Do Rising Gas Prices Have You Watching Every Mile?

CarMax Provides Tips To Improve Your Gas Mileage

RICHMOND, Va., July 21 -- With the national gas prices averaging more than four dollars a gallon, CarMax, Inc. , the nation's largest retailer of used cars, has advice on how to get more bang for your buck when driving your vehicle is taking a toll on your wallet.

"Most fuel is used to accelerate a car from a stop to cruising speed," said ASE Certified Master Technicians Todd Gartner. "Try to avoid stops wherever possible and accelerate as slowly as traffic allows."

  CarMax technicians recommend the following fuel-sipping tips:
  1. Drive Efficiently
      -- Drive the speed limit: gas mileage decreases at higher speeds.

-- 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: If your vehicle has a manual overdrive, make sure it is ON; overdrive reduces engine speed, which helps to save gas. Cruise control also saves gas by maintaining a consistent speed.

-- Avoid idling: idling for longer than 30 seconds uses more gas than starting up your engine.

2. Maintain your Vehicle

-- Get the manufacturer's recommended maintenance done: keeping your car in shape improves gas mileage.

-- Make sure your tires are filled to the correct pressure: this can increase gas mileage by three percent. Always refer to the manufacturer's specifications.

-- Whenever possible, use synthetic oil: look for "Energy Conserving" motor oil; it will reduce friction and increase fuel economy.

-- Check and replace dirty air filters: clogged filters can decrease gas mileage up to 10 percent.

  3. Plan Ahead
     -- Combine errands: this will save time, money and gas.

-- Remove excess weight: excess weight in the cab 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 about 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.