CarMax Technicians Provide 'Spring Cleaning' Advice for Your Car

RICHMOND, Va., April 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Spring has sprung and it's time to help your car shake those winter blues. To help you out, CarMax, Inc. (NYSE: KMX) , the nation's largest retailer of used cars, has expert advice on how you can spruce up your car for spring.

"The low winter temperatures can put additional stress on your vehicle," said Todd Gartner, ASE Master Technician Trainer for CarMax. "Colder temperatures can adversely affect different operating systems of your vehicle."

To help your car recover from the damaging effects of winter, perform the following 5 tasks in the spring:

  1.  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.  Wash and wax your car. The wax will protect the paint from damaging
      UV rays.
  3.  Change the oil and filter every 3,000 miles, 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 a qualified automotive technician check the following:
      --  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; the tire pressure should also be
          set at the level specified for your vehicle.
      --  All the wheels and inspect the brakes thoroughly; during this
          process, it is also a good idea to have the tires rotated.
      --  Your vehicle's steering and suspension for loose, worn, or damaged
          components often caused by potholes and other road irregularities.
      --  The air conditioner now so you can avoid the wait if you need to
          have it repaired during the summer.
  5.  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.

"Maintaining your vehicle regularly avoids unexpected costly repairs. Check your car now so you don't end up stranded in the summer heat," Gartner said.

About CarMax

CarMax, a FORTUNE 500 company, and one of the FORTUNE 2007 "100 Best Companies to Work For," is the nation's largest retailer of used cars. Headquartered in Richmond, Va., CarMax currently operates 77 used car superstores in 36 markets. CarMax also operates seven new car franchises, all of which are integrated or co-located with its used car superstores. During the twelve month period ended November 30, 2006, the company sold 323,570 used cars, which is 94% of the total 342,482 vehicles the company retailed during that period. For more information, access the CarMax website at http://www.carmax.com/.