A1 CAR CARE

WEDNESDAY,MAY 25, 2011

A SpecialSupplement To

SPRING

Many motorists bemoan the myriad costs associat-ed with owning a vehicle. According to the National Automobile Dealers As-sociation, the average price for a new car in the United States is slightly more than $28,000. But as any vehicle owner knows, that sticker price is only the beginning. The cost of maintaining a vehicle and

keeping it on the road is not exactly insignificant.

As the economy be-gins to rebound, a good percentage of motorists have resolved to keep their vehicles on the road longer in an effort to stretch their automobile dollars. That’s a sound resolution, and one that is not necessar-ily difficult to accomplish. Contrary to popular belief,

cars are built to last, and it’s often a driver’s poor habits that reduce a car’s life expectancy as opposed to the vehicle manufac-turer’s product. Drivers can lengthen a vehicle’s lifespan by employing pre-ventive maintenance that should keep a car running strong for years to come.

• Air filter — When examining the vehicle’s

air filter (check the vehicle manual for location), look for dirt or dust buildup. If the filter is filthy, simply replace it. Auto parts stores sell air filters, and most drivers shouldn’t have trouble replacing a filter by themselves. A dirty air filter can negatively effect fuel economy and make it seem as though a vehicle is constantly going uphill in a stiff wind. When a dirty air filter is replaced, drivers will notice an instant impact in how the car drives and are likely to save a few dollars at the filling station as well.

• Belts and hoses — Issues with belts or hoses are often recognizable to the naked eye, regardless of a driver’s automotive skill. A hose in poor condi-tion can appear bulging or brittle, and should not feel too soft or too hard. If a hose exhibits any of these symptoms, replace it. A belt that’s worn or frayed should also be replaced.

• Brake fluid — One of the more expensive repair jobs on a vehicle is to replace the brakes. Brakes will need to be replaced over the course of a vehicle’s lifespan, but drivers should routinely check the vehicle’s brake fluid. Without sufficient brake fluid, the brakes’ lifespan decreases dramat-ically. Checking the brake fluid is easy; simply look in the owner’s manual to find brake fluid reservoir and remove the lid (some vehicles might require the lid be unscrewed). The reservoir will likely have instructions on the inside advising how much brake

fluid should be added. If the fluid is below the line of demarcation, add fluid up to that line. But be careful not to overfill. Check the brake fluid lev-els on a monthly basis.

• Motor oil — Oil change guidelines have changed dramatically thanks to better cars and more reliable motor oils. But it still helps to check motor oil levels after every fill up. If motor oil levels are low, add more oil. If oil is significantly low after each fill up, consult a me-chanic just to be safe.

• Exhaust — Once a year, be it at a routine tune up or should repair work be necessary, ask your mechanic to check the vehicle’s emissions. Failing an emissions test might be against the law, and a failed test could be indicative of a larger problem.

In addition, inspect the muffler and exhaust pipe for holes, particularly after winter, when debris from snow trucks may do sig-nificant damage. Replace any damaged or rusted parts.

• Power steering — Power steering fluid should also be inspected on a monthly basis. When

checking power steering fluid, also inspect the pump for any leaks.

• Tires — Keeping tires properly inflated pays numerous dividends. Prop-erly inflated tires make it easier for the engine to operate, lowering fuel costs while also decreasing wear and tear on the en-gine. The owner’s manual should list a recommended tire pressure, and the local filling station likely has an air pump.

Maintaining tires also involves checking for wear and tear. Uneven wear could indicate the tires are misaligned. Discuss this with your mechanic.

• Transmission fluid — When checking trans-mission fluid, do so while the car is running and af-ter the engine has warmed up. Always be certain to put the parking brake on when checking transmis-sion fluid. If the vehicle needs transmission fluid, add the recommended fluid but be careful not to overfill.

Prolonging a vehicle’s lifespan is not as difficult as it sounds. Oftentimes, all it takes is minor, yet routine, maintenance to keep a car on the road for years and years.

