How to Deal With Gasly Petroleum Prices

Burning one gallon of gas produces roughly 25 pounds of CO2.

What Can You Do?

For those of us who aren't positioned to rush out and buy a hybrid this week, here are a few tips that will help your vehicle run more efficiently:

Replace clogged air filters. A clogged air filter can cut a vehicle's fuel efficiency by 10 percent.

Check the air pressure on your tires and inflate any that are lower than the pressure recommended in the owner's manual. AccuTire's Programmable Tire Gauge ($19.95; www.properautocare.com) remembers the proper air pressure so you can avoid pulling out the manual every time you check. Properly inflated tires can increase fuel efficiency by 3.3 percent.

Slow down. For most vehicles, fuel efficiency begins to drop rapidly at 60 mph. Driving within the speed limit can improve fuel efficiency by up to 23 percent.

Take it easy. Slamming on the brakes and accelerating too quickly can reduce fuel efficiency up to 33 percent.

Get a tune-up. Routine maintenance can up fuel efficiency by 4 percent, while fixing more serious problems can improve efficiency up to 40 percent.

See Fueleconomy.gov for more fuel-saving tips.