Pump your tires to their recommended inflation rate.

Why?

When your tires are pumped properly, you save gas. This helps wildlife because the more gas we conserve as a country, the less likely we will drill in wildlife-rich places, such as the Arctic Refuge.

According to the The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, American motorists may waste $2 billion annually because their tires are not properly inflated.

If your tires are pumped to even four or five pounds per square inch lower than recommended levels, it increases your gas usage by 10%.

Find out your recommended tire pressure in your owner's manual or on the sticker that's found on most cars near the driver's seat (visible when you open your car door). Many gas station air pumps automatically tell your air pressure as part of the pumping process. You can also get a tire gauge for a few dollars to check the pressure at home.

Five More Gas Saving Tips

1. Drive sensibly: Dramatic stop-and-go driving wastes gas.

You'll save about 33% of your gas purchases while highway driving and 5% while city driving.

2. Keep your engine in good shape: If your car is running hard, or you fail an emissions test, get it fixed. And if there is one tune-up that you should take seriously, it would your oxygen sensor. A bad sensor can increase gas costs by 40%. Air filters protect your engine but if they get clogged, it can increase your gas costs by up to 10%.

You'll save about 4-40% of your gas purchases!

3. Remove unnecessary weight from your car: For every 100 pounds of stuff that you keep in your car, you reduce fuel economy on average by 2%. This has an even bigger impact on smaller vehicles.

You'll save about 2% of your gas purchase for every 100 pounds of stuff you lug around!

4. Combine your trips: If you can keep a list of things that you need to do in your car, then you can plan the best route. This saves gas and time. Plus it can be a fun educational activity with your kids to take a to-do list, a map of your community and work together to plan your errands. It makes them feel involved and teaches them about the costs of gas. Maybe your kids will even think of a better plan!

5. Avoid driving altogether: Walk, bike and take public transit. It will save you lots of money! Try telecommuting.

You'll save 100% of your gas purchase!

(All statistics from www.fueleconomy.gov.)