A2 CAR CARE

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2 The Daily DispaTch Car Care ’11 WeDnesDay, May 25, 2011

Preventive maintenance to keep your car on the road

Vehicle owners who practice easy, routine maintenance can often add years to their vehicle’s life.

Car enthusiasts will tell you that one of the best ways to maintain that new car look is to keep up with a frequent washing schedule. Removing road grime and other plagues of automotive paint on a routine basis keeps a car looking its best.

There are some rules of the road when main-taining the exterior of a vehicle to ensure the finish remains in pristine condi-tion. Keep in mind these dos and don’ts:

• Do use products specifically designed for automobiles. Household cleansers may be good at removing dirt, but they may also strip off the pro-tective wax on the car.

• Don’t wash the car while it is hot, after it’s been sitting out in the sun a while or directly after it’s been driven. The warmth can cause the water and soap to dry faster, leaving unsightly deposits.

• Do wash off dead in-sects, road salt, mud, etc., as soon as possible. Oth-erwise these substances may stick to the paint and cause erosion.

• Don’t assume the rain will clean the car. In areas with acid rain, it’s actually essential to rinse a vehicle off after it rains to prevent damage.

• Do move the sponge lengthwise along the ve-hicle. Swirling the sponge may cause tiny scratches.

A3 CAR CARE

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The Daily DispaTch Car Care ’11 WeDnesDay, May 25, 2011 3

For motorists, visits to a local gas station are a necessity. Fortunately for many, the prevalence of gas stations makes getting a good deal possible, right? Not exactly ... and there are some other things that gas stations don’t tell us.

• Brand doesn’t nec-essarily matter. Most gas stations are supplied by oil companies that share the same fuel pipeline. The only difference in brands may be a quart of deter-gent added to a truck filled with thousands of gallons of gasoline. Some brands advertise that they have sophisticated additives to keep engine performance at its peak. All gasoline providers have detergents added to their gasoline to

help prevent fuel injec-tors from clogging. It’s a requirement by the U.S. government enacted in 1994. So, in terms of gasoline quality, it really doesn’t matter if a driver fills up at a locally owned filling station or a brand name vendor.

• Skip paying with debit cards. When a gas station employee swipes a debit card in advance of starting the pump, the company doesn’t know how much gas will be purchased, so it reserves a rounded-off amount. While a person may only be filling up $20, the debit card may set aside $30 to $100 to be safe. It’s only until the gas station sends over their bulk transac-

tions a few days later that all is reconciled. With an unknown amount of money reserved, it’s easy for an individual to bounce checks or deplete funds unknowingly from his or her checking account.

• Gas stations don’t make more when prices go up. A number of gas purchases are made with credit cards. So when gas prices rise, gas stations have to pay a higher fee to credit card companies, which charge for the right to accept credit at a sta-tion. Some stations will charge a premium for gas that is paid for with credit rather than cash. Oth-ers will not in an effort to remain competitive.

• Some pumps are in-

accurate. Older pumps or those in disrepair may not pump gas accurately. That means a driver could start paying for gas before the fuel has entered the car, or the volume measure-ments may be incorrect. Inspectors that check for accuracy are often few and far between.

• Fuel station credit cards might not be a bargain. Just like many department store credit cards, interest rates on gas cards tend to be higher than the average credit card, with fewer perks to boot.

• Static electricity can be dangerous at the pump. The Petro-leum Equipment Institute

learned that static electric-ity can ignite gasoline va-pors at the pump. Once a person starts fueling a car, he or she should not re-enter the vehicle and then get back out and continue fueling. Static electricity generated from the car’s interior could travel from the person’s hand to the pump and cause a small, but dangerous spark.

• Gasoline was once a waste product. In the early 1900s, the primary goal of oil companies was to produce kerosene to light lamps. Gasoline was a by-product of kerosene production. Eventually, oil companies discovered that this “waste” could be used to affording fuel

automobiles. In 1919, gaso-line prices were 30 cents a gallon.

