We show you the necessary steps to preparing your car.

Car maintenance checks

Car buyers love to check under the hat when viewing a car. The following checks will ensure your car is in great figure before selling:

• Check your oil level and fill accordingly. Clean oil looks far better than sludgy treacle
• Fill all water and coolant bottles up
• Check your tyre pressure and replace any worn or damaged tyres
• You can steam-clean the engine bay but avoid going overboard – some buyers may think you’re trying to hide faults. Take care with older cars, as steam-cleaners can sometimes damage fragile parts or connections
• Clean out leaves and debris from the air intakes and make the engine bay appear well looked-after

Washing your car

Cleaning your car can greatly increase your chances of selling it – without costing the world. Here’s how to make your car gleam with pride:

What you’ll need

• Car shampoo
• Sponge
• Bucket or hose
• Leather chamois
• Car wax or polish
• Window cleaner and cloth
• Vacuum cleaner
  Low-gloss cleaner

Avoid using washing-up liquid, as this can cause rust.