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With gas prices so high today, even people driving small compact cars are looking for ways to save money on gas. Most people cannot afford to go out and get a new car, especially a hybrid which can cost thousands more than the non-hybrid equivalents. Even if you could buy a new car, you will probably find the EPA's MPG ratings lower then before, even on the same car you may already have. This is not because the cars are more fuel hungry, but because the EPA has updated their test and they are now more accurate. The great thing is, saving money on fuel cost is as easy as adjusting the way you drive.

Slow down

Not the most popular tip, but it is the most cost saving. Many studies have proven that every 10 miles per hour over 60 mph can cut your fuel economy by about 4 miles per gallon. That is like spending .54 cents more a gallon, per 10 mph increase. Sticking to the speed limit will not only save you the cost of a speeding ticket, but can save you substantially in fuel cost.

Accelerating and stopping

Accelerating slowly from a dead stop and braking gently can quickly show significant savings. Heavy acceleration and hard breaking overexerts your engine, burning more fuel. Lightly accelerating, something as small as taking an extra 5 seconds to get from 0 - 60 mph will show a massive savings. You might even want to try a different route to work. Sometimes even a longer route can use less fuel. A short route, with lots of stop and go traffic, can often use up more gas than a longer route with less stopping and going.

Cruise down the road

If you take the freeway or a long open road, using your cruise control can save you up to 14% of fuel cost, according to road test performed by Edmunds.com. Cruise control helps level acceleration. Savings are not effective if used on hilly terrain, where the engine uses too much gas while continuously shifting to maintain speed. Cruise control should also not be used in the rain.

Don't buy premium, if you don't need it

Most cars do not need mid-grade or premium gas. Your cars owner's manual can tell you which gas works best for your car. If your owner's manual says regular (low octane) gas, then your cars engine will run its best on regular gas. Buying premium gas for a car that runs on regular will only hurt your pocket book in the long run. You only need to spend more on mid-grade or premium gas, if your owner's manual says that it is required. A car that requires premium gas, runs its best on premium and will get its best fuel efficiency.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance

Make sure your cars oil is changed, when required. Keep your filters clean. Make sure your tires are inflated properly and your gas cap is always on tight. These simple things will make sure your cars engine is running at its peak performance and you will get its optimum fuel mileage.

Carpooling

Some people hate the bit of freedom they loose when carpooling. Carpooling can save you lots of money in gas. Plus, you get to relax and let someone else take the burden of driving every once in awhile. If your work is a fair distance from your home, gather of some of your local fellow employees and start a carpool. All the money you will save, will give you a better kind of freedom.

You can greatly improve your fuel cost without buying a hybrid. Just small, simple changes in your habits can make you feel like your gas guzzler is really a hybrid in disguise.

Learn more about this author, Krista Robinson.
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