• Boycotting one brand will not make all the other prices go down. During a boycott, prices at the non-boycotted stations will likely rise due to the temporarily limited supply and increased de-mand. The only way to ef-fectively reduce gas prices is to significantly reduce demand across the board.

The need for gasoline and, consequently, filling stations, will continue until electric cars or addi-tional technology surpass-es gasoline engines. Until that day, consumers can be smart about gas purchases by knowing the facts.

Filling station 411: things you may not know about gas stations

Some car washing do’s and don’ts

Updated tire tread testIt used to be that to

check tire tread wear, a driver inserted a penny into the tread gap. If you couldn’t see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tire tread was adequate — or more than 1/16 of an inch. However, to-day it is recommended that a quarter be used for the test, and Lin-coln has been swapped out for Washington. This is to allow for less time between tire changes and a safer amount of tire tread. If the top of Washington’s head can be seen, that means there is 1/8 of an inch of tread left and ample time to get those tires replaced.

When it comes time to purchase a car, pre-owned vehicles are offer-ing the value and price that many shoppers are looking for, espe-cially as the economy continues to struggle to recover from recession. Considering that many of the used vehicles available have low mileage and are only a few years old, this can be a smart decision.

Used-car pricing will almost al-ways be lower than a new vehicle, said Bobby House of Auto Mart of Henderson. Located at 133 Raleigh Road on the corner of Raleigh Road and Dorsey Avenue in downtown Henderson, the business has been offering used vehicles for 23 years.

The more economical price is a big draw to many consumers looking to save money on a vehicle, House said. New cars depreciate as soon as they are driven away from the dealership, so even a vehicle that is only a few months old will cost less than it did brand new.

Asking the right questions and building trust with customers are vital, said House. “When customers come on the lot, I start by asking what size family they have, how much space they’ll need, and what kind of gas mileage they need. Every car doesn’t fit everybody.”

Auto Mart of Henderson offers full servicing for all the vehicles it sells and can even customize a car or truck by moving seats or even steering wheels to better accommo-date the buyer.

Oftentimes dealerships will

certify the vehicles are in good condition and offer warranties that cover many of the same items one would find with a new vehicle.

Auto Mart of Henderson offers warranties on all vehicles that qualify and will also provide a free CARFAX report on any vehicle, which provides a history of the vehicle and can be used to check to see if it was in any major accidents or had other kinds of damage. The dealership will also connect the buyer with the previous owner when possible to further answer questions about the vehicle, if needed.

Auto Mart of Henderson also of-fers on-lot financing and will work with any customer on financing, regardless of credit history.

Buying a used vehicle is also a “green” investment for customers

concerned about the environment. While a brand-new hybrid may cer-tainly save on fuel use, the energy needed to produce that new hybrid can be considerable. Purchasing a used car means less demand for a new one to be made.

Another advantage to used ve-hicles is that insurance premiums may be lower. That’s because new cars usually require comprehen-sive insurance coverage, when a used vehicle may only require the basics.

While shoppers may be scared of getting a “lemon” when they buy a used car, House said that the reputation of the dealer is the best insurance against having a bad

experience. “Buy from someone that you trust and that you know will do right by you if there are any problems,” House said. Voted “Best Used Cars” in the annual “Best of Vance County” competi-tion for 13 out of the past 14 years, House feels that customer loyalty and trust have been the keys to his business success.

“Everybody is looking for value for what they’re spending, and I think we offer the best value in town.”

Auto Mart of Henderson can be reached by phone at (252) 438-5928. Available vehicles can also be viewed online at automartof-henderson.com.

