(NewsUSA) - When fuel prices rise, talking heads promote hybrid cars. Want to save gas money and conserve resources? Buy a hybrid!

But with today's economy, few people can afford new vehicles. Hybrid-like fuel economy is possible in non-hybrid cars, if drivers know how to maximize their cars' or trucks' performance.

The Web site www.royalpurple.com offers these suggestions:

- Maintain Vehicles. An out-of-tune engine can increase fuel consumption by 15 percent. Owners should always follow their car manufacturer's tune-up schedule.

- Upgrade to a Better Motor Oil. Switching to a high-performance, synthetic motor oil saves both gas and dough. According to independent tests, upgrading motor oil can improve fuel economy by 5 percent.

The Web site www.royalpurple.com has a 'fuel-savings calculator' that demonstrates how much money can be saved just by upgrading lubricants -; it's significant.

- Replace Air Filters. Air filters keep impurities from damaging engines' interiors, so replacing dirty filters will save gas and protect engines.

- Keep Tires Properly Inflated. The U.S. Energy Department reports that under-inflated tires can increase fuel consumption by 6 percent. One study estimates that 50 to 80 percent of the tires rolling on U.S. roads are under-inflated. Americans could save up to 2 billion gallons of gas each year if they inflated their tires.

- Keep Your Cap On. Missing, damaged, and loose gas caps cause 147 million gas gallons to vaporize each year, according to "Auto Service Operator" magazine. Every time drivers refuel, they should eye their gas caps. A quick visual inspection can ensure that the gas in the tank does not vanish into thin air.

- Drive the Speed Limit.

Forget safety. According to www.fueleconomy.gov, drivers pay an extra 20 cents per gallon for every five miles driven at speeds above 60 mph.

To find the lowest gas prices in your area, visit www.gaspricewatch.com.