The guide offers substantial information about how motorists can savegasoline and money by following 45 tips covering driving style, carmaintenance, commuting and saving fuel while on vacation.

According to the U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Americans drive an averageof 29 miles a day and spend more than 55 minutes of every day in theirvehicles. The average vehicle is driven about 12,000 miles per year anduses 550 gallons of gasoline per year.

Southern California gas prices are among the highest in the nation becauseof stricter air quality regulations that require cleaner "summer blend"fuel, a limited number of refineries that supply the region and highertaxes than in many other states, according to the Auto Club's AutomotiveResearch Center.

"The car or truck you drive, how it's maintained and how you drive are themost important factors in conserving fuel," said Steve Mazor, manager ofthe Auto Club's Automotive Research Center. "If you own more than onevehicle, use the more energy conserving vehicle as often as possible," headded.

Reminder tips for getting the most out of every gallon of gasoline include:

--  Slow down. The faster a vehicle travels, the more fuel it burns.--  Minimize the need to brake by anticipating traffic conditions. Be    alert for slowdowns and red lights ahead of you and decelerate by coasting    whenever possible.--  Make sure the gas cap is the right one for your car. A poorly-fitted    gas cap causes engine problems, increases emissions, cuts fuel economy and    causes the check engine light to come on in new vehicles.    

The AAA has published public-service guides on fuel economy and safety fordecades. In 1943, AAA published its first fuel guide to assist withgasoline rationing required by World War II, according to Mazor.