Company Information

CARMAX EXPERTS PROVIDE ADVICE ON HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR GAS MILEAGE

RICHMOND, Va. (November 7, 2007)-With the national gas price over three dollars per gallon, CarMax, Inc. (NYSE: KMX), the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, has advice to help you save money on gas for your vehicle.

"Even though gas prices have become a burden, there are still ways to save money on fuel," said ASE Certified Master Technicians Juan Crespo and Todd Gartner. "Maintaining your vehicle and driving it efficiently can assist with improving your gas mileage and decrease fuel spending."

Here are some "car-wise" tips from CarMax experts:

  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.
  • Carpool: carpooling and ride sharing can cut weekly gas costs in half.
  • 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.

About CarMax

CarMax, a FORTUNE 500 company and one of the FORTUNE 2007 "100 Best Companies to Work For," is the nation’s largest retailer of used cars. Headquartered in Richmond, Va., CarMax currently operates 86 used car superstores in 39 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 twelve months ended February 28, 2007, the company retailed 337,021 used vehicles and sold 208,959 wholesale vehicles at its in-store auctions. For more information, access the CarMax website at www.carmax.com.

Media Contacts
Lisa Van Riper, Assistant Vice President, Public Affairs, (804) 935-4594
Elia C. Imler, Assistant Public Affairs Manager, (804) 747-0422, ext. 4029

For Media Inquiries Only Contact:

Lisa Van Riper
Assistant Vice President, Public Affairs & Store Marketing
(804) 935-4594
Email

Trina Lee
Public Relations Director
(804) 747-0422, Ext. 4197
Email

Chris Wilmore
Assistant Public Relations Manager, New Media
(804) 747-0422, Ext. 4773
Email

Elia Imler
Assistant Public Relations Manager
(804) 747-0422, Ext. 4029
Email

For Customer Relations Contact:

(800) 519.1511 or Click Here

For advertising, marketing or sponsorship inquiries please contact:

(804) 747-0422, Ext. 4914

Read RSS?

Get the CarMax News Feed
Need more info on RSS? Click Here