The price of gasoline has exploded and many consumers are struggling to find ways to save money at the pump. Here are a few tips and strategies to keep your cash where it belongs—in your wallet.

Necessity vs. Privilege:

The only indisputable way to save money on fuel is not to use it. While it might be impossible to eliminate driving completely from your life, there are corners that can be cut to keep expenses at a minimum. Walking or riding your bicycle to work, carpooling, taking advantage of public transportation like buses and subways—there are many ways to get around besides manning your own vehicle. .

Driving can be necessary, but it’s often a privilege. The more you eliminate privileged driving from your lifestyle, the more you’re going to save at the pump.

Maintain your vehicle:

Maintaining your vehicle will undoubtedly improve your gas mileage, as well as reduce the wear and tear of your automobile. Parts of your engine will come loose from time to time, while others may stop working altogether. Under-inflated tires could be losing you as much as a miler per gallon—check your owner’s manual for the proper inflation. A poorly tuned engine and a filthy air filter can blow anywhere from 4-40% off your total fuel economy.

The problems with your automobile will not resolve themselves. You need to take financial responsibility and fix them as soon as possible. If you’re not mechanically inclined to do so, chances are you know somebody who is. Give them a call.

Plan your driving:

Know where you’re going before you get into the car. If you’re unsure where you’re going or the shortest routes between destinations, online programs such as Yahoo! and Mapquest offer maps and driving directions free of charge. A missed exit here and there won’t merit a financial panic crisis, but running your errands in a compulsive “back-and-forth” manner is essentially wasting your money. Efficiency is the key. Minimizing your backtracking can save you hundreds of dollars a year, and all it requires is a few minutes of preparation. Combining two days of errands into one and spending more time detailing your grocery list to avoid extra return trips are other examples of how planning is beneficial.