In this age of upwards-creeping gas prices, improving the fuel efficiency of our vehicles is on everyone’s mind. Switching to a green and more environmentally friendly car is an obvious solution. However, not all of us can afford to invest in a new vehicle. With this in mind, here are seven easy tips from Mills Honda for improving the fuel efficiency of your vehicle--and saving money at the pump in the process.

1. Drive Slower

Making your fuel last longer can be as simple as driving at a slower speed. Statistics show that driving at 55 mph rather than 75 mph can increase your fuel efficiency by 20 percent or more. So slow down! Enjoy the scenery!

2. Keep Your Tires At The Correct Pressure

Your car manual will give you information on what the correct tire pressure should be for your vehicle. Keeping your tires inflated to the maximum allowable pressure can improve the fuel efficiency by between 2 and 4 percent.

3. Change Your Car’s Oil on a Regular Schedule

When is the last time your car had an oil change? If you can’t remember--that’s a bad sign. Regularly changing the oil can help your car run more efficiently in general, thus improving fuel usage. Also, using the correct grade of oil will improve efficiency by 1 to 2 percent. Check with your mechanic to be sure he is using the oil type and grade recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.

4. Replace The Air Filter

The air filter is a vital part of your vehicle--it allows your engine to "breathe" healthily by filtering out dirt and foreign particles. Replacing the air filter can improve fuel economy by up to 10 percent, so change it as often as your manual suggests (usually about once a year). By changing the air filter on a regular basis, you can save you up to 35 cents per gallon.

5. Remove Excess Weight

According to studies, for every 100 pounds of extra weight in your vehicle, your fuel mileage decreases by 2 percent. Are you hauling around a roof rack or bike rack that you never use or is your car stuffed full with excessive clutter? Boost your fuel efficiency by ridding your car of useless or unused items.

6. Don’t Idle Your Engine

Unnecessary idling can use up fuel that could be preserved. If you’re going to be waiting for an extended period of time, switch off your engine.

7. Use Cruise Control

If your car has cruise control, be sure to use it. Continuously speeding up and slowing down can take a toll on the overall fuel economy of your vehicle. Using cruise control keeps your car at a constant speed which helps reduce wasteful and unnecessary fuel use.

With these seven simple steps, you can easily improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Start using them today!