Gas prices keep increasing year after year and will soon hit $4.00 a gallon; in some areas they already have risen to this once unthinkable number. What's more, the rate of increase in the price of gas has accelerated as never before seen in this country. At a price of $3.00 per gallon (which nowadays, is exceptionally cheap), an individual will spend, on average, more than $2,250 a year on gasoline. A couple will spend nearly $5,000!

For most of us, this is just too expensive. Thousands of dollars could be saved by saving even a small fraction of one's total gasoline bill in the space of a few years. More so than ever before, fuel economy is vital.

Ways to Increase Gas Mileage

1)Drive at a moderate speed

Driving slowly and stopping and starting frequently put a lot of stress on your engine as well as causing a lot of extra fuel to be used. Driving too fast has the same effect of overworking your engine while using a lot of gas. The ideal speed for an automobile engine is anywhere between 40 and 55 mph. Driving at this speed makes for maximum efficiency in fuel usage.

2)Stop/Slow early

Start breaking gently and early when you see a red light ahead. Why? Stopping on short notice stresses your engine and causes it to heat up; this burns gasoline faster. Secondly, You can speed up more easily if the light turns green before you arrive - this keeps your car from having to stop and start again, which also helps conserve fuel. Many drivers accelerate when they see a light about to change, hoping that they'll make the light in time. As often as not, they find themselves having to stop quickly; these drivers spend hundreds more each year on gas as a result; don't be one of these drivers!

3)Make sure you have tightened your gas cap

So simple a step that it is often overlooked, keeping your gas cap tight can save a lot of gasoline. Remember, like any other liquid gasoline begins to evaporate when exposed to air - somewhere in the neighborhood of 150 million gallons of gas are lost to evaporation each year.

4)Buy gas when the weather is cooler

A lot of people are unaware of this method of improving fuel economy, but this is a simple step and a money saving one as well. Gasoline, of course, is sold by volume (e.g. - by the gallon). Gasoline expands when temperatures are warmer. Therefore, you get more gasoline per gallon by buying it on a colder day. Even buying gas early in the morning or at night when it is a little cooler will result in some savings compared to purchasing your gas at noon.

5) Check your tires

Fuel economy is greatly affected by tire inflation. Tires which are not fully inflated cause a lot of lost fuel economy - this can reduce your engine's efficiency by as much as 25%! Check your tires often and make sure that they are fully inflated at all times; this will make a big difference to your fuel usage.

These five steps can save you thousands on gasoline in just a couple of years. You will reduce not only your environmental impact, but increase gas mileage and extend the life of your car.