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10 tips to Keep the Resale Value of Your Car High

Top 10 tips to Keep the Resale Value of Your Car High

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If you are thinking about selling your car, you’ll obviously want to get the maximum sale price. The answer is pretty simple – think like a buyer. If you are to purchase a new vehicle what are the things that will attract you to a certain car, and which drawbacks will turn you off?

10 tips to Keep the Resale Value of Your Car High

1. Keep your car well-maintained

One of the most important expectations is to have your car in the best possible condition. Regular maintenance is important since it guarantees your safety on the road and as a bonus boosts the resale value of the car. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines about checking and replacing fluids and have your car inspected by a mechanic on a regular basis or when you are in doubt.

2. Keep all paperwork

Keeping your car well-maintained is important, however, keeping a record of all the checks and repairs is also very useful. You will be able to show service records to the prospective buyer and increase your chances of getting a good deal.

3. Clean your car regularly

Even if your car is in the best condition, if it looks dirty and sloppy, no buyer will look at it. Clean your car regularly. In warm weather it is advisable to wash your car twice a month – you can do it either by hand with the appropriate car wash detergent or go to a carwash & detailing center. It is also important to wax the car at least twice a year for best results.

4. Take good care of the interior

It is important to keep your interior clean. Use special cleaning solutions depending on the material used in your car – textile or leather. Avoid eating and drinking in the car as some stains are close to impossible to remove. Never smoke in the car – the smell may stay for a long time and it will be unpleasant for potential buyers, whether they are smokers or not.

5. Protect your car from freezing and overheating

Adverse weather takes a toll on your car. Therefore, you need to protect it both from freezing and overheating. The best way is to find a covered parking, preferably a garage, and keep your car there. The overall maintenance and cleaning also help the car cope better with heat or cold.

6. Mind the mileage

If you are planning to sell your car, try to keep your mileage as low as possible. A lower figure will attract much more buyers. And if you are reaching 100,000 miles better stop driving your car before hitting this figure as psychologically it is regarded higher… unlike 98,000 for example.

7. Fix all dents and scratches

Dents, dings, and scratches appear as a result of the everyday use of the car. Fix them immediately after you notice them as it will cost you less and will help get a better resale price.

8. Make minor repairs on time

If there are minor problems that need to be repaired, it is better to fix them before selling the vehicle. Check with your mechanic how much it will cost you and decide if it is worth the investment compared to the resale value you get after the fix. Besides, minor problems are cheaper to fix.

9. Check your tires and buy a second set of wheels

Always check the condition of your tires, keep them clean and maintain the right pressure. The car will behave better on the road. It is also advisable to buy yourself a second pair of wheels to use in the winter. It will be a plus when selling the car as it will be yet another proof that you have taken good care of your vehicle.

10. Drive carefully

Last but not least, drive carefully. Any car that has been in a road accident has a lower resale value compared to the others. Therefore, for your own sake and for the benefit of the future buyer, follow all road signs and pay extra attention while driving.

Maintaining your car well will also help you get a higher title loan, should you ever need to use that option. Fast Money Loan is a title loan company in California with offices across the area, offers quick cash loans on your car title with no credit check. Need cash? Own your car? Find the office nearest to you here: www.ineedafastmoneyloan.com.

Preventing Sun & Heat damage to your car | Car Care

Preventing sun & heat damage to your car

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You may believe that winter is the worst enemy of the vehicle because of its freezing temperatures or the salt and other chemicals used on the roads. And while it is true that the cold takes its toll on the car, the heat is no lesser enemy. The sun and heat can damage the paint on your car, ruin its exterior and interior and cause trouble under the hood. Here are a few tips to help you take proper care of your vehicle during the summer months.

Preventing Sun & Heat damage to your car

Prevent sun and heat damage to the exterior of your car

The exterior of your car is the first thing that will get damaged by the scorching temperatures and the long stay under the sun.

  • Prevent paint damage: The paint is one of the most sensitive elements that you need to take good care of during summer. Wash your car regularly and use auto paint protection kits to make sure that it is well protected. Waxing your car is also a good recommendation. Even though it may require some time and effort, it will protect the exterior from further damage and make its cleaning and maintenance easier.
  • Wash your car properly. It is important to wash your car regularly, especially in the summer heat; however, you need to do it properly. Use appropriate cleaning products to remove road oils, tar, dead bugs and overall pollution. Avoid dish detergent or harsh soaps as they may damage the paint. It is also very important to dry the car afterward using a soft cloth or towel in order to remove any minerals and avoid water spots.
  • Wax your car. We already mentioned that this is an important step in protecting your car exterior from the sun rays. In addition, it will prevent the accumulation of dirt and will make the next washing much easier and quicker. You can purchase a buffer that will make the entire waxing process much more pleasant.
  • Take special care of your convertible top. If you are driving a convertible, make sure to take proper care of the top according to its type. There are special cleaning and protection products for both canvas/cloth and vinyl tops. Always buy the appropriate ones and follow the instructions on how to use them if you want your top to have a longer

How to protect the interior from sun and heat damage

The interior of your vehicle is equally endangered by the heat and sun during the summer months. Do not forget the greenhouse effect, which means that the temperature inside your car is much higher than the temperature outside. Here are a few tricks:

  • Garage your car whenever possible.
  • Park in the shade.
  • Make sure to park with your rear facing the sun so that you can reduce the UV damage to your dashboard.
  • Use reflectorized panels on your windshields.
  • Install tinted windows.
  • Use seat covers—they will both protect the interior and increase your comfort level.
  • Keep your interior clean. Vacuum and wash it regularly, and apply protectant or conditioner in accordance with the type of interior you have: leather, vinyl or cloth.

