Summer is fast approaching and vacations will soon begin. Before you leave, CarMax, Inc. , the nation's largest retailer of used cars, has expert advice on how to make sure your vehicle is ready for your summer road trip.

"Most summer vacation trips are driven under what can be considered severe driving conditions," said Lane Fleming, ASE Master Technician for CarMax. "Because it is usually hot outside, travelers run the air conditioner, and there is always a lot of stop and go traffic. These conditions stress the car."

CarMax technicians recommend the following tips before taking that summer trip:

 * Tires
     - Check the condition of the tires, inspect the tread depth, and look for cuts in the sidewalls of the tires.
     - Check the tire pressure.  Set the tire pressure to vehicle
       manufacturer specification when the tires are cold.
     - Do not forget your spare tire.  You need a good spare tire with the proper air pressure.

 * Transmission
     - Check to see if the transmission is due for service.
     - The transmission fluid should be clean, and not smell burnt.

 * Front end
     - Check the ball joints, tie rod ends and steering components for wear and tear.

 * Oil and filters
     - Change the oil and oil filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
     - If you are towing a boat or a trailer, look in your owner's manualfor information on different weight oil that you should use when driving the vehicle under severe conditions.

 * Air conditioning system
     - If the system is old and has not been looked at in several years,
       have a professional check the refrigerant charge, the belt that
       turns the compressor, and the compressor clutch.
     - If the system is working, but not as cold as it should be, have it checked by a professional.  A malfunctioning air conditioning system can cause the engine to overheat.

 * Cooling system
     - Have a professional check to ensure it is working properly.  Heat
       can severely damage or even ruin your engine, and can also affect
       the vehicle's air conditioner.

 * Emergency supply package
     - Make a care package for your car, include the following: anti-
       freeze, oil, screwdrivers, flares, pliers, jumper cables,
       flashlight, and a first-aid kit.

About CarMax

CarMax, a FORTUNE 500 company and one of the FORTUNE 2005 "100 Best Companies to Work For," is the nation's leading specialty retailer of used cars. Headquartered in Richmond, Va., CarMax currently operates 61 used car superstores in 28 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 February 28, 2005, the company retailed 253,168 used cars, which is 92 percent of the total 273,804 vehicles the company retailed during that period. For more information, access the CarMax website at http://www.carmax.com/.

Source: Carmax.com
http://www.carmax.com