How to Protect Your Car’s Resale Value with These 7 Simple Accessories

Cars depreciate over time as the wear and tear of daily life take their toll. However, there are several car accessories you can purchase that will help boost your car’s resale value and protect your investment. Many of these accessories keep your car cleaner, streamline its performance, and otherwise preserve its value so you can get more when it’s time to trade up. 

The guide below features seven simple car accessories you can use to protect your car’s resale value. Among them, you’ll find some of the best car care products that don’t require significant amounts of energy, time, or expertise. In particular, a Drift luxury car freshener is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to keep your car smelling as good as it looked coming off the showroom floor. 

1. Floor Mats

It’s easy to take the floor mats in your car for granted, but they’re one of the key accessories that keep your vehicle looking new—if you take care of them. All-weather or rubber floor mats tend to weather better than carpet mats, which can easily stain or rip. Although it may be tempting to run both carpet and rubber floor mats, it’s best and safest to run one set so they don’t get caught up in the brake or gas pedals. 

In addition, cars sold with factory floor mats are often more desirable than those without. To ensure these mats stay like new, purchase and install a set of aftermarket floor mats. Store the factory mats in a safe place until you’re ready to trade in your vehicle. 

2. Seat Covers

Seat covers keep your car’s upholstery clean and protect it against spills, pet hair, or other contaminants. They also help you express your personality. Car seat covers are available in various colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes to accommodate your vehicle. 

When purchasing seat covers for your car, consider how they attach to the seats and how easily they can be cleaned. Although it’s much cheaper to remove and dispose of soiled seat covers than your vehicle’s upholstery, they can still be a significant investment. If the particular seat covers you’ve chosen are difficult to install, they may end up causing more harm than doing any good. 

3. Sunshades

Waxing your car’s paint will help keep it from fading due to the sun’s UV rays. Similarly, sunshades help keep your vehicle’s interior from fading and can keep the interior warmer or cooler, depending on the season. You can typically find aftermarket sunshades specific to your car online or order them directly from the dealership. 

4. Car Cover

Parking your vehicle inside helps maintain its value, but if you don’t have the option, a car cover is the next best thing. It’s a good idea to invest in a quality car cover, as inferior products can actually scratch or wear at your vehicle’s paint and cause more harm than good. Purchasing a car cover that specifically fits your vehicle can also help reduce any resulting damage. 

5. Trunk Organizer

The plastic trim pieces in your vehicle can easily wear from physical contact with anything you transport, from camping chairs and tents to golf clubs, groceries, and tools. A trunk organizer keeps all those objects contained and enables you to transport your belongings quickly and efficiently. Most trunk organizers live in the back trunk or cargo area and can also hold groceries or emergency supplies.

6. Trash Bin

Placing a trash bin in your vehicle is one of the best investments you can make regarding your vehicle’s resale value. A trash bin gives you and your passengers a place to put anything that could otherwise dirty or damage your vehicle, from food crumbs and candy to wrappers and gum. A small bag and a correspondingly small trash bag can make for a simple car trash bin, but you can also purchase branded bins if you prefer to keep with the theme. 

7. Portable Vacuum

Some top-tier trims of the Chrysler Pacifica come with a built-in vacuum that enables owners to clean their minivans without having to invest time and effort in finding a similar solution. If you don’t drive a vehicle already equipped with a vacuum, purchasing your own can help you maintain your car’s value. Search for vacuums with long cords, hoses, and various attachments to help you reach every nook and cranny. 

Bonus: Drift Signature Car Freshener

When you’ve accessorized your car to the point where you’ve done all you can to protect its value, you can go one step further with a Drift car freshener. Available in Wood, Stone, and Metal, these luxury car fresheners are made from sustainably sourced alder wood, organic stone, and alloy metal infused with essential and fragrance oil blends. Drift’s Wood and Stone car fresheners easily slip onto the driver or passenger visor, while the Metal car freshener clips onto any air vent. 

These premium car fresheners are vegan, safe for pets and kids, and cruelty-free. The provided scent blocks last up to 30 days and can be moved around your vehicle for a more immersive scent experience. Drift car fresheners are always free from phthalates, parabens, mineral oils, DEA, formaldehyde, petroleum, propylene, dichlorobenzene, and other harsh chemicals.

Invest in the Best Car Care Products, Including Car Fresheners

The accessories listed above can help maintain your vehicle’s resale value, but none more so than a premier car freshener designed to elevate your car’s interior. Drift’s exclusive lineup of signature car fresheners features indulgent scents and modern, sophisticated designs. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive notifications about limited-edition scents, and join our Scent of the Month Club for even more fragrance-filled perks.