Because of the recent downturn in the economy people are looking for any way to save money and ride out the storm. One way to cut your monthly costs is to save on gas. That doesn’t necessarily mean stop driving, as there are many techniques to save on gas and therefore save on money. These 18 tips should lead you in the right direction:

1. Take your time when driving. This may sound strange, but driving in a relaxed manner and not accelerating or braking aggressively can save on your gas. Accelerating harshly needs more power and therefore needs more gas.
2. Drive at a steady speed or use cruise control to maintain it. Going up and down speeds wastes gas and going over 60mph drastically increases consumption.
3. It’s a no brainer, but drive within the speed limits. As mentioned going over 60mph increases consumption and speeding obviously does the same.
4. If you don’t need to use your vehicle then don’t. Most towns and cities have adequate transport systems and if you are commuting, using public transport can save you hundreds a year.
5. If you have several people; friends or work colleagues that are going to the same place then why waste money on several journeys? If everyone chips in then only one car needs to be used and everyone saves money.
6. Don’t leave your car running. If somebody comes over to the window for a chat or you’re quickly running inside to get something, switch off the engine.
7. If your car doesn’t need high octane gas then buy low octane gas. It is often a myth that high octane improves the car’s performance. In a lot of cases it costs more and does nothing extra.
8. Buying gas in the evenings is often cheaper than first thing in the morning. Also do some research. Most gas stations have different prices, so you may find one that is cheaper than another. Use it, but make sure you don’t need to drive too far, canceling out the savings.
9. Make a list of errands you need to do over the next few days and do them all in one go. This saves you from driving back home several times.
10. Maintain your car to keep it running efficiently. Seeing your oil leak a bit? Are more emissions coming out of the exhaust than is usual? Get it fixed, you could be using extra gas I the process.
11. Replace old air filters. The older they are the less efficient, and the more money you lose.
12. Maintain proper tire pressure. If they are slightly flat, you car covers less ground with the same amount of power. Think how much harder it is to ride a bike with flat tires.
13. It’s not always feasible, but if you are about to purchase a new car, don’t buy a “gas guzzler” or a big 4x4 “road hog”, if they are not needed.
14. Upgrade to a hybrid, or buy one if you are looking for a new car. They combine different types of power, saving money that would be spent on 100% gas.
15. Don’t get addicted to air conditioning, it needs power too. What’s wrong with some good old fresh air with the windows down?
16. If you are going up the road or to a place that can easily be walked or biked, then don’t use your car. You’ll be healthier and wealthier.
17. Use services like GasBuddy.com to find the cheapest gas prices in your area.
18. Get a rewards card. You’ll eventually get cash back or credit for buying so much gas.

Think outside the box, some of the easiest methods are right in front of you.