Listen up guys; I have some good information to share with you about your car and CarMax, Inc. And just in case you’ve never heard of CarMax, it’s the nation’s largest retailer of used cars.

First up – some tips on how to protect your car from every day stress:

1. Tires: Check tread depth, and look for bulges and cuts both in the tread area and in the sidewalls. Check air pressure. Set the tire air pressure to your vehicle manufacturer’s specification when the tires are cold. Do not forget to check your spare tire, jack and tools. You need a good spare tire with the proper air pressure.

2. Transmission: Check your odometer and look in your owner’s manual to see if the transmission is due for service. The transmission fluid should be clean, and not smell burnt.

3. Suspension: Have a professional check the condition of ball joints, tie rod ends and other steering and suspension components.

4. Oil and filters: Change the oil and oil filter as often as required by your vehicle’s manufacturer. If you are towing a boat or a trailer, look in your owner’s manual for information on the manufacturer-recommended type of oil to be used when driving the vehicle under severe conditions.

5. Air conditioning system: On older cars, even if the system works, have a professional perform a thorough check, including the fan(s), the compressor clutch and the belt (while they’re at it, have them check all the belts under the hood). A malfunctioning air conditioning system can cause the engine to overheat.

6. Cooling system: Have a professional check to ensure it is working properly and is filled to capacity with the right coolant. Heat can severely damage or even ruin your engine, and can also affect the vehicle’s air conditioner.

7. Emergency supply package: Make a care package for your car, include the following: anti-freeze, oil, screwdrivers, flares, pliers, jumper cables, flashlight, and a first-aid kit.

DO RISING GAS PRICES HAVE YOU WATCHING EVERY MILE?

Here are some simple tips provided by CarMax that will help you improve your gas mileage.

1. Drive Efficiently

2. Drive the speed limit: gas mileage decreases at higher speeds.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

6. Maintain your Vehicle

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

8. 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.

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

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

11. Plan Ahead

12. Combine errands: this will save time, money and gas.

13. Remove excess weight: excess weight in the cab or trunk can reduce mileage. Every extra 100 pounds reduces fuel economy by approximately two percent.

14. 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.

15. Use air conditioning when traveling at highway speeds: driving with the windows open uses more fuel due to the increased drag.

16. 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.

And also check out CarMax for their new ‘miles per gallon’ search feature that allows customers to search for vehicles based on their fuel-efficiency preferences. Carmax is the only major car website that now lets consumers search for used cars by mpg. Another new feature that you might want to check out as well is their new online recommendation tool which is specifically designed to help customers who are just beginning their used car shopping process who may not know exactly what vehicle they want or need. They also have great resources for researching hybrid vehicles, and a listing of this year’s top cars recommended for teens and new drivers.

Check out CarMax today!