CarMax Experts Provide Advice on How to Improve Your Gas Mileage

RICHMOND, Va., May 1, 2006 -- With gas prices topping three dollars per gallon, CarMax, Inc. , the nation's largest retailer of used cars, has expert advice to help you save money on gas for your vehicle.

"Even though gas prices have gone up, there are still steps you can take to save money on fuel," said ASE Certified Master Technician Juan Crespo. "Driving more efficiently and regularly maintaining your vehicle will help improve your gas mileage and are some of the easiest ways to save gas."

  1. Drive Efficiently
     * Drive the speed limit: gas mileage decreases at speeds above 55 mph.
     * Don't drive aggressively: speeding, quick acceleration and excessive
       braking all waste gas.  Driving aggressively lowers gas mileage both
       on the highway and when driving around town.
     * Use overdrive and cruise control: overdrive reduces engine speed,
       which helps to save gas. Cruise control also saves gas by helping to
       maintain a consistent speed.
     * Avoid idling: idling for longer than 30 seconds uses more gas than
       starting up your engine.

  2. Maintain your Vehicle
     * Tune your engine: keeping your engine properly tuned improves gas
       mileage.
     * Maintain proper tire air pressure: this can increase gas mileage by
       three percent.  Always refer to the manufacturer's specifications.
     * Use synthetic oil: look for "Energy Conserving" motor oil; it will
       reduce friction and increase fuel economy.
     * Check and replace air filters: dirty filters can decrease gas mileage
       by 10 percent.

  3. Plan Ahead
     * Combine errands: this will save time, money, and gas.
     * Carpool: carpooling and ride sharing can cut weekly gas costs in
       half.
     * Remove excess weight: excess weight in the car or trunk can reduce
       mileage. Every extra 100 pounds reduces fuel economy by approximately
       two percent.
     * Eliminate excess wind resistance: roof racks and carrier crates on
       the top of the car create drag or wind resistance.  Removing these
       items can increase fuel economy by five percent.
     * Use air conditioning: when traveling at highway speeds, driving with
       the windows open uses more fuel due to the increased drag.
     * Fill up your car in the morning: early morning is the best time
       because the gasoline is cooler and denser.  Since gas pumps measure
       volumes of gas and not densities, you get more fuel for your money.

  About CarMax

CarMax, a FORTUNE 500 company, and one of the FORTUNE 2006 "100 Best Companies to Work For," is the nation's largest retailer of used cars. Headquartered in Richmond, Va., CarMax currently operates 68 used car superstores in 32 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, 2006, the company sold 289,888 used cars, which is 93 percent of the total 310,789 vehicles the company retailed during that period. For more information, access the CarMax website at http://www.carmax.com/.