Protect your ride for best resale value

(ARA) - As inclement weather and uncontrollable conditions hit the roadways, it's essential not to let the environment wreak havoc on your car's resale value. It's hard enough avoiding flying debris and ravaged roads, let alone keeping the kids' muddy cleats off your leather seats.

And while you might not hear praise for all of that hard work, it's important to keep you and your car's resistance to the elements top of mind during the peak car buying and selling season.

"It's important to keep your car or truck in top physical condition," says Jack Nerad, executive editorial director of Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. "Late summer to mid fall is peak car-buying season, and those planning to purchase a used vehicle will look at everything from the state of the fabrics to sun damage to the condition of the paint. The sun can cause more damage than even the wind or rain."

Nerad advises car owners to take the little steps that will yield big results in the long-run, like those offered by 3M Automotive's Aftermarket Division. "If you're trying to get the most re-sale value for your car or truck, it's more than worth your time and investment to protect both the inside and outside of your vehicle," he says.

Add mileage to your car - and you, too.

Many drivers aren't aware that windshields are typically the only window equipped with the capacity to block out harmful UVA rays. That means every passenger in a car is vulnerable to severe sun exposure. A simple solution is to install window films - they may only require a one-time application, but they achieve long-lasting results. By reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches the interior of your car, you not only protect your health, but you preserve the condition of your vehicle's interior.

What about that spiffy paint job?

The sun doesn't have to worry about its ability to shine - but your car does. You may think you're doing all the right things to maintain its glistening coat, like parking in the farthest corner of the lot, cautiously opening your car door, or minimizing recreational off-road adventures.

Five ways to ensure your older car costs less to keep running

(ARA) - Which is cheaper - a monthly car payment for a new vehicle that will almost certainly have lower maintenance and repair costs than an older car? Or keeping on top of regular maintenance and repair of an older car, and saving yourself the monthly car payment?

If the numbers are any clue, it would seem more Americans believe holding on to an older car costs less than paying for a new one. The average age of passenger cars is now more than 9 years, according to data from R.L. Polk. And the average price of a new car tops $28,000, according to the Federal Trade Commission. What's more, older cars depreciate less and often cost less to insure.

Hanging on to a car - and taking care of it - can definitely save you money versus taking on a new-car payment. The key to maximizing your savings on an old car is actually to spend a little on regular maintenance. That will allow you to avoid more costly, emergency repairs caused by the breakdown of poorly maintained parts.

Follow these simple steps to ensure good maintenance helps you avoid expensive repairs:

1. Get to know the owner's manual. Your owner's manual will provide vital information on your vehicle's systems, and should include a maintenance schedule. If you no longer have the owner's manual or want more detailed maintenance information for your car, you can buy a factory service manual online. Auto parts retailer RockAuto.com sells manuals for $12 to $50 - money well spent if it helps you avoid a repair that costs hundreds or even thousands.

2. Take care of the timing belt. Most cars newer than 20 years old have timing belts that need to be changed, sometimes as often as every 60,000 miles. When the timing belt breaks it may either simply leave the car immobile or, worse, if the car has what the RockAuto.com auto parts catalog calls an "interference engine," then a broken timing belt will likely cause expensive damage to other engine parts. Look in your owner's manual to see if your car has a timing belt and when it must be replaced.

3. Check your fluids. Make sure you know the manufacturer's recommendations for what type of oil, antifreeze, transmission, power steering and brake fluid your vehicle uses. Using outdated or the wrong fluid can cause damage - and void any remaining warranty on your car. Check your owner's manual to determine what kind of fluid to use and when each needs to be changed.