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Get Ahead of Rising Gas Prices

Every time you turn the corner, it seems like gas prices have risen yet again. Besides taking out a second mortgage, what can you do about these ever-rising fuel costs? Well, there are some things you can physically do—and some habits you can change—that can both decrease the amount of fuel you use and lower your price per gallon. Let's consider these three questions:

1. Where do you buy your gas?

If your answer is one of the larger names in the oil industry, you may want to rethink your habit. Chances are you'll save 5 to 15 cents per gallon (or more) simply by filling up at one of the warehouse clubs, an independent convenience store chain, or even one of the supermarket fuel pumps. Want to map out the cheapest price in town? Log on to a site such as GasBuddy.com or GasPriceWatch.com and type in your zip code. You'll get a recent listing of the stations in your area, priced per gallon in ascending order. You can even rank prices according to the grade of gasoline you prefer.

2. What do you keep in your trunk?

In other words, how much extra weight do you haul around that slows your vehicle's efficiency? The more unnecessary weight we carry, the harder our cars have to work. So if you've got 100 to 200 pounds of "stuff" in your trunk, clean it out and save yourself a few miles per gallon.

3. How well do you maintain your vehicle?

By keeping tires inflated to the manufacturer's recommended amount, ensuring your oil is changed with the recommended grade at least every 4,000-5,000 miles, and keeping an eye on fluid levels, you help maximize your car's fuel economy.

Other tips to help you save gas include walking or biking whenever possible, combining trips to avoid unnecessary traveling, and slowing down when you can (without hindering traffic flow). The slower you go, the better your fuel economy. You can also improve efficiency by rolling down windows instead of turning on the air. However, if you're maintaining speeds of 55 or higher, you're better off with the AC on and the windows rolled up—due to aerodynamic factors.

Though they won't cut the price of a gallon of gas in half, hopefully these fuel-saving tips and healthy vehicle habits will at least take you down the road at a rate that's a bit easier on the wallet. So here's wishing you happy driving, safe travels, and big savings wherever you may go.