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Gas prices are putting the brakes on drivers and business owners alike. And since not all of us can afford a fancy new hybrid or alternative vehicle, here’s 5 ways you get the most out of your gas-guzzler.

1. Stay consistent! Driving aggressively or erratically burns gas at a ridiculously fast rate. Keeping a consistent coasting speed can improve your highway fuel efficiency up to %33! Cruise control can help with this, but so can patience and adhering to the posted speed limits!.
2. Idle hands are the Devil’s friend. Idling vehicles are nobody’s. Since an idling engine gets 0 miles to the gallon, it only makes sense to avoid idling when possible. Coast slowly to red lights. Turn off your engine when waiting curbside or for a train.
3. Lose some weight! I know most of us haven’t cleaned out our trunks since the nomad days of college sleepovers but perhaps it’s time to remove all the dead weight you have back there? The more weight an engine has to pull, the harder it works and the more gas the engine burns. Trade out your full-sized spare tire, leave the bulky stroller at home and use an umbrella version for short trips, and stop carrying around useless junk!
4. Get a check-up! Find out what your vehicle’s gas mileage should be using the available resources at Kelly Blue Book and the Fuel Economy Database and see how your car measures up. If you’re not at peak performance then it’s time to visit a reputable and well-trained automotive technician to inspect your vehicle and find out if there is anything amiss with your fuel delivery system.
5. Conserve energy by reducing trips! Combine as many errands into a single outing as you can, or take turns carpooling with a friend or neighbor as much as possible.

Overall, just be wise, do your homework, and when in doubt, consult an educated mechanic or automotive shop for more advice. Happy driving!