by Valerie Preston

Created on: June 13, 2008   Last Updated: April 25, 2009

Driving a car these days is like feeding a hungry monster. Every time you turn around it's time to buy more gas and the price is higher. Yet how much you pay for gas is not equal to the prices at the stations. A good deal of how much you are shelling out for gasoline has to do with several factors beyond price, such as your driving habits and the maintenance of your car, and these costs are under your control.

I am a save-gas-aholic, and obsessive as well. So, as gas prices began to rise, I began to adopt more gas-saving practices into my driving and compared the results. You will be amazed at much money you can save by changing your driving habits, and yes, you can change the way you drive if you are motivated. $3 a gallon motivated me, and we'll never see those days again. When fuel prices hit over $5 a gallon, perhaps more people will adopt some or all of these methods. Become obsessive about it and you will be glad you did.

Using the techniques below, I am able to get 34 miles per gallon on the open road in my 96 Nissan, while ignoring how I drive reduces that number significantly, to as low as 28 mph.

The number one rule is to slow down. The speed limits should be reduced in this country once again, but since they haven't been changed, it is left up to you as to how much money you want to waste. Sailing along at 80 miles an hour, a common sight on our nation's highways, is like setting fire to your dollar bills. Make it a rule to use your cruise control whenever possible, and set it to 60, no matter what the interstate speed signs say. Consistent and slower driving is elemental to saving gas. Stay in the right lane and don't concern yourself with others. If they need to pass they will, and if it takes them awhile just think of the gas you've kept them from using! If you find it difficult to slow down, really think about why you need to go fast and how much it costs you. As you practice slower driving, you will become accustomed to it and you will find it is a much more relaxing and safe way to circumvent the highways.

Don't speed drive to and from stops. As you take off, slowly accelerate to the speed you will drive. Always keep your foot on the accelerator the lightest touch possible, and watch to see how much you can let off the pedal without losing your desired speed. While going downhill, you can let off the accelerator completely to let your car move forward of it's own velocity. Take advantage of pedal-free-driving, not only downhill but when coming

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