Getting top dollar for pre-owned vehicles is a top priority, making the cost to thoroughly detail a trade-in or auction-purchased vehicle a worthwhile investment. But one critical item is almost always overlooked — the gas in the tank. Regardless of how great the car may look, a tank of bad gas can make it tough to sell.
Dealers selling trade-in vehicles can never know for sure how old the gas is or its quality. Fuel degrades as it ages, losing octane and forming gums that can affect how well the engine starts and runs. Draining the tank of every pre-owned car and adding fresh gas simply isn’t practical, but recent technological advances have provided an easy, reliable solution. An enzyme-based, multifunctional fuel treatment can help restore questionable gas and improve overall fuel quality, eliminating the need to drain and dispose of old gas. These treatments also keep fuel fresh in vehicles that may remain on the lot for a while.
These multifunctional fuel treatments use a blend of enzymes that break down gums and allow more oxygen to attach to the hydrogen fuel molecules for a more complete burn of the fuel charge. Improving fuel combustibility helps engines start easily and run smoothly, even with older, substandard fuel. A better burn of the fuel charge also helps decrease emissions and engine deposits. Decreased emissions are especially critical for vehicles that must undergo state inspections; you can’t sell a car that can’t pass an emissions test.
Fix the Fuel to Boost Sales
A major national auction house reseller of dealer overstock and repossessed powersports equipment (motorcycles, snowmobiles and ATVs) utilizes a multifunctional enzyme-based fuel treatment to solve the issue of aged fuel. Old fuel prevents engines from running smoothly and in some cases from even starting, both of which negatively impact the price attained on the auction block. To ensure engines that run well, the firm had been draining the fuel from each machine when it was inventoried, resulting in the need to purchase fresh fuel when the machine was scheduled to be auctioned and finding a way to store and then dispose of the old fuel. The firm began using a multifunctional enzyme-based fuel treatment that helps improve the combustibility of older, sub-standard fuel. The treatment also stabilizes fuel to keep it fresh for up to 2 years. By eliminating the need to drain fuel and replace it, the firm now sells units more quickly and at a greater profit.
The fuel that comes in with a pre-owned vehicle can be an easy thing to overlook — until it sours the sale. By taking proactive steps, you can avoid unpleasant surprises when customers come to take a look at the vehicle.
Bill Lindsey
