Getting your Car Ready to Sell
Amusing your Car

Tires Your tires are a kind of diary of the age, suspension, alignment, and front-end condition of your car. Tires with uneven wear or a scalloped, cupped, or severe tread wear pattern tell a story of either neglect or problems. Old-looking, graying walls on otherwise healthy tires will also make a terrible first impression: Any auto-parts store will stock products to dress up your tires.

It's very important that all the tires match. They do not all have to be the same brand, but they should all be of the same ply design-radial or bias. For safety reasons, you can't mix and match these.

While you do not have to have four identical tires all around, you should have matched sets on the front and rear axles respectively.
Be sure to check the spare. Does it match your other tires, and do you have all the necessary tools (which came with the car) to change a flat?

s the tire pressure correct in all four tires and the spare? If it isn't, it will lead to premature wear.

Interior Mats, rugs, and pedal pads can be washed, shampooed, or even replaced at a nominal cost. Upholstery may simply need a good cleaning with any of the many products available at an auto-parts store. If it has seriously deteriorated, you may want to consider seat covers. Again, cost vs. return is the principle.

Engine, Transmission, Brakes, Exhaust System These are all major items which should be thoroughly checked by your mechanic when he does your estimate. However, there are certain checks you can run yourself to discover possible problems in these areas.