Fuel Efficiency

To improve fuel efficiency: Set cruise control to 60 mph. Each 5 mph above 60 is like paying 6 percent more per gallon of gas.

Use the trunk: A loaded-down roof rack cuts fuel economy by as much as 5 percent. But clear the trunk after trip and clean out your backseat. Every 100 pounds you remove improves economy by 1 to 2 percent.

Check tires: Tires can lose as much as 1 pound of pressure per month, increasing their rolling resistance in decreasing your mileage.

Check air filter: A dirty filter can raise fuel consumption by as much as 10 percent.

Ad fuel-injection cleaner: if you're always buying the cheapest gas, you may be missing out on chemicals called amines, which help clean your fuel injectors. A cleaner could improve your mileage by up to 20 percent.