Here are some tips to help cut down fuel consumption, since fuel prices are climbing high, every drop counts!

1. Take all weight out of the car. Don’t use your car as a storage facility, every pound of weight requires fuel consumption, so clean out your car, only leave the essentials.

2. Keep to the speed limit. I know this is really hard, but I promise, the less you press on the accelerator pedal the less gas you will use.

3. If you can get to your destination without using the highway, then this will help to reduce fuel consumption.

4. If you’re going downhill, avoid pressing on your accelerator as you already have the energy and the natural force of going downhill to maintain speed.

5. Maintain your car in good condition, keep the engine tuned up, this will help increase gas mileage up to 4%.

6. Gas mileage increases speed rapidly at above 60mph, so try to maintain the average speed of 55mph, there is a reason that this speed limit is set, as it is more economical for the car.

7. Avoid unnecessarily idling, even if you have an automatic, go into neutral if waiting at a traffic light.

8. Improve in-town mileage by driving gently up to 5%.

9. When you are start driving, be gentle, you are not a race driver! Also stop gently; to stop, take your foot of the accelerator, this is your natural brake and then brake in time to come to a complete stop.

10. Inflate your tires when they are low, check tire pressure regularly and also have wheels aligned, this can increase gas mileage up to 3%.

11. Change your oil every 3000 miles; this will keep your engine clean and more efficient.

12. Don’t use AC unless you have absolutely need to. Fresh air does wonders for the lungs!

13. Don’t use brakes as much – drive gently, less wear and tear on the brakes.

14. Avoid being late driving to another destination, leave plenty of time, so that you don’t have to speed to get you where you want to go, save on gas!

15. If you want to save on parking, try and park at a cheaper garage or free at a residential location and walk a few blocks to the downtown areas, it will keep you fitter too!

16. Try using public transport a few times a week…

17. Don’t use your car for small local errands, walk if you can or ride a bike.

18. If you have to do errands and bulk shopping, try and plan it in one trip, do it in the most economical way. Share the trip with a neighbor or a friend, try and carpool to share costs.

19. If you live outside a city and have to drive into a major city and have a bridge toll charge, there are pick up areas for carpooling, you can save on the toll charge, as it’s free for up to 3 people at peak times. Also you can travel in the car pool lanes, which is a bonus! Make friends too!

20. Learn your local area routes, get intimate with your local transport services, especially on a weekend; you have more time to be a little more flexible.

21. Shop around for the cheapest gas fuel prices.

22. Avoid unnecessary trips unless they are important. Plan your social life so that it also fits your pocket!

23. Don’t be a slave to your car!