If you're like me there's one thing that you dread more than anything. The thought of it makes you break out into a cold sweat and you put it off much longer than you should. Then, the light goes on or you begin to hear that annoying beep and you realize you can't put it off any longer ... it's time to buy gas. Prices have soared in recent weeks with the average cost of gas in the U.S. rising to $2.50 per gallon. With prices like that, there's little wonder why everyone is looking for a way to save on gas. Here are a few tips on ways to save.

1. Plan your trips wisely - So the department store is having a killer sale huh? You may be able to get some great deals on jeans, but how much did it cost you in gas? Don't make unnecessary trips. Figure out how you can combine trips and what trips you can do without.

2. Higher isn't always better - Don't buy higher octane gas just because you think it will give you better performance. Higher octane fuel doesn't equate to better fuel efficiency. Take a look at your car manual and purchase the octane recommended.

3. Slow and steady wins the race - The fact is the faster you go, the more fuel you use. According to CNN Money, if you drive 70 miles per hour instead of 55, you will lose about 17 percent of your automobile's total fuel economy. And for those who were wondering, going 65 mph means you lose about 10 percent.

4. Keep your cool - So it's a hot day and you get in the car for the ride home. What's the first thing you want to do? Turn on the air. Experts recommend that you hold off a moment, put the windows down to release the excess heat and then once you reach a highway speed of about 55 mph, put up the windows and crank up the A/C. Once you hit about 55, driving with your windows down instead of using the air burns more fuel because it creates an aerodynamic drag.

5. Put your trunk on a diet - If your trunk is anything like mine you have everything but the kitchen sink in there. Believe it or not, for every 100 pounds of excess weight in the trunk your car will lose about one percent of its fuel economy.

6. Perform routine car maintenance - When your air filter is clean and your tire pressure is accurate, it saves you money at the pump. Dirty filters slow your car down and forces it to burn more fuel; under-inflated tires will have the same effect as well.