Gas prices have risen $1.07 since last summer – representing an increase of more than 30%.  Economists argue about what’s really behind skyrocketing gas prices, but most agree that factors include oil speculation, rising worldwide demand for oil, and the weak value of the U.S. dollar. 

None of those are factors we as individuals can do anything about.  But there are things you can do to save at the pump – in spite of high gas prices.

1.  Keep your car in tip-top shape

A poorly maintained car gets fewer miles per gallon of gas than the same car in tip-top shape.  So don’t skip oil changes.  And keep your tires inflated to the manufacturer’s specifications (that’s a safety issue, too).

2.  Avoid extra loads

Hauling around a bunch of junk in the trunk of your car will add to your bill at the pump.  For every 250 pounds, your car gets about 1 mile less per gallon.  So take out what you don’t need.  And when the football team wants a ride – charge ‘em.

3.  Buy the lowest octane gas your car can take

My dad thinks that the car must have 91-octane gas (the highest grade), which typically runs about $0.20 more than 87-octane gas (the lowest grade).  Here’s good news, mom: experts say that if you use the gas that your car’s manufacturer recommends (probably 87- or 89-octane) you’ll be taking good care of your car’s engine, and saving money at the pump, too.

4.  Stop peeling out

Rapid acceleration wastes gas.  You may look cool for the girls at the drive in, but you’ll pay more at the gas pump.

5.  Think about your route and whether you really need to run out to the store for ice cream

My wife used to ask me to run out to the store for every little thing we need – chocolate sauce for the sundaes, popcorn for the movie.  But even short trips to the store and back home can add up at the gas station.  So plan out your trips to maximize efficiency (think killing two birds with one stone) and say “no” to errands when you’ve already been to the store once that day.

6.  Gas = go; brake = stop; don’t combine them

Growing up, my best friend’s mom drove around with her foot pressing lightly on the brake, even when she was pressing the gas pedal to accelerate.  Even if we were only driving the four blocks to my house, I’d be green in the face by the time we got there.  Turns out, driving with your foot on the brake, however lightly, is bad for fuel economy too.

7.  Use the A/C sparingly

Air conditioning can lower your car’s fuel economy 10 to 20 percent.  That doesn’t mean you should drive on the freeway with the windows down – that won’t help, much.   But in stop-and-go traffic, if you can bear to shut off the A/C and roll down a window instead, you’ll save a bundle.  Of course, that’s not practical when it’s hot enough outside to fry an egg on the sidewalk.

8.  Trade in the SUV

If you can afford to sell your gas-guzzler in exchange for a more fuel-efficient car, you’ll save big in the long run.

9.  Comparison shop, but don’t forget tip #5

There are a number of websites you can visit to see gas prices in your area, including GasBuddy.com and

GasPriceWatch.com.  But as you comparison shop for gas, don’t forget tip#5.  In other words, don’t drive 5 extra miles to save a few cents at the pump.

10.  Slow down

During the gas crises of the 1970s, speed limits on highways were lowered so that cars wouldn’t use so much gas.  Even if the sign says 65, driving in the right lane doing 55 will save you at the pump – those 10 mph could save you 2 miles per gallon in added fuel efficiency.