With the current high cost of gas prices, consumers welcome whatever gas saving tips that can be provided to them. CarMax, Inc., the nation’s largest retailer of used cars is offering advices on how to save money on gas.

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

And here are the gas-saving tips from the experts of CarMax:

  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.

For more information on CarMax and for more gas-saving tips simply visit their website at www.carmax.com.