Get Your Car in Shape for Spring

RICHMOND, VA--April 18, 2011: April is National Car Care Month, and the technicians at CarMax, Inc. , the nation's largest used car retailer, offer these five springtime tune-up tips.

“Following a few easy steps to spruce up your vehicle helps to not only avoid costly repairs, but also keep vehicles running smoothly year-round.”

"Drivers often overlook their cars when it's spring-cleaning time," says CarMax ASE Master Technician Shawn Hoelzer. "Following a few easy steps to spruce up your vehicle helps to not only avoid costly repairs, but also keep vehicles running smoothly year-round."

Follow these five tune-up tips from CarMax technicians:

1. Wash car under-carriage: an automatic carwash that cleans the under-carriage helps remove residue winter road treatments may leave behind

2. Wax after every wash: wax protects paint from the sun's damaging UV rays

3. Donā€™t forget about the oil: cold weather causes condensation and harmful acids can form in engine oil; so remember to change oil and filter every 3,000 miles or at manufacturer-recommended intervals

4. See a professional: if the engine isn't running smoothly or other problems arise, have your vehicle diagnosed by a certified auto technician to extend vehicle life and improve gas mileage

5. Have a qualified technician check:

• Engine coolant, belts, and hoses
• All lights and lenses for cracks
• All tires, including the spare
• All wheels and brakes
• Car battery, since it works harder in summer months
• Steering and suspension for loose or damaged parts
• Air conditioner, to avoid waiting for repairs in hot summer weather

CarMax is providing car care and maintenance advice and information in April, including weekly tips and easy how-to car care videos. For more information, or to join the conversation online, connect with us on Facebook and share tips on Twitter at @CarMax using the hashtag #CarMaxTips.

About CarMax

CarMax, a member of the FORTUNE 500 and the S&P 500, and one of the FORTUNE 2011 --100 Best Companies to Work For,-- is the nation's largest retailer of used cars. Headquartered in Richmond, Va., CarMax currently operates 104 used car superstores in 50 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, 2011, the company retailed 396,181 used cars and sold 263,061 wholesale vehicles at our in-store auctions. For more information, access the CarMax website at Car MAx.