YOUR ENGINES ARE RACING…you need to rent a car, but need a great deal. So you've spent hours online, and you finally feel confident that you've found that great deal. You've had five website windows open at a time, compared and contrasted, made your selection, finally finished filling out all the online screens, you're ready to check out and sure you're rounding the last bend…but then you come to a screeching halt. After all that work, you're staring at a field asking for a promotional code, coupon code, or rate code. And all you can think is…after all that work! If I had that secret code it could potentially save me even more money on this rental rate, but I don't know the code!

So before you even cross the start line…is there a way to save money and save time on car rentals…and best yet, get those secret codes?

Quite simply, two links to check out. First hit www.rentalcodes.com, and search for the current discount codes for all of the major rental car companies. The site clearly spells out the type of code being offered, when the code expires, and what type of car the discount applies to. Jot down a few codes for different rental car companies and then take a few minutes to do a little comparison shopping, by visiting www.bnm.com. This site gives an easy rental car comparison tool, as well as publishes last minute discount offers and even more codes. Here's another hot tip: some of the agencies will give you an even deeper discount if you pay for the entire rental upfront.

And reserving the car isn't the only place that you can save a few bucks. Consider these money saving tips when you arrive at the rental counter.

Don't accept the prepaid gas option unless you are certain the tank will be empty when you return the car. Although this can be convenient, it can also be costly. If you choose this option, it may cost you an entire tank of gas plus a service fee when you return the car, even if you only use a few gallons!

Before you agree to the insurance option at the counter, know the details of your own auto insurance policy. If your auto policy has collision coverage, skip the insurance option. It can save you $20 or more per day.

Take the time to walk around the vehicle and note all the dings and scratches. This will save you the headache of being charged for damage that may not have been done while you had the car in your possession.

With gas prices at their current high levels, taking advantage of the above tips will help save you a few needed bucks…and may even provide a deep enough discount for you to upgrade to that sassy convertible!