It’s no secret gas prices have risen dramatically nationwide in recent weeks, causing significant financial impact on families and individuals alike. Inflated fuel costs appear to be here to stay, at least for the time being. So, you may be wondering if there's anything you can do to help reduce fuel costs when simply driving less is not an option for many of us. The below tips can help maximize your vehicle's fuel economy to lessen the strain on your budget.

Plan your week ahead so you can combine trips into a single outing. If possible, try to make those trips during off-peak hours to avoid the heaviest traffic congestion in your area. During the winter and summer months, reduce engine idling with shorter warmups and cool downs.

When it’s safe and reasonable, keep a greater distance from the vehicle in front of you to help reduce braking while trying to maintain distance. Constant braking while cruising wastes a lot of fuel by having to reaccelerate after each brake application. Also, watch your speed. not only is driving at excessive speeds unsafe but speeding also results in a big hit to your vehicle's fuel economy.

We all must carry our daily necessities and it’s a smart idea to always keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. However, the extra weight of additional unneeded items can have an impact on fuel economy, so now might be a good time to look at your cargo and see if there are any heavy items that can go.

Following your vehicle manufacturer's recommended service schedule keeps your vehicle running at its best, which can help prevent a drop in your vehicle's fuel economy. Keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure can have a significant impact on fuel economy, while preventing premature wear.

If you live in colder climates, winter tires can be a lifesaver. But their sticky tread and higher rolling resistance can take a toll on MPGs, so it’s a good idea to swap them for all-season or summer tires each year as soon as it’s safe to do so. Winter tires can also be expensive and tend to wear out quicker while running them in warmer temperatures.

If your vehicle is equipped with modern fuel-saving features, such as auto stop/start and eco mode, make sure these features are enabled as they can further maximize fuel economy by optimizing engine idling, throttle response, and shift points.

Following these tips can help you go further on every dollar spent at the gas pump. If you're looking to save even more on your fuel costs, Hertz Car Sales offers a big selection of fuel-efficient used cars at most of our locations across the country. Some of our most popular fuel-efficient models include the Chevrolet Cruze, Kia Optima, Nissan Versa, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Corolla.