People buy cars with many goals. Some cars are valued collector items, while others want to drive their car until it doesn’t run any longer. However, most people expect to sell their cars at some point in the future. Thus, it makes sense that an essential aspect of owning a car, including car detailing, is identifying things that improve its performance and resale value.
WHAT IS AUTO DETAILING?
Auto detailing is a broad term that describes various cosmetic work done to improve a vehicle’s aesthetics. It typically refers to a few different processes. Exterior detailing involves washing, waxing, engine detailing, and cleaning windows and other areas.
Meanwhile, interior detailing typically involves steaming to remove dirt and get into hard-to-reach crevices. It also involves cleaning interior windows and plastic areas and treating leather if applicable. Shampooing carpets and seats are also a typical part of interior detailing.
DOES CAR DETAILING INCREASE YOUR RESALE VALUE?
If your car is detailed regularly, it will maintain its value for a longer time. Regular detailing means you won’t experience problems due to dirt and grime building up in your car. In turn, your car will look much better over a few years than a car undergoing less regular detailing or none. By maintaining a higher value, you’ll be able to get more from an eventual sale.
However, what if you have never detailed your car at all? Would detail it before selling improve its resale value? As it turns out, this has a substantial impact on resale value. A study from Kelley Blue Book found that detailing your vehicle before selling it increases the private sale value by 9% and the trade-in amount by 10%.
It makes sense when you think about it. Detailing even a dirty car will significantly improve its condition. It will make the car look much better to a private buyer, allowing you to charge more. As far as dealers are concerned, a car that has been professionally detailed needs far less work to get it ready to put back on the lot to sell again. Thus, they are likely to offer more for a trade-in.
GET YOUR CAR DETAILED AT STEAM TEAM AUTO SPA
Whether you are about to sell your vehicle or want to help it maintain its value and look great, we are always more than happy to serve our customers in the Greater Salt Lake area. Learn more about our auto detailing or contact us with questions.