SIX WAYS TO SLAM YOUR BRAKES ON HIGH GASOLINE COSTS
By GREG DAUGHERTY

(MONEY Magazine) – People and Politicians alike are fuming: Gasoline prices have shot up more than 16% since February, adding about 18' to every gallon of unleaded regular. If you can think of places you'd rather spend your money than at the gas pump, here are six ways to save:

1. Price-shop the pumps. While gasoline brands differ in some of their performance-enhancing additives, the differences are minor. So scope out the competition. In many places you'll save a dime or more a gallon.

2. Don't overpay for premium. Fewer than 10% of the cars on the road--mostly high-performance and luxury vehicles--need premium gas, the American Automobile Association says. Even so, about 20% of drivers buy it--and pay roughly 17' a gallon extra for the privilege. Check your owner's manual, and buy the lowest grade it recommends.

3. Pump it yourself, and pay cash. The AAA says you'll save an average of 24' a gallon by wielding the nozzle yourself. And at gas stations that still charge different prices for cash and credit-card sales, you'll save 2' to 8' a gallon by paying with paper rather than plastic.

4. Check your tires. Underinflated tires cut fuel economy by as much as 2% for each missing pound of pressure.

5. Stay tuned. An out-of-tune engine uses 3% to 8% more fuel. Scan the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual for times to tune up.

6. Think aerodynamically. Bike carriers, luggage racks, those car-top bins that look like mongo Big Mac boxes--all amount to a drag on your car's aerodynamic efficiency and cost you in gas mileage. So unless you're hauling goods (or get an urge for a 65-pound Big Mac), leave them home. --Greg Daugherty