Driving? Here are 5 tips to help you start saving money and the environment right away - by changemyfootprint.com

• Keep your tires properly inflated

With properly inflated tires your gas mileage will improve. Look for the recommended pounds per square inch (PSI) rating. Driving 12,000 miles yearly on under-inflated tires costs about 144 gallons extra.

• Turn off your air conditioning

Yes, your car's air conditioning is using gas and the manufacturer of your vehicle is not very transparent about it. Air conditioning can use about 10% extra fuel when operating. However, at speeds of over 80 km/h, use of airconditioning is better for fuel consumption than an open window as this creates aerodynamic drag. If it is hotter inside your car than outside when you start a trip, drive with the windows down for a few minutes to help cool the car before starting the air conditioning.

• Use your cruise control

It adjusts the speed of your car by controlling the throttle position. It’s the consistent provision of fuel what improves your fuel economy. Your vehicle could get up to 15% better mileage.

• Keep your car as light as possible

The heavier your car, the harder your car's engine has to work to do it’s job. Take a look at the stuff that's in your trunk and only take with you what you really have to take with you.

• Drive in the right gear

Driving in a gear lower than you have to wastes fuel. When you have a manual vehicle, change up gears as soon as the car is comfortable with the higher gear but without accelerating harder than necessary. When you have an automatic transmission ease back slightly on the accelerator once the car gathers momentum.

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