A4 CAR CARE

Pre-owned vehicles often offer the price and value shoppers want4 The Daily DispaTch Car Care ’11 WeDnesDay, May 25, 2011

Located at 133 Raleigh Road on the corner of Raleigh Road and Dorsey Avenue in downtown Henderson, Auto Mart of Henderson has been offering used vehicles for 23 years. Bobby House feels that customer loyalty and trust have been the keys to his business success.

A5 CAR CARE

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Being involved in an accident, even if it’s just a minor “fender bender,” is an experience we’d all like to avoid if possible. But unfortunately, automobile accidents do happen every day, and dealing with the aftermath of a car crash can often be a confusing – and sometimes frustrating – experience.

Successfully dealing with the insurance com-pany and negotiating the settlement of a claim after an accident can be less of a hassle if you know what to expect – and what your rights are under the law.

While most insurance companies have a con-tractual relationship with certain car repair body shops and garages where they refer customers after an accident, the law allows the owner of a damaged car to take the vehicle to a shop of his or her choosing, said Jer-ry Patterson with C&P Body Shop at 3268 Raleigh Road in Henderson.

“Insurance companies have what they call DRPs, or direct repair

programs, with particular shops or garages,” said Patterson. “But the cus-tomer always has the right under what’s called the ‘steering law’ to take their vehicle to the shop of their choosing for the repair.”

While insurers often tell claimants that work

performed at a shop other than the one recommend-ed by the company will not be guaranteed, Patterson said that is not the case. “Regardless of whether a customer comes to us as a direct referral from the insurance company or not, we always guarantee the work we do.”

C&P Body Shop par-ticipates in direct repair program agreements with a number of insur-ance companies, Pat-

terson said, and most customers who have damage from an ac-cident are satisfied to

go with the recommended body shop or garage.

“But I do have people tell me frequently that they can’t bring their damaged vehicle to my shop for repair because the insurance company said the repair work would have to be done at another location,” he said. “That’s simply not the case and an insurance company that makes that kind of claim can be fined.”

C&P Body Shop, a family owned business that has been in opera-tion since 1971, offers the latest technology in auto

body repair performed by certified technicians. All work is guaranteed for as long as you own your vehicle, Patterson said. The shop can handle all the details related to an insurance claim, including arranging for a rental car if needed.

Voted the “Best Body Shop” in Vance County, the business also offers windshield, door locks and door window repairs. The business also recently began offering rebuilt pre-owned vehicles for sale as well. The business can be reached at (252) 492-5345.

The Daily DispaTch Car Care ’11 WeDnesDay, May 25, 2011 5

C&P Body Shop: steer clear of pressure from insurers

Much confusion or mis-information exists about how often drivers need to change their vehicle’s motor oil. Though it pays to change motor oil to keep the engine operating opti-mally, such changes don’t need to be done as often as the average driver thinks.

As engines have become smaller, more fuel-efficient, longer-lasting, and better for the environ-ment, engine maintenance guidelines have changed. And motor oils have changed as well. There are additives to help reduce engine wear and main-tain the oil’s viscosity, and detergents in today’s mo-tor oils help wash engine parts and prevent sludge from forming.

For years the 3,000 mile oil change interval has been the standard prac-tice. While this may have been adequate for older cars and less advanced motor oils, today’s vehicles can actually go much lon-ger between oil changes.

Drivers looking to pro-long oil changes can turn to their owner’s manual for the suggested oil change schedule for

the make and model. Many have guidelines depending on how often a motorist drives

his or her ve-hicle. Those that routinely drive through muddy or dusty areas may

want to change their oil more frequently. Oth-ers may be able to change the oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.

Drivers should not be

scared off by the look of their oil. The detergents and additives in motor oil are created to sus-pend debris in the oil so it doesn’t foul up engine parts. Therefore, the oil may look darker. This does not necessarily indicate that the oil needs to be changed more frequently. Stick to the schedule in the manual.

Individuals seeking con-firmation that they can go longer durations between oil changes can have a mo-tor oil analysis done. This will confirm the quality of the oil after having driven a certain amount of miles.

