RICHMOND, Va., Dec 07, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Car trouble can ruin holiday travel plans, but auto service technicians
for the nation's largest used car retailer, CarMax, Inc. (NYSE:KMX),
offer these ten tips to ensure your car is cold weather ready.
"Winter weather can expose problems drivers often overlook," says CarMax
ASE Master Technician Tom Damon. "Preventative maintenance is especially
important during cold weather months to avoid costly repairs."
Follow these winterizing tips from CarMax auto service technicians:
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1.
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Check antifreeze. Cooling-system failure is the No. 1 cause
of engine related breakdowns. Maintain a 50/50 ratio of antifreeze
to water, and flush antifreeze at the manufacturer recommended
intervals, typically every two years.
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2.
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Replace wiper blades. Replace windshield wiper blades twice
a year, and fill windshield washer tank with freeze-resistant
solution (water and standard washer fluid freezes).
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3.
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Check car battery. If your battery is more than
three-years-old, have a technician check its capacity. Ask to test
the alternator, and make sure battery terminal ends are
corrosion-free.
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4.
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Check tire pressure. Cold weather causes tires to contract
and pressure to drop, so it's best to check pressure when tires
are cool. Set the tire pressure according to your manual's
specific recommendations.
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5.
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Check tire treads. 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.
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6.
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Check spare tire. Make sure it has proper air pressure,
tread depth, and all tire-changing equipment is in the vehicle.
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7.
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Make sure lights, heater and defrosters work properly.
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8.
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Check rubber hoses and belts for damage. Coolant hoses wear
from the inside-out, so have a professional inspect all hoses and
check for cracks or chunking in the belts.
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9.
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Get brake system checked. If you haven't had the system
inspected in the last six months, be sure to do so before you hit
the road.
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10.
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Put together a winter emergency kit. Include: a blanket,
extra boots and gloves, ice scraper, windshield washer fluid,
jumper cables, first-aid kit, flares, small snow shovel,
flashlight, bottled water, and kitty litter (creates traction when
stuck in snow). Keep kit in the trunk in case of emergency.
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"You never know when you'll be caught in a storm or need to change
routes," Damon says. "So it's always a good idea to have a full tank of
gas."
It's also important to read your owner's manual and follow recommended
service schedules. Not only will these tips keep you safe in the winter
months but they can also improve your vehicle's mileage and prevent
repairs down the road.
About CarMax
CarMax, a FORTUNE 500 company, and one of the FORTUNE 2010 "100 Best
Companies to Work For," is the nation's largest retailer of used cars.
Headquartered in Richmond, Va., we currently operate 103 used car
superstores in 49 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 fiscal
year ended February 28, 2010, the company retailed 357,129 used vehicles
and sold 197,382 wholesale vehicles at our in-store auctions. For more
information, access the CarMax website at www.carmax.com.
SOURCE: CarMax, Inc.
CarMax
Media Contacts:
Britt Farrar, Manager, Public Relations, 804-747-0422, ext. 3473
Elia Imler, CarMax Public Relations, 804-747-0422, ext. 4029
Twitter: @CarMax