Top Tips to Save Gas

The relentless rise of gas prices has us all a bit crazy right now, especially at the start of the Fourth of July holiday weekend, when we would rather be taking a holiday from panic at the pump.

Here are some ways you can increase the fuel efficiency of Old Breakdown and squeeze more miles out of every high-priced gallon --

Check your tires -- Experts estimate that U.S. drivers waste nearly 3 Billion gallons of gas each year by driving on tires that are not inflated properly. If yours are under-inflated by 5-8 PSI, you are losing a couple of miles per gallon. Depending on how much you drive, that can add up to wasting enough gas this year to pay for a week's worth of groceries to feed your family. Always check your tires when they are cold, since driving even a short distance to the gas station can change the reading.

Slow down -- According to the Department of Energy, for every 5 mph over 55 mph you drive, is costing you 20 cents a gallon. Driving at 55 instead of 65 or 75 mph also reduces emissions. Not to mention reducing traffic deaths. At 55mph, a vehicle travels the length of a football field in just four seconds. It's less than 2 seconds at 75 mph. Wouldn't you rather have an extra couple of seconds to react to an emergency?

Step on the brake and gas gently -- Jack-rabbit starts and slam-dunk stops waste gas, so be more gentle with that gas pedal. div>

Lighten the load -- Get the junk out of the trunk. Every extra pound you carry around reduces how many miles you can squeeze out of that lemon you used to love.

Best Family Vehicles of 2008

Three-row 'Crossovers' are replacing the SUV and Minivan as the vehicle of choice for families. And the four-door sedan, too, such as the Chevrolet Malibu (pictured), which has been named 2008 Car of the Year.

That's according to Kelley Blue Book, which reviewed dozens of family-haulers and rated them for feautres like safety, roominess, fuel economy, affordability, and family-friendliness. These are the winners, all 2008 models, grouped by manufacturer:

• Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Tahoe


• Hyundai Veracruz


• Mazda CX-9


• Dodge Grand Caravan


• Saturn Outlook


• Ford Taurus X


• Subaru Outback


• Honda Odyssey


• Toyota Highlander

Half of this list is made up of three-row crossover vehicles, which have come to represent the standard for family vehicles in 2008 by combining SUV-like functionality with car-like ride and handling. The rest of the list is sedan (Chevy Malibu), a wagon (Subaru Outback), an SUV (Chevy Tahoe) and two minivans.