The 3,000 mile oil change interval is no lon-ger the industry standard thanks to advancements in both engine and motor oil technology. Chances are most vehicles can go longer between oil changes and still continue to drive well.

How often should you change your motor oil?

A6 CAR CARE

6 The Daily DispaTch Car Care ’11 WeDnesDay, May 25, 2011

Stocking a vehicle with a roadside repair kit

familiar with the kit before it is needed.

• Cellular phone: It’s never a good idea to talk on a cell phone while driving. However, a mobile phone can prove invaluable if there is an emergency. Simply call for assistance instead of having to seek out a phone or flag down a motorist.

• Flares or warning light: A breakdown at night or when visibility is poor can be dangerous. Keep a warn-ing light, caution triangle or flares in the trunk to illuminate the location of the vehicle.

• Inflated spare tire: Always keep a spare tire on hand, as tire blowouts or leaks tend to be one of the most common causes of breakdowns. Be sure to have a tire iron, jack, and lug wrench.

• Spare fuses: A burnt-out fuse may be responsible for an electrical problem. Replacing the fuse is an easy fix.

• Jumper cables: A dead battery can be revived

with jumper cables, provided another car is available to offer the jump. A portable battery booster is another handy tool in case there are no other cars to recharge the battery.

• Flashlight: This simple tool can be invaluable at night, especially if keys or tools are dropped.

• Gloves, cleaner and rags: Cars are full of oils, fluids and grease. That means even a simple repair can get a person dirty.

• Pen and paper: Ideal for leaving a note or taking down information in the event of an accident. A dis-posable camera can also be handy to take photos of an accident scene.

• Money: When travel-ing, always carry cash for emergencies. Not every place takes credit or debit cards.

• Snacks and water: A roadside emergency may mean some time spent stranded. Keep a stash of non-perishable items in the car to alleviate hunger pangs and keep riders quenched.

Regardless of a vehicle’s age, a roadside emergency can occur at any time. Driv-ers should be prepared with a basic kit of tools and equip-ment to get the car back on the road as soon as possible.

At the very least, a roadside emergency can be a minor inconvenience. At the worst, it can compro-mise the safety of the driver and passengers. Anything from a blown-out tire to an overheated engine can necessitate pulling over for a quick fix. Having the right tools can make the process go far more smoothly and help drivers avoid the seem-ingly endless wait for service personnel to arrive.

Stocking a roadside repair kit requires some necessi-ties. It’s also a good idea to routinely check the stock of the kit to be sure everything is in working order. Here are the items to keep on hand.

• First aid kit: Handling major or minor emergencies may require a first aid kit to mend scratches, abrasions or minor burns. Become

A sluggish car could mean any number of things, each of which could be expensive. But drivers often overlook an inexpensive part of the car’s mechanics that can be contributing to slower acceleration and overcon-sumption of fuel — the air filter.

A vehicle has air filters and fuel filters that help to remove impurities and promote better engine performance. Over time, these filters can become clogged with grime and debris. A clogged filter cannot thoroughly do its job and impurities could be making their way into the engine and other systems of the car, compromising performance.

Experts say that thoroughly maintaining air filters is one of the single-most inexpensive and effective ways to improve overall vehicle performance. Changing a car’s filters on a regular basis can have a signifi-

cant impact on engine life. Understanding how an air filter works helps a person realize why replacing them when clogged is essential.

A vehicle’s engine is a large, gas-fired air pump. Air comes through the air intake and travels through the air filter. Gas is added to the air and compressed in the cylinders. When the air-gas mixture is dense enough, the spark plugs fire to ignite the mixture and power the car’s pis-tons. When all the pistons fire as they should, the driveshaft turns and the car moves.

Because this process requires a specific air and gas ratio, the air filter is important. Dirty filters can “choke” the engine, preventing it from turning over. It can also decrease the efficiency of the vehicle, thereby decreasing fuel efficiency.

