It seems like every time you take your vehicle out, gas prices have gone up. Thankfully, there are tips to aid you in getting the most mileage per gallon.

If you are considering purchasing a new vehicle, there are many great fuel-efficient vehicles to choose from today. You can also help reduce pollution and save money on gas by riding mass transit if it is available in your area, or carpooling.

Check out sites like www.erideshare.com or www.nuride.com to find carpools in your area. If you are unable to take advantage of these options, there are still plenty of other ways to get the most out of your fuel. Below are some tips on how to do so.

Oil Change

Regularly changing your oil will add many miles to your engine. Changing your engine oil according to your car manufacturer's recommendation in your owner's manual will help lubricate the engine, minimize friction and carry away excessive heat, all of which will lead to greater fuel efficiency.

Tires

Under-inflated tires affect your mileage by increasing resistance and making it more difficult for the engine to move the car along the road. For every 1-PSI you are under the optimal rate, you lose 0.4 percent of your miles per gallon. The average person can improve mileage by approximately 3.3 percent by inflating their tires to the proper psi for their vehicle.

Secure Gas Cap

Make sure your gas cap is on and not loose or damaged. 147 million gallons of gas vaporizes every year due to these conditions.

Observe the Speed Limit

While every vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed, gas mileage usually decreases at speeds above 60 mph. As a rule of thumb, you can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon of gas.

Remove Excess Weight

Avoid keeping unneeded items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your fuel economy by up to 2%. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle's weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.

Air Filter

Filters are a crucial part of regular vehicle maintenance and act as the "vehicle's lung". Dirty air filters make it harder for the engine to breathe. If the flow is restricted by a clogged air filter, the fuel economy and vehicle performance will suffer. Replacing a clogged air filter can increase your mileage by up to 10 percent.

Use Cruise Control

By using cruise control on the highway you will be maintaining a constant speed and saving gas.