The price of gasoline didn’t use to be a major consideration in a family’s budget. But today, with gas prices escalating, a lot of people are beginning to look for ways to improve their gas mileage. Short of buying one of the new hybrid cars, is there anything that the average driver can do to get the most mileage possible? The answer is a resounding "yes." Here are ten tips that are easy to follow and guaranteed to help.

1. Drive Sensibly

Slow down and stick to the speed limit. It may take you a little longer to get to your destination, but you’ll save a significant amount of money. Car and Driver magazine reports that for every five miles per hour that you drive over 60 mph, you are spending at least ten cents more per gallon on gas. Surprisingly, gas mileage will decrease by 17 percent when driving 70 mph rather than 55. For people who travel a great deal this can add up to nearly $200.00 per year.

Similarly, when you are driving around town, practicing a little patience will help you save gas! Don’t push the accelerator coming off a light or stop sign. Instead, accelerate slowly. If you are one of those people who believe that a yellow light is the signal to speed up to make it through, slow down. This type of quick acceleration kills gas mileage. Believe it or not, you can increase your gas mileage by five percent by simply taking it a little easier.

2. Limit Idle Time

When your car is idling, you are wasting gas and cutting into your mileage. If you are in the habit of starting your car to warm it up in the morning, consider shortening the length of time that you let it run. Similarly, when you are stuck in traffic or waiting at a drive-through, turn off the car. By letting the car idle you are simply wasting gas.

3. Plan Your Excursions

If you have a number of errands to do, plan out your course in advance. Go to the furthest place first, and work your way back home. Every mile you don’t drive means a little less fuel consumption.

4. Use Your Cruise Control

Using your cruise control on the highway is an effortless way to maintain a constant speed. Slowing down and speeding up uses more gas than maintaining a constant speed. Move your foot away from brake pedal so that you won’t accidentally tap it, thus disengaging this feature.

5. Lighten Up

Clean out your car, removing anything that is not necessary for your day to day travel. The lighter your vehicle, the better your mileage. Believe it or not you can improve your mileage by two percent by removing just 100 pounds from the vehicle.

6. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

Not only does this help increase gas mileage, it also helps to extend the life of your tires. Under inflated tires can lower your gas mileage by up to 15 percent. That can cost you $4.00 each time you fill up. Check your tire pressure regularly, once a week if possible.

7. Change Your Oil on Schedule and Check Your Filters

Follow your car manufacturer’s recommended schedule for changing your oil, and use the oil that they recommend. This can improve mileage by up to two percent. Whenever you have your oil changed, make sure that the mechanic checks your filters. Clogged filters can reduce gas mileage by up to ten percent.

8. Limit Use of Air Conditioning

Air conditioning is one of an automobile’s biggest gas-guzzlers. In fact, driving around with the A/C on all day can cut your mileage by 20 percent. Instead, use your vents and open your windows. Then think about all the money you are saving!

9. Tune Your Engine

Read your owner’s manual, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for tuning your engine. This can increase gas mileage by up to four percent.

10. Lower Your Octane

There is no need to use any higher-octane gas in your car than the manufacturer recommends. Using higher-octane gas does nothing but drain your wallet. Be sure to tighten you gas cap after you fill your tank. This will save gas from evaporating into thin air!

These tips are tried and true, and more useful today than ever before. Not only will they help increase your gas mileage, your car will run more efficiently and last longer as well.