WITH SUMMER DRIVING HEATING UP, CARMAX PROVIDES TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR GAS MILEAGE

RICHMOND, Va. (July 1, 2010) – 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

·         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. (Note below from Bridgestone)

·         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.

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.

Notes from Bridgestone

Just before many families are about to set off on holiday, Bridgestone draws attention to a few elementary rules to follow for improved safety and greener driving: make sure you check your tyre pressure before setting off on holiday, check the tyre pressure after your trip too, don’t over inflate your tyres.

Pressure problems is the enemy number 1 for safety and ecology: 63% of vehicles checked had either tyre wear or tyre pressure problems, more than 1 vehicle in 2 (58%) was being driven with one or more tyres underinflated or overinflated (12%).

Acknowledgement: Carmax, Bridgestone