CarMax Provides “Spring Cleaning�?? Advice for Your Car

RICHMOND, Va.--Has the harsh weather taken a toll on your vehicle? With a little love and some tender care, your car can be ready for spring in no time. CarMax, Inc. , the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, and its master technicians, offer advice on how to spruce up your car for spring during National Car Care month.

“Taking a few preventative measures can keep your car running smoothly and help you avoid costly repairs.”

“Preparing your car for the busy season of car trips and hot weather is so important, but is often an afterthought,�?? said Tom Damon, ASE master technician for CarMax. “Taking a few preventative measures can keep your car running smoothly and help you avoid costly repairs.�??

To help your car recover from the damaging effects of winter, CarMax technicians suggest that drivers perform the following five tasks in the spring:

1.	Â	Take your car to an automatic car wash that has an under-carriage wash. This can help remove corrosive residues left behind by winter road treatments used to melt ice and snow.
2.		Always wax your car after washing. The wax will protect the paint from damaging UV rays.
3.		Change the oil and filter every 3,000 miles or at the manufacturer’s recommendation and have the air filter and PCV valve checked and replaced if needed. Winter temperatures can cause the formation of harmful condensation and acids in the engine oil.
4.		Have your vehicle diagnosed by an automotive professional. If the engine is not running smoothly or any other conditions arise, preventive measures can help extend the life of your vehicle and improve gas mileage.
5.		Have a qualified automotive technician check:

• the condition of the engine coolant, belts, and hoses; hoses deteriorate from the inside out and summer driving gives your cooling system a workout
• all the lights and lenses for cracks; you should also replace wiper blades each spring and fall to ensure optimum visibility in all weather conditions
• the tires for any abnormalities (including the spare) and rotate if needed; the tire pressure should also be set at the level specified for your vehicle
• all the wheels and inspect the brakes thoroughly for damage due to corrosion since most states use salt, sand or other chemicals to melt snow and ice on the roads
• your vehicle’s steering and suspension for loose, worn or damaged components often caused by potholes and other road irregularities
• the car battery, since it works much harder in the summer months and you’ll want to be prepared
• the air conditioner, so you can avoid the wait if you need to have it repaired during the summer

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 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 fiscal year ended February 28, 2010, the company retailed 357,129 used cars and sold 197,382 wholesale vehicles at our in-store auctions. For more information, access the CarMax website at www.carmax.com.