It seems like the topic of discussion around every office water cooler, every web forum, every talk radio show and probably every dinner table. High (and steadily rising) fuel prices. We've all received the 'dont buy gas on monday!' spam emails and we've probably all considered it or even done it. The fact of the matter is, that's nothing more than a lame attempt to get the oil companies to lower prices. Not pumping gas for one day doesn't mean you arent still driving as much round trip to work and to the market, so how on earth could it put the hurting on how much fuel is being sold. A better email subject would be "Start a carpool for your office/place of employment and cut down on fuel usage". That idea would obviously lead to less fuel usage. It may not force Shell and Exxon-Mobil to reduce prices, but it would sure put a few bucks back in your pocket.

While you're on the road, there is plenty you can do to cut back on your car's fuel consumption. Here are a few tips that I've found around the web:

• Traveling at 55 mph give you up to 21% better mileage when compared to former legal speed limits of 65 mph and 70 mph.
• Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause air drag, reducing your mileage by 10%
• Avoid rough roads whenever possible, because dirt or gravel rob you of up to 30% of your gas mileage
• Regular tune-ups ensure best economy; check owner's manual for recommended maintenance intervals. Special attention should be given to maintaining clean air filters... diminished air flow increases gas waste.
• Buy gasoline during coolest time of day - early morning or late evening is best. During these times gasoline is densest. Keep in mind - gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to "volume of measurement".

Other ideas that come to mind are cutting back on other things instead of cutting back on your fuel consumption. For instance, instead of buying premium products, try generic. I've found that the generic brands are surprisingly right on par with the quality you may come to expect from name brand products. Sams Choice and Equate at Wal-mart are great examples of this.

If you have a long trip to the grocery store, coordinate with your neighbor and go together. The same goes for trips to the mall, hardware store, church, etc. For husbands and wives or room mates try and coordinate trips to work or school with one vehicle. Get your husband or wife to drop you off on their way. If it's a little out of the way and will only save a couple of miles, just do it a few times a week. It will add up in the end.

There's probably nothing that can be done to bully the multi-billion dollar oil companies, but individually we can make some slight changes in our own lifestyles that can surely help ease the pain of these 60 and 70 dollar fill ups we've been experiencing.

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