Saving gas means saving cash. And, with today's high energy bills, it is always wise to make fuel conservation a priority.

"We all need to conserve as much as possible," said Kenneth Shaw, immediate past president of the Used Car Dealers Association.

"Conserve! Conserve! Conserve!" advised Shaw.

He made the point that a dirty air filter wastes gasolene while a well-maintained motor vehicle can reduce the fuel bill significantly.

The seven-time past president, who did not seek re-election in October, gave a few suggestions to keep the gas tab at a minimum.

He said car pooling was ideal in this regard. Combining short errands; travel on the least congested routes daily; and drive at a moderate and smooth pace.

Consider these tips on conservation during this period and beyond.

1Keep your car tyres properly inflated for best traction and gas mileage.

2Let up on the accelerator early when approaching a red traffic light. This action not only saves fuel but may also give time for the light to change to green.

3When approaching a hill, accelerate just before the beginning of the climb. Use the car's momentum rather than more fuel to start moving.

4 Park on a downhill grade when you have a full tank of fuel to prevent spilling. Parking downhill also takes less fuel to start moving.

5When you carry extra weight in your car, you will use more fuel. Do not use your car to store anything that you do not need.

6Use your trunk instead of a rooftop carrier. You save gas by lowering your car's centre of gravity and reducing wind resistance while moving.

7Choose a route that requires fewer stops and speed changes. While at a red traffic light, do not inch up then stop again. Moving up each time wastes fuel.

8 Avoid unnecessary stops.

9When you need to move very slowly, do not use the accelerator. Idling speed of the engine will move the car without wasting fuel.

10When starting from a stop on a steep hill grade, do not race the engine. Accelerate only enough to feel the engine start to pull or move the car forward without rolling back. Racing the engine wastes gas. When at a stop, avoid idling the engine more than a minute.

11When driving on the highway, use the highest gear to save fuel. Ensure that the parking brake is fully released. If not, extra power will be required to move the car.

12When coming out of a turn, accelerate smoothly. Sudden acceleration wastes fuel.

13Drive the defensive way, at a steady speed within the speed limits with the constant aim to save lives, time and cash.

- Paul Messam