Even with the recent drop in gas prices, it's smart to continue practicingmore fuel-efficient driving -- why spend more than you have to? It's alsouseful to remember that although driving in cold weather decreases avehicle's fuel efficiency, drivers can empower themselves to reduce theirgasoline costs with simple fuel-efficiency steps.

The Drive $marter Challenge website offers extensive resources that cover such questions as: Where can Ifind cheap gas along my travel route? Where can I rent a hybrid orfuel-efficient vehicle? What public transportation is available at mydestination?

Before you leave: fuel efficiency maintenance tips

-- Check your tires more frequently in cold weather. Check tire pressureoften, especially in cold weather, because pressure can drop one pound persquare inch (PSI) for every 10-degree drop in temperature. Keeping yourtires properly inflated is simple and improves gas mileage by around 3%.

-- Select the right oil. Using the manufacturer's recommended grade ofmotor oil, including re-refined motor oil, improves gas mileage by 1 to 2%,resulting in annual savings of up to $45. Motor oil that says "EnergyConserving" on the API performance symbol contains friction-reducingadditives. Also, change your oil as recommended to extend the life of yourvehicle; and remember to recycle the used oil, which can be re-refined, tosave even more energy.

-- Tune up. Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed anemissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4%.

Planning your trip

-- Are we there yet? Getting lost while driving in unfamiliar areas couldlead to an expensive waste of gas. Resources on the Drive $marter Challengewebsite can help your family print a customized vacation map thathighlights low-cost gas along your route.

-- Choose the right vehicle. If you own more than one vehicle, drive theone that gets better gas mileage if possible.

-- Request the right rental. If you are renting a vehicle at yourdestination, request one that gets better fuel economy, and remember tofill up the tank before returning the car to the rental company, whichcharges much higher gas prices.

-- Consider navigating with a GPS system. GPS systems can help you findyour way and, increasingly, find low prices at nearby gas stations.

-- Rise and shine! When possible, drive during off-peak hours to reducegas costs and stress by avoiding stop-and-go or bumper-to-bumper trafficconditions.

-- Consider alternative transportation options when you arrive.Investigate options for getting around at your destination -- publictransportation, biking, walking, or ridesharing when possible.

-- Leaving your home unoccupied? The Alliance estimates that the averagehousehold will spend $6,050 to power homes and vehicles this year; andkeeping your house warm this winter will be more expensive, with heatingfuel prices expected to increase by 8 to 36 percent, depending on the fuel.So when you leave town, lower your thermostat and unplug appliances, homeoffice equipment, and electronics to save on your energy bills. For moremoney-saving home energy efficiency tips, check out the Alliance's consumerwebsite.

On the road again...

-- Decrease your speed. Speeding costs! Gas mileage usually decreasesrapidly above 60 mph. Each five miles per hour over 60 mph is like payingan additional 20 cents per gallon for gas.

-- Drive sensibly. Speeding, rapid acceleration (jackrabbit starts), andrapid braking can lower gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds.

-- Use cruise control on highways. Cruise control cuts fuel consumption bymaintaining a steady speed during highway driving.

-- Use overdrive gear when appropriate to reduce engine speed, which savesgas and reduces engine wear.

-- It's a "drag." Avoid carrying items on your vehicle's roof, includingthat mound of freshly fallen snow. A loaded roof rack or carrier increasesweight and aerodynamic drag, which can cut mileage by 5%. Also removeunnecessary items from the trunk whenever possible to improve your fueleconomy.

-- Avoid idling, which gets 0 mpg. Letting your car idle to warm up doesn'thelp your fuel economy. In fact, it simply wastes fuel and createsunnecessary pollution.

To find out how to save hundreds of dollars a year on gas with yourspecific vehicle by taking six actions, go towww.drivesmarterchallenge.org. Those who choose to take the challenge (1-6driving and maintenance actions) can obtain discount vehicle maintenancecoupons.

The Alliance to Save Energy is a coalition of prominent business,government, environmental, and consumer leaders who promote the efficientand clean use of energy worldwide to benefit consumers, the environment,the economy, and national security.