messy.
- Wipe down the dashboard, steering wheel, and door panels with a damp cloth or sponge. If necessary – depending on how much you like the colour of your car – use some mild soap and water on any stains or dirt.
- Clean out any trash under the seats or floor mats and vacuum them thoroughly.
- Check all lights, including headlights, turn signals, and brake lights – replace if necessary.
- Check all fluid levels – oil/coolant/brake fluid – top them off if necessary and make sure they’re all within manufacturer specifications after consulting a professional.
Repair Minor Damages
Repairing minor damages to your used car is a great way to begin before checking how to trade in a car. If you can’t afford to fix them, you can expect lower value for your car. You can repair minor damages such as dents, scratches and chips or get a professional to do it for you. The cost of repairing minor damages depends on the type of damage and the materials needed for the repair.
Get Your Documents In Place
Before you can trade in your car, you have to get all the paperwork in order – some of them are listed below:
- Check your registration and make sure it’s current and accurate with no outstanding fees or tickets and make sure it’s not expired.
- Fill out an application for a trade-in online and fill in all the details for your vehicle.
Self-Inspect
If you’re planning on trading in your car, it’s important to do a self-inspection. If you want to get the best price for your car, you need to know its condition and what repairs it might need. This is something that will work in your favour.
The following checklist can help you conduct a self-inspection of your car:
- Check the tires for wear and make sure they are inflated correctly-if any tires are low on air or have visible damage, replace them immediately.
- Check the oil level and make sure it’s not too low or too high – the correct level should be between the “full” and “add” lines.
- Look at all lights on the dashboard. If any are dim or not working properly, replace them immediately or take the vehicle to a professional.
Conclusion
Having a car in good condition is always a plus, but when it’s time to trade it in, you need to be careful. By following these tips, your car will look its best and get maximum value.