CarMD® Makes Retail Debut at Pep Boys Locations

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- CarMD.com Corporation today announced that the Pep Boys – Manny, Moe & Jack, will be the first brick-and-mortar retail outlet to sell its CarMD® Vehicle Health System™. The popular product, which includes an easy-to-use handheld device plus solutions from an unprecedented automotive repair database, empowers consumers of all automotive experience levels to identify and solve check engine problems with the right parts for their vehicle. CarMD will be merchandised in Pep Boys locations across the country beginning this month. For a list of retail locations by zip code, visit www.carmd.com.   

"We are pleased to partner with Pep Boys to bring CarMD's empowering solutions to a broad range of consumers from do-it-yourselfers to those who prefer to have repairs handled by the pros," said Art Jacobsen, vice president of CarMD. "An ideal outlet for CarMD, Pep Boys shares our philosophy of making car repair simple by offering everything from information to parts and service under one roof."

In addition to diagnosing check engine-related issues, CarMD can be used to identify problems that impact safety and fuel economy; inspect used cars for hidden problems; and to determine a vehicle's emissions test readiness status. The CarMD Vehicle Health System is ready to use right out of the box, and includes: a handheld device, Mac/PC software, USB cable, two AAA batteries, storage caddy, lifetime software and firmware updates, and toll-free access to Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-certified tech support in English and Spanish. DIYers and pros will recognize its similarities to an on-board diagnostic (OBD2) code reader, which reads fault codes from any 1996 or newer car, truck, van, SUV or hybrid; but capturing codes from a vehicle's computer is where CarMD's similarities to other code readers end.

What makes CarMD different from other automotive diagnostic tools is its vast database of real-life repair information, developed and maintained by CarMD's North American network of thousands of ASE-certified repair professionals. Understanding what is going on with a vehicle requires more than a fault code. CarMD's robust database takes diagnostics to the next level to match a vehicle's year, make, model, engine and transmission type, pending and current codes with the solution and parts for each scenario. CarMD includes free access to generate personalized Vehicle Health Reports to help customers decide if they want to make repairs themselves, as well as other useful resources to extend their vehicles' life.

"Pep Boys constantly looks for new products to help our customers maintain today's cars and trucks, and get back on the road quickly when repairs are needed," said Caesar Girod, senior category manager, Pep Boys. "We believe CarMD's consumer friendly products and information are just what our customers need for today's high-tech vehicles."   

About Pep Boys – Since 1921, Pep Boys has been the nation's leading automotive aftermarket chain. With more than 7,000 service bays in more than 700 locations in 35 states and Puerto Rico, Pep Boys offers name-brand tires; automotive maintenance and repair; parts and expert advice for the Do-it-Yourselfer; commercial auto parts deliver; and fleet maintenance and repair. Customers can find the nearest location by calling 1-800-PEP-BOYS or by visiting http://www.pepboys.com.

About CarMD – The mission of Irvine, Calif.-based CarMD.com Corporation is to empower consumers and the vehicle market by providing the tools and information needed to make better-educated decisions about their vehicles' health and maintenance. An ISO 9001:2008-certified company, CarMD's premiere product is the CarMD® Vehicle Health System™. The company has built the largest, most up-to-date database of diagnostic trouble codes; expert fixes and repair costs, which it uses to compile the annual CarMD® Vehicle Health Index™. CarMD also offers a variety of accessories and resources for anyone who owns a 1996 or newer car, truck, SUV, van or hybrid. For information about the company, its products and consumer tips, visit www.CarMD.com.

SOURCE CarMD.com Corporation