by Steven Gomez

Created on: October 30, 2008   Last Updated: April 02, 2009

No matter how high or low gas prices get, always look for ways to shop for gas and drive more efficiently. You can save a few bucks per trip over the long haul through the follow guidelines:

- Don't shop around for the best gas prices. That's right: I said don't shop around. The farther out of the way you go to get the lowest gas price, the less value you get from the lower price: You waste extra gas to get to those pumps. Go far enough, and the cost of the extra travel outweighs whatever savings you ultimately get once you fuel up.

Here's some math to illustrate: Let's say your car gets 30 miles per gallon. Gas at stations along your route typically costs $3.29 a gallon, and filling your 14 gallon tank costs $46.06 (pre tax of course). But a station 15 miles away offers gas for $3.19 per gallon, costing $44.66.

While you save $1.40 if you go to that cheaper station... you need to travel 30 miles overall to get there and back (15 miles ecah way), using a gallon of gas that, in theory, costs $3.19 with the savings. In effect, by going out of your way for "cheaper" gas, you cost yourself an extra $1.79!

Even if you don't travel that far, the cost to get to cheaper pumps and back can outweigh the savings reward unless the station is very close to your normal commute. Narrow your comparison shopping to gas stations along your normal commuting routes.

- Accelerate gently and cruise at the speed limit. Gunning the motor from a stop to get up to speed consumes a ton more gas than if you gently press the accelerator about an inch down and let the car accelerate gradually up to speed. This also applies to aggressive driving: swerving around and gunning past other cars uses up fuel quickly. Relax and drive with traffic. It will help your gas mileage and your stress levels.

- Get to the speed limit and maintain it. Don't speed. Fuel efficiency peaks at around 50-60 mph, and declines if you go any faster. This is a big reason why most jurisdictions set the city freeway speed limits around the 50-60 mph mark.

Maintain the speed limit to maximize your fuel efficiency. If the highway's speed limit is faster, such as 65-70 mph, try to travel behind other vehicles (at a safe distance, of course). The vehicles in front will reduce the wind resistance your car travels through, making it easier on your motor and reducing gas usage.

The Federal Government's Fuel Economy webpage has more information on various tips to improve your gas mileage.

- Minimize your trips. Pack all your errands

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