Going that Extra Mile

Just like many of their owners, most American cars could stand to go on a little diet. And just like eating less and exercising more are common-sense ways to lose weight, taking some pretty simple steps can help your car use less gas. For starters, keep your air filter clean and your tires properly inflated, drive the speed limit, and "back off the bling." (I guess that makes custom rims the car world’s Krispy Kremes.)

These suggestions come from About.com's car editor, Aaron Gold, who ends his list of easy fuel-saving tips with this slightly more challenging one: don't drive. "Not a popular thing to say on a car site," he writes, "but the fact is that if you can avoid driving, you'll save gas. Take the train, ride your bike, carpool, consolidate your shopping trips. And always ask yourself: 'Is this trip really necessary?'"

For more gas-saving tips, check out the Sierra Club's list of "Ten Ways to Save Money at the Pump."

(Photograph by Warren Gretz; courtesy DOE/NREL.)