Are Gas Prices Driving You Nuts?

On average, Americans are paying $3.79 for a gallon of regular gas according to a survey by AAA and the Oil Price Information Service. While rising gas costs are no surprise, American drivers are resorting to all sorts of ways to be more gas efficient. If you want an idea on the lengths people are willing to go to save a few bucks click here.

For those of us who are not willing to run to the nearest fast food joint to steal tubs of grease, here are a few "lawful" ways of lessening the pinch at the pump.

Check your tire pressure: Under-inflated tires not only pose a safety hazard, but can also reduce your gas efficiency. Get your hands on a reliable tire gauge.

Remove excess weight from your vehicle: The heavier a car is the more gas it needs to get around. Clean out unnecessary items from your trunk. The Department of Energy suggests that drivers can save between 3 to 6 cents a gallon by driving lighter.

Use cruise control: If your vehicle has cruise control take advantage of it, especially on long drives on the highway. A study on Edmunds.com found that using cruise control could mean substantial savings, up to 7 percent.

Avoid excessive idling: The theory here is simple. When the car is not running, gas is saved. If you expect to be idle for longer than a minute, its best to turn it off.

Slow down: Possibly the biggest fuel saver tip is to simply slow down. It may take you longer to arrive at a destination, but you’ll be making fewer trips to the gas station.

If you are looking for more tips on increasing your mpg, which I am sure you will be as gas prices inch closer to $4, visit this site maintained jointly by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.