RICHMOND, Va., Jul 01, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
This summer season the family road trip will average more than eight
hours in driving time, according to a recent CarMax survey - that means
filling up the gas tank more than once, especially if you're driving a
minivan or SUV. CarMax, Inc. (NYSE: KMX), the nation's largest retailer
of used cars, wants to help you make the most of the dollars you spend
at the pump with some helpful tips before you hit the road.
"Most fuel is used to accelerate a car from a stop to cruising speed,"
said ASE Certified Master Technician Tom Damon. "Driving more
efficiently and getting regular maintenance can really improve gas
mileage."
CarMax technicians recommend the following fuel-sipping tips:
1. Drive Efficiently
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Drive the speed limit: gas mileage decreases at higher speeds.
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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.
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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.
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Avoid idling: idling for longer than 30 seconds uses more gas than
starting up your engine.
2.Maintain your Vehicle
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Get the manufacturer's recommended maintenance done: keeping your car
in shape improves gas mileage.
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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.
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Whenever possible, use synthetic oil: look for "Energy Conserving"
motor oil; it will reduce friction and increase fuel economy.
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Check and replace dirty air filters: clogged filters can decrease gas
mileage up to 10 percent.
3.Plan Ahead
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Combine errands: this will save time, money and gas.
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Remove excess weight: excess weight in the cab or trunk can reduce
mileage. Every extra 100 pounds reduces fuel economy by approximately
two percent.
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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.
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Use air conditioning when traveling at highway speeds: driving with
the windows open uses more fuel due to the increased drag.
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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.
CarMax, Inc. wants to help keep the cost of summer road traveling down.
Their LUV2DRV Facebook giveaway is awarding a grand prize of $2,500 as
well as five $250 gas cards. Log onto Facebook.com/CarMax for details on
how to enter; while there, download a road trip survival guide to make
the most of your next driving adventure. The mentioned survey (http://bit.ly/aBCIM3)
was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs.
About CarMax
CarMax, a FORTUNE 500 company, and one of the FORTUNE 2010 "100 Best
Companies to Work For," is the nation's largest retailer of used cars.
Headquartered in Richmond, Va., we currently operate 103 used car
superstores in 49 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 fiscal
year ended February 28, 2010, the company retailed 357,129 used vehicles
and sold 197,382 wholesale vehicles at our in-store auctions. For more
information, access the CarMax website at www.carmax.com.
SOURCE: CarMax, Inc.
CarMax
Britt Farrar, Manager, Public Relations
804-747-0422, ext. 3473
or
Elia Imler, Public Relations
804-747-0422, ext. 4029