Gas prices fluctuate, but the trend has been mostly upward now for a generation. In 1972, the average per gallon price was about 25 cents. Even adjusting for inflation, those days are not likely to be seen again for a long time, if ever. Fortunately, even for those with long commutes to work or who enjoy vacations by car or RV, it is possible to save substantial sums on your yearly gasoline expenses.

Some methods entail radical choices, others are as easy as a painless change of habits and a little maintenance.

Moving closer to work, or working closer to home can save literally thousands of dollars over the course of a year. That can more than compensate for the effort for those, like singles and childless couples, who find it much easier to relocate. An even larger move on that same theme is to consider another city where gas prices average lower.

But few will want to make such a drastic lifestyle change, even to save big on gasoline. Still, there are dozens of smaller changes that can add up to a big percentage of the difference.

Tire pressure does make a difference, for example. Few people check their air pressure in the tires more than once in never, unless they notice a very low tire. The air pressure usually gets adjusted only when the tire is repaired or replaced.

Keeping it at the high end of the rated range can reduce gasoline consumption by 5% or more, depending on average miles driven per year and climate in your location. That’s a big savings for such a small effort. It takes only seconds to check and a few minutes to adjust your air pressure.

Changing tire pressure changes the friction between road and tire. But another type of friction is important at highway speeds: air friction. Reduce air drag and save gas. That’s simple by just removing any bicycle, boat, or other ‘rider’ on the roof. Keeping your windows closed on the freeway will also help.

Car pooling is one of the traditional methods for saving on consumption and the number willing to do so rises dramatically as gas prices do. Most people resist because of the inconvenience and difficulty of coordinating schedules. Using the Internet can help offset or eliminate those problems.

Using online group scheduling software enables any number of people to find one another and to easily plan a pickup and dropoff route that suits everyone. A dynamic and fair trade on who drives when is much easier to accomplish with the new social networking tools, too. You will also find yourself being introduced to new people – a nice side benefit.

Shopping around can also save you 20-30% of your yearly gasoline purchase costs. No-name filling stations get their supply from smaller suppliers who are willing to take less, and pass the savings on to you. They also make up part of the difference by having an onsite store. It’s the same idea as the movie theaters who break even on ticket sales but make it up in high-priced popcorn and candy.

These days, the quality of even off-brand gasoline is so high that your engine will not suffer no matter where you fill up. So, try that station you might have avoided before.

The basic theme is simply to be flexible and try something new. That attitude keeps your mind fit and your wallet fat.

Tags: buying on credit, cheapest internet plan, check prices online, Consumer Electronics, discounts shopping, estimate cost, free money saving, fuel star, gasoline in, gasoline is, gasoline on, gasoline the, gifts overseas, home equity loans, home heating alternative, hot christmas items, methanol gasoline, money you save, petrol gasoline, saving on petrol