One of the most useful tips we give to people planning to sell their cars through online car auctions is to keep the vehicles spick and span before putting them up for sale. The fact is what looks good, sells good, and improving the curb appeal of your car helps increase its resale value, fetching you higher auction prices. Going the DIY route to increase the curb appeal of your car can save on the costs of hiring a mechanic or professional car cleaner. Here are five DIY tips to enhance your car’s curb appeal and increase its resale value at online public car auctions.
1. Clean Thoroughly
The first step when beautifying your car is to thoroughly clean the exteriors so that it looks great at the first impression. Make sure to use non-abrasive products, as harsh cleaners can remove the protective coating on wheels and other parts. Scrub the windows and wheels thoroughly to remove any smudges from the windshield and brake dust from the wheels. Apply tire dressing to make the tires look shiny and new.
2. Check the Paint
Check the paint for any scratches and stone chips. Use touch-up paint to fix these issues. If the paint looks fine, apply wax to polish it, but make sure it is marked “safe for clear-coats” when applying it over original factory finish. Buy a wax product that both polishes and protects paint.
3. Remove Dents
A lot of people often visit a repair shop to remove dents from their car. What you need to know is that there are a number of dent-removal DIY kits available in the market, which you can use and save significantly on labor charges. These tools help you pull out the dent through a suction cup, without affecting the paint; although be careful to make sure you don’t pull out the metal too far when using these tools.
4. Fix Chipped Windshield
You don’t always have to replace a windshield if it has a chip or crack in it. Depending on the damage, it may be possible to fix the issue and make it less visible by injecting an acrylic adhesive or another filler into the chip. You can buy windshield crack repair kits from places such as Wal-Mart and Sears. Another option is to check with the insurance policy for that vehicle. Auto insurance often has a windshield repair clause.
5. Declutter the Interiors
Whether you sell your car through online public car auctions or another platform, buyers may want to inspect it in person. That said, you need to keep its interiors as clean as the exteriors. Begin by removing trash from under the seats, clean the mats, and declutter the glove box. Remove any spills, gunk, and food bits from car seats, making sure they look fresh and free of foul smell. Also make sure you clean the trunk and spare tire, if any.
Conclusion
Before you take the above steps, it is important to repair any minor damages that can unnecessarily decrease your car’s resale value. That said, you need to replace items such as broken mirrors or missing wheel covers. The good news is, even if your car is not in running condition, AutoBidMaster can help you sell it. In fact, we help sell all sorts of used, junked, and beat up cars through online live car auctions. To learn more about our services, call (503) 298-4300 or send an email to support@autobidmaster.com to get an offer.
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