ORLY O Reilly Automotive Inc

(NASDAQ: ORLY) -- We�re all aware of the skyrocketing gas prices, but did you know that there are a number of quick, simple and inexpensive things that you can easily do to combat the soaring cost of fuel? By performing routine maintenance and modifying your driving habits, you can take control of how much gas your vehicle burns. Searching for the lowest price at the pump may seem like a worthy cause, but most of the time it just leads to wasted time, money and gas. To get the best fuel economy and cut down on fill-ups, we recommend adopting the following driving techniques: Stop aggressive driving. �Jack rabbit� starts, sudden stops and tailgating result in unnecessary accelerating and braking, which increases fuel consumption. Observe speed limits. Gas mileage decreases rapidly over 60 mph, so utilize cruise control on the highway to maintain a constant speed and reduce engine wear. Plan trips efficiently. Run errands without retracing your route to save gas and reduce wear and tear on your car. Turn off the air conditioner. A/C compressors use a surprising amount of energy, so give yours a rest by rolling windows down and opening air vents to stay comfortable. Remove excess weight. Extra pounds in the trunk and on the roof take more energy to move and will drain fuel economy. Avoid lengthy idles. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a wait, as sitting still for extended periods wastes fuel, costs money and pollutes the air. Altering driving habits will help you realize greater miles per gallon, but to achieve the best fuel economy you must also regularly check and/or change certain components based on the manufacturer�s recommended maintenance schedule. Get more out of each gallon by paying close attention to the following areas: Gas Cap � A missing or inoperative fuel cap can allow an average of 22 gallons of gas to evaporate over a one-year period. If it�s time for a replacement, consider one that locks to better protect your investment. Tires � Purchase a tire gauge and use it often. Inflate tires to the highest recommended level not only to increase fuel economy, but also for comfort and safety. Spark plugs � Worn, dirty or fouled plugs cause misfires, which take a toll on performance and mileage, no matter how slight they may be. Air Filter � A dirty or clogged air filter blocks airflow to the engine, which results in lower fuel economy and increased engine wear. Motor Oil � Consider switching to a synthetic. You can expect to pay more initially, but the benefits include longer oil change intervals, increased engine life and easier cold weather starting. You can�t lower the price of gas, but by following our recommendations, you can play a major role in raising your fuel economy. O�Reilly Automotive, Inc. is one of the largest specialty retailers of automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, equipment and accessories in the United States, serving both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets. Founded in 1957 by the O�Reilly family, the Company operated 1,867 stores in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming as of March 31, 2008.