RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 10, 2008--To make sure your car is ready for cold weather, CarMax, Inc.
(NYSE:KMX), the nation's largest retailer of used cars, offers advice on
how to winterize your car.
"The harsh winter weather can amplify hidden problems that aren't easy
to spot during warm weather," said
Tom Damon
, CarMax
ASE Master Technician from Kenosha, Wis. "This increases the importance
of winter car maintenance."
CarMax technicians offer these tips:
1. Check your oil-Make sure your oil is changed with the right thickness for
this time of year, and according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Changes in temperature affect how oil lubricates the engine.
2. Check your anti-freeze-Anti-freeze or coolant, when broken down, will be
unable to provide the necessary protection for your vehicle. Cooling system
failure is the number one cause of engine-related breakdowns.
3. Inspect your windshield wipers and washer fluid-One of the least expensive
preventative maintenance items for your vehicle is to replace your wiper
blades and fill the windshield washer reservoir with freeze-resistant
washer fluid.
4. Service your battery-Cold weather starts require a well-functioning
charging system. Make sure the battery terminal ends are corrosion-free.
5. Check your tire pressure-Check the pressure when tires are cold, and set
the pressure to the level that the manufacturer recommends. Worn tires
decrease the traction between your vehicle and the road, and affects
handling, braking and accelerating. These issues get worse in hazardous
weather.
6. Check your lights, heater and defrosters-Winter months bring poor
visibility conditions. Your vehicle needs to be as visible as possible, so
ensure that all exterior lights function. Also, check that your heater and
defrosters are working properly.
7. Inspect your belts and hoses-All of the rubber belts and hoses should be
checked for heavy cracks or worn conditions.
8. Is your car due for a tune-up?-The cold weather increases the workload of
the engine. A tune-up can prevent sluggish performance, poor gas mileage,
and hard starts.
9. Have your car's brake system checked-If you haven't had the system
inspected in the last six months, it's time for this service.
10. Assemble a winter emergency kit-A winter emergency kit in the trunk
prepares you for a sudden breakdown. It should include a blanket, extra
boots and gloves, an ice scraper, windshield washer fluid, jumper cables, a
first-aid kit, flares, a small snow shovel, a flashlight, non-clumping
kitty litter (for traction when stuck in snow), and bottled water.
"In addition, you might want to have your exhaust system checked for
leaks and keep your gas tank at least half full," Monsen said. "This
will help prevent moisture from freezing the gas lines."
Along with following these tips, it's also important to read your
owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's recommended service
schedules. Not only will these tips keep you safe in the winter months
but they can also improve your vehicle's mileage while also preventing
future repairs down the road.
About CarMax
CarMax, a FORTUNE 500 company, and one of the FORTUNE 2008 "100 Best
Companies to Work For," is the nation's largest retailer of used cars.
Headquartered in Richmond, Va., CarMax currently operates 99 used car
superstores in 46 markets. The unique CarMax consumer offer provides our
customers the opportunity to shop for vehicles the way they shop for
items at other national retailers, and it is structured around four
customer benefits: low, no-haggle prices; a broad selection; high
quality vehicles; and a customer-friendly sales process. During the
twelve months ended February 29, 2008, the company retailed 377,244 used
vehicles and sold 222,406 wholesale vehicles at its in-store auctions.
For more information, access the CarMax website at http://www.carmax.com.
CONTACT: CarMax, Inc.
Trina Lee
Public Relations Director
804-747-0422, ext. 4197
or
Chris Wilmore
Assistant Public Relations Manager, New Media
804-747-0422, ext. 4773
Source: CarMax, Inc.