Okay it is that time of the business cycle again, when gas prices go way higher than the average driver can really afford. With the national average of a gallon of gas hovering near $4 per gallon, driving is once again becoming something you need to think about more carefully.  The Federal Government has tried to encourage auto makers to suddenly create a better internal combustion engine or something by making mandatory MPG Rating requirements. But by the time these new standards are implemented will the average driver be able to actually buy gasoline?

The best idea for increasing fuel efficiency is to reduce fuel consumption. Using less gas cost less money. But how exactly can this be done given the fast pace of life in the US and the need to drive everywhere? If you look at your daily driving habits, there really should be some place where you can reduce the use of your automobile. Do you drive to work? Can you car pool? Can you take public transportation? Maybe you can’t take a bus all the way to work, but what about a Park n Ride situation? Drive part of the way to work and take public transportation the rest of the way. This won’t stop your need for driving but if you could cut out 50% of the driving time to your job you would be cutting down on 50% of the gas you would use.

What about all those errands you run during the week or the weekend. Can you get make all your stops on one day during the weekend. Plan and strategize your errands run. Cutting back on the amount of times you drive your car to and from the shopping center would be an easy way to cut back on the amount of gas used. Can you run your errands during off peak hours when not so many cars are on the road with you. Avoiding traffic will also help reduce your gas consumption.

Another area of improvement is automobile maintenance. Getting your oil changed regularly and checking your tire pressure often can add a little more towards your effort of improving gas mileage. All these little things do seem like much, but with gas prices so high, these little things could add up to good improvements in your gas consumption and savings in your wallet.

Whether gas prices are on the rise or on the decline, everyone wants to save money at the pump. There are a number of easy steps to follow to make sure you’re not spending more than you have to in order to keep your car filled up.

Because prices usually rise on the weekend, try to fill up your gas tank during the week – try Tuesday afternoons or Wednesday mornings.

Keep track of your mileage and make sure you have your car serviced when the manufacturer recommends. Having an out-of-condition car can affect mileage.

Look for discounts on gas through gas cards or other credit cards that may offer a percentage off your total gas purchase. This can really add up.

Keep your car running at its most efficient. This includes filling it up before it’s on empty. Did you know that when you run your car on a nearly empty tank you are using more gas? Fill ‘er up and run a more efficient engine.

Are you still hauling around that chair, stroller, or old boxes filled with things you’ve been meaning to get rid of? Get them out of your car. For every 100 pounds of extra weight in your car fuel economy drops by up to 2%.

Don’t idle your car if you don’t have to – save some gas.

Make sure your tire pressure is where it is supposed to be.

Slow down – excessive speed eats up gas – as does not maintaining an average speed.

Don’t top off. Topping off results in small bursts of fuel coming through the pump. The pump doesn’t have time to activate, you may lose a few cents here and there – which can add up.

Running errands? Plan your route ahead of time to avoid going back and forth if you don’t have to.

With a little planning you can really start saving a boatload of money at the pump.

Many drivers may have heard about new fuel efficiency standards that will come into play for 2012-2016 model vehicles. While  basic guidelines had been announced, the final rules were signed into effect early this month. The new rules were drafted by the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the first such collaboration by the two agencies under the Obama administration’s National Fuel Efficiency Policy. Besides increasing the requirements for fuel efficiency, this new policy also regulates automotive emissions of greenhouse gasses for the first time. It will also unify the previous regulatory framework, in which California established its own emissions requirements. This forced some auto companies to sell different versions of their cars in California, an additional expense that will no longer be incurred by the manufacturers.

Savings at the pump could be substantial, as the new rules would tack on an average of 8.2 miles per gallon to the 2011 fuel economy standard, set at 27.3 miles per gallon. Consumers may see an increase in sticker prices as a result of the new plan, though estimates peg that cost at less than $1,000.  While the regulations are based on the entire fleet average, meaning that there’s no guarantee that every new model coming to market will carry improved fuel economy, it is certainly a step in the right direction.

What to Trade for Better Fuel Economy:

There are many ways to reduce your fuel expenses, such as driving less or car pooling; even moderate acceleration and braking as opposed to slamming on the brakes or revving the engine at every stop light will give you better fuel economy. But if you are looking for an instant boost, as opposed to lifestyle changes, there is the ‘trade-in’. Here are some great recommendations of alternatives of what you may have now:

-Trade a Truck-Based Body-on-Frame SUV for a Full-Size Crossover. Lots of people bought big SUVs when gas was cheap and incentives were plenty. But over time, the gas bill could hurt. Full-size crossovers drive wonderfully and more smoothly than the truck-based SUVs, and offer some fuel-saving benefit.

-Trade a Minivan for a Microvan. The microvan market is heating up, as automakers are finding a way to make the ultimate family vehicle more fuel efficient. While there are not that many choices on the market today, expect an influx of models in the next few year.

-Trade a Big SUV for a Smaller Utility Vehicle.  Here is another choice for large SUV owners. Many consumers are asking themselves if they really need all that size and brawn, if you are one of them, this may be the perfect solution. Vehicles in this class should improve your fuel costs by a significant amount, yet you will still have a decent amount of passenger and cargo room, and possibly, all wheel drive.

-Get Rid of Your Weekend Pickup Truck and replace It with a Fuel-Efficient Second Car. If you really only need a pickup for occasions here and there, many companies, such as the home-improvement chain’s, offers truck rentals by the hour.  Considering where we think gas prices will be, renting the home-improvement chain’s truck by the hour to haul paneling and sheetrock back to the house makes much more sense than owning a pickup you don’t really need.

-Swap Prestige for the Hybrid. For many, a new hybrid vehicle is beyond their budget, but for those who can afford a luxury car, they can just as easily afford a new hybrid. Its a simple choice of lifestyle, you may not feel flashy in a down to earth Prius, but in the end you may impress more for your contribution to the earth.