These days, it seems like everyone is talking about high gasoline prices, and looking for ways to keep the cost of driving to a minimum. Doing so is not always easy, but there are some things every driver can do to increase the fuel efficiency of any vehicle, from the smallest and most gas thrifty cars to the largest trucks and SUVs on the road.

Tip #1 – Slow Down

Perhaps the easiest way to save significant dollars and increase fuel efficiency is to simply watch your speed as you cruise down the highways and byways. Consumer vehicles of all types—cars, trucks and SUVs—are designed to operate at peak efficiency between 40 and 60 miles per hour. Driving at 70 to 80 miles per hour can reduce average fuel efficiency by up to one-third. While it may be tempting to increase your speed to shave a couple minutes off your commute, you could be unwittingly wasting lots of money in the process.

Tip #2 – Don’t Be a Jackrabbit

Jackrabbit starts and stops waste lots of fuel, and they can greatly reduce the fuel economy of the vehicle, especially in city driving. When driving between red lights and stop signs, use the slow and steady approach instead. Driving at a consistent speed, whether in the city or on the highway, is one of the best ways to save fuel (and money).

Tip #3 – Maintain Your Ride

Following a proper maintenance schedule can help increase the efficiency of the vehicle, which in turn will help to maximize fuel economy. Simply replacing a blocked air filter can increase your mileage up to 10 percent, and replacing a misfiring spark plug or wire can have the same effect. And frequent oil changes can help your engine operate at the peak of efficiency, keeping your fuel usage to a minimum.

Tip #4 – Combine Errands

Simply combining trips and errands can reduce the number of miles you drive, while at the same time reducing your fuel expenditures. In addition to reducing the number of miles you drive, combining errands helps reduce fuel consumption, since a warm engine will operate at higher efficiency than a cold engine. Combining trips to cut down the miles you drive can also reduce other ongoing vehicle maintenance costs as well.

Tip #5 – Keep Idling to a Minimum

Running the car while going nowhere is not only a waste of fuel, it pollutes the air. While some idling, like waiting at red lights and stopping at stop signs, is unavoidable, excessive idling (like when you’re waiting at a railroad crossing) should be avoided. And it is important to note that today’s modern cars no longer need to be warmed up. These modern engines are designed to start right up and go, with no additional idling required.

Tip #6 – Kick the Tires

Keeping the tires inflated to recommended pressures is one of the most important steps drivers can take to increase their gas mileage. Checking the tire pressure only takes a couple of minutes, and adding air is just as quick and easy. Whether you use a tire pressure gauge and a home air compressor or the equipment at the local service station, keeping those tires properly inflated will help to maximize the efficiency of your vehicle.

Tip #7 – Keep an Eye on Your Fuel Consumption

Of course it is a good idea to check your fuel consumption on a regular basis, as this will help you to gauge the effectiveness of the fuel saving measures you are using. It is important to calculate your gas mileage every time you fill up the tank. Any unexplained drop in fuel economy could indicate a problem with the engine or other vehicle systems. Tracking your fuel economy can also help you to determine which fuel-saving methods are most effective.

Tip #8 – Keep it Clean

Simply removing unneeded items from the trunk and passenger compartment of the car can result in excellent fuel savings. It is a good idea to go through the car at least once a week and remove those items you have been meaning to bring in the house. Keeping the vehicle’s carrying load to a minimum will help it operate at peak efficiency.

Fuel Efficiency by the Numbers:

According to FuelEconomy.gov, your car can be…

5 to 33% more efficient if you drive sensibly (no speeding, quick acceleration or rapid braking)

7 to 23% more efficient if you observe the speed limit

1 to 2% more efficient if you cut down your cargo load by 100 lbs.

4% more efficient if you tune up your car regularly

Up to 40% more efficient if you fix serious problems (like a broken oxygen sensor)

3% more efficient if you keep your tires properly inflated

Check out FuelEconomy.gov for more information about gas mileage, hybrid cars and other tips.