Many adults depend on automobiles to get from one location to another. While vehicles are made to last for long amounts of time, it’s understandable to want a different automobile. Before purchasing another vehicle, many people trade in the car they currently own. In fact, research shows that almost 40 million used vehicles exchange hands each year. If you’re able to trade in your automobile, it helps to reduce the cost of your new vehicle. With that in mind, it’s wise to learn how to increase your vehicle’s trade in value. Here are four smart ways to increase the trade in value of your used car.

• Take Your Car to a Mechanic
  
  Research from IHS Markit found that, by the year 2021, over 20 million automobiles on the road will be over 25 years old. A lot can go wrong with a vehicle in the span of a decade or two. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that your vehicle is healthy before trading it in. Fortunately, you can achieve this goal by visiting a local mechanic. While visiting a mechanic, you’ll have someone with knowledge of automobiles determine your vehicle’s condition. In turn, this type of professional will be able to find and fix a wide range of problems related to malfunctioning or old auto parts. Replacing a few auto parts often goes a long way towards increasing the trade in value of your vehicle.
• Thoroughly Clean Your Vehicle
  
  Another way to potentially increase the trade in value of your vehicle is by detailing it. With that in mind, this doesn’t mean simply washing your vehicle. Instead, you will want to detail it yourself or contact a professional auto detailing company. This allows both interior and exterior portions of your automobile to receive a thorough cleaning. In turn, this cleanliness goes a long way to increase the trade in value of your automobile.
• Check the Condition of Your Vehicle’s Tires
  
  You probably don’t think about your vehicle’s tires on a regular basis. However, it’s a good idea to check the condition of your vehicle’s tires before trading it in. If your tires are in good condition, you have nothing to worry about. However, it’s a good idea to consider replacing tires that are in poor condition. If a dealership doesn’t have to purchase these tires, you’ll likely be able to obtain a higher trade in value.
• Keep Maintenance Related Documents Handy
  
  Anyone can make claims that their vehicle is in pristine condition. However, not everyone is able to provide documents that back up these claims. Therefore, you can make a great impression at your local dealership by bringing along maintenance related documents with your trade in. This allows salespeople to obtain proof regarding how well you have taken care of your automobile. It’s also wise to keep receipts for auto parts you’ve purchased for this vehicle.

In conclusion, there are several ways to potentially increase the trade in value of your automobile. Research shows that the average automobile will have three owners throughout its lifetime. Before trading in your vehicle to a dealership, it’s wise to ensure your car is in the best possible condition. It will take time and effort to increase the value of your trade in. However, this allows you to potentially spend less while being able to drive away in a newer vehicle.