Are you tired of high gas prices? Want to do something about it? Here’s a checklist to help you save some serious money. Although you might have heard of some of these methods, there might be a few jems that can help… In today’s economy, you need to know as much information as possible!

1. Change your air filter (you can do it yourself - it’s easy) or have it done.

Proper maintenance is very important. A regular oil change is important, but most people forget to change their air filter. And it is something anyone can do - yes, even you. Your mileage efficiency is seriously reduced without enough air going to the engine… so go to your local auto-parts store and change it TODAY!

2. Check your driveway for leaks - especially gas leaks

Take a look at the ground to see if there’s any gas leakage. it’s rare, but if you have one, it’s like dollars continually falling out your wallet.

3. If you experience the seasons change your tires

As the seasons change, so should your tires. There are tire treads made for winter driving conditions and summer driving conditions. Using the wrong type of tires, is going to drag the car and use more fuel.

4. Inflate the tires properly

It’s one thing having the right tread, but if your tires are under-inflated, you’re wasting big money. Refer to your car manufacturer’s manual or do search for the right tire pressure for your car’s tires

5. Remove trunk weight

Do you drive around with extra junk in the car? Declutter from your trunk and backseats. By removing it you save (every little bit counts).

6. Fill up when it’s coolest

When the air air temperature outside is cooler, like in the early mornings and late evenings there’s less vapor in the fuel. Filling your tank with vapor is a waste of time and money.

7. If possible, buy a light colored car!

The lighter the car, the less heat it will attract. The less heat, the less vapors are produced and the more fuel you’ll have in the tank.

8. Park in the shade whenever possible

Park in the shade to avoid your car from attracting heat, which you need to vent by using air conditioning.

9. Don’t fill up to the max

When you fill the tank, dont fill right to the top of the tank. When you do this, you almost always overspill after removing the pump from the cap. It’s a waste of perfectly good gas.

10. Contain the fumes

Heat causes vapor and can escape thru the fuel cap. Make sure it’s tightened properly. Examine the rubber on the fuel cap, if it’s worn, it might be good to replace it.

11. Don’t buy expensive fuel grades if you’re car doesn’t specifically indicate it

Some people think buying a higher grade fuel benefits them. This is not true on most vehicles. Use the minimum octane rating that your car manufacturer requires - no higher.

12. Air conditioning control

How many times do you turn on the air conditioner to the max when getting into a hot car? Don’t! First open your windows drive a little to get all the hot air out… then, if you’re just going around town (slow peeds) try not using the air conditioning at all… but if you must, do it after all the hot air is gone. On the highway, it’s actually cheaper to use the air conditioner than to keep your windows open!. This is because open windows at higher speeds cause drag that consume more gas than if you used your AC.

13. Use aerodynamic roof carriers

If you have a roof rack, don’t just strap things to it, use an aerodynamic roof carrier. Hauling any object causes drag. Make sure you only carry objects on the roof when absolutely necessary.

14. Warm ups and revs (zoom zoom) are for racing drivers

Newer cars don’t really need it, unless you live in a very cold and frosty climate (and no more than 60 seconds is needed in any case) despite what people will tell you. Furthermore, letting the engine run so that the ice thaws is a mistake. Use a blanket over the windows overnight, and spray of de-icer in the morning. It will be cheaper than leaving your car guzzling gas for 10 minutes each morning.

15. Ease off the gadgets when starting the car.

We all like listening to the radio, using sat nav and having our Blackberrys running off the battery, but when you’re starting your car, have those devices off. Having them all on when you’re starting-up uses more gas.

16. Know where you’re going before getting in the car.

Plan your trip in your office or home - print out an online map, or just have a clean plan of how to get there. If it’s hot, you’ll be wasting gas while idling and using the AC while you figure it all out. If you can, get a good GPS (satelite navigator) - one that can detect traffic jams. Knowing the shortest route with the least traffic is best.

17. Stick to the speed limit - yes, really!

The difference between going 55mph and 75mph is a savings of about 25% in gas! It’s the equivalent savings of using a hybrid! - actually more, because you didn’t spend $20,000+ to buy one.

18. Drive smoothly - avoid the lead foot syndrome

Gasoline motors are the most efficient when they are maintained a constant speed… and they use the most gas in start-stop driving (like in a traffic jam) try to be like a slinky… let the car ahead of you slowly move ahead of you and back again - as you maintain a constant (though slow) speed.

19. Avoid idling on modern engines

There was a time when leaving your car running was more fuel efficient than turning it off and on again. Modern engines are designed to compensate for this and do not consume additional fuel during ignition. So, at a train crossing, go ahead and turn your engine off.

20. Don’t accelerate uphill

Build speed before the hill then maintain that speed going up. Don’t speed, accelerate right before the hill and switch to a lower gear if necessary.

21. Stop jumping from lane to lane

The more you weave, the more gas you’ll use. Consistent weaving will lower MPG and wear out your tires.

22. Date your fill-ups for the holidays

It’s best to fill up a few days before any regional or national holidays. This will let you avoid the inflation that occurs during these periods.

23. Use 1 (one) credit card just for gas - and pay it off every month

There are credit cards that offer as much as 5% back on gas! Problem is, most people don’t pay their bill off each month and end-up paying more than they save. Keep one card just for gas purchases - and pay it off each month. This can add up to large savings. Also lookout for gas stations that offer savings on certain days.

24. Use more public transportation

Have there been improvements in public transportation in your area? Check to see if it could save you money.

25. Avoid the drive-though if it’s full

Don’t just sit-there with your engine idling for 15 minutes in a drive-through full of cars. Park your car, walk a few steps and go inside to get your food… you might even out the extra calories you eat (not really) but it sounds good.

27. Join a carpool or van pool

These options are becoming more common and are sometimes offered by your employer. If not, check your city for programs being offered or start your own and charge others!

28. Don’t buy a hybrid if you have a decent mileage vehicle (especially if it’s paid-off)

Most hybrids cost over $20,000 - so it doesn’t usually make sense to buy a hybrid unless you have a real gas hog - although if your gas hog is paid off, and you only drive a few miles to work, it’s best to sell it and buy an economical, but used car. The third option (if you don’t drive on the freeway) is to buy a low cost $11.995 low-speed vehicle like the one from .

29. Use cruise control

On long trips, a steady speed saves gas, so if you have it - use it!

30. Buy an electric car as a second vehicle (it’s cheaper to insure if it’s your second vehicle)

Today there are affordable electric cars that can replace up to 80% of you driving needs. One company I recommend in particular is - they have the most affordable (modern electrics) on the market. A modern electric is a vehicle that doesn’t use heavy lead-acid batteries and DC motors. Green Vehicles has vehicles TODAY that you can buy for less than $12,000 that can be used for all your non-freeway driving and a $19.995 vehicle that can be used on the freeway. They travel between 60 to 120 miles on a charge and can about pay for themselves in the savings you get from not buing gas.