Summer has not yet arrived but soon enough, it would already be felt. And when summer arrives, it means fun and a lot of driving to vacation spots for many people. However, with the gas prices skyrocketing, it would not be a surprise to find many people opting to take lesser and shorter trips.

According to the Department of Energy (DOE), the gas price already averages some $2.60 a gallon which is 40 cents greater compared to the prices of just a year ago. To assist motorists and vehicle owners in getting their dollar's worth in gas through a greater mileage, Alexander Karsner who is the new DOE assistance secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy states, "Keeping vehicles properly maintained and driving smart can significantly boost mileage and lower gasoline costs." The Alliance to Save Energy Power $avings' President, Kateri Callahan, adds, "Households paid more than $4000 last year to power their homes and vehicles. Consumers can cut those costs with tips from the DOE/Alliance Power $avings campaign."

The DOE/Alliance Power $avings campaign is a list of tips and tricks that could assist vehicle owners and motorists in keeping and achieving the best gas mileage. Of course, by having a much higher mileage would mean longer trips and more fun during the coming summer months.

While driving, obeying the speed limit and keeping down aggressive driving also increases fuel mileage. Maintaining a steady speed also cuts fuel consumption. And if you would be taking long rides, try to lessen your baggage. The heavier the cargo inside the vehicle, the more gas it consumes.

By keeping your vehicle properly tuned up improves gas mileage by about four percent. This is according to the said campaign. Also, keeping your vehicle in tiptop shape helps a lot. Clean air filters provides an added 10 percent in gas mileage, properly inflated tires by 3.3 percent, and the right motor oil by one to two percent.