How to save money on gas

Gasoline prices may not fall anytime soon, but you can save dollars and gallons by driving smart.

Gasoline will likely continue to take a big bite out of household budgets in 2009. But there are ways to keep your gas expenditures under control. Here are 10 easy steps you can take to keep more money in your wallet and more gas in your tank.

• Drive less. Combine errands like picking up groceries or buying gas with the drive to work or to soccer practice. Car pool with other parents or with colleagues. Walk, ride your bike or take public transit whenever possible.
• Drive slower. The faster you drive, the more fuel your car consumes. Staying within the speed limit is safer, too.
• Maintain a steady speed. When you accelerate, your car eats gas. Avoid a lot of braking and quick starts in traffic -- try to travel when traffic is light. Use cruise control on the highway.
• Keep your car tuned up. Change the oil and check the air and oil filters regularly. Make sure your spark plugs and your emission-control system are working efficiently.
• Check your tires. Make sure they are at the proper pressure and correctly aligned for better fuel economy.
• Comparison shop. Tank up wherever the price per gallon is lowest, whether it's a name-brand filling station or not. Stop and top up whenever you see a bargain price posted. Visit www.gasbuddy.com to find out where you can buy gas cheapest in your part of the country, but don't drive miles out of your way to save pennies.
• Pump your own. Use self-serve filling stations whenever possible.
• Use the right octane gas. Fill up with the octane recommended by the manufacturer of your car, rather than a premium grade. Your car will run fine and you will save money.
• Turn the engine off. Don't sit and let the motor idle while you wait for a passenger. If you anticipate a stop of more than a minute, turn off the car.
• Lighten up. Clear your trunk of junk. When your car is carrying extra weight, it consumes more fuel.