How Regular Servicing Affects Car Resale Value

Author: Yatharth Singh Chauhan•Published on: 1/8/2026•6 Minutes
Overview:In our country, cars are not just vehicles. For many families, they are like an achievement, a dream come true. But no matter how expensive or simple your car is, one truth cannot be ignored, which is that one day you will have to sell it. And when that day comes, you obviously want the best price possible. This is where car resale value becomes very important. Now, many people think resale value only depends on the brand or the model. Like people say, “Maruti has better resale, German cars don’t” and so on. But actually, that is only half the truth. A very big factor is also how you maintain your car. And in that, the main hero is a regular car service.
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Key Highlights:


  • Buyers are willing to pay more when they see the car is well-maintained and has proper service history.
  • Early detection of small issues saves you from costly breakdowns. This, in turn, leads to a better resale value.
  • Service records are like a report card. They show how well the car has been maintained.
  • Saving money by not getting the car serviced can lead to significant losses, not just in long-term maintenance but also in resale value.



Why is Car Resale Value so important?


Let’s be honest. Cars are not cheap. For a middle-class family, after a house, a car is the second-biggest purchase. You spend lakhs of rupees on it. So when you sell, it is natural to expect some good returns. If you don’t take care, you lose big money.


Think about it, if you are buying a used car, would you pay more for a vehicle that looks neat, runs smoothly and has service records? Or for a car which is dirty, noisy and has no history? Obviously, you would prefer the first one. That is why resale value is directly linked with regular car service.


How Regular Car Service Helps in Resale


There are many small but important reasons why servicing makes such a big difference. Let me explain in simple points.


1. Engine health

The engine is like the heart of the car. If oil is not changed on time, it becomes dirty and damages the parts. With regular car service, the engine stays smooth. When the buyer test drives, they instantly notice how the engine sounds and feels. A smooth car means higher resale.


2. Trust with records

When you have a proper service history, buyers feel more secure. If all reports are present, it means the car was not neglected. In fact, many second-hand car dealers first ask for a full service record of the vehicle.


3. Preventing big problems

Servicing is not just about an oil change. Mechanics also check brakes, suspension, coolant, belts, etc. Small issues are caught early. If ignored, they become big, costly problems. A car with no major accidents or breakdowns automatically has better resale value.


4. First impression

A car that is cleaned, polished and looks fresh always attracts buyers. During servicing, even minor cosmetic repairs are made. In the resale market, appearance matters a great deal.


What if You Don’t Service Your Car Regularly?


This is the mistake many people make. They think, “It's alright, let's skip it for some time as the car seems to be working fine.” However, this laziness ultimately proves costly.

  • The engine becomes noisy
  • Mileage reduces
  • Suspension gets rough
  • Brakes lose strength
  • And worst of all, buyers quote a very low price


How Often Should You Service Your Car?


Now you may ask - “How many times should I get the car serviced?” Well, it depends on how much you drive. But the general rule is:

  • Every 6 months or around 10,000 km.
  • Engine oil and filter must be changed without fail.
  • Wheel alignment, wheel balancing, brake check, coolant and AC service also matter.

Even if your car is not used much, you should still have it serviced at least once a year. Cars kept idle also get problems.


Do Buyers Really Notice this Much?


Yes, they do. In fact, people buying used cars usually check more carefully. They inspect the engine sound, AC cooling, clutch, suspension, and even the interior smell of the car. When you can show them all the service bills, it gives you a huge advantage. It is like proof that the car was taken care of with love.


Why Regular Car Service is Not a Waste of Money


Some people think, “Why waste 5-6k every year? The car is running fine.” But servicing is not a waste, it is an investment. Not only do you get peace of mind while driving, but when you finally sell, you recover that money with extra. It’s like taking care of your health. If you schedule regular checkups, you can stay fit and avoid large hospital bills later. The same is the case with cars.


Car Care Today, Value Tomorrow


Ultimately, it is simple. Cars are like family members. If you take care, they return the favour. If you ignore them, they give trouble and also lose value. Car resale value is not only about brand name, but also about how responsible the owner was. The best way to demonstrate responsibility is through regular car maintenance.


So, next time you feel lazy or want to save a little money by skipping service, remember that one day when you sell your car, you will regret it. However, if you keep servicing your car properly, you will proudly receive a better deal and also feel happy that you have maintained it well.


FAQs


1. Does regular servicing really affect car resale value?
Yes, absolutely. A well-serviced car runs better, looks better, and gives the buyer confidence. All of this can help you get a higher price.


2. What should be included in regular car servicing?
At a minimum, every regular car service should include an engine oil and filter change, brake check, coolant top-up, AC service, wheel alignment, and wheel balancing. Even small cosmetic fixes help improve the overall impression.


3. How often should I service my car to maintain good resale value?
Usually, every 12 months or after every 10,000 km, whichever comes first. Even if the car is idle, a yearly service is still recommended.


4. Will service records really make a difference while selling?
Yes. Buyers trust cars with a clean service history. It’s like providing proof that the car was properly maintained.


5. Can skipping one or two services really lower resale value that much?
Over time, yes. Skipping service can lead to engine noise, weak AC, reduced mileage, and even ₹50,000-₹1,00,000 lower resale value in some cases.