With gasoline prices fluctuating, many Americans are feeling the squeeze at the gas pump. Purchasing a hybrid, full-electric, or more efficient vehicle are great ways to save money at the pump, yet are out of reach for many people. Here are a few ways to increase your vehicle's efficiency.

LOSE WEIGHT

Weight is one extremely easy way to increase a car's fuel economy. it has been estimated that for every 50 pounds of weight shed from a vehicle, fuel efficiency is increased 1%. For the lone commuter, this could be as extreme as removing back seats and floor mats. Additionally, all those plastic covers in one's engine bay can be removed (make sure they are purely aesthetic and not functional; most are just for looks). Of course, losing weight oneself will also help. Saving gas can be another incentive for dieting!

INSTALL PERFORMANCE PARTS

If you are mechanically inclined, there are many aftermarket parts out there for most vehicles. Many of these are easy and/or cheap to have installed. Hi-flow air filters and intakes are probably the most popular, but there are other options. Hi-flow air filters likely do improve performance, but this may also come along with an INCREASE in gas usage, rather than a savings. Lightweight pulleys, alloy wheels, and performance ignition (such as high performance spark plugs, ignitions and coil packs) are all ways to get more bang for your buck. One must also consider however the costs of the products versus the savings in gasoline.

USE SYNTHETIC MOTOR OIL

Perhaps the easiest way to operate a vehicle more efficiently is to use synthetic oils. Not only do engines require motor oil, but transmissions, differentials, and power steering boxes do as well. Using approved synthetic substitutes will reduce friction and heat, which in turn will help a vehicle run more efficiently. Additionally, synthetic fluids tend to last much longer than conventional ones, which can likely save money in reduced maintenance costs over the years.