On the hottest days, given that your car is parked in a safe place: leave your windows slightly open so that the temperature inside doesn’t rise that much. Do not do this if you have parked in an unsafe neighborhood or unfamiliar place.

How to protect engines and tires from sun and heat damage

The sun is equally dangerous for all the parts hidden under the hood of your vehicle and for its tires. The best advice is to have your car checked by a mechanic who can make sure that everything is okay. If you are good at doing this yourself, then do not forget to check the following:

  • Make sure that your cooling system is working properly. All belts and hoses should be in good condition and without cracks. Check that you have sufficient coolant and that it was replaced accordingly.
  • Check all the fluids. Make sure that motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid are at the recommended level.
  • Make sure your battery and charging system is functioning properly since high temperatures can wear it out quicker and even make the battery fail.
  • Check the air conditioning. It is very important that you stay cool while driving in the heat.
  • Check tire pressure. Under-inflated tires are very dangerous in hot weather. Since there is more friction with the heated pavement, the tires may blowout. Always make sure that you are following the manufacturer’s recommendations in terms of tire pressure.  It is also important to keep your tires and rims clean.

Do not underestimate the damage that sun and heat can cause. If possible, have your car checked by a mechanic at the start of the summer so that you can be calm while driving.

How to save for a vacation

How to Save for a Vacation

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Are all those Instagram vacation pics making you jealous? The good news is, with the right planning, you can take an amazing vacation.

May be you have already picked your destination and you are ready to pack your stuff and enjoy a few days off work. The only thing that’s left is to find the budget. Vacations are not cheap, and the lack of money is a common reason to postpone it again and again. But sometimes all it takes is some self-discipline and you can save enough for a vacation in no time. Here are a few tips…

How to save for a vacation

Open a Vacation Savings Account

If you get direct deposit at work, you can usually split it between different accounts. Ask your employer to send a percentage of your paycheck to a designated savings account. You likely won’t even miss that money and will have a nice vacation fund in a matter of a few months.

Set aside all of your extra cash

Get in your kitchen, find the biggest jar, grab a Sharpie and write “VACATION” on it. If you have a second job, freelance income or leftover change – put it in the jar. If you happen to get a cash gift from someone – put it in the jar. If you work overtime, take the extra money from your paycheck and…you guessed it – put it in the jar!

Make money selling stuff you no longer need

We all tend to hold on to things way too long. If you have all collectibles collecting dust – you can sell them for really good money. If you have clothes you rarely wear – you can offload it for cash as well. Just about anything you own can be sold to someone. There are Download Decluttr app to sell your old DVD’s or tablets. Sell the old furniture in your garage by using Trove Market or Chairish. To sell the items you don’t need, you can use Letgo, Facebook Sell&Buy groups, eBay, Bookoo, etc. You will be surprised how much money you can earn in no time.

Cut expenses

Instead of paying huge monthly fees for the gym you don’t even visit as often as you originally intended, you can cancel your membership and workout at home or outdoors. Using multiple video streaming services? Choose one and stick with it for a while. Consider canceling cable. A lot of the shows are available through streaming services anyway and you’ll save a ton of money every month. Using apps with monthly fees? Cut them out. Going out to eat or getting a Starbucks every morning? Opt for eating at home – your vacation will be worth it.

Rethink Grocery Shopping

  • Do your groceries once a week so you can keep a better track on the money you spend on food;
  • Buy things in bulk when they are on sale;
  • Shop at your local farmers market – it is cheaper, better for you and you will be doing a good deed by supporting small businesses;
  • Grow or regrow herbs and veggies like salad greens, garlic, cilantro, romaine lettuce, scallions, carrots, celery, basil, bokchoi, and more;
  • Shop after 7 PM because most delis and grocery stores decrease the price of foods with limited shelf life like takeout, bread, meat, etc;
  • Don’t shop on an empty stomach because you will spend a lot more;
  • Have a meal plan so you don’t buy too much food. Overconsumption will add to your weight and take away from your wallet.

Borrow what you’re short

You can start saving money for your vacation right this very moment. But still, it is going to take some time before you have enough to cover for your next road trip, cruise, beach holiday, or visit to a national park. When vacation time rolls around, if you’re still a little short, consider borrowing just enough to cover what you weren’t able to save up. There are plenty of different types of loans, but if you need some money fast, car title loans are the perfect option. You can get money in as little as 15 minutes, there is no credit check, monthly payments are reasonable and you can apply online or in person.

If you are in the Long Beach Area, visit us here at Fast Money Loans for a title loan. California residents have been using us since 1997. We’d love to help you with your cash needs!