RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 1, 2009--
As winter approaches, CarMax,
Inc. (NYSE: KMX), the nation's largest retailer of used cars, offers
advice on how to ensure that your car is ready for the cold weather.
“The harsh winter weather can expose hidden problems that have developed
during the previous seasons,” said
Tom Damon
, CarMax ASE Master
Technician. “Remember to perform all preventive maintenance services as
recommended by the manufacturer to avoid costly repairs.”
CarMax’s automotive service technicians offer these ten winterizing tips:
-
Check your anti-freeze. The best ratio of anti-freeze to water
is 50/50. The No. 1 cause of engine-related breakdowns is cooling
system failure. To prevent those breakdowns, have your cooling system
flushed every two years.
-
Replace your windshield wiper blades twice a year. Fill the
windshield washer reservoir with freeze resistant wiper fluid (plain
water and standard windshield washer fluid will freeze) and keep an
extra gallon in the trunk.
-
Check your battery. If the battery is more than three years
old, have a technician test its capacity. Have the alternator tested
at the same time. Make sure the battery terminal ends are
corrosion-free.
-
Check your tire pressure. Check the pressure when the tires are
cold, and set the pressure to the car manufacturer’s recommendations
for your specific tires. When the weather turns cold, the air inside
the tire will contract and the pressure will drop.
-
Look at the tread depth on your tires. Put a penny headfirst
between the treads. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s hair, it’s
time to replace the tire.
-
Check your spare tire. Make sure it has the proper air pressure
and tread depth and that all the proper tire-changing equipment is in
the vehicle.
-
Make sure your lights, heater and defrosters are working properly.
-
Check all rubber hoses and belts to ensure they are not damaged.
Coolant hoses wear from the inside out. Inspect for heavy cracks or
chunking in the belts. Alternatively, have a professional inspect all
hoses and belts.
-
Have your car’s brake system checked. If you haven't had the
system inspected in the last six months, have this performed.
-
Assemble a winter emergency kit for the trunk of your vehicle.
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, kitty litter (for traction when stuck
in snow) and bottled water.
“It’s a good idea to have a full gas tank,” Damon said. “You never know
when you will be caught in a storm or need to change routes.”
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
2009 “100 Best Companies to Work For,” is the nation’s largest
retailer of used cars. Headquartered in Richmond, Va., we currently
operate 100 used car superstores in 46 markets. The CarMax consumer
offer is structured around four customer benefits: low, no-haggle
prices; a broad selection; high quality vehicles; and customer-friendly
service. During the twelve months ended February 28, 2009, the company
retailed 345,465 used vehicles and sold 194,081 wholesale vehicles at
our in-store auctions. For more information, access the CarMax website
at http://www.carmax.com.
Source: CarMax
CarMax Public Relations
Trina Lee, 804-747-0422 ext.4197
or
Elia
Imler, 804-747-0422 ext.4029