How to Cut Your Gas Bill in Half

Instability in Libya, Egypt and throughout the Mideast has sent gas prices well north of $3 a gallon. Try these 5 road-tested ways to save money on gas. Also check out the most fuel-efficient 2011 cars and SUVs. By Dan Shapley

Pay $2.55 Per Gallon: Drive Smarter

If all else fails, you can at least drive the car you own to greater fuel-efficiency. By one estimate, you can improve fuel economy 20% by reversing bad habits. That's like spending $2.55 per gallon instead of $3.19.

The gravy: Changing bad driving habits and scheduling regular vehicle maintenance lessens the pollution your car produces by burning fossil fuel. That means less smog, less asthma, less acid rain and less of a contribution to global warming. All in all, not a bad outcome from saving a few dimes.

Start by inflating your tires to the recommended level. Visit your mechanic for a tune-up if you're due. Be sure to have your tires aligned, your air filter checked and your oil changed if needed.

When making trips, combine errands so that the trip home from work also includes the trip to the grocery store (and thereby cuts your gas bill in half). When you're on the road, drive smoothly, accelerate slowly and don't speed. The biggest savings are in your right foot.

For more tips, see The Daily Green's 10 Ways to Save 20% on Gas Every Day.