Winter car care tips from CarMax!
RICHMOND, Va. (November 13, 2007)- As winter approaches, CarMax, Inc.
, the nation's largest retailer of used cars, offers advice on
how to ensure that your car is ready for cold weather.
"The harsh winter weather can expose hidden problems that have developed
during the previous seasons," said Todd Gartner, CarMax ASE Master
Technician. "That is why it is so important to prepare your vehicle for
the cold weather season by performing all preventative maintenance
services as recommended by the manufacturer."
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 number one cause of engine-related breakdowns is cooling system
failure. Prevent this by having 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.
Check that 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.
"In addition, keep the fuel tank full," Gartner said. "It may be necessary
to change routes or you may be caught in a traffic delay or need to turn
back during a bad storm."
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 2007 “100 Best
Companies to Work For,�?? is the nation’s largest retailer of used cars.
Headquartered in Richmond, Va., CarMax currently operates 86 used car
superstores in 39 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, 2007, the company retailed 337,021 used vehicles and
sold 208,959 wholesale vehicles at its in-store auctions. For more
information, access the CarMax website at www.carmax.com.
