With the recent increase in oil prices and the state of many of the world economies, everyone is looking for ways to save gas now. Here are some of the easiest ways to do it:

1. Control Your Driving

The most obvious thing you can do is to reduce energy costs is to cut down on the amount you normally drive. You can consolidate your shopping errands into one excursion, walk instead of driving and take public transportation. All of these tips will help to realize saving now. At the same time, you will help reduce carbon emissions.

2. Cruise Control

There is a reason why cruise control is such a useful tool. Using cruise control on highways increases fuel efficiency when compared to using the gas pedal to control your speed. It’s a good way to avoid unconsciously violating speed limits.

3. Drive The Speed Limit

If you drive 75 mph in a 55 mph speed zone, you reduce fuel efficiency by over 20%. We all know that driving the speed limit can be difficult to endure. But if you want to save gas now, this is an effective strategy.

4. Tire Pressure (PSI)

According to tire experts, taking proper care of your tires can prolong tread life by as much as 50 percent. Under inflated tires can cost you up to one mile per gallon in fuel economy. Furthermore, it can be downright dangerous. Driving on under inflated tires can lead to handling problems and even cause tires to overheat and blowout.

Over inflated tires can increase fuel efficiency but it is strongly discouraged. Over inflation of tires are more susceptible to blowouts and it increases tread wear.

5. Junk In The Trunk

Are you driving around with a 50 pound bag of cement in your car? How about golf clubs, your bowling ball or even that 100 pound toolbox. The extra weight significantly decreases fuel efficiency.

6. Warming Up The Engine

Unless you own a vehicle made in the 70’s, there is no reason to warm up your car for more than one minute. However, in the winter time you may want to warm it up longer. Not to warm the engine, but warm the interior.

7. Sitting Idle

This should come as no surprise. When your car isn’t moving, your gas mileage drops to zero.

In addition, car experts say that excessive idling can damage your engine’s components, including cylinders, spark plugs and the exhaust system.

8. Aerodynamics

Luggage racks and open windows increase drag and significantly reduce fuel efficiency. Not securing luggage tightly on the luggage racks can also lead to deadly accidents.

9. Hypermiling

Hypermiling is using a set of driving techniques to maximize fuel economy. Some of the techniques include knowing and planning your route, minimize braking, and shut the car off immediately when not in use. Other radical ideas of hypermiling include shutting the car engine off when going down big hills.

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