When you’re planning to sell your car privately or turn it in to a dealership, its condition matters. The more well cared for your vehicle is, the higher the price you’ll get for it and the easier it’ll be to finalize a sale. Here are a few of the easiest car repair and maintenance tasks you can do so your vehicle will make a better impression.

How to Improve Your Car Sale Price

1. Do Basic Maintenance

The more small tasks you can get out of the way, the less work a buyer will have to do, which makes the car more attractive for an immediate sale. Top up all fluids and, if needed, get an oil change. Check the tire pressure. Replace any burnt-out bulbs, including both headlights and interior lights.

If there are any small car repair issues you know of, get them fixed. This can be an investment, but you can make up the costs with a higher sale price and quicker turnaround.

2. Clean Thoroughly

The cleaner your car is, the newer and better maintained it will seem. Wash the entire exterior, including the tires, then apply a fresh coat of wax. Defog the headlights so they’ll look clear and not weathered. Vacuum the seats and remove as many stains as possible. Use deodorizing treatments and air fresheners to make the interior smell nice.

3. Fix the Body

The car’s exterior is what a buyer will first see, so making it look newer will give a better impression of the vehicle as a whole. If there are scratches, a local auto body shop can touch up the paint job. For small dents, ask about dent removal; sometimes, it’s as simple as popping the dip back out, especially if the paint isn’t damaged. If there’s rust, have it scoured off and get the paint redone.

For auto body repairs on Oahu, choose C & H Body & Fender. Based in Honolulu, HI, they provide skilled car repairs with over 30 years of experience. As members of the Automotive Body & Painting Association of Hawaii, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, and I-CAR, they provide service for any make and model and will match any manufacturer’s color scheme. To get started, call (808) 841-3618, or check out their services on their website.