Many oil change shops will offer to change an air filter at an additional charge. Some places will

mark up the air filter replacement, and it could cost drivers a lot of money. Actually, replacing an air filter is a relatively easy procedure — one most do-it-yourselfers can handle.

The air filter is generally housed in a large, plastic black box under the hood. The box cover is often held in place with large metal clips or screws. Therefore, bring screwdrivers along for replacement.

Once the box is located, open it up to reveal the filter. Inside the filter is often white, bright yellow, orange, or red. Remove the grimy filter and set aside. (Older cars may have a doughnut-shaped air filter housed in a round box).

A new filter costs anywhere from $10 to $15. Place the filter in the chamber and reseal the clips or screws on the cover. Give the car a test spin to ensure the filter is working as it should. A driver may notice improved pick-up on the vehicle.

Replace air filters regularly for improved vehicle performance

When it comes to cars, many drivers would admit their technical knowledge is lacking. In addition, automo-tive technology is constantly changing, making it hard to separate car facts from fic-tion. The following are some of the most common myths and misconceptions about vehicles.

1) You must service your vehicle at the dealer-ship or the warranty will be voided: It is illegal for

dealerships to force service be done strictly at the dealer-ship. Routine maintenance can be done by other vendors. Find out if certain after-mar-ket parts installation may affect the warranty, but even these should be okay.

2) Higher octane fuel causes all cars to run better: Fuels are rated ac-cording to how they prevent detonation in the engine. Higher performance engines generally have higher com-pression ratios and are more

prone to detonation. They require high-octane fuel to prevent this. Other engines have different compression rates and usually require a lower-octane fuel. Unless a driver hears engine pinging or knocking, switching to a higher octane will not im-prove performance due to the engine design. Drivers can save their money and stick with “regular.”

3) Idling uses less gas than restarting the engine: Drivers don’t have

to sit idling, wasting gas and contributing to added emis-sions. Restarting a warm engine does not use more fuel than idling a car.

4) All wheel drive (AWD) makes a vehicle invincible in inclement weather: AWD can provide some added traction going up a snowy hill or coming out of a turn on a rain-slicked surface, but it doesn’t make a vehicle invincible. AWD will do little to help a driver avoid road hazards or grip the

pavement in corners. Tires, suspension and driver skill are essential as well.

5) Side mirrors are properly adjusted when a driver can see the side of the car in each: In fact, the opposite is true. Moving out the mirrors just a bit more reduces the need to look over a shoulder to check for blind spots, which takes a driver’s eyes off the road.

6) All-season tires offer more traction in the rainy seasons: Unless a person

lives in a locale with con-siderable snowfall, it’s best to avoid all-season tires. A standard tire has more grip, both wet and dry, than an equivalent all-season tire.

7) Anti-lock braking systems were designed to create shorter stopping distances: ABS actually was created to enable a driver to steer out of danger and not spin out while braking. Shorter stopping distances may occur, but they’re a side effect of the system’s design.

The truth has been revealed: seven automotive myths debunked

A7 CAR CARE

Bring Your Car In For ASpring Check Up

The Daily DispaTch Car Care ’11 WeDnesDay, May 25, 2011 7

A century ago, cars were luxuries. Nowadays, cars are necessities that few people can do without. In many cases, there are two or more vehicles per household.

Purchasing a new car can be a stressful process. Individuals don’t want to overspend, and deal-ers hope to get the most money. Finding that balance typically takes a little negotiating, a process many people dread.

Buying a car also in-volves knowing the differ-ence between invoice price, sticker price and other terminology salespeople use. Doing some research before visiting a dealership

can make the negotiation process go much more smoothly. It can also help a person get a better price on a car or truck. Here are some tips to follow:

• Think about full price, not monthly pay-ment. Dealerships have financing managers that can tweak numbers to get a payment that fits a per-son’s budget. For those who walk into negotiations say-ing they want to pay $250 per month, the salesperson can adjust the term of a loan or the interest rate to realize this payment amount. What he or she may not be doing is lower-ing the price. Instead of shoppers saying what they

want to pay per month, they should indicate what they want to pay on the actual price of the car.

