2. Change the way you drive. Start up and accelerate smoothly. Don't speed and don't keep changing lanes. Decelerate instead of braking.
3. Keep cool but not too cool. Use interior vents, the sunroof or windows instead of air conditioning.
4. Fill 'er up properly. Don't overfill your tank and fill up during cooler times of the day.
5. Check your tires. Underinflated and overinflated tires wear out faster.
6. Change your shopping habits. Combine several short trips into one longer one. Carpool.
7. Clean out your trunk. Every 500 pounds you haul costs you from 2 to 5 mpg.
8. Check under the hood. A dirty air filter can cost a mile per gallon at 50 mph. Misfiring spark plugs can increase fuel consumption by 25 percent.
9. Keep your car waxed. Wax preserves the paint and cuts wind resistance.
10. Buy a hybrid. A hybrid can get you close to 60 mpg, and you may even qualify for a federal rebate. Check for state rebates at www.eere.energy.gov.
The book is available wherever books are sold and online at www.dummies.com.