• Consider shopping the Internet depart-ment of the dealership. Many car dealerships have a sales floor and then a separate, behind-closed-doors department geared toward internet sales. These salaried salespeople are interested in moving a lot of stock to make the dealership money rather than focusing on their own individual commissions. Therefore, they may be able to give knowledgeable shoppers a more desirable deal. Furthermore, most of the legwork when buying a

car can be done through e-mail or phone calls, rather than haggling at a sales desk.

• Buy used. Cars depreciate in value the moment they are driven off the lot. In the first two years, some models decrease in value by 25 to 40 percent. Instead of pay-ing the premium for a new car, purchased a pre-owned vehicle that is a few years old. Many carry decent warranties, or an extended warranty can be included in the purchase.

• Don’t buy beyond your means. It’s easy for shoppers to be blind-sided by the glitz and glam at many dealerships. A single

person walking in and buying a seven-passenger extended SUV may be pur-chasing more than he or she needs. Similarly, he or she may get extra features that aren’t needed. For example, many naviga-tion systems that come as extras with cars are pricier than aftermarket, portable GPS devices that are just as effective and easily plugged into a vehicle’s A/C adapter.

• Take care of your credit rating. Good credit means a better financing rate. Very few people can walk into a dealership and pay cash for their cars. This means taking out a loan with the financing

department or an outside bank. The better interest rate comes to those with a higher credit score. Indi-viduals should keep track of their credit scores and any blights on a record. Not only will this help with saving money on a car, it will affect other purchases as well.

• Price of car affects insurance, too. Some of the higher-end vehicles or sports cars come with a big ticket price — and also a higher insurance rate. If the goal is saving money, look for a reliable car with good safety ratings. This will help reduce costs on the vehicle as well as insurance.

How to save money on your next automobile

Depreciation is a major factor in buying and selling a vehicle. The average auto can lose 30 percent of its value after the first year. After three years — the duration of most leases — the car’s value may have decreased by as much as 50 percent. Those looking to sell or trade-in cars will need to emphasize main-tenance to get the most for their vehicle.

There are ways to reduce a vehicle’s depreciation and improve its resale value, whether selling to a private buyer or trading in the auto to a dealership.

• Buy the “right” car in the first place. Some mod-els and brands simply hold their value better than oth-ers. Dealerships will promote this fact when attempting to sell a car. Choosing these types of vehicles can mean a

better resale value later on.• Keep geography in

mind. A convertible won’t be as popular in Alaska as it will be in southern Florida. Don’t buy a vehicle that goes against the norm in a particular geographic area. Otherwise, sellers will be left with a car with little resale value.

• Stick to standard colors. Fad colors, such as lime green or bright orange, may turn heads, but they’ll be harder to find buyers for later on. This could reduce the asking price for the vehicle when it comes time to sell.

• Choose the right upgrades. A fancy stereo system or top-of-the-line navigation system won’t necessarily add value to the vehicle. However, leather seats, a sunroof and an automatic transmission are

popular among buyers.• Maintain the vehicle.

Keep records of mainte-nance that show the car was well cared for. Follow manufacturers’ manhattans schedules for oil changes and tire rotation, among other things.

• Trade in like for like. A seller may get a better trade-in rate on a used car if he or she is buying the same make in the new vehicle. For example, a Chevrolet dealership may offer a better trade-in price for that old Malibu if the owner is look-ing at a new Traverse.

Keep in mind that if a buyer is thinking about keeping a car until it’s racked up tons of miles and is generally older than dust, depreciation values really won’t matter much. In those instances, simply purchase the car you like the best.

Maximizing a vehicle’s resale value

A8 CAR CARE

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